1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1994 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,615 cc, 1994 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1994 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1994 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2440 mm |
