2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 28 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 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 326 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 201 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6198 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
