1978 Mazda RX 7 I (SA) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1978 Mazda RX-7 I (SA) has a curb weight of 1086 kg (approximately 2394 lbs), which refers to the weight of the car without passengers or cargo but with all necessary operating consumables like fuel and fluids. The maximum weight capacity or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 1446 kg (around 3189 lbs), indicating the total weight of the vehicle including passengers, cargo, and any additional load it is designed to safely carry.

The RX-7 I (SA) offers a luggage capacity of 391 liters (equivalent to about 13.8 cubic feet). For a sporty coupe of its era, this capacity is relatively spacious and practical, enabling it to accommodate a moderate amount of luggage or gear, which complements its use as both a sporty and practical vehicle for daily driving or weekend trips.

The Mazda RX-7 I (SA) is equipped with rims sized 5J x 13 and 5.5J x 13, fitted respectively with tires sized 185/70 R13. This tire size and rim combination is typical for sporty compacts from the late 1970s and offers a balance of performance and comfort suited to the RX-7's lightweight and agile design.

Yes, the Mazda RX-7 I (SA) fits comfortably into a standard home garage. Given its compact dimensions — 4293 mm (169 in) in length, 1651 mm (65 in) in width, and 1270 mm (50 in) in height — it is smaller than many contemporary vehicles, making it easy to park and maneuver in typical residential garage spaces without requiring special accommodations.

The RX-7 I (SA) has a roof load capacity of 50 kg (about 110 lbs). This means it can safely support additional cargo such as roof racks or storage boxes without compromising structural integrity or safety. While the RX-7 is primarily a sporty coupe, the roof load capacity adds a practical dimension for carrying extra luggage or sporting equipment on trips.

The Mazda RX-7 I (SA) was the first generation of the RX-7 line and didn't have a direct predecessor within the RX-7 family itself. However, compared to earlier Mazda sports models like the RX-3, the RX-7 I was smaller and more lightweight, emphasizing compact dimensions: shorter length and narrower width, which improved agility and handling. Its design marked a significant shift towards more modern, aerodynamic sports coupes in Mazda’s history.

In comparison to other sports coupes of its era such as the Datsun 280ZX or Toyota Celica from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Mazda RX-7 I (SA) was generally more compact and lighter. Its length of 4293 mm (169 in) and width of 1651 mm (65 in) made it slightly smaller than many rivals, which often contributed to better handling and agility. The RX-7’s lightweight nature (1086 kg or 2394 lbs curb weight) also helped it stand out as a nimble, driver-focused sports car.

The low height of just 1270 mm (50 inches) in the RX-7 I (SA) enhances its aerodynamic profile and center of gravity, improving performance and handling characteristics. This low stance not only adds to the sporty aesthetics but also allows the car to benefit from reduced air resistance and a more grounded feel during cornering. On the downside, it might affect visibility and headroom slightly, but typical for sports coupes of that period.

The compact length (4293 mm or 169 in), moderate width (1651 mm or 65 in), modest height (1270 mm or 50 in), and relatively low curb weight of 1086 kg (2394 lbs) significantly influence the RX-7 I (SA)'s driving dynamics. These characteristics allow for quick agility, responsive steering, and excellent balance, contributing to an engaging driving experience. The lightweight design improves acceleration and fuel efficiency compared to heavier sports cars of the era, making the RX-7 an iconic model known for its fun-to-drive nature.