1996 AC Cobra vs. 1979 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 34 kg more than 1996 AC Cobra.
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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1979 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | AC | Mazda |
| Model | Cobra | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 65 L |
