CAn't decide!! 1st Gen SE vs Miata
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Media, PA
It looks like my post is the first one since a long time ago, but I didn't search for this thread, I was just browsing on the first couple of pages of active threads (I think). I don't know how it happened.
I went through the same decision.
Heres how I saw it.
Rx7 $1400
Header, exhaust, carb and port job, clutch. $2000
200 hp total cost+ 3400
Miata $5000
Header, exhaust, supercharger, intake, clutch $ 4500
total cost for 200 hp $9500
jsut the way I see it.
Heres how I saw it.
Rx7 $1400
Header, exhaust, carb and port job, clutch. $2000
200 hp total cost+ 3400
Miata $5000
Header, exhaust, supercharger, intake, clutch $ 4500
total cost for 200 hp $9500
jsut the way I see it.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
From: Fort Branch, Indiana
Re: CAn't decide!! 1st Gen SE vs Miata
Originally posted by pjr
Damn! I keep going back and forth, trying to decide between an 1984 GSL-SE (mint, 84K) or a 1994 Miata. I just can decide!
Here's the plus and minus list. By the way, I am not a mechanic, so repair will require a "trained professional." The car will get local, 3rd car type of mileage (probably 3K per year). Any thoughts?
RX-7
+ Great revving engine and great SE handling
+ Love the looks
+ Eligible for classic car shows, ins, and plates
+ Sunroof
+ Cool styling
- Maintanance on 18 year old car
- Local repair available for rotary and unique car
Miata
+ handles like a Go-cart on wheels
+ Drop the top!
+ Great styling
+ Track record for great reliability
- Noisy
- Tiny tiny tiny! Room for golf clubs?
- Higher initial cost
- More insurance cost
Damn! I keep going back and forth, trying to decide between an 1984 GSL-SE (mint, 84K) or a 1994 Miata. I just can decide!
Here's the plus and minus list. By the way, I am not a mechanic, so repair will require a "trained professional." The car will get local, 3rd car type of mileage (probably 3K per year). Any thoughts?
RX-7
+ Great revving engine and great SE handling
+ Love the looks
+ Eligible for classic car shows, ins, and plates
+ Sunroof
+ Cool styling
- Maintanance on 18 year old car
- Local repair available for rotary and unique car
Miata
+ handles like a Go-cart on wheels
+ Drop the top!
+ Great styling
+ Track record for great reliability
- Noisy
- Tiny tiny tiny! Room for golf clubs?
- Higher initial cost
- More insurance cost
Well, I started this thread a LONG time ago! Here's an update.
I went to get the RX. Had $3500 sitting in the glovebox of my car, just waiting to go pick it up. The guy was always "too busy" or "didn't get my messages" on his cell. I finally figured that he was screwing with me, so I told him to bite me. Not sure if he ever sold the car.
I've been dormant on my search, until last week. Ran across a 81 "S" with only $26,000 miles for about $4000 once it's shipped up north. I haven't decided whether or not to pull the trigger. VERY low miles
...but I'm still thinking Miata as a possibility. Can score a 94, 60K miles, for about $6000.
These would be weekend cars, summer use only. Tough choices!
I went to get the RX. Had $3500 sitting in the glovebox of my car, just waiting to go pick it up. The guy was always "too busy" or "didn't get my messages" on his cell. I finally figured that he was screwing with me, so I told him to bite me. Not sure if he ever sold the car.
I've been dormant on my search, until last week. Ran across a 81 "S" with only $26,000 miles for about $4000 once it's shipped up north. I haven't decided whether or not to pull the trigger. VERY low miles
...but I'm still thinking Miata as a possibility. Can score a 94, 60K miles, for about $6000.
These would be weekend cars, summer use only. Tough choices!
Last edited by pjr; Jul 3, 2002 at 10:34 PM.
Originally posted by pjr
Ran across a 81 "S" with only $26,000 miles for about $4000 once it's shipped up north. I haven't decided whether or not to pull the trigger. VERY low miles
...but I'm still thinking Miata as a possibility. Can score a 94, 60K miles, for about $6000.
Ran across a 81 "S" with only $26,000 miles for about $4000 once it's shipped up north. I haven't decided whether or not to pull the trigger. VERY low miles
...but I'm still thinking Miata as a possibility. Can score a 94, 60K miles, for about $6000.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Yeah I know I already replied last year or whenever...
--------------------------------------------------------
Pro Miata
1)Easy to find aftermarket parts from Turbos to Wheels
2)Parts are cheaper than Rx7 (Rotary vs Piston)
2)Similar styling of an FD
3)Newer no matter how you look at it which likely means better shape. Clean engine Bay
4)Far more tech write-ups/how to's available online.
5)ABS optional
--------------------------------------------------------
Con Miata
1)Hard to get horsepower from a miata without turbo
2)No trunk basically. Been burned too many times on that.
3)Commonly referred to as a "Girl's Car"
4)Not going to find a junkyard with a Miata
5)Difficult to get a decent sound system in.
--------------------------------------------------------
Pro Rx7 (GSL-SE)
1)Naustalgia
2)Feels like a quality car, not cheap.
3)Roomier
4)Better gearing for freeway/long trips with Comfort to boot
5)Junkyard is often available to save you money
6)200hp is not $5000 like it is in a Miata.
7)Cheaper to buy
--------------------------------------------------------
Con Rx7 (GSL-SE)
1)Smog is often an issue, moreso than a 1.8L miata
2)Stylish, but obviously an older design. The DS & PS window comes to mind. Car windows are all round now.
3)Most Engine Repairs cost more, even things you do yourself.
4)Learn to work on it, or go nuts trying to find someone who will, and will probably rip you off.
BTW, hold out for a GSL-SE if you go Rx7. There are far too many important things that are better that are not preference such as horsepower and drivetrain.
--------------------------------------------------------
Pro Miata
1)Easy to find aftermarket parts from Turbos to Wheels
2)Parts are cheaper than Rx7 (Rotary vs Piston)
2)Similar styling of an FD
3)Newer no matter how you look at it which likely means better shape. Clean engine Bay
4)Far more tech write-ups/how to's available online.
5)ABS optional
--------------------------------------------------------
Con Miata
1)Hard to get horsepower from a miata without turbo
2)No trunk basically. Been burned too many times on that.
3)Commonly referred to as a "Girl's Car"
4)Not going to find a junkyard with a Miata
5)Difficult to get a decent sound system in.
--------------------------------------------------------
Pro Rx7 (GSL-SE)
1)Naustalgia
2)Feels like a quality car, not cheap.
3)Roomier
4)Better gearing for freeway/long trips with Comfort to boot
5)Junkyard is often available to save you money
6)200hp is not $5000 like it is in a Miata.
7)Cheaper to buy
--------------------------------------------------------
Con Rx7 (GSL-SE)
1)Smog is often an issue, moreso than a 1.8L miata
2)Stylish, but obviously an older design. The DS & PS window comes to mind. Car windows are all round now.
3)Most Engine Repairs cost more, even things you do yourself.
4)Learn to work on it, or go nuts trying to find someone who will, and will probably rip you off.
BTW, hold out for a GSL-SE if you go Rx7. There are far too many important things that are better that are not preference such as horsepower and drivetrain.
Last edited by Jason Guthrie; Jul 4, 2002 at 04:10 PM.
i think the rx7 is more of a prestige, fun car to own. don't get me wrong but i wouldn't give up my 79 gs for a miata. however, stealing their steering for your rx7 is a good thing.
add to cart
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,181
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon, SK & Montreal, PQ
In Feb. I spun on a patch of black ice and struck a concrete barrier nose-first @110 kph with my GSL-SE. It was an offset collission that wrenched the front end of the car 4cm (about 1.5") - the front header was mashed underneath the hood and the tips of the fanblade were carved off as the whole rad was pushed up and in - but intact. I was able to put the car into reverse, point it down the highway, and drive another 1,300 km home without so much as spilling coolant.
A year earlier my cousin crashed his Miata. A similar offset frontal that not only totalled the car but broke both of his feet (he's 6'1")
He went out and bought an FD after falling in love with Mazda reliability but was sick of seeing another Miata at every stoplight - many the same white as his.
That should give you a few more things to consider when trying to choose between a dwindling marque with a loyal following or a popular car. Oh, and you may want to consider this, also - why does that older marque, in this case the ReX, have such a following?
A car should excite you every time you get in and turn the key. My GSL-SE hasn't let me down yet.
A year earlier my cousin crashed his Miata. A similar offset frontal that not only totalled the car but broke both of his feet (he's 6'1")
He went out and bought an FD after falling in love with Mazda reliability but was sick of seeing another Miata at every stoplight - many the same white as his.
That should give you a few more things to consider when trying to choose between a dwindling marque with a loyal following or a popular car. Oh, and you may want to consider this, also - why does that older marque, in this case the ReX, have such a following?
A car should excite you every time you get in and turn the key. My GSL-SE hasn't let me down yet.
