Japan vs Japan — 2003 vs 1974
| RX-8 Type S | RX-4 Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 232 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | 119 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,308 cc | 1,308 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 146 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | 17.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,888 lbs | 2,535 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,510 mm |
| Length | 4,435 mm | 4,530 mm |
| Units Produced | 192,094 | 86,522 |
| Original MSRP | $26,700 | $4,795 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2003 Mazda RX-8 Type S brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1974 Mazda RX-4 Coupe answers with lighter weight, greater rarity, 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-8. The 2003 and 1974 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2003 Mazda RX-8 Type S holds a clear advantage in raw power with 232 hp compared to 110 hp, a 122-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda RX-8 uses a Rotary (Wankel) Twin-Rotor displacing 1,308 cc, while the Mazda RX-4 relies on a Rotary (Wankel) 13B with 1,308 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2003 Mazda RX-8 Type S edges ahead at 6.0 seconds versus 9.8 seconds. The Mazda RX-4 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 353 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.