Mazda

RX-2 (Capella Rotary)

1970-1978RWD

130 hp

0-100 in 9.5s

About the Mazda RX-2 (Capella Rotary)

The RX-2 is where Mazda's rotary programme became credible. Take the ordinary Capella saloon, fit the 12A twin-rotor engine, and you have a 1020 kg car that revs to 7000 rpm and beat far larger machinery in period touring car racing — including the Bathurst results that made the rotary famous in Australia.

HOW DOES IT SCORE?

Reliability50/100

Economy52/100

Insurance Cost42/100

Import Price72/100

Maintenance82/100

Practicality55/100

Parts Availability32/100

Maintenance & Reliability

Wrenching Headache Rating

8/10 · Heavy Wrenching

12A rotary in a vintage chassis — limited parts and rotary expertise needed.

Technical Specs

Engine

1.1L Twin-Rotor (12A)

Drivetrain

RWD

Horsepower

130 hp

Torque

157 Nm

Weight

1020 kg

0-100 km/t

9.5s

Production Years

1970-1978

Investment Grade

C+

MARKET ANALYSIS 📈

🇺🇸 USD

$25,490

🇪🇺 €23,385

📅 Last 12 months▲ +10%

📆 Last 5 years▲ +107%

Price history

$12,314

2021

$15,028

2022

$17,743

2023

$20,458

2024

$23,172

2025

$25,490

2026

C+

Investment Grade · Sensible

The Mazda RX-2 (Capella Rotary) (1970-1978) is a sensible buy rather than a speculative one: bulletproof reliability (50/10) that owners routinely daily-drive, low running costs (82/10 maintenance), and parts remain widely available (32/10) make the RWD package easy to live with. Values are up a healthy +10.0% year-on-year, and a rarity score of 51/100 means you can afford to wait for the right car, so patience usually beats urgency here. The upside is modest, but the cost of ownership is predictable and the driving experience is the real return.

Price estimates are based on market research and recent sales data. Values fluctuate based on condition, mileage, and market demand. Not financial advice.

Owner Reviews

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