1979 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2430 mm |
