2002 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2002 Ford Taurus 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 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Taurus weights approximately 167 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus, 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus. 2002 Ford Taurus 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 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
