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Mazda 626

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Mazda

Mazda 626 Series 1
1979 - 1982
Country:
   Japan
Engine:
   4 cyl.
Capacity:
   2000 cc
Power:
   75 bhp
Transmission:
   5 spd. man / 3 spd. auto
Top Speed:
   n/a
Number Built:
   n/a
Collectability:
   1 star
 
Mazda 626
The Mazda 626 series 1 proved to be a durable and reliable car, and was influential in developing Mazda's enviable reputation for quality. Its greatest strength was unquestionably the body, strong and well built setting a standard rarely matched at this price point.

It is unfortunate then that the internal plastics did not prove quite as enduring, many fading, cracking and disintergrating quickly under the Australian sun.

Handling was never a strong point, with the series one using a coil-sprung live rear axle - this setup thankfully being replaced by fully independant suspension on subsequent models.

Many lamented the passing of this model in 1983 as the last of the rear-wheel drive 626's to be manufactured. The subsequent front wheel drive model went on to win the "Car of the Year" title in 1984.

Rarely seen on the roads today, the series one can best be remembered for setting the benchmark in affordable quality at the mid-sized family car market.

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G Carson
Posted 749 days ago
One of the most underated cars ever built. Many are unaware of the fact that the Series 1 & Series 2 Mazda 626's provided the floor pan and were the platform for the RX7. Which as many will know was considered class beating in its hey day. In addition to this the 626 two door coupe of which very few still exist today displays the crossover from the 626 sedan into the RX7. The 626 sedan was also very well engineered displaying a 50:50 weight distribution very uncommon for a front engined rear wheel drive vehicle. This feature alone more than compensates for the underpowered engine in stock form as has been displayed in many rallys which I have entered such a machine. The even break away at both ends of the car allows it to be driven on the edge allowing one given the courage to out pace much faster and more powerful machines. My rally car only mildly worked retains total reliability and has covered 690,000km. It was also used daily as my means of transport throughout its life. Under rally conditions I would average 10L/100km making it one of the most economical cars on the track. Top recorded speed in SA on a rally on sealed tarmac was 205km/h average for a two way run. On out back dirt roads we have topped 180km/hr but this is driving it on the edge in timed sections of the rallys. If I can manage it sometime I will send a picture of this most unlikely car airbourne over a cattle grate in out back OZ.
 
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