I've long been interested in the "old-school" NA rotaries, in particular the "sporty" versions. The RX-2, RX-3 and SA/FB RX-7 are very similar spec-wise and from a mechanical perspective as far as I can tell. I'd really like to see a comparison between the three cars from those that have driven them. I'm not interested in what car is "better" (as if that were possible), but more interested in a comparison between how the cars drive, what they're like to drive, how they handle, etc. I'm not looking for specs, I can and have looked those up, and I've done a lot of research on the various mechanical differences. I'm really just looking for real-world experience. I'm not trying to figure out which one to buy, just trying to learn more. I own an 83' RX-7 GS, so I'm quite familiar with this car, but looking for a comparison on the RX-2 and RX-3. I hope to one day own an RX-2 or RX-3, I love the looks and the racing pedigree. Stock or modified comparisons are fine, and I'd also know what they're like from a road-racing perspective from those that have it.

Hope this isn't misplaced, but I'm just looking for a discussion on three cars I really appreciate. And I really don't want this thread to turn into an argument or a battle on which car is "better", there isn't a better car, cars are just different. I posted it in this section, since I'd imagine most 1st-gen RX-7 owners (such as myself) probably don't have much (if any) experience with the older cars.

 

With a RX-3, you can pretty much use most of SA/FB front suspension and brakes including rear shocks where you have to go with aftermarket front brake stuff/suspension on a RX-2. Weight wise, a RX-3 is lightr. They are both worth keeping.

 

The steering in them all sucks. It's very vague in the center due to the design, but you already knew that about your rx7.

The early cars in standard form feel like you're driving a swimming pool compared to a sports car, the rx7 is much more refined in this regard. That's not to say they can't be made to handle well, because they certainly can.

All three cars have good brakes, the vented front brakes in the rx7 being capable of more punishment. The rx7 sharing the same front pads as the rx2.

The rx2 and rx3 are livened up a lot by adding positive castor which reduces dive under braking and increases stability at speed.

Like you said, they each possess their own unique attributes.

 

Thanks! This was the sort of response I was looking for.

Yep, steering sucks, but I'll take it any day over the steering on my Subaru Outback, which is vague everywhere, as opposed to only one place.

With regards to handling, my understanding is that the RX-2/RX-3 were not really marketed as much as "sports cars" as the RX-7 was, so that probably explains much of the difference? I'd assume by doing the usual things to improve handling on the RX-2/RX-3, such as sway-bars, springs/shocks, lowering, wider wheels/tires, etc. they can handle pretty well for what they are? Obviously the RX-3 has leaf springs, but those can be modified to handle better. Both the RX-2 and RX-3 seem to be no slouch in racing, so I'd assume there's a lot of improvement to be had...?

Looks are subjective, in stock form I like the RX-7 the best (specifically the S1 cars), followed by the RX-2, and then the RX-3. But I'd take a RX-3 with overfenders, chin spoiler and wide 13" wheels over any of them all day everyday. Although I am partial to the S1 RX-2 with the square headlights that we did not receive in the U.S. as far as I know.

 

Anyone else? Love to see some more comparisons!