1987 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1987 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda RX-7 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 88 kg more than 1987 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1987 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 1987 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-7 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2685 mm |
