1997 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda RX-7 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 74 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 75 kg more than 1997 Mazda RX-7.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mazda RX-7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda RX-7. (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda RX-7 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
