Magic spinning triangles...1st gen RX-7 vs 2nd gen RX-7 turbo vs RX-8 which is your favorite?

In reply to Mazdax605:

It's not getting it in Quebec that's hard, it's getting it registered. The problem is that it would need an inspection, and that's the problem. The rules are vague at best, so you are at the mercy of the guy doing the inspection, and if he likes you or not. You can sail through pretty harmlessly, or be doomed to make the car better than when it left the factory. And since there are plenty of 1st gen for sale locally (10 right now) it's just not worth it.

Also...Bruins sticker...might as well walk around with a "I'm a child molester" t-shirt, and I'd get less hate.

Stock for stock, I'll take (another) series 1 RX-7. I firmly believe that the '80 model year was the pinnacle of RX-7 production and it all went downhill from there, more weight, less conencted handling, more boulevard-cruiserness, etc.

I believe the '90 Miata was the best Miata, too.

Not-stock... still 1st-gen, but this time a series 2/3 model, mainly so as to not molest a series 1.

fanfoy wrote: In reply to Mazdax605: Also...Bruins sticker...might as well walk around with a "I'm a child molester" t-shirt, and I'd get less hate.

I lol'd!!!

dean1484 wrote: Isn't the answer really an early Miata with a 13b in it?

I cant figure out if we can embed youtube vids directly.

92 miata w/13b

That's a tough question.

The FB Rx-7 was a great car for the time, but most of them are just OLD. As was stated before, parts are no longer available to the point that IT racing is letting people put the RX-8 engines into them. They had a solid rear axle, too. When I bought my first rotary car years ago, the FC was just a better car to drive.

My turbo FC (it's last engine is in my avatar) was fast, made glorious noises and was a lot of fun. It wasn't stock, and I had put a lot of time and effort into doing it correctly. I had just as much fun on regular octane in a mildly ported non-turbo car with a good suspension setup that was an order of magnitude more reliable than the turbo car. It weighed less, got close to the stock power of the turbo (which was 180 HP) and was fun to drag up to the redline over and over. The simple fact for me was that I simply could not drive the turbo car at 8/10 safely on the roads, but the N/A car was like a Miata in that regard. If I could find a 1987 Sport Package car (5 lug, duckbill spoiler on the back) with no rust in good cosmetic and mechanical condition, I'd choose that over another turbo car in a second.

I got out of a turbo FC RX-7 and into an RX-8 due to the lack of rear seats. The kids like to ride in the "fun" car, too. The chassis is every bit as good as everybody says it is, and the character of the engine is more like a non-turbo FC than a turbo, in that you keep the engine boiling near redline in order to keep the fun flowing. I bought mine for 5k, swapped a newer engine into it and it is now for sale because I really, really should have bought a 2009 or later RX-8. They had the bugs worked out on those, and it is overall just a better car. I would not buy a $4-5k RX-8 again.

1kris06 wrote:

dean1484 wrote: Isn't the answer really an early Miata with a 13b in it?

I cant figure out if we can embed youtube vids directly. 92 miata w/13b

Don't let Evan see this video.

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

1kris06 wrote: a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8ORe0bkSTw">92 miata w/13b

It sounds great, but the video was ruined because I got angry with that driver's braking points.

All good cars with different personalities. 1st gen feels and looks a bit vintage. 2nd gen is a better driving car, great driver controls, more power, more refined, easy to live with. RX8 is a great modern car and an even better driving car and easier to live with since it is fairly new. Probably less small things wrong with an RX8 too - like bushings, interior pieces etc.

I went from a TII with ~300hp to an RX-8. The RX-8 is the better sports car and the better overall car. The car's handling finesse is for me what sets it apart.

I have to laugh at the reliability comments. None of these are the cars to own for reliability, they're all going to be a crap shoot. A fresh 12A FB might be a bit better engine wise, but how many of those are still around? In terms of small and medium sized problems the RX-8 is going to be much better because it's not an antique and modern cars are built to a different standard.

my favorite is the 1st gen (based purely on looks).

I have not owned any of them, so no driving, maintaining exp. I did own an FB that was an ex challenge car, it had an sbc and powerglide trans. It was a hell of a screamer up to its gear-limited top speed of about 98 mph. but I dont think that counts, nor would I really recommend owning it (I don't anymore).

Knurled wrote:

1kris06 wrote:

dean1484 wrote: Isn't the answer really an early Miata with a 13b in it?

I cant figure out if we can embed youtube vids directly. 92 miata w/13b

Don't let Evan see this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVWWHbqpDWo

No worries, I'm back to searching for an Opel or Chevette.

I vote GSL-SE. Fuel injection (even if very early), better steering ratio than the 12A cars. 13B parts are still pretty readily available. Better trim level inside. Limited slip differential, 4x4.5 wheel bolt pattern more common for ease of going aftermarket, 4 wheel disc brakes, etc.

The 12A cars are fun, if you go this way see if you can find a GSL. Limited slip, 4 wheel disc brakes. It has the slower steering box though and the 4x110 bolt pattern that limits wheel choice. If a 12A pukes it can be swapped with a 13B reasonably easily. Have to come up with the correct oil pan, exhaust manifold or header, then convert to carb. The info and parts are out there, it's just a little more involved than swapping a later 13B into a GSL-SE.

2nd gens are fun but honestly on the porky side for my taste. Having said that, a nice TII is a lotta fun. That motor is also a reasonably easy swap into a GSL-SE.

RX8's are cool and all but I just like the small light early cars better. YMMV.

I think if you're looking for the rotary "experience" that N/A is the way to go. Turboing them takes away some of the power delivery that makes them feel special.

I still vote FC, because it doesn't have a steering box, has independent rear suspension, a healthy aftermarket and they're at the bottom of their depreciation curve while the nice FBs are starting to appreciate.

The only difference in FB steering ratio is PS vs non PS, 1.15/1:20

FB is my choice because OP did not suggest RX2/3/4/5

I love my GSL 84, but it has gone through some changes since I picked it up for $250

My brother tracked an RX-3. Between the insanely hot and loud exhaust, and the lower(ing) sound limits at tracks, I'd go with a turbo in the early car. May as well get something out of all that heat and noise instead of having to muffle it to death.

Now if this is a street-only car, then ignore the above...

I agree with some others, I wouldn't buy a $4k RX-8 or a first gen RX-7.

oh just put a v8 in it...

DaveEstey wrote: I think if you're looking for the rotary "experience" that N/A is the way to go. Turboing them takes away some of the power delivery that makes them feel special.

Truly, I do not understand this comment. I have driven n/a FC's, and the RX-8, and the power delivery is undeniably smooth but relatively sedate. My TII, while not stock, removes the "sedate" from the power delivery equation. When I mat the go pedal over 4k RPM, it feels very "special" to me. Please elaborate!

DaveEstey wrote: I think if you're looking for the rotary "experience" that N/A is the way to go. Turboing them takes away some of the power delivery that makes them feel special. I still vote FC, because it doesn't have a steering box, has independent rear suspension, a healthy aftermarket and they're at the bottom of their depreciation curve while the nice FBs are starting to appreciate.

Dave I agree completely. The NA rotary has a unique feel almost liner. It is unique and why the NA versions of these cars were so popular. The turbo adds craziness to the upper RPMs. It is different. Not bad but a different experience from the original NA FB and FC driving experience. I liked the FC because with the twin turbo's (and when they are running correctly) you get that same linear feeling as an NA all be it more of it.

For $3500 it can be yours. I am wondering why the rotors are red/orange? Weird.

http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/4715475884.html

There are several others in the 4k range I did not know these were getting this cheep.

1) Rx8, best engine performance and chassis/suspension. Konis readily available 2) FC Rx7 2nd Gen TII, good chassis, easier to work on than Rx8. Hard to get decent shocks. 3) FB Rx7, worst suspension, worst steering (steering box/links and insufficient ackerman, least power.

dean1484 wrote: For $3500 it can be yours. I am wondering why the rotors are red/orange? Weird. http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/4715475884.html There are several others in the 4k range I did not know these were getting this cheep.

Cuz the dumby didn't mask things off when he painted his calipers.

I loved my FB. Got tired of fixing a 30 year old car, but I still wish I had it. I think an injected version would be the way to go. I currently have an RX8 and am very pleased. To echo others though, cheap ones are cheap for a reason.