1987 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (280 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1987 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Taurus weights approximately 130 kg more than 1998 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Ford Taurus, 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (315 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Taurus | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2511 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2430 mm |
