Performance Review: Mazda RX7 SA22C - [1978]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mazda RX7 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mazda RX7 SA22C is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1979 DeTomaso Pantera GT5 S 5.8 V8 and the 1978 BMW M1 3.5 2d Manual.This particular Mazda RX7 has a 2292cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 0 cylinders in a R formation.

Alternative Petrol R0's includes the 1992 Mazda RX7 Turbo

The RX7 shares its Petrol R0 engine configuration with the likes of the 1992 Mazda RX7 Turbo and the 2008 Mazda RX8 R3 231ps. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the RX7's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1024 kgs (2257 lbs) this makes the Mazda RX7 SA22C in the same weight category as the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Mazda RX7 shares the same bhp with the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp)

In terms of power the 2292cc 0V R0 engine produces 105 bhp (78 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp) or the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (120 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated R0 throws out 106 lb-ft (143.7 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8L (105 lb-ft) or the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mazda RX7 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1998 Audi TT 1.8T 180 (127.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mazda RX7.

The Mazda RX7 has a Power to weight ratio of 102.5 bhp per ton and 103.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 RX7 competing with the 1998 Audi TT 1.8T 180 (127.5 bhp per ton) or the 2003 BMW 5 Series 530d E60 (127.5 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mazda RX7 generating around 103.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1979 Peugeot 505 2.2 GTi Turbo (128.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 Renault Clio 2.0 16V 197bhp (128.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.8 secs, this made the Mazda RX7 SA22C as fast as the 2001 Alfa-Romeo 147 TS Selespeed (9.50 secs) the 1993 Rover 200 216 GTi Coupe (9.50 secs) the 1992 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II 6.8 V8 (9.50 secs) the or the 1957 Mercedes SL Class 300SL Roadster W198 (9.50 secs). This Mazda RX7 SA22C is also faster than the 2009 Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi 110 (9.60 secs) the 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (9.60 secs) the 2003 Skoda Fabia 1.9 vRS 130bhp (9.60 secs) the and the 1993 Bentley Brooklands 4d (9.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the RX7 and the 1991 Chevrolet Camaro 5.7 V8 Z28

When talking about the performance of the Mazda RX7 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 17.59 secs @ 77.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1991 Chevrolet Camaro 5.7 V8 Z28 (17.51 secs), the 1995 BMW 7 Series 750i E38 Auto (17.51 secs), and the 1968 Ferrari 206 Dino GT (17.52 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1978 version of the Mazda RX7 SA22C has a maximum speed of 115mph.

Top Speed of the 1978 RX7 equals the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (126 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1978 Mazda RX7 SA22C then how about the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (126 mph), the , or the 2004 Vauxhall-Opel Corsa 1.8 GSi (126 mph).

Related Links:

1978 RX7 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mazda

Car Comparison