1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-7 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
