2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 22 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, 1987 Mazda 626 (116 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Mazda 626 (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
