1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 33 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 1024 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 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7. 2011 Volkswagen Routan 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. 2011 Volkswagen Routan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-7 | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Routan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 78 L |
