1997 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Camaro would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro (270 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (244 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 168 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Camaro.
Because 1997 Chevrolet Camaro 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 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Camaro has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Camaro | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Camaro | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2751 mm |
