1st to 2nd gen; handling
 

Ive been doing some searching and havent found what im looking for. I am going to be getting a car withing the next 6 months, and for a while i knew it would be a gsl se. but ive been seeing some people saying how the fc handles better. I know the fb has the unpredictable live axle, but how much of a hinderance is that?

At any rate, what i really want is an honest opinion from everyone on which of the two has better handling between the gsl-se and a gxl or gtu (both of these fcs come with an lsd right?).

thanks in advance for the response.

BTW im posting this in both gen forums.

My friend had a '85 GSL-SE. Ive ridden/driven it many times. The FB handles very well...but not near as good as my FC. My FC could just take a turn at a much higher speed, and feel more stable in transitions, etc, than the FB. Plus the solid rear axle made for some "interesting" times ;) The back end of the FB kicked out much sooner/easier than my FC. Now it was a very predictable and correctable thing, but still isnt all that great when trying to hold a corner. The FC just can hold a turn and transition much better.

Now that said a FB can still handle pretty well, just not as good as an FC.

Re: 1st to 2nd gen; handling
 

I'm not sure about the GSL-SE, but I have an IT prepared 84 GS with the GSL rear end and the Mazda Comp suspension/bushing kit. It handles great. My 88 FC also has its respective Mazda Comp suspension kit, and it handles noticeably better than the 1Gen. The only advantage of the 1Gen is the lighter weight, which you may prefer over the FC's better overall handling. I think that everybody has their own preferences, and either of these cars are great.

BTW, don't worry about FC model trims such as the GXL or GTU because the FC LSD doesn't last very long, and anything you buy used is almost for sure going to have a dead LSD. Any FC will accept an LSD, so I suggest just finding a good deal on one that you like, and then simply install your own GOOD LSD. The 89-92 FC's are heavier and have suspension bushings that feel really dead, so keep that in mind. Also, the FC's with 5-lug wheels have better brakes than those with the 4-lug wheels. Oh, one more thing, most performance drivers like the FC manual steering rack much better than the power rack. This is usually difficult for a 1Gen owner to anticipate because the 1Gen steering system is so different. If you test drive an FC with power steering vs. one with a manual rack you will be able to tell the difference. If you can't tell any difference, then just get a price check on a PS pump, and you will choose the manual rack for sure. :)

thanks you guys from the responses. Basically, from the posts in the fb section (going against what evilaviator said) the gsl se handles worse stock, but has more potential when modified (this may be mostly due to the weight). If i got an fc it would probably be an s5 for the more powerful motor, but then id have to deal with more weight. So I'm pretty sure i'll be going with the fb. I like the lines better anyways (no offense fcers). Please if anyone feels i should choose otherwise, post to convince me!!

go for the 1st gen i have an s5 and love it but the weight kills me a gsl-se will rape any stock NA fc

good luck

ok, heres what i know about the fb. it was my first rotary poowered car, so i learned alot from it. the best thing for me going to the fc, was simply the better feel in the steering. even way back in '78 motor trend commented on the bad steering feel, and lack of response. im not knocking it, but if you do decide to get an fb, then try to swap to a manual rack setup. but after having an fc, with lsd, irs, and all wheel steering, i dont like the fb much any more. although, the savanah is a sick car! either way you will be happy its not a piston engine. no crappy valve train to worry about.

You should test drive both cars and see which one you like best.

My friend has a GSL-SE and its a fun car to drive. I like how the back end gives out and is pretty easy to control. He has a ported FC engine with full exhaust with some other little mods and that car flies. I thought the car handled well.

I've had my share of FCs with suspension upgrades and all of them made me happy. The DTSS has alot to do with high speed cornering on these cars. I've never had the DTSS eliminator bushings installed so I cant comment on how the car feels with them.

I think it all comes down to which one you like best. Theres a kit that changes the steering rack on FBs with one out of a VW I think. Supposedly that specific steering rack reacts faster and better than the stock Mazda one found on 1st gen cars. Do a quick search on ebay and you'll find it.

The only thing that bothers me about my FB, is that the steering is noticeably more sloppy than my FC. There is a lot more play in the steering wheel before the car really hooks up in either direction.

Other than that, considering its age and the age of its parts, it handles very well.

so how can I tell if my lsd is out or still good? is there something you can check or should I just drive it to tell if its bad or good? Thanks.

I think overall, the 2nd gen handles better....

....but

the 1st gen is more fun to drive. :) Gotta love the oversteer!

do a burnout, and see if both wheels are spining or if its just one.

I had a gslse with eibach springs, tokiko blues, and racing beat swaybars, that thing handled awesome! I now have an 89 gtu bone stock and the se handled way better (with the suspension mods). That car was crashed a few years back. (at least I made it into the crash kings section of fast fours and rotaries with a score of 7.5). Anyways, I'm looking to get another gslse just because the first gen body looks soo sweet when lowered with nice rims.

1st Generation 7's are light, nimble and have a very quick steering response. The problem arrises when you look at 2nd gen vs 1st gen suspension set-ups. With the 1st gen your stuck with a solid rear end which will make for a great drag car... and even a mildly aggresive Auto-x car. the 2nd gen is newer (suspension has been revised) has fully independant rear end which generally makes for a better handeling car.

I think mazda knew what they were doing when they came up with the FC. so IMO it's a better handeling car. perfect 50.50 weight ect..ect..

-markus