1990 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1990 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mazda RX-7 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1990 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1990 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1990 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda RX-7 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-7 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2300 mm |
