The Legendary Japanese Sports Cars (pt. 1): Mazda RX-7 FD3S
To start off our list, one of the most well-known vehicles of Sports Cars Enthusiasts is the Mazda RX-7 FD3S (1993-1995).
This front-engine, rear wheel drive car was powered by a unique twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine invented by German engineer Felix Wankel, which uses a rotor instead of pistons. This design delivers smooth high-rpm power from a compact, lightweight engine.
With the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at a measly $32,900, it was a huge bargain. Easily the best bang for the buck for it’s time.
It has world class handling, and a powerful 255-hp twin turbocharged engine. The engine itself was “de-tuned” and was under the Japanese “gentleman’s agreement” to limit the horsepower. To really open up the raw power the car has, you’ll have to do some modifications.
Some of the things that plagued RX-7 was the declining amount of sales: It wasn’t the best in the reliability department, and some people mentioned it was a tight squeeze. This is where the Mazda RX-8 came in.
However, that doesn’t take away the breathlessness the car gives to it’s drivers.
“The RX-7 didn’t just win the numbers game, it humiliated the field” - Motor Trend 2/93