1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Dodge Spirit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Dodge Spirit 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 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Dodge Spirit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 14 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit, 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 (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Dodge Spirit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Spirit | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
