OK folks! Decision time. Been looking for either a Miata or a first Gen RX-7 as a spare "fun" sports car. The existing daily ride (2002 Mustang GT Conv) gets returned in a few months (to be replaced by a Lincoln LS 5 speed). I would like to have a sports car for the warm weather, car shows, and other events of summer.

So, after weeks of looking at either over-priced and/or worthless product, I may have come across one of EACH today! I better decide soon... probably got until Friday. Here's the choices:

Called on a '92 Miata on the other side of town. Turns out the guy has a baseball game at a field tommorow afternoon about 35 miles from his house... and it's the same field and same time as my daughter's soccer practice, 2 minutes from home. Is that Karma or what!

It's a 1992, Blue (original), 83K miles, brought up from Florida two years ago (never seen winter). No power, no CD, top isn't mint. Asking $5900.

And, of course, came across a very nice 1st Gen RX-7 today. It's a desirable GSL-SE (13B engine), 72K miles, with rare factory glass sunroof, for $3800.

Would love to hear any thoughts on either car.. although I expect to hear much Rex pressure!

 

I think that's a bit high for a GSL-SE.. you could get yourself a fairly good TurboII for that price. Or get a non-running TurboII and build yourself a really good one.

 

Sorry.. I just realized.. I do own 2 FB's.. and one's a race car.. I just also have a '90 TurboII.. and that's what I know about prices for.

 

well both of those are a little high priced, I can get a 92-95 miata here for around 3500-4000 and gsl-se for 2500 or less

peace

 

I'd have to say that the GSL-SE is a better deal than the miata. Neithere are wonderful, but I imagine the prices for non-American sports cars in MI are probably higher than they are in TX because there are simple less of them.

As for which car would you like better? That's an entirely different decision because each is fun in it's own right.

 

Miata's are "cute."

GSL-SE's kick ***!

Nuff said.

Right on.

 

Miatas are everywhere so you'll see a twin at the odd stoplight.

GSL-SEs are becoming very rare, so even if you see another 1st gen RX7 (far fewer than Miatas) yours will be different.

Around here my GSL-SE turns heads and elicits smiles. I've yet to see a Miata do the same, though they are fine cars in their own right.

 

Go for the SE, there are thousands of Miatas around. GSL-SE are getting hard to find, there will always be another Miata later.

 

in a few years it's value will increase, turn more heads and has more room. Miata's are way to crampt. Nothing beats the freight train power of a rotary!

 

I agree, go with the SE. Miatas are good, but too damn small. FB's are cooler, and rarer

 

Both deals aint great...I'd wait on something better, thats just me though. As far as the choice goes...Miata's are built for women...if you dont have the build-hieght of one, go with the rx-7.
Will

 

Come 2003 or 2004, Miata's will be made with a rotary option, at least thats what Septembers Road&Track magazine just told me. That would be a sweet ride.

 

There you go. Now Make a Decision!

 

if you have to choose one of those,,, the SE... miatas are nice,,, but it's not a rotary... i drove a 93 miata here at work and it was uncomfortable for me,,, and i'm 5'7 143lbs.... as already stated, SE's are getting rarer every day,,, at least in jersey they are....

 

I just bought an 85 GSL-SE with glass sunroof in CA. Definately a better looking car than the earlier miata's. People are always checking me out too.

Remember the Miata is a "cute roadster" the SE is a Sports Car!

 

Stock Pro comparison: (Someone else can list the cons/whines)

92 Miata
Should cost $3000-$4500
Best Selling SPORTS CAR model ever
Handles better
Stops better
Cheaper to have worked on
Over Engineered = Super Reliable
Topless = gotta do it atleast once car in your life
Weighs Less (even the LE edition which is similar to GSL-SE)
More Safety Features
Engine Cover
Very common bolt pattern for rims
Excellent performance part availability and well priced
--------------------------------------------------------------
85 SE
Should cost $1200-$3000
Cheaper to upgrade HP
Perfect candidate for turbo technologies
Roomier (Larger interior, trunk, engine bay)
Door Guards
Heavier construction gives it a nicer car feel.
Unique
More masculine image
Easier to get spare parts (junkyard)
Extra room and hardtop = better stereo SYSTEM options
--------------------------------------------------------------

I am probably going to trade in my Miata for a GTI but my SE RX7 is a keeper. Even though the RX7 is in $500 condition at this point, it has more appeal to me.

 

if you decide to buy a miata go with a 94 or newer because the early cars had a 1.6l and also some had crankshaft breakage (we've bought two of them)

 

"smurf" blue miatas look really crappy, black is the only way to fly if you want a miata,

I have nothin against miatas, my mom had one and it kicked ***, it was a blast to drive, but for the price, you can build a kick *** SE

 

Jason Guthrie summed it up well.

But let me caution you on one thing, don't drive the Miata unless you are willing to own it. I have not met anyone who isn't impressed by the handling of the Miata. Most of the people I' have given rides to are now looking/wishing. It isn't a screamer by any means, but the suspension is *decades* ahead. It's biggest weakness is very short upward shock travel in the rear (so don't lower it too far) You can find HP somewhere, but making a live rear axle FB handle like a Miata just can't be done. A 1.8 swap in the lighter 1.6 cars makes a very fun car that is very competitive in your local CSP class.

Miatas were not designed for women. They were designed by an Asian car company (admittedly the cali group was heavily involved...) So anyone over 6' should see if they fit. I'm 6' 170lbs, have had a rollbar, and modified stock seat in both Miata's I've owned, and only have to make slight adjustments in foot position to correctly heel-toe. It's a sacrifice for the performance.

The prices you've quoted are not wonderful, but for the right car, they could be understandable.

Blatent opinion-Mariner "smurf" blue is one of the ugliest colors Mazda has ever made, especially after a decade of UV fading.

92 is a safe year for the LWSC. It doesn't have the short crank that *may* one day break.

My qualifications to post this include
82 s (1st car)
86 sport heavily modified suspension and exhaust, etc
90 B-package Miata even more mods after 1 year at stock performance
*99 Miata basic suspension mods
*84 GSL w/ ported 13B just assembled in the spare bedroom
* I still own these cars...

Eric M

 

Hey, let's stuff a Miata IRS into the FB...

 

I know its a FB board, but I'd go for a ported 13B in a Miata with a racing seat to give me more room, and extra bracing within reason. Even my 99 w/ tons more structural rigidity shutters over bumps. that can't be good for the contact patches

EM

 

Wait 'till 2004-2005 when the next Miata comes with the rotary option

 

YEAH! I wonder if a 2000 miata's suspension could fit in an FB....or could i just find out if the last RX-7's suspension could fit in the FB?

 

Lets keep the thread outside of fairy land

 

some people have stuffed the FD suspension in an FB successfully. It's pricey, but it's good. (Apoligies to Volvo Marketing)