1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 34 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 7 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 190 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, 2012 Honda Insight, 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, 2012 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight 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 | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | RX-7 | Insight |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
