Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 11 recorded runs

Mazda 626 0–60 Times

The Mazda 626 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 11 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested Mazda 626 is the 1988 Mazda 626 4WS Sedan, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.20 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 15.90 seconds at 89.0 mph, according to Motor Week.

The slowest tested Mazda 626 is the 1981 Mazda 626 Luxury Sedan, which took 17.30 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 20.50 seconds at 65.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

Out of all the Mazda 626 tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 9.06 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.68 seconds at 83.94 mph.

Fastest 0–60 7.20sec 1988 4WS Sedan · stock
Average 0–60 9.06sec Across 11 runs
Avg ¼ Mile 16.68sec @ 83.9 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 17.30sec 1981 Luxury Sedan
1999 Mazda 626

Across 11 verified runs, the Mazda 626 ranges from 7.20 to 17.30 seconds 0–60, with a 9.06-second average.

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Mazda 626 Performance Overview

Mazda’s 626 covered the mainstream midsize segment from 1981 to 1999 in this test set, with performance evolving from economy-oriented early cars to V6-powered later sedans. Across 11 verified tests spanning those years, 0-60 results range from 17.3 seconds in the 1981 Luxury Sedan to 7.2 seconds in the 1988 4WS Sedan, with an overall quarter-mile average of 16.68 seconds at 83.9 mph. Powertrain diversity stayed narrow throughout, consisting entirely of gasoline engines, but output and induction changed substantially over time.

Early examples were slow by later 626 standards, with the 1983 Sedan reaching 60 mph in 12.4 seconds. The CB generation (1983-1987) broadened the car’s performance envelope, running from 83 to 120 hp and adding the FE-DOHC Turbo; the 1986 GT 5-door Hatchback cut the sprint to 7.8 seconds. The GD generation (1988-1992) marked the model’s quickest point in the data, as the turbocharged 145-hp F2T-powered 1988 4WS Sedan set the benchmark at 7.2 seconds.

From the GE generation (1993-1997), Mazda shifted to naturally aspirated V6 power via the 164-hp KL-DE, with the 1993 ES Sedan posting 7.3 seconds to 60. The final GF/GW era continued that formula at 164-170 hp, and today the latest tested example in this production span is the 1999 LX Sedan at 7.5 seconds to 60 and a 15.7-second quarter-mile.

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Mazda 626 0–60 Times by Generation: CB to GF/GW

4 generations
Generation Years Avg 0–60 Fastest 0–60 Tests Notes
GF/GW 1998–2002 8.03s 7.50s — 1999 LX Sedan 3 The GF/GW generation (1998–2002) averaged 8.03 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1999 LX Sedan at 7.50 seconds. Output ranged from 164 to 170 hp across 2.5L V6 configurations.
GE 1993–1997 7.73s 7.30s — 1993 ES Sedan 4 The GE generation (1993–1997) averaged 7.73 seconds to 60 mph across 4 tests, led by the 1993 ES Sedan at 7.30 seconds. Output was 164 hp across 2.5L V6 configurations.
GD 1988–1992 7.20s 7.20s — 1988 4WS Sedan 1 The GD generation (1988–1992) averaged 7.20 seconds to 60 mph across 1 tests, led by the 1988 4WS Sedan at 7.20 seconds. Output was 145 hp across 2.2L Turbo I-4 configurations.
CB 1983–1987 10.10s 7.80s — 1986 GT 5-door Hatchback 2 The CB generation (1983–1987) averaged 10.10 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1986 GT 5-door Hatchback at 7.80 seconds. Output ranged from 83 to 120 hp across 2.0L I-4, 2.0L Turbo I-4 configurations.
GF/GW 1998–2002
Avg 0–60 8.03s
Fastest 7.50s
Tests 3
1999 LX Sedan
The GF/GW generation (1998–2002) averaged 8.03 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1999 LX Sedan at 7.50 seconds. Output ranged from 164 to 170 hp across 2.5L V6 configurations.
GE 1993–1997
Avg 0–60 7.73s
Fastest 7.30s
Tests 4
1993 ES Sedan
The GE generation (1993–1997) averaged 7.73 seconds to 60 mph across 4 tests, led by the 1993 ES Sedan at 7.30 seconds. Output was 164 hp across 2.5L V6 configurations.
GD 1988–1992
Avg 0–60 7.20s
Fastest 7.20s
Tests 1
1988 4WS Sedan
The GD generation (1988–1992) averaged 7.20 seconds to 60 mph across 1 tests, led by the 1988 4WS Sedan at 7.20 seconds. Output was 145 hp across 2.2L Turbo I-4 configurations.
CB 1983–1987
Avg 0–60 10.10s
Fastest 7.80s
Tests 2
1986 GT 5-door Hatchback
The CB generation (1983–1987) averaged 10.10 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1986 GT 5-door Hatchback at 7.80 seconds. Output ranged from 83 to 120 hp across 2.0L I-4, 2.0L Turbo I-4 configurations.
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Mazda 626 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

11 tests · 9 years

1999 Mazda 626

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 7.50 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.70 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#03
1999 Mazda 626 LX Sedan
7.50sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.70s ¼ mi @ 88.2 mph
0–60 mph
7.50 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.70 sec
Trap Speed
88.2 mph
Engine
2.5L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
170 hp
Torque
162 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,000 lbs
Power-to-Weight
17.6 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
19 C / 25 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#3 of 11
1999 Mazda 626 LX Sedan

1998 Mazda 626

2 verified runs
Avg 0–60 8.30 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.40 sec
Recorded Tests 2
#04
1998 Mazda 626 LX Sedan
7.50sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.80s ¼ mi @ 88.9 mph
0–60 mph
7.50 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.80 sec
Trap Speed
88.9 mph
Engine
2.5L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
164 hp
Torque
160 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,000 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.3 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
19 C / 25 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#4 of 11
1998 Mazda 626 LX Sedan
#09
1998 Mazda 626 LX Sedan
9.10sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
17.00s ¼ mi @ 80.7 mph
0–60 mph
9.10 sec
¼ Mile ET
17.00 sec
Trap Speed
80.7 mph
Engine
2.5L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
Horsepower
164 hp
Torque
160 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,000 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.3 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
18 C / 24 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#9 of 11
1998 Mazda 626 LX Sedan

1996 Mazda 626

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 7.70 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.00 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#06
1996 Mazda 626 ES Sedan
7.70sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.00s ¼ mi @ 88.4 mph
0–60 mph
7.70 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.00 sec
Trap Speed
88.4 mph
Engine
2.5L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
164 hp
Torque
160 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,010 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
18 C / 24 H / 20.9 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#6 of 11
1996 Mazda 626 ES Sedan

1995 Mazda 626

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 7.60 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.80 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#05
1995 Mazda 626 LX Tokico Sedan
7.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.80s ¼ mi @ 87.6 mph
0–60 mph
7.60 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.80 sec
Trap Speed
87.6 mph
Engine
2.5L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
164 hp
Torque
160 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,975 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.1 lbs/hp
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Tuner
Tokico
Overall Rank
#5 of 11
1995 Mazda 626 LX Tokico Sedan

1993 Mazda 626

2 verified runs
Avg 0–60 7.80 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.10 sec
Recorded Tests 2
#02
1993 Mazda 626 ES Sedan
7.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.80s ¼ mi @ 87.0 mph
0–60 mph
7.30 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.80 sec
Trap Speed
87.0 mph
Engine
2.5L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
164 hp
Torque
155 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,050 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.6 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
18 C / 24 H / 22 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#2 of 11
1993 Mazda 626 ES Sedan
#08
1993 Mazda 626 ES Sedan
8.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.40s ¼ mi @ 88.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.30 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.40 sec
Trap Speed
88.0 mph
Engine
2.5L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
Horsepower
164 hp
Torque
155 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,050 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.6 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
17 C / 23 H / 23 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#8 of 11
1993 Mazda 626 ES Sedan

1988 Mazda 626

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 7.20 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.90 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#01
1988 Mazda 626 4WS Sedan
7.20sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.90s ¼ mi @ 89.0 mph
0–60 mph
7.20 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.90 sec
Trap Speed
89.0 mph
Engine
2.2L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
Horsepower
145 hp
Torque
190 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,000 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.7 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
17 C / 23 H / 24 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#1 of 11
1988 Mazda 626 4WS Sedan

1986 Mazda 626

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 7.80 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.00 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#07
1986 Mazda 626 GT 5-door Hatchback
7.80sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.00s ¼ mi @ 87.5 mph
0–60 mph
7.80 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.00 sec
Trap Speed
87.5 mph
Engine
2.0L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
120 hp
Torque
137 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,850 lbs
Power-to-Weight
23.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
19 C / 26 H / 24 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Road & Track
Overall Rank
#7 of 11
1986 Mazda 626 GT 5-door Hatchback

1983 Mazda 626

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 12.40 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 18.60 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#10
1983 Mazda 626 Sedan
12.40sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
18.60s ¼ mi @ 73.0 mph
0–60 mph
12.40 sec
¼ Mile ET
18.60 sec
Trap Speed
73.0 mph
Engine
2.0L I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
83 hp
Torque
110 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,450 lbs
Power-to-Weight
29.5 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
23 C / 29 H / 27 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Road & Track
Overall Rank
#10 of 11
1983 Mazda 626 Sedan

1981 Mazda 626

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 17.30 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 20.50 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#11
1981 Mazda 626 Luxury Sedan
17.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
20.50s ¼ mi @ 65.0 mph
0–60 mph
17.30 sec
¼ Mile ET
20.50 sec
Trap Speed
65.0 mph
Engine
2.0L I-4
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
83 hp
Torque
108 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,500 lbs
Power-to-Weight
30.1 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
23 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#11 of 11
1981 Mazda 626 Luxury Sedan

How we verify Mazda 626 performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Mazda 626 trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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Mazda 626 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster
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Mazda 626 performance FAQs

10 questions
The 1999 Mazda 626 LX Sedan reaches 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. It also runs the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds at 88.2 mph. That makes the 1999 model one of the quicker 626s on record, with 170 hp, 162 lb-ft, and front-wheel drive.
The fastest Mazda 626 on record is the 1988 4WS Sedan, which does 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. That run stands as the quickest verified acceleration time for the model. It belongs to the GD fourth generation and is also the fastest stock 626 recorded.
The fastest stock Mazda 626 is the 1988 4WS Sedan at 7.2 seconds from 0-60 mph. All 11 recorded 626 tests are production vehicles, so there is no modified result faster than that. It remains the quickest factory-spec 626 acceleration run on record.
A GD-generation Mazda 626, sold from 1988 to 1992, posts a 7.2-second 0-60 mph time in its quickest recorded form. The fastest GD is the 1988 4WS Sedan, and the generation average is also 7.2 seconds. That makes GD the quickest 626 generation in the records.
The GE Mazda 626, built from 1993 to 1997, averages 7.73 seconds from 0-60 mph across four tests. Its quickest run is 7.3 seconds by the 1993 ES Sedan. GE models in the records all use naturally aspirated gasoline power and span 164 hp.
The sixth-generation GF/GW Mazda 626, sold from 1998 to 2002, averages 8.03 seconds from 0-60 mph across three tests. Its fastest version is the 1999 LX Sedan at 7.5 seconds. Recorded output ranges from 164 to 170 hp, all with naturally aspirated gasoline engines.
The fastest GE Mazda 626 is the 1993 ES Sedan, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds. Within the 1993-1997 generation, that is the quickest verified run. The GE generation averages 7.73 seconds across four tests, so the ES sits ahead of the generation mean.
Across recorded tests, the Mazda 626 ES Sedan is slightly quicker on average than the LX Sedan. The ES averages 7.77 seconds to 60 mph and has a best run of 7.3 seconds, while the LX averages 8.03 seconds with a best of 7.5 seconds. That gives the ES a small edge overall.
Across 11 verified Mazda 626 tests, the average 0-60 mph time is 9.06 seconds. The average quarter-mile performance is 16.68 seconds at 83.9 mph. The quickest 626 reaches 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the slowest recorded example takes 17.3 seconds.
The quickest quarter-mile run recorded for the Mazda 626 is 15.7 seconds at 88.2 mph by the 1999 LX Sedan. Across all 11 tests, the model averages 16.68 seconds at 83.9 mph. That gives you both the best-case result and the broader performance picture for the 626.

Sources

Car and Driver
Motor Trend
Motor Week
Road & Track

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Mazda 626 can do, not a single marketing claim.

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Other Mazda 0–60 times

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