Japan vs Japan — 1978 vs 1971
| RX-7 SA22C (FB) | RX-3 Savanna GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 100 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft | 101 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,146 cc | 1,146 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | 9.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph | 118 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,061 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Length | 4,285 mm | 4,065 mm |
| Units Produced | 474,565 | 286,000 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,200 |
| Value (Excellent) | $30,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1978 Mazda RX-7 SA22C (FB) brings higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1971 Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT answers with quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility. 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 1978 and 1971 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 1978 Mazda RX-7 SA22C (FB) producing 100 hp and the 1971 Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT delivering 110 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-7 uses a Wankel Rotary 12A displacing 1,146 cc, while the Mazda RX-3 relies on a Wankel Rotary Twin-Rotor with 1,146 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT edges ahead at 9.0 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. On the collector market, the 1971 Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT commands a significant premium over the 1978 Mazda RX-7 SA22C (FB), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.