1997 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 15 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 41 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 69 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. 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, 2012 Kia Forte, 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | RX-7 | Forte |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2649 mm |
