1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla is newer by 14 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 10 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (138 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 66 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, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda RX-7 | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-7 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
