Mazda RX-7

Mazda RX-7

Mazda lists three generations. They overlap in calendar years, so the generation label — not the model year alone — is the first filter.

Mazda lists three generations. They overlap in calendar years, so the generation label — not the model year alone — is the first filter.

1 generation ran 1979-01-01 to 1986-12-31 as a Coupe with eight versions. All eight use boost No. Displacement is 1146 cm³ on the 1.2 MT and 1.2 AT cars and 1308 cm³ on 1.3 AT and 1.3 MT. Peak output in this generation is 135 hp (99 kW) on both 1.3 cars — 30 hp more than the 105 hp 1.2 MT and 1.2 AT (105 hp), and 20 hp more than 1.2 MT 115 hp. Ground clearance is 155 mm on every 1 generation version. Rear suspension, tank, CO2, eco class and wheel size are not measured across the generation.

2 generation ran 1985-01-01 to 1991-12-31 as a Coupe (listed versions run through 1992-12-31) with four versions, all 1308 cm³, 2 Rotor, Gasoline, fuel 95, RWD. This is the generation that first adds Turbo: 1.3 MT 181 hp and 1.3 MT 200 hp versus 1.3 MT 150 hp and 1.3 AT 150 hp with boost No. Versus 1 generation’s 135 hp 1.3, the 150 hp naturally aspirated pair is +15 hp; the 200 hp Turbo 1.3 MT is +65 hp. Ground clearance stays 155 mm. Tank is not measured.

3 generation ran 1992-01-01 to 2002-08-31 as a Coupe with ten versions. Every listed 3 generation modification in this catalogue is dated 1999-01-01 to 2002-08-31, 1308 cm³, Gasoline, Turbo, fuel 95, RWD, 76 L tank. Power starts at 239 hp — 39 hp above 2 generation’s strongest 1.3 MT 200 hp — and tops out at 280 hp, which is 80 hp above that 200 hp car and 175 hp above 1 generation’s 105 hp 1.2 cars. Ground clearance drops to 140 mm or 135 mm where measured (5–20 mm lower than the 155 mm of 1 generation and 2 generation). Rear brakes are listed as Disc ventilated on nine of ten versions (Disc on 1.3 MT 280 hp). Independent, spring suspension is listed front and rear.

Engines and specs

All engines in the data are Gasoline with Rotor layout. Cylinder count in the data is 1 or 2 as listed below — that is the catalogue figure, not a redescribed format.

Fuel injection is Distributed injection (multi-point) wherever it is listed (all 2 generation and 3 generation versions, plus 1 generation 1.3 AT 135 hp and 1.3 MT 135 hp). On 1 generation 1.2 MT and 1.2 AT versions, injection is not measured. Fuel grade is 95 on every 2 generation and 3 generation version and on 1 generation 1.3 cars; it is not measured on 1 generation 1.2 cars.

Specific output on 1308 cm³: 1 generation 135 hp = 103.2 hp/L; 2 generation 150 / 181 / 200 hp = 114.7 / 138.4 / 152.9 hp/L; 3 generation 239 / 255 / 265 / 280 hp = 182.7 / 195.0 / 202.6 / 214.1 hp/L. The step from 2 generation’s 200 hp 1.3 MT to 3 generation’s 239 hp 1.3 MT is +29.8 hp/L on the same 1308 cm³. The step from 1 generation 1.2 MT 105 hp (91.6 hp/L on 1146 cm³) to 3 generation 1.3 MT 280 hp (214.1 hp/L) is +122.5 hp/L.

Torque is measured only in 3 generation: 294 Nm at 5000 rpm on every 239 / 255 / 265 hp version, and 314 Nm at 5000 rpm on both 280 hp versions — 20 Nm more, same rpm. Compression ratio is measured only on some 3 generation cars: 9 on 1.3 AT 239 hp, 1.3 MT 239 hp, 1.3 AT 255 hp (2 Rotor), 1.3 MT 265 hp and 1.3 MT 280 hp; 8.5 on 1.3 MT 255 hp at 1290 kg; not measured on the remaining 3 generation versions and on all earlier generations.

Performance and economy

Measured 0–100 km/h, fastest first:

• 1.3 MT 239 hp (3 generation): 5.7 s, 250 km/h
• 1.3 MT 255 hp (1240 kg): 5.7 s, 250 km/h
• 1.3 MT 255 hp (1290 kg): 5.7 s, 250 km/h
• 1.3 AT 255 hp (2 Rotor): 6.0 s, 250 km/h — 0.3 s slower than the 255 hp manuals
• 1.3 MT 200 hp (2 generation): 6.7 s, 240 km/h
• 1.3 MT 265 hp (3 generation): 7.0 s, 220 km/h — 1.3 s slower and 30 km/h lower than the 255 hp 1.3 MT cars despite +10 hp
• 1.3 MT 181 hp (2 generation): 7.2 s, 230 km/h
• 1.3 MT 280 hp (3 generation): 7.5 s, 250 km/h — 1.8 s slower than 1.3 MT 239 hp despite +41 hp and +20 Nm
• 1.3 MT 150 hp (2 generation): 8.4 s, 210 km/h
• 1.2 MT 115 hp (1 generation): 8.8 s, 200 km/h
• 1.2 AT 115 hp (1 generation): 0–100 not measured, 190 km/h (10 km/h below the 115 hp manual)

0–100 and top speed are not measured for: 3 generation 1.3 AT 239 hp, 1.3 AT 265 hp, 1.3 AT 280 hp, 1.3 AT 255 hp (1 Rotor); 2 generation 1.3 AT 150 hp; 1 generation 1.2 MT 105 hp, 1.2 AT 105 hp, 1.2 MT 113 hp, 1.2 AT 113 hp, 1.3 AT 135 hp, 1.3 MT 135 hp.

Fuel consumption is measured on three cars only. 1 generation 1.2 AT 115 hp: 14.5 / 7.7 / 9.1 L/100 km (city / highway / mixed). 2 generation 1.3 MT 181 hp: 15.6 / 9.8 / 11.9. 2 generation 1.3 MT 200 hp: 17.0 / 10.4 / 12.7. The 200 hp car uses 1.4 / 0.6 / 0.8 L/100 km more than the 181 hp car for +19 hp, 0.5 s quicker 0–100 and +10 km/h top speed. Versus the 115 hp 1.2 AT, the 181 hp Turbo uses +1.1 city, +2.1 highway, +2.8 mixed. Every other version: city, highway, mixed, CO2 and eco class are not measured. There is no mpg figure in the source data; the three measured cars are in L/100 km.

Dimensions and weight

Kerb weight, where measured:

• Lightest: 1.2 AT 115 hp, 980 kg (1 generation) — 8.52 kg/hp
• 1.3 MT 181 hp and 1.3 MT 200 hp: 1191 kg (2 generation) — 6.58 and 5.96 kg/hp
• 1.3 MT 150 hp: 1210 kg — 8.07 kg/hp
• 1.3 MT 255 hp (1240 kg) and 1.3 MT 265 hp: 1240 kg — 4.86 and 4.68 kg/hp
• 1.3 MT 280 hp: 1260 kg — 4.50 kg/hp (best kg/hp in the catalogue)
• 1.3 MT 239 hp and 1.3 AT 255 hp (2 Rotor): 1280 kg — 5.36 and 5.02 kg/hp
• Heaviest measured: 1.3 MT 255 hp (CR 8.5): 1290 kg — 5.06 kg/hp

Kerb weight is not measured on: all 3 generation Automatics except 1.3 AT 255 hp (2 Rotor); 2 generation 1.3 AT 150 hp; 1 generation except 1.2 AT 115 hp.

Gross weight is measured only in 3 generation: 1480 kg on 1.3 MT 280 hp (lowest gross); 1490 kg on 1.3 MT 255 hp (1240 kg), 1.3 AT 265 hp, 1.3 AT 280 hp, 1.3 AT 255 hp (1 Rotor); 1500 kg on 1.3 AT 239 hp and 1.3 MT 239 hp; 1550 kg on 1.3 AT 255 hp (2 Rotor) and 1.3 MT 265 hp (highest gross, 70 kg above the 280 hp manual). Gross is not measured on 1.3 MT 255 hp (1290 kg) and on all 1 generation and 2 generation versions.

Ground clearance: 155 mm on every 1 generation and 2 generation version; 140 mm on 3 generation 1.3 AT 239 hp, 1.3 MT 239 hp, 1.3 MT 255 hp (1240 kg), 1.3 AT 265 hp, 1.3 AT 280 hp, 1.3 AT 255 hp (1 Rotor); 135 mm on 1.3 AT 255 hp (2 Rotor), 1.3 MT 265 hp, 1.3 MT 280 hp; not measured on 1.3 MT 255 hp (1290 kg).

Tank: 76 L on all ten 3 generation versions; not measured on 1 generation and 2 generation. Wheel sizes: not measured on every version. Front suspension Independent, spring on every version. Rear suspension Independent, spring on 3 generation; not measured on 1 generation and 2 generation. Front brakes: Disc on 3 generation, Ventilated disc on 1 generation and 2 generation. Rear brakes: Disc ventilated on nine 3 generation versions, Disc on 1.3 MT 280 hp, not measured earlier.

Which version to choose

If 0–100 km/h is the buying rule: 3 generation 1.3 MT 239 hp, 1.3 MT 255 hp (1240 kg) and 1.3 MT 255 hp (1290 kg) share 5.7 s. The 239 hp car is 16 hp down on the 255 hp pair and 40 kg heavier than the 1240 kg 255 hp car (1280 vs 1240). The 1290 kg 255 hp car is 50 kg heavier than the 1240 kg twin at the same 5.7 s; its measured difference is compression 8.5 versus not measured on the 1240 kg car, and ground clearance / gross not measured versus 140 mm and 1490 kg. Do not buy 1.3 MT 280 hp for a sprint: 7.5 s is 1.8 s slower than those 5.7 s manuals. Do not buy 1.3 MT 265 hp for a sprint either: 7.0 s and 220 km/h, the lowest 3 generation top speed.

If kilograms per horsepower is the buying rule: 1.3 MT 280 hp at 4.50 kg/hp, then 1.3 MT 265 hp at 4.68, then 1.3 MT 255 hp (1240 kg) at 4.86. The 280 hp car’s extra 15 hp over 265 hp costs 20 kg of kerb (1260 vs 1240) and returns 0.18 kg/hp better. Versus 1.3 MT 239 hp at 5.36 kg/hp, the 280 hp car is 0.86 kg/hp better. 2 generation’s best is 1.3 MT 200 hp at 5.96 kg/hp — 1.46 kg/hp worse than the 280 hp 3 generation car, 0.60 worse than the 239 hp 3 generation car. 1 generation’s only kerb figure, 1.2 AT 115 hp at 8.52 kg/hp, is 4.02 kg/hp worse than the 280 hp car.

If you want Automatic: 3 generation offers 1.3 AT at 239, 255 (two listings), 265 and 280 hp. Only 1.3 AT 255 hp (2 Rotor, Front, longitudinal, 4 valves per cylinder, CR 9) has measured 0–100 (6.0 s) and kerb (1280 kg). That 6.0 s is 0.3 s slower than the 255 hp manuals. The other four Automatics have 0–100, top speed and kerb not measured; they are distinguished by power (239 / 255 / 265 / 280 hp), cylinder count in the data (1 on all except the 6.0 s car’s 2), gross (1500 kg on 239 hp; 1490 kg on 265, 280 and the 1 Rotor 255), and clearance 140 mm. 2 generation Automatic is only 1.3 AT 150 hp, boost No, all performance and weight not measured. 1 generation Automatics are 1.2 AT 105 / 113 / 115 hp and 1.3 AT 135 hp; the 115 hp 1.2 AT is the only Automatic with measured economy and the only 1 generation car with kerb weight.

If you want Turbo versus No: 1 generation is entirely No. 2 generation is the only generation that sells both: 1.3 MT / 1.3 AT 150 hp (No) versus 1.3 MT 181 and 200 hp (Turbo). The Turbo 181 hp car is 31 hp up on 150 hp, 19 kg lighter (1191 vs 1210), 1.2 s faster (7.2 vs 8.4) and 20 km/h higher (230 vs 210). The 200 hp Turbo is 50 hp up on 150 hp, same 1191 kg as 181 hp, 1.7 s faster than 150 hp and 0.5 s faster than 181 hp. 3 generation is Turbo only — there is no naturally aspirated 3 generation version in this catalogue.

If you want measured fuel use: only three cars. 1.2 AT 115 hp is the lowest mixed figure at 9.1 L/100 km, with the trade-off of 115 hp, 190 km/h and boost No. 1.3 MT 181 hp is the cheaper-to-run Turbo (11.9 mixed vs 12.7 on 200 hp). Every 3 generation car has consumption not measured, so economy cannot be the reason to pick a 3 generation version from this data.

If you want 1.2 rather than 1.3: that exists only in 1 generation. 1.2 MT 115 hp is the only 1.2 with 0–100 (8.8 s) and 200 km/h. 1.2 MT 113 hp is 2 hp below that 115 hp manual; 1.2 MT 105 hp is 10 hp below it. Matching Automatics: 1.2 AT 115 / 113 / 105 hp. Stepping to 1 generation 1.3 MT or 1.3 AT 135 hp is +20 hp and +162 cm³ versus 115 hp, injection becomes Distributed injection (multi-point), fuel becomes 95; 0–100, top speed and kerb stay not measured.

If you want the peak 3 generation output: 1.3 MT 280 hp (2 Rotor, Front, longitudinal, 4 valves per cylinder, 314 Nm, 1260 kg, 1480 kg gross, 135 mm, 7.5 s, 250 km/h) or 1.3 AT 280 hp (1 Rotor, 314 Nm, kerb / 0–100 / vmax not measured, 1490 kg gross, 140 mm). The Automatic 280 hp listing does not prove it is slower; those times are not measured.

What the extra power actually buys, in arithmetic: from 1 generation 1.2 MT 115 hp (8.8 s, 200 km/h) to 2 generation 1.3 MT 150 hp (8.4 s, 210 km/h) is +35 hp, −0.4 s, +10 km/h. From 150 hp No to 200 hp Turbo is +50 hp, −1.7 s, +30 km/h, −19 kg. From 200 hp to 3 generation 1.3 MT 239 hp is +39 hp, −1.0 s, +10 km/h, +89 kg. From 239 hp to 255 hp 1.3 MT (1240 kg) is +16 hp at the same 5.7 s / 250 km/h and −40 kg. From 255 hp to 280 hp 1.3 MT is +25 hp, +20 Nm, +20 kg, but +1.8 s to 100 km/h. The catalogue therefore does not treat “more hp” as automatically the faster car: the 5.7 s manuals sit in the middle of the 3 generation power ladder.

Reliability / problems: this dataset has no failure rates, service intervals or defect counts. Those topics are not measured here. What the numbers do show is which fields are empty: if you need a measured 0–100, tank, rear suspension and rear brakes together, the only generation that lists all of them on some versions is 3 generation; if you need measured L/100 km, you are limited to 1.2 AT 115 hp, 1.3 MT 181 hp and 1.3 MT 200 hp.

Short list from the numbers: 1.3 MT 255 hp (1240 kg) for the best measured sprint-to-weight mix in 3 generation; 1.3 MT 239 hp if 5.7 s is enough and 239 hp is the listing you found; 1.3 MT 280 hp only if 4.50 kg/hp and 314 Nm matter more than the 7.5 s figure; 1.3 AT 255 hp (2 Rotor) if Automatic is required and you still want a measured 6.0 s / 250 km/h; 1.3 MT 200 hp if 2 generation Turbo with measured economy is the brief; 1.3 MT 150 hp if you want 2 generation without Turbo; 1.2 AT 115 hp if 980 kg and 9.1 L/100 km mixed are the brief; 1.2 MT 115 hp if 1 generation Manual with the only 1.2 0–100 time (8.8 s) is the brief.