1979 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1994 Volvo 960
To start off, 1994 Volvo 960 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 960 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1979 Mazda RX-7. 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, 1994 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda RX-7 | 1994 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-7 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2780 mm |
