1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1999 Toyota Solara
To start off, 1999 Toyota Solara 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1999 Toyota Solara. (190 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Solara weights approximately 150 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
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 Toyota Solara, 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Solara. (290 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 1999 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-7 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
