1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1979 Mazda RX-7

To start off, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda RX-7 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1979 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda RX-7.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Mazda RX-7 1979 Mazda RX-7
Make Mazda Mazda
Model RX-7 RX-7
Year Released 1988 1979
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2616 cc 2292 cc
Engine Type dual-disk rotary dual-disk rotary
Horse Power 148 HP 104 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 186 Nm 145 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1230 kg 1060 kg
Vehicle Length 4320 mm 4290 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1680 mm
Vehicle Height 1270 mm 1270 mm
Wheelbase Size 2440 mm 2430 mm