2009 Honda Odyssey vs. 1997 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Honda Odyssey 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 3,469 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Odyssey (244 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda 626 weights approximately 61 kg more than 2009 Honda Odyssey.
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, 2009 Honda Odyssey (332 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 626. 2009 Honda Odyssey 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 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Odyssey | 1997 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Odyssey | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3469 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2620 mm |
