1998 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda RX-7 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Triumph |
| Model | RX-7 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 33 L |
