1999 Hyundai Tiburon vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1999 Hyundai Tiburon is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1999 Hyundai Tiburon. (140 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1999 Hyundai Tiburon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Hyundai Tiburon weights approximately 760 kg more than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Hyundai Tiburon, 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Hyundai Tiburon. (165 Nm). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Hyundai Tiburon. 1999 Hyundai Tiburon has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Hyundai Tiburon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Hyundai Tiburon | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Tiburon | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2440 mm |
