Rx7 vs Miata
10-23-19, 10:39 AM
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Rx7 vs Miata
I drove an Rx7 to work! my daily driver is a 1992 Miata, and there is such a big difference between the two cars, its worth a post.
The Cars: the Rx7 is a 1985 GS, Custom Silver Metallic over Off black, 118k miles, well maintained very original car. Miata is a 1992, Classic Red. its lowered, and has a Japanese market Nardi steering wheel, but otherwise stock
Things you notice: The Rx7 is so quiet and so smooth, its amazing. the Rx7 is just slightly bigger, and its more comfortable. You also notice the Rx7 steering, in addition to the on center play, you can just tell when you move the steering wheel there is just more stuff there.
Engines: we know the Rotary, its smooth, and with the stock exhaust, its very quiet. the Miata uses a 1.6L version of Mazda's B series engine, its rated at 116hp. compared to the rotary it feels agricultural, its loud, and its rough. as far as power goes, it feels very even, the piston has better throttle response, but the rotary has more midrange (3-5k). on paper the miata is lighter (2100lbs, with a full tank), and has more hp so it should be faster, in real life, its very even. the miata feels like its doing all it can, and the Rotary feels very relaxed. If i recall correctly, the Rx7 would actually put more HP to the ground, even stock. the Miata does get better fuel mileage, 32-34mpg.
Chassis/Suspension: i guess i've never had an Rx7 this nice and original, the Rx7 has a really nice combination of soft enough to be comfortable, but firm enough to be sporty. the miata feels frantic, and its too soft, but also harsh. the Rx7 feels more solidly put together, it feels like one. the Miata is kind of floppy.
in my normal drive, i don't get to really do anything close to handling, you do notice that the Rx7 has more weight on the ends of the car, the miata has the gas tank in front of the rear wheels, so the Miata wants to rotate more.
Controls: the Rx7 is more relaxed here, the steering wheel is bigger, the shifter is longer, etc, all the control efforts feel really balanced, but you're not really in a hurry. the Miata has a smaller wheel, shorter shifter, but it takes more effort.
one of the things they have in common is that all the other controls, like the wipers and turn signals are the same, so that is nice.
Reliability: no contest here, Rx7 wins hands down. i have the full service records for both cars, and in 118k and 32 years the Rx7 has basically had a clutch slave cylinder, a wheel cylinder, and a couple sets of brake pads, and probably 4 sets of tires. the Rx7 owner spent more on registration. the Miata, in 146k has had 4 tops, 4 sets of tires, two timing belts, two water pumps, a radiator, all of the cooling system hoses, a clutch, the o2 sensor, 5 brake calipers, a clutch slave (or three), a couple stereos, seat upholstery, the suspension bump stops, brake rotors (Rx7 is wearing its originals), the coolant temp sensor, and i'm probably leaving some stuff out.
Conclusion: For two cars that came from the same factory, and share layouts and a few parts (the Miata is a 323 engine/brakes with the rx7 hvac and transmission, basically), they are very very different. The Rx7 is a really nice place to be, especially on a freeway. its relaxed, quiet, smooth. The Miata is nicer on a smaller back road, and you can have the top down, and throw the thing around, if you're driving hard, it makes a good noise.
For me driving the Rx7 is great, i daily drove a series of them for more than 10 years, but that was a while ago now, its nice to feel like a kid again.
The Cars: the Rx7 is a 1985 GS, Custom Silver Metallic over Off black, 118k miles, well maintained very original car. Miata is a 1992, Classic Red. its lowered, and has a Japanese market Nardi steering wheel, but otherwise stock
Things you notice: The Rx7 is so quiet and so smooth, its amazing. the Rx7 is just slightly bigger, and its more comfortable. You also notice the Rx7 steering, in addition to the on center play, you can just tell when you move the steering wheel there is just more stuff there.
Engines: we know the Rotary, its smooth, and with the stock exhaust, its very quiet. the Miata uses a 1.6L version of Mazda's B series engine, its rated at 116hp. compared to the rotary it feels agricultural, its loud, and its rough. as far as power goes, it feels very even, the piston has better throttle response, but the rotary has more midrange (3-5k). on paper the miata is lighter (2100lbs, with a full tank), and has more hp so it should be faster, in real life, its very even. the miata feels like its doing all it can, and the Rotary feels very relaxed. If i recall correctly, the Rx7 would actually put more HP to the ground, even stock. the Miata does get better fuel mileage, 32-34mpg.
Chassis/Suspension: i guess i've never had an Rx7 this nice and original, the Rx7 has a really nice combination of soft enough to be comfortable, but firm enough to be sporty. the miata feels frantic, and its too soft, but also harsh. the Rx7 feels more solidly put together, it feels like one. the Miata is kind of floppy.
in my normal drive, i don't get to really do anything close to handling, you do notice that the Rx7 has more weight on the ends of the car, the miata has the gas tank in front of the rear wheels, so the Miata wants to rotate more.
Controls: the Rx7 is more relaxed here, the steering wheel is bigger, the shifter is longer, etc, all the control efforts feel really balanced, but you're not really in a hurry. the Miata has a smaller wheel, shorter shifter, but it takes more effort.
one of the things they have in common is that all the other controls, like the wipers and turn signals are the same, so that is nice.
Reliability: no contest here, Rx7 wins hands down. i have the full service records for both cars, and in 118k and 32 years the Rx7 has basically had a clutch slave cylinder, a wheel cylinder, and a couple sets of brake pads, and probably 4 sets of tires. the Rx7 owner spent more on registration. the Miata, in 146k has had 4 tops, 4 sets of tires, two timing belts, two water pumps, a radiator, all of the cooling system hoses, a clutch, the o2 sensor, 5 brake calipers, a clutch slave (or three), a couple stereos, seat upholstery, the suspension bump stops, brake rotors (Rx7 is wearing its originals), the coolant temp sensor, and i'm probably leaving some stuff out.
Conclusion: For two cars that came from the same factory, and share layouts and a few parts (the Miata is a 323 engine/brakes with the rx7 hvac and transmission, basically), they are very very different. The Rx7 is a really nice place to be, especially on a freeway. its relaxed, quiet, smooth. The Miata is nicer on a smaller back road, and you can have the top down, and throw the thing around, if you're driving hard, it makes a good noise.
For me driving the Rx7 is great, i daily drove a series of them for more than 10 years, but that was a while ago now, its nice to feel like a kid again.
The following 7 users liked this post by j9fd3s:
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10-24-19, 01:19 AM
#3
huh. I just assumed that the Miata would be tighter and more refined, tho if I follow your notes correctly you say this Miata has 140K on it? Maybe that makes it a poorer example to judge by? I have never driven a Miata, so I have no idea. And you write this piece with the suggestion this is someone else (??) RX, not yours. Not that that would affect your impressions.
Interesting regardless. Appreciate your taking the time to write about your experience.
Stu A
80GS
AZ
Interesting regardless. Appreciate your taking the time to write about your experience.
Stu A
80GS
AZ
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Alexie19 (03-20-23)
10-24-19, 04:21 AM
#4
84SE-EGI helpy-helperton
Yeah, interesting comparison; I've never driven a Miata and figured they were newer and probably more refined than our cars, but they still just look too small to me from the outside. Once you lower them and put some better wheels / tires under them, they just look like a deathtrap to me... (*I'm referring to the oldest List as, the new ones are a bit bigger).
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Alexie19 (03-20-23)
10-24-19, 08:41 AM
#5
Thank you for the detailed comparison. In the late 90's I was on the West coast rockin a 100k '85 GSL. Flew home to PA and Mom gave me her 25k '91 Miata for the week.
Your comparisons are pretty much what I remember. The Miata was a lot of fun flying down 35mph country roads with the top down, but was tiny and terrifying on the highway, with no mid-range acceleration. My "old" sportscar, as mom called it, loved long distance 80mph highway trips just as much as 2nd gear, redline mountain romps. The old RX was definately the better car.
Your comparisons are pretty much what I remember. The Miata was a lot of fun flying down 35mph country roads with the top down, but was tiny and terrifying on the highway, with no mid-range acceleration. My "old" sportscar, as mom called it, loved long distance 80mph highway trips just as much as 2nd gear, redline mountain romps. The old RX was definately the better car.
10-24-19, 09:49 AM
#6
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huh. I just assumed that the Miata would be tighter and more refined, tho if I follow your notes correctly you say this Miata has 140K on it? Maybe that makes it a poorer example to judge by? I have never driven a Miata, so I have no idea. And you write this piece with the suggestion this is someone else (??) RX, not yours. Not that that would affect your impressions.
Interesting regardless. Appreciate your taking the time to write about your experience.
Stu A
80GS
AZ
Interesting regardless. Appreciate your taking the time to write about your experience.
Stu A
80GS
AZ
it turned out to be a 1985 GS, that had been under a cover in a carport since 2004. the paint is bad, aside from that its really really nice, even the keyhole light works. anyways, i've started driving it for the first time a few weeks ago, and i really like it, they really got the Rx7 right.
the miata is really good too, but its just very very different
my 1st gen, is an ex race car with a P port in it, and so its rough around the edges!
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Alexie19 (03-20-23)
10-24-19, 10:46 AM
#7
acdelco d1906 Nkg 49034
The Japanese have always been good at copying things and making their version more reliable. The Miata is the Japanese expression of a cute little British open air Convertable roadster (triumph or an mg minus the wooden floorboards, dash and steering wheel, and the legendary british unreliability, the harsh ride, the slowness, the crash box transmission).
The rx-7 is an expression of a classic japanese sports car.
Remember the MG commercial where it links it to the British Spitfire and the Battle Over Britain? I wonder how that could have happened?
The rx-7 is an expression of a classic japanese sports car.
Remember the MG commercial where it links it to the British Spitfire and the Battle Over Britain? I wonder how that could have happened?
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10-24-19, 01:27 PM
#8
I went from a supercharged NB to an FC, then my current FD.
My Miata was so fun to drive. I'd take it out to Buttonwillow raceway, flog the **** out of it all weekend, then drive it home through the desert heat, park it, and drive it to work all next week.
That ain't happening in an FD. I'm checking gauges and fluids constantly, worrying about the desert heat. Water wetter, 3-pass, dual oil coolers, etc, all to cool it off and make the thing appear as reliable as the Miata was. After a track day in the RX-7, I check all fluids, look for any signs of leaks or weirdness, and basically go over the entire car.
The FD is quicker, but much more of a handful around the track and much more expensive to keep in prefect working order. Damn it looks good though. No comparison there, IMO. No Miata will ever come close in that dept.
For the record, I've seen an old lady in a stock Miata just SMOKING guys in STis and BRZs. She had the driver mod though, But lets not underestimate that little MX5. They're quick and easy to drive at the limit. .
My Miata was so fun to drive. I'd take it out to Buttonwillow raceway, flog the **** out of it all weekend, then drive it home through the desert heat, park it, and drive it to work all next week.
That ain't happening in an FD. I'm checking gauges and fluids constantly, worrying about the desert heat. Water wetter, 3-pass, dual oil coolers, etc, all to cool it off and make the thing appear as reliable as the Miata was. After a track day in the RX-7, I check all fluids, look for any signs of leaks or weirdness, and basically go over the entire car.
The FD is quicker, but much more of a handful around the track and much more expensive to keep in prefect working order. Damn it looks good though. No comparison there, IMO. No Miata will ever come close in that dept.
For the record, I've seen an old lady in a stock Miata just SMOKING guys in STis and BRZs. She had the driver mod though, But lets not underestimate that little MX5. They're quick and easy to drive at the limit. .
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mhr650 (05-14-21)
10-24-19, 03:08 PM
#9
acdelco d1906 Nkg 49034
wasn't the FD faster than the Ferarri of that time? Mazda won the '92 LeMans, only Japanese company to do so. Ferrari bitched so much that the rotary was banned!
10-24-19, 03:11 PM
#10
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10-24-19, 03:56 PM
#11
It was actually Mercedes that was the main competition at the time. But I do agree; it sure appeared that they changed the rules (upping the engine displacement limit) to make the Mazda obsolete.
Kinda weird that Mazda has abandoned quick cars altogether though. I hope that 3 TCR doesn't get watered down too much before we get to see them on the road. Did you know the Mazdaspeed Protege beat the Integra Type R as the quickest FWD car ever tested through the cones by Road & Track magazine? .
lol
Kinda weird that Mazda has abandoned quick cars altogether though. I hope that 3 TCR doesn't get watered down too much before we get to see them on the road. Did you know the Mazdaspeed Protege beat the Integra Type R as the quickest FWD car ever tested through the cones by Road & Track magazine? .
lol
Last edited by Natey; 10-24-19 at 03:59 PM.
10-25-19, 09:30 AM
#12
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Mazda won LeMans in 1991, and they were the first Japanese manufacturer to win LeMans, but Toyota "won" last year. Mazda is the only company to win without using a piston engine, which is neat, they have been running LeMans for close to 100years
10-25-19, 09:35 AM
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+1 expensive cars are usually slow, its expensive to crash them.
10-25-19, 10:21 AM
#14
I really like your comparison @j9fd3s. Thank you for that.
While I have limited experience with the 1st gen, I can say that my FC and my friends's NA Miata I've driven/tracked are worlds apart. Much like your notes on the 1st gen, my 2nd Gen is a nice place to be (the interior is very aesthetically pleasing and comfortable) and the NA Miata is very bare bones. Despite having coil overs that are likely too stiff (I think I'm getting too old for 9k spring rates) and a full blow peripheral port in it, the 2nd Gen drives nicely down the highway and is relatively quiet in the cabin. This is not the case with the Miata, but that's also the point of a Miata...to be a roadster. Mazda's intent with the 2nd Gen was to be relatively sporty, but comfortable. This is easily verified when compared to the 1st and 3rd Gens that were performance oriented.
On the track, I currently favor the Miata. However, this is due to the fact that my personal car is extremely hard to handle with the peripheral port and garbage tires. The Miata can be thrown into corners and you feel safe no matter what. My FC feels like it wants to kill me
Maybe some R-Compound tires will change my opinion though.
I will add that I did run an endurance race this year in a 1st gen and with track tires, it was an absolute blast. If I had to choose a 1st Gen over a Miata at the track, I'd take a properly prepped 1st gen (despite all the suspension advantages the Miata has).
While I have limited experience with the 1st gen, I can say that my FC and my friends's NA Miata I've driven/tracked are worlds apart. Much like your notes on the 1st gen, my 2nd Gen is a nice place to be (the interior is very aesthetically pleasing and comfortable) and the NA Miata is very bare bones. Despite having coil overs that are likely too stiff (I think I'm getting too old for 9k spring rates) and a full blow peripheral port in it, the 2nd Gen drives nicely down the highway and is relatively quiet in the cabin. This is not the case with the Miata, but that's also the point of a Miata...to be a roadster. Mazda's intent with the 2nd Gen was to be relatively sporty, but comfortable. This is easily verified when compared to the 1st and 3rd Gens that were performance oriented.
On the track, I currently favor the Miata. However, this is due to the fact that my personal car is extremely hard to handle with the peripheral port and garbage tires. The Miata can be thrown into corners and you feel safe no matter what. My FC feels like it wants to kill me
Maybe some R-Compound tires will change my opinion though.I will add that I did run an endurance race this year in a 1st gen and with track tires, it was an absolute blast. If I had to choose a 1st Gen over a Miata at the track, I'd take a properly prepped 1st gen (despite all the suspension advantages the Miata has).
Last edited by djSL; 10-25-19 at 10:25 AM.
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Rx7fb spirit r (05-05-21)
10-25-19, 12:06 PM
#15
acdelco d1906 Nkg 49034
I was recalling the book "go like hell". It was about the Ford Ferrari battles. Great book. "Ford vs Ferrari" is coming the theatres nov 14 , 2019
I test drove a Miata. I thought it rode rough and was slow. Got back into my +30 y o FB, it felt so comfortable. Wonder how much of that was owner's bias? I just installed a rebuilt engine.
I test drove a Miata. I thought it rode rough and was slow. Got back into my +30 y o FB, it felt so comfortable. Wonder how much of that was owner's bias? I just installed a rebuilt engine.
Last edited by midnight mechanic; 10-25-19 at 05:45 PM.
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Rx7fb spirit r (05-05-21)
10-25-19, 02:08 PM
#16
Excellent summary J9 of what basically comes down to Wankel vs Piston.
I don't have a Miata to compare my FB RX-7's to but I do have a 2002 Mazda Protege5, the one with the 2L engine and 16" wheels and the sport suspension package, bought new and 200,000+ trouble free miles.
And everything J9 reports for the Miata vs FB comparison holds for the FB vs MP5 comparison.
Both are nice, the MP5 is clunky but responsive, the FB is smooth and tight.
My conclusion: FB for the win, pure driving pleasure.
I give credit to the Wankel engine and the corresponding excellence the 1st gen RX-7 chassis and suspension.
I don't have a Miata to compare my FB RX-7's to but I do have a 2002 Mazda Protege5, the one with the 2L engine and 16" wheels and the sport suspension package, bought new and 200,000+ trouble free miles.
And everything J9 reports for the Miata vs FB comparison holds for the FB vs MP5 comparison.
Both are nice, the MP5 is clunky but responsive, the FB is smooth and tight.
My conclusion: FB for the win, pure driving pleasure.
I give credit to the Wankel engine and the corresponding excellence the 1st gen RX-7 chassis and suspension.
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Rx7fb spirit r (05-05-21)
10-25-19, 02:23 PM
#17
spoon!
I'm not going to get into the politics of the LeMans rule changes after the '91 Mazda win, suffice to say that it killed every proven car combination that was running in '91 or earlier - Mazda, Jaguar, Mercedes, Nissan, Porsches, etc. All of them got obsoleted. Mazda did some clever development and lobbying that got them a shot to win in '91, and then got lucky enough to do so, as does any other team that wins that race.
10-25-19, 07:31 PM
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Excellent summary J9 of what basically comes down to Wankel vs Piston.
I don't have a Miata to compare my FB RX-7's to but I do have a 2002 Mazda Protege5, the one with the 2L engine and 16" wheels and the sport suspension package, bought new and 200,000+ trouble free miles.
And everything J9 reports for the Miata vs FB comparison holds for the FB vs MP5 comparison.
Both are nice, the MP5 is clunky but responsive, the FB is smooth and tight.
My conclusion: FB for the win, pure driving pleasure.
I give credit to the Wankel engine and the corresponding excellence the 1st gen RX-7 chassis and suspension.
I don't have a Miata to compare my FB RX-7's to but I do have a 2002 Mazda Protege5, the one with the 2L engine and 16" wheels and the sport suspension package, bought new and 200,000+ trouble free miles.
And everything J9 reports for the Miata vs FB comparison holds for the FB vs MP5 comparison.
Both are nice, the MP5 is clunky but responsive, the FB is smooth and tight.
My conclusion: FB for the win, pure driving pleasure.
I give credit to the Wankel engine and the corresponding excellence the 1st gen RX-7 chassis and suspension.
10-25-19, 07:49 PM
#19
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I really like your comparison @j9fd3s. Thank you for that.
While I have limited experience with the 1st gen, I can say that my FC and my friends's NA Miata I've driven/tracked are worlds apart. Much like your notes on the 1st gen, my 2nd Gen is a nice place to be (the interior is very aesthetically pleasing and comfortable) and the NA Miata is very bare bones. Despite having coil overs that are likely too stiff (I think I'm getting too old for 9k spring rates) and a full blow peripheral port in it, the 2nd Gen drives nicely down the highway and is relatively quiet in the cabin. This is not the case with the Miata, but that's also the point of a Miata...to be a roadster. Mazda's intent with the 2nd Gen was to be relatively sporty, but comfortable. This is easily verified when compared to the 1st and 3rd Gens that were performance oriented.
On the track, I currently favor the Miata. However, this is due to the fact that my personal car is extremely hard to handle with the peripheral port and garbage tires. The Miata can be thrown into corners and you feel safe no matter what. My FC feels like it wants to kill me Maybe some R-Compound tires will change my opinion though.
I will add that I did run an endurance race this year in a 1st gen and with track tires, it was an absolute blast. If I had to choose a 1st Gen over a Miata at the track, I'd take a properly prepped 1st gen (despite all the suspension advantages the Miata has).
While I have limited experience with the 1st gen, I can say that my FC and my friends's NA Miata I've driven/tracked are worlds apart. Much like your notes on the 1st gen, my 2nd Gen is a nice place to be (the interior is very aesthetically pleasing and comfortable) and the NA Miata is very bare bones. Despite having coil overs that are likely too stiff (I think I'm getting too old for 9k spring rates) and a full blow peripheral port in it, the 2nd Gen drives nicely down the highway and is relatively quiet in the cabin. This is not the case with the Miata, but that's also the point of a Miata...to be a roadster. Mazda's intent with the 2nd Gen was to be relatively sporty, but comfortable. This is easily verified when compared to the 1st and 3rd Gens that were performance oriented.
On the track, I currently favor the Miata. However, this is due to the fact that my personal car is extremely hard to handle with the peripheral port and garbage tires. The Miata can be thrown into corners and you feel safe no matter what. My FC feels like it wants to kill me
Maybe some R-Compound tires will change my opinion though.I will add that I did run an endurance race this year in a 1st gen and with track tires, it was an absolute blast. If I had to choose a 1st Gen over a Miata at the track, I'd take a properly prepped 1st gen (despite all the suspension advantages the Miata has).
despite that, since they announced that the 1st gen is getting a 40th anniversary party at sevenstock, i am for sure taking a 1st gen, and i will try to dig up the P port!
10-25-19, 07:51 PM
#20
The MP5 4 banger is no power house, for sure.
Housewifes in minivans leave me at the stoplights.
But the thing handles like my LE, a lot of fun to drive, pure Mazda DNA.
And with the hatchback and roof rack it hauls like a pick up truck.
You wouldn't believe the stuff that's been on the roof.
The best thing is it's a Mazda.
Maintenance only for 17 years, no recalls, still drives like when I bought it new back in '02.
Still, give me my 83 LE for the daily 110 mile commute into Atlanta.
And those Miata's, those are Barbie cars, aren't they?
Housewifes in minivans leave me at the stoplights.
But the thing handles like my LE, a lot of fun to drive, pure Mazda DNA.
And with the hatchback and roof rack it hauls like a pick up truck.
You wouldn't believe the stuff that's been on the roof.
The best thing is it's a Mazda.
Maintenance only for 17 years, no recalls, still drives like when I bought it new back in '02.
Still, give me my 83 LE for the daily 110 mile commute into Atlanta.
And those Miata's, those are Barbie cars, aren't they?
Last edited by ray green; 10-25-19 at 07:55 PM.
10-25-19, 08:14 PM
#21
My wife had an NB miata for a few years. 100% stock; we put new tires on it when we bought it. 140k-180k never had to open the hood except to change the oil (we did the timing belt/wp when we bought it).
Fun but slow as a herd of turtles.
Reliable as the tides, but slow as a herd of turtles.
Noisy on the interstate, but slow as a herd of turtles.
Handled almost as well as my RX7, but slow as a herd of turtles.
At that same time I got my red RX7 (not really a fair comparison)
I got it with pieces of turbos and pieces of engines and a rusty gas tank. Spent a couple of years sorting everything out; ie tires, engine, turbo tuning yada yada yada. And then spent every year since 2015 doing engine rebuild after trany rebuild after clutch replacement and oodles of other fixings.
All and all the RX7 is the same as the miata but faster and less reliable. (the better handling of the RX7 can be attested to the racing slicks I daily drive on)
I wouldn't suggest a Miata to anyone who isn't a beginner driver (It was my wife's first car). Great car to learn on, but its just to underpowered. Even an NA RX7 seems to be faster. Maybe boost the Miata??? but that might destroy the reliability thing??? Or LS swap but then it wouldn't be fun and small???
Fun but slow as a herd of turtles.
Reliable as the tides, but slow as a herd of turtles.
Noisy on the interstate, but slow as a herd of turtles.
Handled almost as well as my RX7, but slow as a herd of turtles.
At that same time I got my red RX7 (not really a fair comparison)
I got it with pieces of turbos and pieces of engines and a rusty gas tank. Spent a couple of years sorting everything out; ie tires, engine, turbo tuning yada yada yada. And then spent every year since 2015 doing engine rebuild after trany rebuild after clutch replacement and oodles of other fixings.
All and all the RX7 is the same as the miata but faster and less reliable. (the better handling of the RX7 can be attested to the racing slicks I daily drive on)
I wouldn't suggest a Miata to anyone who isn't a beginner driver (It was my wife's first car). Great car to learn on, but its just to underpowered. Even an NA RX7 seems to be faster. Maybe boost the Miata??? but that might destroy the reliability thing??? Or LS swap but then it wouldn't be fun and small???
10-26-19, 05:57 AM
#23
To muddy the waters a little bit, I typically daily drive an 01 MR2 Spyder. Similar to the Miata in many ways. I have driven SA's, FB's, and FC's as daily drivers and by far my favorite to drive are the 1st gens. I have logged more miles in them than any other gen and they are excellent cars overall. Very quiet and smooth and extremely reliable if they are maintained properly. Just comfortable cars to cruise in or take 2 hour or so trips in. Absolutely love the SA snd FB!
Comparing to the Spyder that I typically daily drive, the 7 feel like more of a solid car. Interior quality is about equal. The noise level in the MR2 is pretty awful with the top up. There's no way around this and the fact that at 80mph the engine is at 4100 rpm. Which in a rotary is smooth and care free, but in the Spyder, it's just buzzy and you can tell the engine is working. The MR2 is quick and accelerated very well given the fact that it only has a 1.8L. The manual transmission helps the acceleration, but it doesnt like to be shifted very quickly into 2nd gear. Overall, the gas mileage is excellent for the performance you get and the steering response is extraordinary and it honestly feels like you're driving a go-kart. A very enjoyable driving experience, but at the end of the day, I still prefer a 1st gen.
Comparing to the Spyder that I typically daily drive, the 7 feel like more of a solid car. Interior quality is about equal. The noise level in the MR2 is pretty awful with the top up. There's no way around this and the fact that at 80mph the engine is at 4100 rpm. Which in a rotary is smooth and care free, but in the Spyder, it's just buzzy and you can tell the engine is working. The MR2 is quick and accelerated very well given the fact that it only has a 1.8L. The manual transmission helps the acceleration, but it doesnt like to be shifted very quickly into 2nd gear. Overall, the gas mileage is excellent for the performance you get and the steering response is extraordinary and it honestly feels like you're driving a go-kart. A very enjoyable driving experience, but at the end of the day, I still prefer a 1st gen.
Last edited by mazdaverx713b; 10-26-19 at 05:59 AM.
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Rx7fb spirit r (05-05-21)
10-26-19, 10:38 AM
#24
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Comparing to the Spyder that I typically daily drive, the 7 feel like more of a solid car. Interior quality is about equal. The noise level in the MR2 is pretty awful with the top up. There's no way around this and the fact that at 80mph the engine is at 4100 rpm. Which in a rotary is smooth and care free, but in the Spyder, it's just buzzy and you can tell the engine is working. The MR2 is quick and accelerated very well given the fact that it only has a 1.8L. The manual transmission helps the acceleration, but it doesnt like to be shifted very quickly into 2nd gear. Overall, the gas mileage is excellent for the performance you get and the steering response is extraordinary and it honestly feels like you're driving a go-kart. A very enjoyable driving experience, but at the end of the day, I still prefer a 1st gen.
10-26-19, 10:47 AM
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if you go the next step and put on slicks, the miata starts being really fast. the Rx7 doesn't catch up again until you prep it like the competition book!