1974 Citroen CX vs. 1978 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen CX (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen CX weights approximately 390 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen CX, 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, 1974 Citroen CX (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7. 1974 Citroen CX has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen CX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen CX | 1978 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | CX | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2430 mm |
