The RX-7 isn't for posers, as its ride is too rigid, turn-in too direct and peaky horsepower too abrupt for wannabe racers.
The RX-7 isn't for everybody, its ride is too rigid, turn-in too direct and peaky horsepower too abrupt, but that also makes it a purist's delight. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
From a technical standpoint Mazda focused on the car's power-to-weight ratio, reducing mass by extensive use of aluminum and increasing power by adding two small sequential turbos. It was a match made in heaven, a purist's delight that unfortunately few people could afford when new. This makes it somewhat exclusive on the used market, and sought after. For this reason
Mazda focused on the RX-7's power-to-weight ratio, reducing mass by extensive use of aluminum and increasing power by adding two small sequential turbos. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
Compared to the Big 3 muscle cars it was lightweight. Forget about the Yanks, it was also lighter than just about anything else including the Acura NSX, Chevy Corvette, Dodge Stealth, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Nissan 300ZX, Porsche 968, Toyota Supra, and even Toyota's smaller MR2. What's more, the new RX was 3.6 centimeters (1.4 inches) shorter, 6.1 centimeters (2.4 inches) wider and 3.6 centimeters (1.4 inches) lower than before, while the 1,265 kg (2,789 lbs) 1993 RX-7 was lighter than the car it replaced, by about 86 kilos (190 pounds).