1981 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,167 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 600 kg more than 1981 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mazda RX-7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1981 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1981 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda RX-7 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 3167 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
