1977 Honda Civic vs. 1988 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda RX-7 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1977 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1977 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1988 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Civic | 1988 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2440 mm |
