In the early 1970s, Mazda was the only mass car manufacturer selling rotary-engined automobiles. We look today at buying the 1989 model which is the 2nd generation RX7 that looked very much like a early Porsche 944. All 2nd generation RX-7 models come with a 1.3-liter rotary engine. The normally aspirated version of the twin-rotor engine was rated at 160 horsepower and is very very rare to find. Turbos produced 200 plus horsepower depending on versions and the length of modifications. A 5-speed manual transmission was rare in Malaysia; the 4-speed automatic was the most common. All-disc brakes were standard throughout the range. Antilock brakes were offered only on the Turbo, where they were standard. A driver’s airbag was installed only on convertibles which are the hardest to find on the used car lot simple because only a small number were imported in thru grey dealers and with the motorized hood taking all the rear seating room the car became a two seater only.
Eclipsed in the early ’90s by the new Miata, the RX-7 is just as sporty as that 2-seater lightweight MX5 and markedly more luxurious as compared to the Miata however with exotic car power and terrible fuel consumption sales were limited to enthusiasts and those craving for a supercar with acceptable prices. Though unique and appealing on the basis of engineering, the RX-7’s rotary engine suffers from dull low-end response when teamed with an automatic transmission. Accelerating to 60 mph takes a leisurely 9.0 seconds. Manual shift makes much better use of the engine’s high-revving character. Mated to the 5-speed manual, it deliver abundant acceleration. In Turbo form, performance is downright thrilling with sub 7.0 seconds from nought to sixty. Fuel economy is disappointing with either transmission. When these cars were new, they averaged only 15 mpg in an equal mix of city and highway driving. After some running they get even worse at between 12 to 13 mpg. However taking into consideration its impressive power and very low roadtax costs the mileage issue is easily forgotten.
Interiors are well laid out with convenient controls and readable gauges. Leg room in the small cockpit is ample, but people over 5-foot-10 or so might find their head clearance tight. They’ll have to recline their backrest to avoid the ceiling. Rear seating if for infants and children below 10 years of age. Mazda interiors are hardy so if you find cracked trim or broken pieces take note as replacements are hard to source in junkyards. Electrics should work without problem. Failed headlamps motors (the headlamps do not want to flip up when activated) could mean motor problems which are expensive new and hard to find used. The same goes for units with sunroofs.
Despite its still-high prices, though, an RX-7 stacks up well against the competition of its time. A true well looked after turbo manual which has not clocked more than 100,000 kilometers will fetch anywhere between RM25 to RM30,000. A high mileage, why do I say high……well with rotary engines they have a shorter lifespan as compared to normal engines. After 100,000 kilometers the rotary blades start deteriorating and this is when problems occur. Many are running on secondhand engines from half cuts and they seem to be an abundance of engines to buy at the junkyards, so mileage should not be a deciding factor when purchasing and instead its price declines as its mileage rises. Look at body and trim condition to ensure the car has not been used for racing on the track or in the hands of a hyper teenager. Some minor problems can start with Turbo-equipped models having a flat spot in acceleration between 3500-4000 rpm because the hole for the wastegate vacuum is too small and must be enlarged and a possible oil leak near the transmission-shift lever causes an oil smell inside the car which can be very irritating. Rough idling can be cured by installing an idle-air bypass valve. Apart from these few evident problems the RX7 is a true performance car at family sedan prices.
