1985 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1985 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1985 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1985 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 1985 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1985 Mazda RX-7 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda RX-7 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
