2008 BMW 120 vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (116 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 179 kg more than 1987 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
