1990 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 23 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 215 kg more than 1990 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda RX-7. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda RX-7 | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2651 mm |
