2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1980 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 432 kg more than 1980 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1980 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1492 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
