1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1981 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 1981 Nissan Stanza is newer by 3 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 18 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (87 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Stanza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Stanza weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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, 1981 Nissan Stanza (151 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Stanza 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 | 1981 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-7 | Stanza |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
