1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2003 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2003 Toyota Prius is newer by 14 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 2,616 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2003 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Prius, 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Prius. 2003 Toyota Prius 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. 2003 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 2003 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-7 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 50 L |
