Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.3L 2-cyl (1986–1995), does 18 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.1L 2-cyl (1984–1985), 17: $126 a year apart.
Every Mazda RX-7 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3L 2-cyl | 15.2 / 22.4 | 1986–1995 | $2,133 | |
| 1.3L | 15 / 22 | 1986–1986 | $2,133 | |
| 1.1L 2-cyl | 15 / 20.5 | 1984–1985 | $2,259 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chevrolet Corvette gets 18 mpg and the Alfa Romeo Spider 22 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 1995 RX-7.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1995) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,677 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1995 Mazda RX-7 gives up 7 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 15 in the city, $815 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1995) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (47%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the RX-7 changed over the years
The RX-7 peaked in 1995 at 18 mpg (15 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1985 at 17 — 1 mpg apart, or $126 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1990 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1989 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1988 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1987 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1986 | 15 / 22 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 1985 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1984 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 13 EPA ratings of the Mazda RX-7 — 3 engines across 1984–1995. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,677. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1995 Mazda RX-7 get?
18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the RX-7 has averaged 17.8 mpg.
Is the 1995 RX-7 more efficient than the 1994?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which RX-7 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1995, at 18 mpg combined (15 city, 22 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the RX-7 get better gas mileage than the Chevrolet Corvette?
About the same: 18 mpg for the 1995 RX-7 against 18 for the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette.
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