2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Mazda 626
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 626. (116 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda 626 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1990 Mazda 626 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 626 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1990 Mazda 626 (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 626 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
