Japan vs Japan — 2003 vs 1971
| RX-8 Type S | RX-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 232 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | 105 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,308 cc | 1,146 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 146 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | 16.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,888 lbs | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,330 mm |
| Length | 4,435 mm | 4,110 mm |
| Units Produced | 192,094 | 80,523 |
| Original MSRP | $26,700 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 5/10 |
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 1971 Mazda RX-2 answers with lighter weight, greater rarity. 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 1971 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 120 hp, a 112-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-2 relies on a Twin-rotor Wankel with 1,146 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-2 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 573 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.