1997 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1996 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Sunny would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Sunny. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 308 kg more than 1996 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Sunny, 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 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Sunny. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda RX-7 | 1996 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-7 | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2540 mm |
