626 II (GC) vs 190 W201: which is better?
Mazda 626 II (GC) (1982–1987) vs Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 (1982–1993): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Specifications
| Mazda 626 II (GC) | Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1982–1987 | 1982–1993 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 2.0 (190E) |
| Power, up to | 101 hp | 122 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 178 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | — | 4 420 mm |
| Width | — | 1 678 mm |
| Height | — | 1 390 mm |
| Wheelbase | — | 2 665 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mazda 626 II (GC)
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Age: the last cars were built in 1987, condition is everything
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
- Age: the last cars were built in 1993, condition is everything
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Which one to choose
- 190 W201 — if you care more about: power.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 626 II (GC) or 190 W201?
626 II (GC): up to 101 hp, 190 W201: up to 122 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 626 II (GC) — about 16 475 ₸, 190 W201 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
626 vs 5 SeriesMazda 626 II (GC) / BMW 5 Series E28626 vs 100Mazda 626 II (GC) / Audi 100 C3626 vs 3 SeriesMazda 626 II (GC) / BMW 3 Series E30626 vs 2107Mazda 626 II (GC) / Lada 2107190 vs E-ClassMercedes-Benz 190 W201 / Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124190 vs 3 SeriesMercedes-Benz 190 W201 / BMW 3 Series E30190 vs 5 SeriesMercedes-Benz 190 W201 / BMW 5 Series E28
Mazda 626 II (GC)
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201