2003 Honda Inspire vs. 1978 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2003 Honda Inspire is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Honda Inspire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Inspire (246 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Inspire should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Inspire weights approximately 480 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Inspire, 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, 2003 Honda Inspire (288 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Inspire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7. 2003 Honda Inspire has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda Inspire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Inspire | 1978 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Inspire | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 246 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
