1980 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2010 Kia Sportage

To start off, 2010 Kia Sportage is newer by 30 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, 2010 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Sportage weights approximately 405 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, 2010 Kia Sportage, 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, 2010 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7.

Compare all specifications:

1980 Mazda RX-7 2010 Kia Sportage
Make Mazda Kia
Model RX-7 Sportage
Year Released 1980 2010
Body Type Coupe SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2292 cc 2000 cc
Engine Type dual-disk rotary in-line
Horse Power 104 HP 140 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 145 Nm 184 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1060 kg 1465 kg
Vehicle Length 4290 mm 4351 mm
Vehicle Width 1680 mm 1801 mm
Vehicle Height 1270 mm 1694 mm
Wheelbase Size 2430 mm 2629 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 65 L 58 L