1993 MAZDA RX-7 | JM1FD3316P0202842

Body Styles

The RX-7 FD was a two-door fastback coupe with sinuous, almost organic curves. Its silhouette was low-slung and aerodynamic, tapering from a sharp nose with integrated pop-up headlights to a wide, rounded rear flanked by twin circular taillights. At just 1,260 mm tall and under 1,300 kg, the RX-7 was visually and physically compact. The long hood and rear-biased cabin gave it classic sports car proportions, while the sculpted rear fenders added visual drama without unnecessary excess.

Despite its relatively small footprint, the cabin offered snug but focused seating for two. The minimalist cockpit was driver-centric, with deep bucket seats, analog instrumentation, and tactile switchgear. Every element served the car’s performance mission — the design was both functional and beautiful, a shape that has aged with grace and retained a cult following worldwide.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

"RX" in RX-7 stands for "Rotary Experimental," reflecting Mazda's dedication to pioneering the Wankel rotary engine in mainstream sports cars. The number "7" denotes its place in a lineage of rotary-powered vehicles, following the RX-3 and RX-4, and preceding the RX-8. This naming system underscored Mazda’s commitment to rotary development as an identity-defining characteristic during the car’s production years.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The RX-7 FD was offered in an evolving palette over its 10-year run, with standout hues like Vintage Red, Montego Blue, Innocent Blue Mica, and Chaste White becoming cult classics. Mazda also introduced unique shades for limited editions such as Pure White, Brilliant Black, and Lightning Yellow. Some variants like the Spirit R featured exclusive metallic finishes that highlighted the RX-7’s fluid bodywork.

Interiors featured combinations of black leather, red stitching, and Alcantara in later models. The Spirit R Type A came with signature red Recaro bucket seats, while earlier trims used simple but supportive bolstered seats in cloth or leather. The dashboard layout remained largely unchanged — analog, driver-focused, and free of distractions.

Rim designs ranged from 5-spoke to BBS forged alloys, depending on trim and year. Sizes evolved from 16" to 17", with many JDM versions getting lighter wheels with wider rear tracks. Finishes included silver, gunmetal, and bronze — adding to the tuner-friendly aesthetics.

Top Expensive Options

• Recaro Red Sports Bucket Seats: $3,500
• BBS Forged Alloy Wheels: $2,800
• Bilstein Sport Suspension Upgrade: $2,300
• Bose Acoustic Wave Audio System: $1,900
• Lightweight Carbon Fiber Rear Wing (Mazdaspeed): $1,800
• Alcantara Interior Trim Package: $1,500
• Front and Rear Strut Tower Braces (Mazdaspeed): $1,200
• Limited-Slip Differential Upgrade: $1,000
• Titanium Shift Knob and Pedal Set: $900
• Engine Oil Cooler (Dual Setup, Spirit R): $800

vs Competitors

In its era, the RX-7 stood apart from rivals like the Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, and Mitsubishi 3000GT by prioritizing finesse over brute force. While the Supra was heavier and more powerful, the RX-7 out-danced it in corners. The 300ZX offered comfort and tech but couldn’t match the RX-7’s sharpness or feedback. Even against European options like the Porsche 968, the RX-7 held its own with superior weight balance and a more exotic powertrain.

What truly differentiated the RX-7 was its uncompromising commitment to rotary technology. It didn’t follow the turbocharged inline-six trend, nor did it pursue AWD complexity. It was simple, pure, and addictive. Its lightweight nature meant it could exploit roads that others muscled through. In the aftermarket world, the RX-7 became a tuning icon — as agile on mountain passes as it was formidable on track.

Fun Fact

The Mazda RX-7 FD’s 13B-REW rotary engine was the first production engine in the world to feature sequential twin-turbochargers. Unlike parallel twin-turbos, the system used one turbo at low RPM and activated the second at higher revs, reducing turbo lag and maintaining a linear power curve. This innovation contributed to its immediate throttle response and high-revving character, making it one of the most beloved engines in tuner culture despite its mechanical quirks.