924s(944) vs S4 RX7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U86M6VqNYOc

Was watching youtube videos and found an old Top Gear of the two cars.

Often I see base NA 944, 924s, and NA FC Rx7 go for around the same price range these days. Both seem to have a similar aftermarket aside from it seems you can do a lot more with improving the power of a NA RX7 more easily.

Is either one a better buy, for autox or track day, or are they virtually identical? Obviously certain design aspects aside like transaxle vs rotary.

I've run a Series 4 NA RX-7 at a couple of Auto-x's (in CSP) and I was chasing the tail of a 944. I only had about 6 autocrosses under my belt before the guy traded his 944 for a Miata, but I think with about a years worth of practice I could have had him (I was RIGHT on his tail).

That being said, I think the low torque nature of the rotary engine (imho) makes it a bit less desirable from a strictly "Autocross" standpoint, but it's also probably the exact reason I really LOVED my FC. It was seriously the most forgiving car I've ever driven. I had a set of Tokiko illuminas with Eibach springs and you'd swear the danged thing was on rails (225 series tires).

I say 7 > 944

-Bill

the nicest example for the money of either one.

Here's this incredibly anecdotal evidence:

At Lemons, we could pass nearly every 944 in Charlie, the lovable Amazon. We could not catch any of the RX7s unless something was seriously wrong.

I vote RX-7. I just wish I could get an RX-7 with a 944 interior...

In reply to clutchsmoke:

I'm not familiar with the 944, let alone it's interior, but I will say that my '88 Turbo II has a very nice grey leather interior that is apparently fairly rare in the RX-7.

clutchsmoke wrote: I vote RX-7. I just wish I could get an RX-7 with a 944 interior...

Why? The 944 interior is the only crappy part of the car.

Well, that and the truck engine.

tuna55 wrote: Here's this incredibly anecdotal evidence: At Lemons, we could pass nearly every 944 in Charlie, the lovable Amazon. We could not catch any of the RX7s unless something was seriously wrong.

Considering the ITS/Spec944's are routinely menaced by the Spec Miata's, I'd say that sounds about right. They just aren't that fast in a straight line. They can out-break nearly everyone else (if properly setup and with a good driver), but faster courses just aren't their strong suit.

Put a turbo on that truck motor or put in a V8 from a GM truck and things change.

The maintenance on the 2.5 8V is a bit of a pain compared to the rotary, the trade off is the greater chassis potential and possibly slightly better balance. The 16V motors make a difference, but expensive! The turbo motors have a lot of potential with the usual burning candles at both ends.

Bottom line, I'd pick based on which you prefer to drive/look at. Both have potential, whether powered by the stock power plants or via some pushrod monstrosity :)

RX7.

My college room mate had an early 944. I had an S4 rx7. My car trounced his in any manner of testing.

We always chose to take my car when we went somewhere.

Rob R.

rx7 parts are cheaper and more readily available, especially S4 engine parts. You can't give them away quick enough. Finding good S5 engine parts though requires patience.

also, both fit LS1s nicely