1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 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 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1992 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2440 mm |
