1972 Mazda RX-2 vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1981 Renault 5 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1972 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 5 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1972 Mazda RX-2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda RX-2 | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | RX-2 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2460 mm |
