2005 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1980 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2005 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 25 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Five Hundred (210 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 670 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 2005 Ford Five Hundred (272 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7. 2005 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 1980 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1980 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Five Hundred | 1980 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Five Hundred | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 65 L |
