they arn't the same model at all and did anyone else see the article in motor trend there is going to be a new rx-7 mazdas already making it. changes will be 2 seater like 3 inch shorter wheelbase couple hundred pounds lighter revised suspension settings and parts and wheels. They also said there would be 2 engine options the same one that is in the rx-8 and a new twin turbochraged one that they say will put out at least 300hp. now hopefully this car will make it to america but we will never know it is claimed to be a 2005-2006 model