1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1978 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (220 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude, 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 Honda Prelude (221 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Prelude | 1978 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2155 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
