1984 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1984 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1984 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 230 kg more than 1984 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, 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, 2012 Kia Forte (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Mazda RX-7. 2012 Kia Forte has automatic transmission and 1984 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1984 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Forte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | RX-7 | Forte |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
