I was just on my local CL and found both of these cars (tho to be honest, I found something else that may be an even better "idea" for me) and wanted to hear the "pros and cons" of these two.
Keep in mind, I stand 6 foot 4 and weigh 230lbs so the ability to fit inside these cars needs to be taken into account.
As a "side note" what wheels from other cars would fit on this vintage MR2? The car currently has "steelies" with Wal-Mart cheapo wheelcovers.
I believe they are 4x100. I would get the Mr2 ALL DAY LONG!
For cost of maintenance, reliability, and performance I'd take the MR2.
I'd say, based on your size, the RX7 would be a better fit. At 5'11 1/2" 
without a helmet I barely fit in a T top MR2 with stock seats, a hardtop is a better fit near the door if I am not wearing a helmet. Skid lid = no way. Which is a shame because I really like Mister Twos. 
With a low mounted race seat I'd probably fit OK, maybe I need to look into that. MR2's are 4x100 mm so the wheel possibilities are endless.
The RX7 vert is sorta porky but a T2 swap is easy, everything from the coupes is pretty much a bolt on. That one should already have the good brakes and 5x114.3 mm bolt circle. The LS1 swap is easy too, in fact I know where a completed running professionally swapped LS1 5 speed convertible can be had. All it needs is paint, it even has the BBS wheels.
The MR2 is yellow, and I love yellow cars, the 7 is white and has been on Craigs for a few MONTHS (the price started near $4k before the first of the year). The 7 has what looks like "plus 1" wheels/tires with the wheels being a sort of "BBS lookalike".
I always liked the looks and promise of handling and build quality in the RX-7 conv, and you'd have a lot more space for luggage and such with the trunk and rear cabin area to throw things. And then after an LSx swap you'd have good gas mileage and performance! I'd take Curmudgeon up on his offer double quick.
Curmudgeon, the 7 I saw on CL has 158K on the "clock". How many miles on the body/chassis of the one where you are at? Would it be for sale in the "ballpark" of $3K?
For a guy of your size, I would try on each car first. Both are small, though the MR2 much more so and the RX-7 only with the top up. RX-7 verts came stock from the factory with BBS mesh wheels (actual BBSs, not look-alikes).
If you want something light, lithe, and sips gas, but maybe without the same power/engine swap potential, go with the MR2.
If you don't mind something that's heavy and slow at first but with lots of easy engine swap options (turbo rotary, V-8, etc.), go with the RX-7. A hardtop coupe would be a better option for someone your size or if you're looking for a hardcore FC because you will have more headroom, plus they're lighter and typically have fewer options than the verts and sunroof-equipped models.
I believe I read once, years ago, that the 2nd gen RX-7 vert was so strapped with body stiffening that it was more cruiser than sports car, occupying a different category than the hard top.
I think I'd go MR2 in this situation.
vert versions of cars that are supposed to be coupes are against my religion, so I'd have to go with senor dos
fc's are cool but I wouldn't buy one unless it was a coupe
and mr2s are cool. period. aw11's are such cool little spaceship things, and the 4age is a neat little powerplant
and its a toyota, not a rotary mazda, so it'll last for ever
At 6'1" w/ a 32" inseam and 210lbs, I fit into my '88 MR2 w/ T-tops. It was tight and it was important that I switched out the factory 14.5" steering wheel for a 13.5" Grant wheel (13" was too small.) That really opened up some leg/knee room.
I loved my MR2 and had it for 4 years.
jrw1621:
I wear a pair of Levi's with a 36 Inseam and have size 15 shoes, it sounds like the smaller steering wheel would be a must if I went with the MR2.
"...vert versions of cars that are supposed to be coupes..."
I don't know of many 'verts that were designed from their inception to be 'verts...except for the Cayman. I suppose there could be others.
There once was a small 'vert, designed to be a 'vert only. I think it is still sold today but your 15" shoe may not fit. I hear they are popular.
jrw1621...
yeah, I'm starting to think of a few, too. My brain must have been napping.
Oh, wait, I was thinking of convertibles, NOT roadsters. Corvette, a roadster. Camaro, a convertible.
Curmudgeon wrote: The LS1 swap is easy too, in fact I know where a completed running professionally swapped LS1 5 speed convertible can be had. All it needs is paint, it even has the BBS wheels.
Tell me more...
I can't tell you much about the height part, as I'm only 5'9". But having owned a few MK1 MR2s, I'd give it the nod hands down as long as you can fit. They're not super fast in stock form, but they feel like an oversized go cart. Plus you'll get great gas mileage and reliability to boot.
As always with these older cars, check for rust.
I'd vote for the 88 RX-7, but I may be biased. In my experience, everything on the Mazda holds up very nicely. I've wanted a 'vert for a long time, and if I ever get one, it's getting a T2 driveline.
I also prefer tbe RX7 I have owned a 1st gen MR2 and found it very snug inside, I am just 5'11" and weight varies but not slim for years.
integraguy wrote: Curmudgeon, the 7 I saw on CL has 158K on the "clock". How many miles on the body/chassis of the one where you are at? Would it be for sale in the "ballpark" of $3K?
No, the one I'm thinking of is going for a good bit more. I have seen this car myself, it is VERY nicely done. Not mine, no affiliation other than a friend, etc.
http://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/2838318175.html
if you get the RX7 you will either learn to rebuild a rotary or you will get to know someone how can rebuild a rotary, if you get the mr2 you might be uncorfortable but odds of having to remove the engine are substantially less
CM's Andy Reid is north of 6 foot and fit inside my AW11 quite well, but I doubt he's 230lbs
have you considdered a Z31 (84-89 300ZX)? more spacious than the MR2, more dependable than the RX7, and if oyu get the turbo, decent power and potential for a lot more
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