Japan vs Japan — 1985 vs 1991
| RX-7 FC3S Turbo II | RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 232 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,308 cc | 1,308 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 4.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 146 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.8 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Wheelbase | 2,430 mm | 2,425 mm |
| Length | 4,310 mm | 4,295 mm |
| Units Produced | 272,027 | 1,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Numbers favor the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1985 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II offers better value, 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-7. The 1985 and 1991 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 200 hp, a 80-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-7 uses a Wankel Rotary 13B Twin-Scroll Turbocharged displacing 1,308 cc, while the Mazda RX-7 relies on a Wankel Rotary 13B-REW Twin-Turbocharged with 1,308 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A edges ahead at 4.9 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,500 units built, the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A is considerably scarcer than the Mazda RX-7's 272,027 examples. On the collector market, the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A commands a significant premium over the 1985 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.