2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 147 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 77 L |
