Mazda RX-4
The
Mazda RX-4 (called the
Luce Rotary in Japan) was a larger car than its
rotary-powered contemporaries, the
Capella-based
RX-2 and
Familia-based
RX-3. It shared the
Luce/929 chassis, replacing the
R130 in October of
1972, and was produced through October
1977. Its predecessor (the R130) and replacement (the rotary
Luce Legato) were not sold in the United States. Mazda marketed the RX-4 as being sporty and luxurious with the RX-4 having the best of both worlds. This gave Mazda a well needed boost in the popularity of the Wankel engine unique to Mazda.
The RX-4 was initially available as a
hardtop coupe and
sedan, with a
station wagon launched in
1973 to replace the
Savanna Wagon. Under the hood at first was a 130 hp
12A engine , but this was replaced by the larger
13B in
1974 producing 125Hp, for export. This engine was Mazda's new "AP" (for "anti-pollution") version, with much-improved emissions and fuel economy, but somewhat worse cold-starting behavior.
The car used an
strut-type independent suspension in front with a
solid axle in the rear. Brakes were discs in front and drums in the rear. Curb weight was low at 2620 lb and the wheelbase fairly short at 99 in (2510mm).
The body was freshened in
1976.
For the United States market, the RX-4 was sold from 1974 through 1978, when the
RX-7 debuted. The 13B produced 110 hp and 117 ft.lbf in United States emissions form. Base pricing was $4295, with the automatic transmission ($270) and air conditioning ($395) the only expensive options.
Road & Track magazine was impressed, noting the car's improved fuel economy and price compared to the RX-3. This was notable, as the Wankel engine had suffered by the mid
1970s with a reputation as a gas-guzzler. Performance was good in a 1974 comparison test of six wagons, with a 11.7 s sprint to 60 mph and an 18 s/77.5 mph quarter-mile. The magazine noted that the wagon's brakes suffered from the extra 300 lb (136 kg)weight compared to the coupe.
The RX-4 was on
Road & Track magazine's
Ten Best list for "Best Sports Sedan, $3500-6500" in
1975.
*
A-Spec '72 Luce*
Mazda.com History of Rotary*
Animations & Information about how rotary engines work*
Road & Track magazine, July 1974
