Mazda RX-7(FD3S)

The legendary Mazda RX-7 FD3S. The FD was introduced way back in 1992 and production on this absolute beast ended in 2002 replaced by the equally well known RX-8. The FD comes in a few types, the type R which is the production base model, the SP, a special edition introduced in Australia in ’95, the incredibly rare Bathurst R of which only 500 were made,the type RS and RZ, and the rare Spirit R. The car. won in the GT3 class of the SCCA National Championship runoffs, won 24 Hours of Daytona. claiming the GTU championship 7 years straight andclaimed the GTO championship ten years straight. It’s prominently featured in a famous manga series, Initial D and is. one of the most competitive cars in Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune. The car was also featured in Fast and Furious sporting a Veilside body kit. So what makes this car so iconic and such a beast? This is my honest take on the Mazda RX-7 FD3S.

Looks:9/10

Just look at it. This is the car in stock form. The car has clear traits from the Miata/MX-5 in that it’s not boxy and of course, it has pop up headlights, albeit not as obnoxious as the MX-5. The rear lights are unique, it has a design similar to a unibrow and is clearly distinguishable from any other vehicle you might come across. which makes. it look way more sporty and serious. The rear would look better with a wing in stock form which is basically my only complaint with this car in terms of looks.

Modability:9/10

The RX-7 is one of the most well rounded and best looking cars. As mentioned above it has been modded for the track but what about the Dragstrip, drift events or maybe car shows like SEMA?

This FD has won a few drift events and is all tricked out. The low stance, huge rear wing, bucket seats, rollcage as well as the drift suspension make this car really easy. to make into a drift car. That Red Bull livery gives it a more aggresive look.

This RX-7 looks like a sleeper from the front but shift the camera to the back and you know this car means business. An oversized rear wing to decrease drag and increase airflow and make the car more streamlined as well as drag slicks coupled with differing size front and rear rims that are clearly not stock complements that drag car look.

Engine performance:7/10

Possibly one of the most unique engine types out there, the Rotary, commonly known as the Wankel or Dorito. In the RX-7 FD3S though, this twin turbocharged Rotary engine is the most powerful out of all the rotaries in the RX line making upward of 251 bhp and 217lb ft of torque stock. Top speed is 250kph or 155mph and the engine can come in a 4 speed automatic or a 5 speed manual but we all know we’ll choose manual. Tuners who are crazy about speed can tune it up to about 1000bhp if they’re brave enough which makes this car have almost limitless potential.

I say brave enough because of those infamous Apex Seals. If it weren’t for those breaking at regular intervals. (i’m talking 100k or 200k miles, less if you don’t tune the car correctly) To replace it, you’re going to have to dismantle the engine, redo all soft seals, clean, measure then separate parts that can be recycled and the rest goes to trash. So quite a hassle for such a small part. On top of that, apex seals cost upwards of a hundred USD but if you’re willing to risk all that money and all that time into fixing that small part then you’re in for a world of fun.

Practicality:4/10

The RX-7 features a somewhat limited bootspace such that it can carry not even groceries so running errands? Not in this car. It also is a two seater so it’s not a good family car. The headspace is tight due to that incredibly low ceiling so potentially every bump will cause you to get a concussion but fear not! You’ll look good pulling up in your girlfriends house in a JDM legend.

Price: 8/10

In the USA prices range from $13000 if it’s in pretty bad condition to around $30000 in excellent condition so not a bad price for a JDM legend. If you live there and want to get a project car, the FD is really not a bad. choice. Spare parts are a pretty rare considering the car is pretty rare too. However, here in Singapore, car culture isn’t very ripe so i can’t find any new or used FDs here.

Overall:8/10

If it wasn’t for apex seals or the shoddy practicality i would’ve given this car a 9/10 but with every setback comes a pro and that is pure gearhead fun. If this car got you hyped up in gaming it surely will get you hyped up in real life.