1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 16 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (444 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 337 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (515 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang 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 | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-7 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1647 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
