Dilemna - Miata or RX-7?

So I have a problem and I need the collective GRM advice. I currently own a 83 RX-7. It's a good car; runs great, handles well, and looks good (from 15 feet anyways). I even won my SCCA Region's Championship last year in my class (against 4 others). However, it is a carburetored rotary with 232K miles that's LOUD and kinda cold blooded.

I got my girlfriend into autocrossing last year and she wants to run the whole season with me (~20-25 events) plus I want to do more HPDE's. She likes Miatae and Porsches (hence I was looking for 944's). Here's the problem:

I found a Miata (90, flat black, needs a top) for $1000. I can get that much out of the RX-7 in parts and then use my remaining budget to paint the Miata, put tires and shocks on it, and we can race it all season. She doesn't want an ugly one but has already agreed to go look at it.

Should I join the masses and drive a Miata like everybody else at the autocross? Anybody want a RX-7?

I vote stick with the RX-7. At least it has character. But then I'm a little biased.

Miata's just work. You'll have that car and it won't break. There is a certain fun to just going out and running the wheels off it...

...and there is a certain boredom too If you like to tinker or show off your mechanical prowess you may want to keep the 7. Also, if you like to be a little different. You can create some excitement for yourself by turbo'ing it or mod'ing the suspension.

Why not go drive it and see what you think?

I've driven Miata's and I like them. I also like my 7 but it needs a bit of work (bodywork, paint, bushings, diff bearings, omp lines, etc). I have total car ADD so selling for something else doesn't bother me. It's just a question of should I go for a project one or wait a season and save my pennies for a nice one? That would require putting more money into the 7.

I would probably go with the Miata myself. That being said, I may be interested in the RX7 at the right price! Let me know if you decide to sell...

I had it on the GRM Classifieds last month for $1500. I'd still take that and I'd throw in all of the spares (which is a LOT of stuff!).

Personally I like RX-7s better, especially FBs and FDs.

Here's what I would do: If I were auto-xing for fun, I'd stick with I know and stick with the RX-7.

If I wanted to become more competitive, I'd get a 1.8L NA Miata.

Can you run a vert in your regions HPDE'S?

You guys are all missing the most important part.

P71 wrote: I got my girlfriend into autocrossing last year and she wants to run the whole season with me (~20-25 events) plus I want to do more HPDE's. She likes Miatae and Porsches (hence I was looking for 944's).

So, the Miata has SO approval, and tinkering time can be spent making the car more prettier.

The Miata is fun to drive.

So what if it's a popular car? Your girlfriend wants to autocross with you in one. Seems to me this makes it pretty much the correct choice.

So what if it's a popular car? Your girlfriend wants to autocross with you in one. Seems to me this makes it pretty much the correct choice.

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ignore my question.

I've gotta agree with Keith. If your girlfriend much prefers the Miata, that's the way to go. My bet is that you'll enjoy spending time with her with the car and watching her get enjoyment out of it, more so than any possible difference in your own enjoyment between the RX-7 and the Miata.

While the girlfriend prefers Miatas, does she hate the RX-7?

If she's OK with racing the 7, why not just fix what it needs, removing the OMP in the process? Nothing sexier than a woman who starts casually mentioning "pre-mixing" during normal conversations...

This keeps popping up, keep the 7 wait and get a miata?

I've had both. The Miata suspension and steering are vastly superior to your RX-7.

If the girl friend is valuable to you and she's really into it, I'd get the Miata just to make her happy. I'd also consider keeping the RX-7 if that's the car that makes you happy. Though after driving a Miata you may find yourself being a turn-coat. They are addictive. For a little more money, you can buy a much nicer Miata than the one you mentioned btw.

As mentioned above.....can you afford to keep both? If not or you just don't want to or need to then.......I have one of each and I think the Miata is a better autocrosser. Plus when the woman is happy you are happy.

It's funny. My wife loves my Miata as well and that is a BIG deal. I had an 89 Civic Si set up for ST when we got married (that she hated). I mentioned in passing one day that I'd like to get another Miata (had one years before) and she got all excited and said I should. Keep in mind she NEVER is for me swapping cars in general as she sees it as a hassle. I ended up buying a 93 for exactly what I sold the Civic for and all of a sudden, she wants to take it everywhere (road trips, church, everywhere) and I swear she is more laid back about me wrenching on it and keeping it even after we had a our kid. If you like both cars and one makes her happy, go for it! Happy wife (SO in your case), happy life!

Combine both cars... Miata with rotary = win.

I could afford to keep both, but I also already have the P71, the green AMC Hornet, a go-kart, and 2 scooters... plus her GP GT. Honestly something would have to go. I like my RX-7, but the Hornet is more than capable of filling in as the "annoy the neighbors" car once I drop the 401 in. She doesn't hate RX-7's, she just hates mine.

I would also like to be more competitive overall. I was close to FTD twice last season on some really tight tracks but I also missed two events due to breakage. Not to mention driving an hour and a half to Packwood at 6AM in a noisy rotary with no A/C or radio by myself while she rides with somebody else is starting to get old.

If you're good enough to get close to FTD with an RX-7, you'll be good enough to get close to FTD with a Miata.

I see you've put the RX-7 up for sale, so the decision has been made.

I just got asked by my local PCA to be an instructor! Maybe I am getting good...

Boxter!