The FC rx-7 looks remarkably similar to the porsche 944 of the same era, is there a reason for this? for example the same stylist? or is it a same car different badge situation like opel/vauxhall? exept of course for the rotory engine.





They both have a similar profile, pop up lamps and a few other details.

 

The original RX-7 was made directly to compete with the 924 and the styling cues were carried over into the next model by both Mazda and Porsche. I don't think the stylist was the same, Mazda just wanted to attract potential Porsche customers so they wanted to make a car with similar qualities, including a sleek, streamlined look. There is no brand association whatsoever, they were competitors. I also think this kind of car was simply "in style" when these cars were made (flip up lights, somewhat streamlined shape). And the RX-7 was designed to have a low drag coefficient, thus the triangular aerodynamic shape. I think this answers your question.

-Josh

PS- ^ This is all to the best of my knowledge. I think it is true, but don't quote me on it. Someone else may post to verify what I said.

 

944 looks better than the FC IMO

 

they are similar, you'd have to think maybe there was a 924 (mazda started the FC project in june 1981), outside the designers window.

IMO though the FC has aged better, the 944 is all 80's tacked on wings and stuff, while the Rx7 is just a nice shape. the Rx7 is purer i guess.

 

that all makes sense, i didnt think it would be a mere coinsidence that the two cars looked so similar. your right about the lights just being part of the time, corollas and mr-2's and nissans ect all had the awsome popped lights.

The porsche is common as hell in england and i dont recall ever seeing an FC rx-7 on the roads, so i would rather have one rare cars are my favorit thats why i like the rx-7 and a few other rare cars like bmw 'z8's.

 

can you give rep+ on this forum? if so josh gets some...

 

its the opposite here, i couldn't tell you the last time i saw a 944. granted FC's are rare too, nowadays.

if you watch the movie 'commando' when they go into the parking garage and there are 3-4 Rx7's in there, that's how common they used to be around here.

 

I forgot where I read it, but the 924-944 was the best selling "130 mph sportscar" and Mazda purposefully styled the FC after them to pull from their sales. I might have even seen that in the old top gear with the two.

 

Also realize the 'rarity' of the RX7s in UK was because with all Her Majesty's Taxes, they were priced about the same as a 944, so I think a lot of folks just went with the Porsche brand. Here the RX7s were always a LOT cheaper so its the other way round...

Personally I think the 944+ models are cool in a brutish sort of way - and that makes the FC's a bit
"derivative" - trying to ride on the 944 coat tails a bit? Same could be said for SA vs 924, but I think the SA came across as a cleaner design than the 924. Subjective stuff.

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

i own both an 85 Porsche 944 and an 88 10th Anniversary RX-7 and there are many similarities with the basic outside shape. each car is 100% different than the other and the dimensions, while similar are nowhere near exact. the similarity in basic shape, two door hatchback with pop up lights, foam rear spoiler are about the only thing the pair shares in common. both are excellent cars in their own right and both have the ability to satisfy a respectful driver. as a proud RX-7 owner, its only fair to say though that the Mazda had pulled styling cues from the Porsche. the 924 debued in 1976 and the RX-7 in 1978. the 944was introduced in 1983, while the FC debued in 1986..IMO, the SA and FB were much better looking than the 924 but the 944 was far better looking than the FC.

 

The porshe is more of a classic, the rx-7 provides a platform for tuning and drifting ect. whereas the porsche is traditionally kept standard for the likes of prestige car owners.

All older jap cars are rare in the uk, i occasionally see 200sx's around and there is a toyota eight six on my street but it has been under a cover for years :/ shame really...
the 240's and 300sx's ect were designed for the american market weren't they? i guess that's why

 

Maybe before your time...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMD-3VtMEq0

 

That was a good watch, i have seen that video on youtube but never got round to watching it, i guess i should have
Fuel consumption like that is almost unacceptable in the uk nowadays :/

 

Nice video complete with pedo moustashe..