Japan vs Japan — 1972 vs 1974
| RX-4 | RX-4 Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque | 102 lb-ft | 119 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,146 cc | 1,308 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 112 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,535 lbs | 2,535 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,510 mm | 2,510 mm |
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,530 mm |
| Units Produced | 71,690 | 86,522 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | — | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Numbers favor the 1974 Mazda RX-4 Coupe with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. The 1972 Mazda RX-4 offers its unique character, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Mazda RX-4. The 1972 and 1974 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1972 Mazda RX-4 producing 110 hp and the 1974 Mazda RX-4 Coupe delivering 110 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-4 uses a Twin-rotor Wankel displacing 1,146 cc, while the Mazda RX-4 relies on a Rotary (Wankel) 13B with 1,308 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1974 Mazda RX-4 Coupe edges ahead at 9.8 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.