Used Mazda RX-7 for sale

When it comes to the Wankel engine (rotary engine), the Mazda RX-7 is the first name that comes to mind for every racer. Because the RX-7 is considered the most successful model with this type of engine. So besides the engine, what contributed to the success of the RX7? Find your answer in a detailed review below: 

Mazda RX7: Overview

First launched in 1978 and discontinued production in 2002, the Mazda RX-7 has three generations and more than 810,000 units sold making it the most successful rotary engine car in history.

In terms of parameters, it can be seen that the RX-7 is not outstanding, however, it gives a special driving feeling, is lightweight when using a small engine block, and especially the sound coming from the Wankel engine has made many drivers become big fans of the RX-7.

Now, let’s spend your time to find out the outstanding features of the RX-7 through 3 generations: 

First generation: 1978–1985

As soon as it was introduced in Japan in March 1978, the RX-7 quickly achieved success thanks to its cost advantage. Specifically, the small overall size of RX-7 helps buyers not have to pay taxes and fees like on larger cars. With the use of a Wankel engine with a capacity of only 1.1 liters, the RX-7 weight was kept at just over 1,000 kg but still produced from 100 to 133 horsepower…

Just one year after its launch in the domestic market, the RX-7 was exported to Europe. Initially, the car used a 1.1 liter 12A engine. Later upgraded with a turbocharger system and came with the 13B EFI (electronic fuel injection option), the cylinder capacity also increased to 1.3 liters.

Second generation: 1985–1992

By 1986, Mazda introduced the second generation of the RX-7 with the internal code name FC. This generation continues to be improved in terms of performance and design, notably the Porsche sports car-inspired styling. 

Along with that, many upgrades have been made to provide better performance, including a turbocharger system and a new DTSS (Dynamic Tracking Suspension System) suspension system. Mazda then realized that this Wankel engine block was very suitable for a turbocharger, especially with its unique exhaust system. These upgrades also help improve torque at some points.

Third generation: 1991-2002

RX-7 third generation (known as FD) is the end of the legendary RX-7.Announced in October 1991, production began later that month before going on sale in the Japanese domestic market in December.

The FD was developed to be a high-performance vehicle with a twin-turbo engine. Still 1.3 liter capacity but its capacity has been pushed to 236 horsepower for the European version. This number was even higher for domestic models. Not only was it faster and more powerful, but the RX-7 in this generation also offered the best driving experience.

Review Most Common Mazda RX-7 Models

One of the generations that contributed to the Mazda RX-7's success and also sought-after in the car market is the third generation (1991-2002). In this final generation, the  RX-7 became widely known, becoming an icon of the JDM car line with its Wankel rotary engine:

Mazda RX-7 specifications

RX-7’s design

The 3rd generation RX-7 stood out more than the previous 2 generations with a soft and attractive design. 

Regarding the exterior, the highlight of this car is the pop-up hidden headlights, a design trend of 90s car models of the last century. The door handle is integrated into the C-pillar of the car, helping the body optimize aerodynamics.

The rear of the car also has a similar design with soft curves, combined with taillights that stretch across the width of the car and a large spoiler. The RX-7 is equipped with standard 16-inch 5-spoke wheels.

Mazda RX-7 rotary engine

It would be impossible to discuss the RX-7 without talking about its engine. The RX-7 is just one of many Mazda vehicles equipped with a Rotary engine but it was the most successful one. The rotary engine was invented by German engineer Felix Heinrich Wankel in the 1950s. Engines using conventional pistons must go through all four cycles occurring in one cylinder.

With Rotary, cycles such as intake, compression, combustion, and discharge occur in separate zones. In this generation, Mazda produced 3 series: 6, 7, and 8, based on the 2.6 liter 13B-REW Rotor Wankel engine (twin turbo).

With maximum capacities of 236 HP, 255 HP, and 276 HP respectively, all are equipped with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Top speed

In addition to its power, the Mazda RX-7 was also famous for its most impressive capabilities with a maximum speed of 250 km/h, acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and was the one with the best driving feel.

However, although this Mazda RX-7 offered a lively feeling for driving as anything on the road, the car seemed to be too dedicated at that time. Its suspension was tight and also was not suitable for regular driving. So that’s why the RX-7 was a good choice for racing tracks.

If you are a fan of the Fast and Furious series, you probably already know the Mazda RX-7 that appeared in the Tokyo Drift episode driven by Han Seoul Oh (Sung-Kang).

Other features

The suspension of this model was designed for the track, and the model also received a lot of high-performance features, including a 5-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. 

So if you want to buy a Mazda RX-7 for sale, you can use the information to pick one suitable to you the most on our website.