2009 BMW 650 vs. 1997 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 650 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1997 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 650 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 650. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 650 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 626. 2009 BMW 650 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 650 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 650 | 1997 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 650 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2620 mm |
