1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (200 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 185 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.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mazda RX-7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (264 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
