Japan vs Japan — 1971 vs 2002
| RX-3 Savanna GT | RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3S) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,146 cc | — |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,061 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,425 mm |
| Length | 4,065 mm | 4,285 mm |
| Units Produced | 286,000 | 1,500 |
| Original MSRP | $3,200 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3S) with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1971 Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT offers lighter weight, 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-3. The 1971 and 2002 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3S) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 110 hp, a 170-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. The engine configurations differ significantly — a Wankel Rotary Twin-Rotor in the Mazda RX-3 versus a Twin-Rotor Turbo in the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3S). The 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3S) claims a higher top speed at 155 mph compared to 118 mph. The Mazda RX-3 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 739 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,500 units built, the 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3S) is considerably scarcer than the Mazda RX-3's 286,000 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2002 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3S) rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.