2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Mazda RX-7. (265 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 274 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda RX-7. (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda RX-7. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
