Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Grand Touring Coupe
Era Context:
Pioneering affordable rotary-powered sports car in the late 1970s
Key Competitors:
Datsun Z-cars (240Z, 260Z, 280Z), Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Porsche 924
Unique Selling Proposition:
Compact size, lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and a unique Wankel rotary engine offering a smooth, high-revving power delivery.
Design Philosophy:
Balanced weight distribution, driver-focused cockpit, and distinctive styling.
Engine:
Rotary Engine (12A), Engine Mechanical, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Control System
Drivetrain:
Clutch, Transmission (Manual), Driveshaft, Rear Axle Assembly
Suspension:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Hydraulic System, Parking Brake
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instruments and Gauges, Ignition System, Power Distribution, Exterior and Interior Electrical Components
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Seats, Interior Trim, Chassis Frame
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Rotary Specific), Fluid Checks and Replacements
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Specifications, Component Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and diagnostics)
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required specialized tools for rotary engines and general automotive repair
Engine Type:
Wankel Rotary (Two-Rotor)
Displacement:
1146 cc (approx. 69.9 cu in.)
Rotor Housing Design:
Epitrochoidal
Horsepower Early Models:
Approx. 100-110 hp @ 6000-6500 rpm (depending on market and emissions controls)
Torque Early Models:
Approx. 105-115 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm
Carburetion:
Nikki downdraft 2-barrel carburetor (for 1978-1980 models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended)
Cooling Method:
Water-cooled
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specifications)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change
Oil Injection:
Separate oil metering system for apex seals
Length:
Approx. 162.8 inches (4135 mm)
Width:
Approx. 65.2 inches (1656 mm)
Height:
Approx. 50.0 inches (1270 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 95.7 inches (2430 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings from this era are not directly comparable to modern standards, but the vehicle was designed with crumple zones.
Braking System:
Power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes
Steering:
Recirculating ball, power steering optional on some models
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass
Radio:
AM/FM radio, optional cassette player
Speakers:
Typically 2 or 4 speaker system
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, pop-up mechanism
Connectivity Features:
None (pre-dates modern connectivity standards)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation)
Air Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specific rotary plugs, interval varies, consult manual (e.g., every 15,000-20,000 miles)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Rotary Specific Wear:
Apex seal wear, carbon seal buildup, potential for rotor housing scoring if maintenance is neglected.
Carburetor Issues:
Tuning difficulties, gumming of fuel passages, choke issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, and failing relays are common in older vehicles.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common on body panels and chassis components due to age and environmental exposure.
Mazda Rotary Introduction:
Mazda pioneered the Wankel rotary engine in passenger cars, starting with the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967.
Rx-7 Debut:
The RX-7 (SA22C) debuted in 1978 as a successor to the RX-3, aiming to compete with established sports cars.
First Generation Facelift:
A minor facelift occurred for the 1981 model year (transitioning to FB designation), with updated styling and potentially improved emissions.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's plants in Japan
Production Period Fa:
1978-1981 (SA22C chassis code)
Car And Driver Best Driver Car:
Recognized by Car and Driver as one of its 'Ten Best' cars in 1979.
Motor Trend Import Car Of The Year:
Often cited in discussions of seminal Japanese sports cars of the era.
Emission Standards Compliance:
Designed to meet US emissions standards of the late 1970s, requiring careful tuning.
