1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,546 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (256 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 328 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (461 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-7 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 6546 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 67 L |
