purple82

Just a little story about how great I feel these cars are that I thought I'd share. I apologize ahead of time for the novel.

I've owned my 82 S since I got my driver's license 17 years ago. I bought a second car (an 85 GS) as soon as I could so that the 82 wouldn't have to be driven all year around. Over the years, the 82 has had several upgrades including the engine, suspension, interior and steering.

I've owned several other cars but always kept the 82 because it's so much fun to drive, modify and own. Lately I've had the bug to buy a "real" sports car. Something modern with reliable power and world class handling. After looking at several 3rd gen Rx-7s and never being completely satisfied with them (not happy with the quality), I decided instead to buy a Boxster S.

The Boxster will wipe the floor with my Rx-7 in any measured performance category you would care to look at. It's handling is phenominal and power delivery feels like there's no end to the thrust, plus, it's a convertible Porsche, and one with the big red brake calipers. The handling is very balanced and predictable and this car will get up and GO.

But even with all of that, I honestly prefer driving the Rx-7. It's lighter, more direct, more raw, and you feel like you're in total control all the time. The Boxster is heavier by about 400 pounds, it has power steering, drive by wire throttle, more sound deadening and relatively huge tires. All of which are disadvantages to driver feedback at lower, sane, speeds. Around town, it's pretty BORING, it really needs to get up and move at relatively high speed to begin to be rewarding and entertaining. The Rx, on the other hand, is almost as much fun at 10 mph as it is at 50. It's all about feedback, tacktile, aural, visual, and smell. The Rx has it in abundence at all speeds.

Don't get me wrong, the Boxster is a fantastic car, I'm really glad that I bought it and plan to enjoy it for a long time. But it can't match the pure, unfiltered driving experience of the Rx-7.

If I ever need to sell a car, the Porsche goes before the Rx-7.

My point here is that if you're driving an Rx-7 because you love to drive, you've got one of the best tools for the job. You don't have to feel any inferiority around any other high priced sports car because they don't know what they're missing.

Roundabout

iTrader: (8)

Well said man. Can I take your Porsche for a ride?

rxtory

yea my first car is my 82 aswell, only i bought it when i was 15 and im now 17

Latin270

wanna trade your Porsch for another Rx7?

82transam

iTrader: (18)

I agree fully, of all the cars I've been able to drive the FB is still the most fun, sure its not the fastest, best handling or stopping, but it has a soul of sorts that just makes it more than the sum of its parts, they are certainly great cars, I would have a hard time selling either of mine.

purple82

A soul is a great way to describe it. It's a kind of strong automotive personality. The only car I've driven that's comparable is the late 70s 911. It was gone from that car by '86.

rbf41182gt

^^^^^^

yeah, other people don't understand that- they ask, "if it's not (x) or (y), or doesn't have feature (z) than why do you love it so much?"

they just don't understand

Paradox

iTrader: (1)

agreed. i also have a '90 Toyota Supra with essentially everything done to it, a great clean car, very capable of 500hp and handles like its on rails. however with the power steering, extra weight, bigger wheels/tires it just isnt nearly as fun as the RX-7 is. having any fun with the supra i need to be going 80mph+, otherwise its just boring.

for booting around town and catching some backroad fun without going insanely over the speed limit, the RX7 wins in my book.

mr_ouija

This is why I'm reviving my GSL-SE. New tires and some carb tuning (don't ask) and it'll be back on the road in no time. I had so much fun tooling around in this car, I miss driving it.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my FD, and she's been reliable as my old 22RE powered toyota pickup, but that's all coming to an end quickly. She's losing coolant, with quite a sweet smelling exhaust on startup.

Mr.ChuckyRx7

I've had 5,. (FB's)Have 1. & just bought 2. So I guest I understand!

Naegleria_Fowleri

This needed to be said, and to all the people who don't understand the lust after 1st gens (this even goes for those second and third gen owners out there that have never "felt" the driving experience of an FB) needs to read this. I tried explaining how the whole no power steering, smaller tires, etc. etc. all made you <i>feel</i> connected with the road, whereas the power steering, heavier cars, wider tires, and all of the things that make the car less of a driver's car disconnect you with the road.

People just don't understand how connected you feel driving these cars. I will always have to own at least one FB, though I'm seriously considering selling the shell of my '83 as a parts car now and buying an FC to add to my '84.

Also, I will own one of those late 70's Porsche 911's someday for the same reason I love my FB so much.

RXFILE7

I've had my 84 for about nine years now. Before her, I drove an 82 which is still parked in the back as my parts car (though everything is pretty much gone now!). I will never be able to get people to understand WHY I love 7's so much. There is just this feeling of being at one with the car and being in complete control. I just LOVE my car. In fact, I think I'll give her a bath today!

Tammie

gsterror

Can't agree with this more. When my uncle bought his Mercedes SL 320, we were very impressed with it. It's a GREAT car. Handles extremely well, has plenty of get up and go, and is a convertible hard top.

But something needs be said for the fact that we don't take THAT car for drives on the weekends. We still take my little 82 GS (L). It's just a funner, more direct car.

PaulFitzwarryne

My wife has the Boxster S and it really is an outstanding car. A gen 1 is not really in the same league in terms of performance, handling and comfort.

The SA/FB can be upgraded to a great fun car for a twenty year old hatch back. I enjoy driving mine, a 85 convertible with a 250hp 12AT engine. Why? Because it's a basic machine without all the distraction of modern electronic gadgetary, the steering keeps me awake, and it is relatively easy to fix on the very rare occasion there is a problem. Try getting a Porsche fixed in a small rural town with one mechanic! Next week I am taking it on a 2,500 mile holiday trip over mountains and through desert knowing it will be an enjoyable drive, and that is what matters.

The bottom line is the gen 1 could be rebuilt every year for less than my wife loses in value on her Porsche, so I pretend my choice is for a rational reason.

juliankirk

My wife plans on burying me in my 7 - hopefully after i'm dead.

purple82

I guess my point is that yes, the Boxster is in a different league, but it's not really a better league. Kind of like when you watch the NBA, yeah, it's cool and they are polished and showy, but NCAA basketball is more unpredictable and exciting.

Max7

Much in the same way I enjoy my completly bone stock 83 GS. sure its way different than the GSL-SE in almost every way.
But like you say, its just a fun pure thing.
Someday I'll have my 911, and it will have to share the garage with the 7, its not leaving

Mills

iTrader: (1)

My FB rules the local rotary-only shop!

OnlyOnThurs

HOLY ****!!!!! ^^^^^^ thats a nice FB!!!

Paradox_Racing

Here's one for you. A very good friend of mine has a Camaro SS that he has dumped tons of money into (and my time, I'm his mechanic). Now, this car is rediculously fast, handles very well, and has all the frills. It will kill my RX7 in any showing, including and especially looks. That being said, I can't count how many times he's said "hey lets trade cars today." He loves driving my (not much) slower, quieter, older, non-power anything RX7. He says the same thing I do: "I don't know why, it's just fun!" He also tries to trade me his '05 GSXR750 for the day all the time! LOL

Tranquil

iTrader: (1)

werd: to all of the posts above me

I won't ever have another dream car for the rest of my life. The 7 didn't fall into my lap, I fell into its lap.

aussiesmg

iTrader: (1)

My first car I was passionate about was my RX3 race car back in Aus. When I moved here bought a 4150 81 GS and ran it till the rust won, now i have owned 5 more FBs, currently have 3, I don't fully understand it either but the Fc has no attraction at all and the FD seems like too much trouble.....

FB for life, even a hacker like me can keep it runnig and running well.

Of course lots of reading and posting on the RX7club.com helps that happen.

Steve

Rogue_Wulff

Yeah, I love my '83 GS. I cannot explain it, I just do. The car "fits" me.

Here's a recent pic of me having a little fun at the track. Notice the 911, also enjoying life to the fullest.....

mr_ouija

So who is passing who?

I can't wait to get my FB running again. I'll have to let you take it for a spin for answering all my stupid questions.

Rogue_Wulff

I was actually trying to let him go, but it took the entire straight for him to get by. I ended up braking way early, so he would go on past. You can't really see it in the pic, but my son was riding shotgun. He turned 14 the next day........
I was taking it a little easy, since I had been having issues with the throttle sticking at WOT. The next time out, I was solo. I decided I was not gonna let the Miata pass me, and he didn't. Till the throttle hung, and I had to shut off the key..........................
Stupid retard that used to own the car assembled the throttle linkage so wrong, there wasn't a single piece in the correct spot. I dunno how it worked for a full year, before acting up. Now solved.
I'll take ya up on that spin. Didn't mind answering those questions one bit. You can't learn, if you are too shy to ask for help.