Japan vs Germany — 1992 vs 1988
| RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo | 944 Turbo S 951 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 217 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,308 cc | 2,479 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.7 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,888 lbs | 2,976 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,425 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,285 mm | 4,213 mm |
| Units Produced | 68,589 | 1,635 |
| Original MSRP | $31,300 | $48,550 |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $110,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo offers quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility, while the 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 counters with higher top speed, greater rarity. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
When Japan engineering meets Germany craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo and 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo producing 255 hp and the 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 delivering 250 hp. 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 Porsche 944 Turbo S relies on a Inline-4 SOHC 8V Turbocharged with 2,479 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Twin Turbo edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,635 units built, the 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S 951 is considerably scarcer than the Mazda RX-7's 68,589 examples.