2005 Dodge Viper vs. 1981 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2005 Dodge Viper is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 8,276 cc (10 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Viper (493 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Dodge Viper weights approximately 463 kg more than 1981 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, 2005 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 567 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Viper | 1981 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Viper | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8276 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
