Japan vs Japan — 1992 vs 1985
| RX-7 Type RS (FD3S) | RX-7 FC3S Turbo II | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 232 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,308 cc | 1,308 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 sec | 6.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 158 mph | 146 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 14.8 sec |
| Wheelbase | 2,425 mm | 2,430 mm |
| Length | 4,295 mm | 4,310 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 272,027 |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $40,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 5/10 |
On balance, the 1992 Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD3S) makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1985 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II counters with better value, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1992 Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD3S) for outright capability, or the 1985 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Mazda RX-7. The 1992 and 1985 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1992 Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD3S) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 200 hp, a 80-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-7 uses a Twin-Rotor Twin-Turbo (Wankel) displacing 1,308 cc, while the Mazda RX-7 relies on a Wankel Rotary 13B Twin-Scroll Turbocharged with 1,308 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1992 Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD3S) edges ahead at 4.8 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. On the collector market, the 1992 Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD3S) commands a significant premium over the 1985 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.