Japan vs Japan — 1971 vs 1980
| RX-3 Savanna GT | RX-7 FB Savanna GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft | 123 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,146 cc | 1,146 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | 9.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | 16.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,061 lbs | 2,326 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,420 mm |
| Length | 4,065 mm | 4,285 mm |
| Units Produced | 286,000 | — |
| Original MSRP | $3,200 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight to the table, and the 1980 Mazda RX-7 FB Savanna GT answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. 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-3. The 1971 and 1980 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1980 Mazda RX-7 FB Savanna GT holds a clear advantage in raw power with 130 hp compared to 110 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-3 uses a Wankel Rotary Twin-Rotor displacing 1,146 cc, while the Mazda RX-7 relies on a Rotary Wankel with 1,146 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT edges ahead at 9.0 seconds versus 9.2 seconds. The Mazda RX-3 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 265 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.