Mazda RX-7

Mazda RX-7 at a glance

The RX-7 replaced the RX-3 and became Mazda's main rotary model; only the Cosmo kept the rotary engine alongside it. The engine sits behind the front axle line, which gives near 50:50 weight distribution. All RX-7s are two-door coupés, with a convertible in the FC range. Mazda's own story, including its rotary engine programme, is told in the history of Mazda.

Engines and performance by generation

First generation (1978–1985)

The first RX-7 used the 12A twin-rotor engine. North American cars had 75 kW (100 hp) and reached 60 mph in about 9.2 seconds; European cars started at 77 kW (105 PS) and got 85 kW (115 PS) with the 1981 FB facelift. In Japan, the SE-Limited of 1982 had 103 kW (140 PS), and a turbo 12A with 121 kW (165 PS) arrived in September 1983. North America got the fuel-injected 13B GSL-SE in 1984 with 101 kW (135 hp).

Second generation FC (1985–1992)

The FC moved to the larger 13B. In North American form the naturally aspirated engine gave 109 kW (146 hp), later 119 kW (160 hp), while the Turbo II with a twin-scroll turbo and intercooler produced 136 kW (182 hp), and 149 kW (200 hp) after the 1989 update. The Japanese ɛ̃fini versions reached 158 kW (215 PS) from 1990. A convertible joined in 1987 in Japan and 1988 in the US, and about 22,000 were built. The Winning Limited edition of 1991, 1,000 cars, marked Mazda's 1991 Le Mans win with the 787B.

Third generation FD (1992–2002)

The FD brought a lighter body and the 13B-REW with two sequential turbochargers: one works at low revs, and the second joins at about 4,500 rpm. Power rose from 188 kW (255 PS) in 1992 to 265 PS on the Type RB and 206 kW (280 PS) on the top models from 1999. Depending on version, the FD reaches 100 km/h in 4.9 to 5.4 seconds and is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). A five-speed manual was standard and a four-speed automatic optional; in Japan, automatic cars had lower outputs.

With 206 kW and 1,270 kg, a Series 8 Type RZ has about 162 kW per tonne, on a par with much larger-engined sports cars of the 1990s.

Body, cabin and practicality

Every RX-7 has pop-up headlights and a glass rear hatch. The FD seats two in most versions, while some Japanese trims kept small rear seats. The cabin is driver-focused, with leather on the gear lever, handbrake and seats in higher trims. Luggage space under the hatch is limited, and the FD's low roof suits drivers of average height better than tall ones.

Fuel, oil and rotary running costs

Rotary engines are thirsty and also burn some oil by design. The old 1cars text quoted about 11.1 l/100 km for the FD in mixed driving, and real figures are often higher when the turbos are used. Oil use of up to about 0.25 l per 1,600 km is considered normal on an FD. Engine rebuilds are a known cost of ownership, so a compression test is essential before buying.

Versions and trims

In Japan the FD was sold under Mazda's ɛ̃fini sales channel from 1991 to 1997. Series 6 ran from 1992 to 1995, Series 7 from 1996 to 1998 and Series 8 from 1998 to 2002. Exports to the US and Canada ended after 1995, most European sales after 1995 and UK imports in 1996; officially, Europe received 1,152 FDs.

The farewell Spirit R of 2002 came in three types, 1,504 cars in total:

• Type A, 1,044 built: two-seater with 206 kW (280 PS) and a five-speed manual;
• Type B, 420 built: the same engine with 2+2 seating;
• Type C, 40 built: 2+2 with the four-speed automatic and a lower output.

Crash-test history

The RX-7 was never tested by Euro NCAP, which began crash tests in 1997, when the FD had already left most European markets. No official crash rating exists for any generation.

Rivals: how the RX-7 compares

Compared with these rivals, the FD is the lightest and has the smallest engine, which explains its sharp handling. Compare RX-7 data with other sports cars in the 1cars comparison tool or look up versions in the specifications section.