1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
