1971 Dodge Dart vs. 1978 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Dodge Dart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Dodge Dart would be higher. At 3,249 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Dodge Dart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-7 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1971 Dodge Dart. (100 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Dodge Dart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Dodge Dart weights approximately 295 kg more than 1978 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, 1971 Dodge Dart (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Dodge Dart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Dart | 1978 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Dart | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3249 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2430 mm |
