Japan vs Japan — 1978 vs 1991
| RX-7 SA22C (FB) | RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 100 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft | 232 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,146 cc | 1,308 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | 4.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,425 mm |
| Length | 4,285 mm | 4,295 mm |
| Units Produced | 474,565 | 1,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $30,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Numbers favor the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1978 Mazda RX-7 SA22C (FB) 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 1978 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 100 hp, a 180-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-7 uses a Wankel Rotary 12A displacing 1,146 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 9.0 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 474,565 examples. On the collector market, the 1991 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R Type A commands a significant premium over the 1978 Mazda RX-7 SA22C (FB), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.