2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1997 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Mazda RX-7. (197 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 767 kg more than 1997 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda RX-7. (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda RX-7. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1997 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2430 mm |
