1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1969 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,549 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 170 kg more than 1989 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, 1969 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 417 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 1969 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-7 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 6549 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2950 mm |
