2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1992 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,615 cc, 1992 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2009 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, 1992 Mazda RX-7 (270 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1992 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1992 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1992 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 75 L |
