1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1993 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1993 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 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 74 more horse power than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 30 kg more than 1988 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1988 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 1988 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1988 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (150 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda RX-7 | 1993 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
