2002 Acura NSX vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2002 Acura NSX is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (238 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura NSX weights approximately 120 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7. 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura NSX. 2002 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
