2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1985 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda RX-7 (165 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 280 kg more than 1985 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1985 Mazda RX-7 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2430 mm |
