1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
To start off, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus.
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, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-7 | 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | |
| Make | Mazda | Talbot |
| Model | RX-7 | Sunbeam-Lotus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
