1980 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1980 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Corolla (127 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 20 kg more than 1980 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2002 Toyota Corolla (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7. 2002 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1980 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1980 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mazda RX-7 | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-7 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1830 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
