1998 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1989 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota MR2 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 (280 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1989 Toyota MR2. (221 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1989 Toyota MR2. 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 (315 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota MR2. (305 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda RX-7 | 1989 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-7 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
