2009 Mazda 6 vs. 1996 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Mazda 6 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 626 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2009 Mazda 6.
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 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 6 | 1996 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 6 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2489 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
