1970 Dodge Challenger vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Dodge Challenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Dodge Challenger would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1970 Dodge Challenger. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1970 Dodge Challenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 168 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Dodge Challenger. (233 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Dodge Challenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Dodge Challenger | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Challenger | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2430 mm |
