Mazda 929 RX-4 Second Generation 

Also called	Mazda 929 Mazda RX-4
Production	1972 – 1977
Body style	2-door coupé 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Engine	1.2 L 12A Wankel 1.3 L 13B Wankel 1.8 L VC I4 2.0 L F/MA I4
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,510 mm (99 in) sedan
Length	4,240 mm (167 in) sedan
Width	1,660 mm (65 in) sedan
Height	1,410 mm (56 in) sedan
Curb weight	1,060 kg (2,337 lb) sedan

The 1972 rotary Luce was also known as the Mazda RX-4 in export markets. It was available as a coupé, sedan, and "custom" (station wagon). Two rotary engines were offered, the regular 12A and low-emission AP 13B.

Engines:

• 1973–1976 1.8 L (1,769 cc) 1800 I4, 2-barrel, 83 hp (61 kW)/101 lb·ft (137 N·m)
• 1975–1976 2.0 L (1,970 cc) F/MA I4, 2-barrel, 103 hp (76 kW)/123 lb·ft (167 N·m)
• 1972–1976 13B (1,308 cc), 127 hp (93 kW)/138 lb·ft (188 N·m)

RX-4

The Mazda RX-4 (called the Luce Rotary in Japan) is an automobile sold in the 1970s. It was a larger car than its rotary-powered contemporaries, the Capella-based RX-2 and Grand Familia-based RX-3. It shared the Luce chassis, replacing the R130 in October 1972, and was produced through October 1977. Its predecessor (the R130) and replacement (the rotary Luce Legato) were not sold in the United States. Mazda marketed the RX-4 as being sporty and luxurious with the RX-4 having the best of both worlds. This gave Mazda a well needed boost in the popularity of the Wankel engine unique to Mazda.

The RX-4 was initially available as a hardtop coupé and sedan, with a station wagon launched in 1973 to replace the Savanna Wagon. Under the hood at first was a 130 hp (97 kW) 12A engine, but this was replaced by the larger 13B in 1974 producing 125 hp (93 kW), for export. This engine was Mazda's new "AP" (for "anti-pollution") version, with much-improved emissions and fuel economy, but somewhat worse cold-starting behavior.

In South Africa it was produced until 1979, all years only with the 12A engine.

The car used an strut-type independent suspension in front with a live axle in the rear. Brakes were discs in front and drums in the rear. Curb weight was low at 2,620 lb (1,188 kg) and the wheelbase fairly short at 99 in (2510 mm). The body was freshened in 1976.

United States RX-4

For the United States market, the RX-4 was sold from 1974 through 1978, when the RX-7 debuted. The 13B produced 110 hp (82 kW) and 117 lb·ft (159 N·m) in United States emissions form. Base pricing was $4295, with the automatic transmission ($270) and air conditioning ($395) the only expensive options.

Road & Track magazine was impressed, noting the car's improved fuel economy and price compared to the RX-3. This was notable, as the Wankel engine had suffered by the mid 1970s with a reputation as a gas-guzzler. Performance was good in a 1974 comparison test of six wagons, with an 11.7 s sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) and an 18 s/77.5 mph quarter-mile. The magazine noted that the wagon's brakes suffered from the extra 300 lb (136 kg) weight compared to the coupé.

The RX-4 was on Road & Track magazine's Ten Best list for "Best Sports Sedan, $3500-6500" in 1975.