1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 3 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Bonneville (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 437 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.
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, 1999 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1999 Pontiac Bonneville (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda RX-7. 1999 Pontiac Bonneville 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. 1999 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 1999 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-7 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| 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 | 1747 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
