1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1980 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (200 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. 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 (264 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 1980 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 1980 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | RX-7 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2670 mm |
