1973 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (60 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1973 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mazda RX-7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Civic | 1997 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 745 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
