Japan vs Japan — 1992 vs 1991
| RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo | RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 217 lb-ft | 232 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,308 cc | 1,308 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | 4.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.7 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,888 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,425 mm | 2,425 mm |
| Length | 4,285 mm | 4,295 mm |
| Units Produced | 68,589 | 1,500 |
| Original MSRP | $31,300 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A answers with quicker acceleration, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Mazda RX-7. The 1992 and 1991 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 255 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-7 uses a Twin-Rotor Wankel 13B-REW Twin Turbo displacing 1,308 cc, while the Mazda RX-7 relies on a Wankel Rotary 13B-REW Twin-Turbocharged with 1,308 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A edges ahead at 4.9 seconds versus 5.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,500 units built, the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A is considerably scarcer than the Mazda RX-7's 68,589 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.