1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 23 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, 2012 Kia Soul (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Soul weights approximately 30 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 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, 2012 Kia Soul, 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, 2012 Kia Soul (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7. 2012 Kia Soul 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. 2012 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | RX-7 | Soul |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2550 mm |
