1998 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda RX-7 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 123 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (142 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 431 kg more than 1998 Mazda RX-7.
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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda RX-7 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-7 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 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 | 1240 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 50 L |
