1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1979 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 1979 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
