Market Position:
Compact/subcompact sports coupe and sedan targeting performance-oriented buyers and enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Datsun 240Z/260Z, Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, Honda Civic, smaller European sports coupes of the era
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rotary engine technology offering compact size, smooth operation, and high power-to-weight ratio for its class
Design Philosophy:
Stylish, compact, and sporty design with a focus on driver engagement
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking unique engineering, a sporty driving experience, and a classic Japanese performance car
Model Years Covered:
1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
Body Styles Covered:
Coupe, Sedan, Wagoon (RX-3)
Regions Covered:
All markets (North America, Europe, Japan, Australia etc.)
Estimated Page Count:
800-1200 pages (approximate for comprehensive coverage)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine System:
Rotary engine (12A, 13B - where applicable), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control
Transmission System:
Manual transmissions (4-speed, 5-speed), automatic transmissions (if applicable), clutch operation, drive axles
Brake System:
Disc brakes (front), drum brakes (rear), hydraulic system, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), rear leaf springs/solid axle, steering gearbox, power steering (if equipped)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, gauges, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, seals, chassis components, corrosion protection
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (if factory equipped), component diagnosis and repair
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks), fluid level checks and top-ups, lubrication points
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and installation for all major systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and solutions
Diagnostic Procedures:
Engine compression testing, ignition timing adjustment, fuel system pressure checks
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Technical Depth:
Complete overhaul and rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, and major mechanical components
Engine Type:
Mazda Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Displacement Codes:
12A (1146cc), 13B (1308cc - may appear in later RX-3 variants)
Rotor Housing Material:
Cast Iron (early), Chrome-plated Aluminum (later variations)
Apex Seals:
Felt seal with carbon/metal inserts (early), Bronze or Ceramic composites (later upgrades/variations)
Horsepower Output 12A:
Approx. 90-110 hp (depending on market and emissions regulations)
Torque Output 12A:
Approx. 100-115 lb-ft (depending on market and emissions regulations)
Redline Rpm:
Typically 6500-7000 RPM
Fuel Induction:
Carburetor (2-barrel Hitachi, Mikuni, or Solex common), later models may feature fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating dependent on market, typically 91+ RON)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SF or SG rated, or equivalent)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 Liters) including oil filter
Spark Plug Type:
NGK BR8ES-11 or equivalent (specific to engine variant and tuning)
Ignition Timing Spec:
Typically 5-10 degrees BTDC (specific to engine model, check manual)
Type:
5-speed Manual (introduced later in production), 3-speed Automatic
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate with diaphragm spring
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 quarts (2.4 Liters)
Wheelbase:
RX-2: Approx. 97.0 inches (2460 mm); RX-3: Approx. 94.9 inches (2410 mm) (Coupe/Sedan)
Length:
RX-2: Approx. 167.9 inches (4265 mm); RX-3: Approx. 162.8 inches (4135 mm) (Coupe)
Width:
RX-2: Approx. 65.0 inches (1650 mm); RX-3: Approx. 64.0 inches (1625 mm)
Height:
RX-2: Approx. 52.2 inches (1325 mm); RX-3: Approx. 51.8 inches (1315 mm) (Coupe)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2200-2500 lbs (1000-1135 kg), depending on body style and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 3000-3300 lbs
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x110mm
Standard Tire Size:
165SR13, 175/70SR13 (common)
Crash Test Information:
Limited official crash test data available for this era; vehicle design predates modern safety standards
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard); some later models or trims may have had front ventilated discs
Suspension Stability:
Front MacPherson struts, rear leaf springs contribute to roadholding
Seat Belts:
Lap belts (front), some models may have had optional shoulder belts
Body Structure:
Unit-body construction, rudimentary crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM/Cassette player
Gauges:
Tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, oil pressure light/gauge
Emission Controls:
Early emission control systems may include air injection pumps and catalytic converters (on later models/markets).
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No factory-integrated electronic connectivity features common in modern vehicles)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Inspect every 6,000 miles (9,600 km), replace as needed
Spark Plug Inspection Replacement:
Inspect every 12,000 miles (19,000 km), replace as needed
Ignition Timing Adjustment:
Check and adjust every 12,000 miles (19,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 2 years
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (glycol-based)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Grease Type:
Lithium-based multipurpose grease (NLGI #2)
Apex Seal Wear:
Common issue in rotary engines, requiring rebuild if worn excessively. Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures are critical.
Carburetor Tuning:
Can be sensitive to adjustments, requiring periodic tuning for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume a small amount of oil for lubrication of apex seals. Excessive consumption indicates potential seal wear.
Chassis Corrosion:
Like many vehicles of this era, susceptible to rust, especially in areas with harsh winters or high humidity.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging rubber vacuum hoses can crack and leak, affecting engine performance and emissions. Regular inspection and replacement are recommended.
Brand Focus:
Mazda's pioneering work with the Wankel rotary engine, aiming for compact, smooth, and high-revving powertrains
Rx2 Introduction:
Introduced in 1970 as a successor to the Mazda R100, positioned as a compact sports coupe/sedan.
Rx3 Introduction:
Introduced in 1971, slightly smaller and more affordable than the RX-2, also available in coupe, sedan, and wagon forms. Often seen as a spiritual successor to the R100 as well.
Engine Development:
Both models primarily utilized the 12A rotary engine, with some later RX-3 variants potentially receiving the larger 13B. Evolution focused on improving reliability and emissions control.
Production Period:
RX-2: 1970-1974; RX-3: 1971-1978
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Sales Performance:
Moderate success, particularly in export markets like Australia and North America, building Mazda's reputation for rotary performance and unique engineering.
