Japan vs Japan — 1971 vs 1974
| RX-2 | RX-4 Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft | 119 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,146 cc | 1,308 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.8 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.8 sec | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,315 lbs | 2,535 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,330 mm | 2,510 mm |
| Length | 4,110 mm | 4,530 mm |
| Units Produced | 80,523 | 86,522 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | — | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Mazda RX-2 brings lighter weight to the table, and the 1974 Mazda RX-4 Coupe 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-2. The 1971 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 1971 Mazda RX-2 producing 120 hp and the 1974 Mazda RX-4 Coupe delivering 110 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-2 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 9.8 seconds. The Mazda RX-2 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 220 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.