1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1997 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1997 Plymouth Neon is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda RX-7 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 107 more horse power than 1997 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 201 kg more than 1997 Plymouth Neon. 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, 1997 Plymouth Neon, 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Plymouth Neon. 1997 Plymouth Neon 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. 1997 Plymouth Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 1997 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | RX-7 | Neon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
