I was wondering how you tell the different models apart, I just baught a 79' but I have no idea what model it is.

 

i think the only models in 79 were the S, and GS. the S was a barebone base model w/ a 4 speed tranny , GS had a couple other options , mainly a 5 speed . im not sure if both models were optioned w/ the 3 speed auto or just the GS, I believe those are the main differences.

 

GS-
5-speed
center console (between seats)
body side mouldings
intermitten wipers
4 spoke steering wheel
remote release for hatch
foot rest for driver
plus a few more minor bits...
S is pretty rare, though not really all that desirable (IMHO) -kind of a "loss-leader" priced car to get traffic into the showroom Back In The Day...
Stu Aull
80 GS
Alaska

 

I bought a '79 a few weeks ago and didn't know if it was S or GS model. Now I know it's a GS. Thanks!

 

also, some base models do not have rear anti swar bars. easiest wat to tell f you have the GS in addition to what stu said is if the car has a 5spd trans, aluminum wheels, and most notabley a sunroof.

 

my first rx was an early '79 S 4spd, which is currently a rolling shell. i think in some ways they were sportier than the rest. They didn't have any extra crap and in turn were the lightest, and 5th gear is not really used much when racing around. too bad mazda didnt make any S models w/LSD and rear sway bar

 

wasnt there a 79le as well?

 

I know now that I have an S...Thanks guys.
I will be posting some pics up soon, I got a great deal on it. It only has 53,000 original miles(not 153,000) on it and it is damn near spotless, I suspect that it has been repainted though...oh well. It was a great find for the area I am in. I can say that I have the nicest one in town!(1st gen)
I am still awaiting the damn sunroof though, can't drive it cause it has rained for the last year.
Thanks Again
BRONCE

 

Not all GS models came with sunroofs.

 

Any tips on how I'd find the model of my 1985?

 

do you have drum brakes in the rear?

 

yes they had differnt wheels and im not sure what else

 

First, look at your VIN. If the number at the 8th position is the engine type number. If it's a "2", you have a GSL-SE, since "2" signifies a 13B engine and only the -SE cars came with them. If you have a "1" in that position, then you're left with S, GS, and GSL models.

If you have rear disc brakes, then you *may* have a GSL, assuming the rear end hasn't been swapped. With a GSL, you'd also have A/C, a sunroof and a premium sound system.

I'm not sure how to differentiate the GS and S models, although if you have electric windows, you probably don't have a S model. YMMV.

 

I have a 85 S model. I do not have the following....

Sunroof
Cruise Control
Premium Sound
Power Mirrors
Alloy Wheels
Hatch Release
Power Antenna
Light for Rear Compartment (located on rear hatch latch)
Power Windows
Rear Disk Brakes
Lighted Door Locks / Ignition Cylinder
Map Lights

I do however have AC. But that could be a fluke.

 

Nobody ever bothers to read through the FAQ, or the Archives... (*sigh*)

http://www.rx7.org/public/1st-gen.html

 

Ouch. I read the FAQ and followed the link to rotorhead.ca to get the VIN info. Do I get points for that?

 

I did ... after i posted