2009 BMW 120 vs. 2002 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 283 kg more than 2002 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2002 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 64 L |
