2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1991 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1991 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1991 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, 1991 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 1991 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2615 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 75 L |
