2006 Kia Picanto vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 2006 Kia Picanto is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 626 (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 Kia Picanto. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Picanto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Picanto weights approximately 810 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mazda 626 (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Picanto. (100 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Picanto. 2006 Kia Picanto has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Kia Picanto will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Picanto | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Picanto | 626 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1086 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2620 mm |
