1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1978 Mazda RX-7 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1979 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1978 Mazda RX-7 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mazda RX-7 | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | RX-7 | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |