1971 Mazda RX-3 Coupe (S102A) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Mazda RX-3 Coupe (S102A) is 885 kg (approximately 1,951 pounds). This relatively lightweight body plays a significant role in the car's nimble handling and responsiveness. Being lighter than many contemporaries, it allows for better acceleration, more precise cornering, and a sportier driving experience overall, which were key characteristics targeted by Mazda in this model.

The ride height, or ground clearance, of the 1971-1973 Mazda RX-3 Coupe is 165 mm (approximately 6.5 inches). This moderate ground clearance strikes a balance between sporty handling and everyday usability. It is low enough to provide good stability and cornering performance but still offers sufficient clearance to navigate typical road irregularities, potholes, or speed bumps without risking damage.

Yes, the Mazda RX-3 Coupe (S102A) fits comfortably into a standard garage. Standard garages typically accommodate vehicles up to around 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and about 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in width. With its length of 4065 mm (13.3 feet), width of 1595 mm (5.2 feet), and height of 1350 mm (4.4 feet), the RX-3’s compact dimensions ensure it can easily park without any clearance issues.

The Mazda RX-3 Coupe (S102A) was built on an evolution of Mazda’s earlier compact models but featured slightly more refined dimensions aimed at sportier styling and improved dynamics. Compared to its predecessors like the Mazda Familia Rotary Coupe, the RX-3 offers a modest increase in length and width, enhancing interior space and stability. Its height remains relatively low, maintaining the sporty coupe characteristics. This balance represents Mazda’s move toward a more performance-focused compact coupe in the early 1970s.

When compared with similar sports coupes from the early 1970s, such as the Datsun 240Z or Toyota Celica, the Mazda RX-3 Coupe is roughly in the same compact sports coupe category but on the slightly smaller and lighter side. The RX-3's length of 4065 mm (160 inches) is generally less than the 240Z’s length (about 4115 mm or 162 inches), and its weight of 885 kg (1,951 lbs) is considerably lighter than many competitors, which often exceeded 1,100 kg. This emphasis on compact dimensions and low weight was part of Mazda’s strategy to maximize the rotary engine’s performance potential.

Given the compact external dimensions of the Mazda RX-3 Coupe (4065 mm length, 1595 mm width, 1350 mm height), the interior space is cozy but functional, primarily designed to accommodate two to four passengers comfortably. The coupe design prioritizes driver engagement and sporty styling over maximum interior space, so rear passenger room is limited, making it more suitable for short trips or occasional backseat use rather than long journeys with multiple adults.

At 1595 mm (62.8 inches) wide, the Mazda RX-3 Coupe is narrower than most modern vehicles but was typical for sporty coupes of the early 1970s. This narrower width makes the RX-3 agile and easier to park in tight urban spaces compared to wider cars. However, the narrower cabin means less shoulder room inside, which might feel a bit tight for wider passengers, but it contributed to the car’s lightweight and responsive handling, appealing to enthusiasts.

The relatively low height of 1350 mm (53.1 inches) gives the Mazda RX-3 Coupe a sleek and aerodynamic profile, which helps reduce drag and enhances fuel efficiency and high-speed stability. This low-slung stance also contributes to a lower center of gravity, improving handling dynamics by reducing body roll during cornering. The sports coupe’s compact height is integral to its visual appeal and driving excitement, though it can make ingress and egress less convenient for taller individuals.

The Mazda RX-3 Coupe, produced from 1971 to 1973, marked a significant step forward in Mazda's rotary engine sports cars. It featured a more refined and modern body design with improved aerodynamics, a lighter chassis weighing about 885 kg (1,951 lbs), and a balance between sporty driving dynamics and daily usability. The RX-3 received Mazda's advanced rotary engine technology of the time, setting it apart by combining compact size with spirited engine performance. This generation shifted focus from purely experimental rotary models to a more market-friendly and usable sports coupe with distinct dimensions and driving appeal.