2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1981 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 25 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 18 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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet SSR | 1981 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | SSR | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 65 L |
