1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 31 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 494 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 2009 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda RX-7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7. 2009 Nissan Xterra 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. 2009 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-7 | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-7 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
