I'm torn between two rx7's
1. 1988 Turbo 105k miles
2. 1991 GTU 70k miles

Both approx $5500
Both unbelievably clean/original

Whatever i get it's for weekend driving, and i plan on putting a 2+2 rear seat into it so the kids can ride with my wife and i.
I'll probably own it for 3 years, at maybe 5000miles tops per year
I enjoy going fast, but won't likely be autoxing
I will put on a tighter than stock suspension and fat 18" wheels.

I like to simplify things in the engine compartment wherever possible to make it look neat and clean.

Any advice in any form would be appreciated.

Thanks
steve

 

88 turbo hands down

 

1990 GTU, turbo it later.

 

How old are the kids? It's a tight squeeze even for very small people sitting in the back.

Is this your first 7? If not, I would say definitely treat yourself to the turbo. Ahh, what the hell am I saying? Get the turbo anyways.

If you do get the NA, let NAs be NAs.

 

Turbo!

 

if you only plan on keeping it for 3 years, def go turbo. you'll have more fun for that short period

 

Even without pics I think the GTU is a bit overpriced.

 

If the TII is running good and strong that would be my pick. But don't listen to all those N/A haters, the GTU is lighter and can rev 1k higher, it's full of fun (kind of like a miata). However if you want power and performance the turbo will be a better choice in the long term.

 

The GTU is a better car, but you will forever want a little more power and be searching how to turbo my n/a threads. The turbo will be be quicker, and it's reasonable to get more power out of it, watch for a reasonable standalone and then do a turbo upgrade and you're at 300rwhp in no time.

 

105k miles seems a bit much to me, especially for a turbo. But if the engine is in good condition, I guess it's not that bad.

Personally, though I'd go with the gtu because I like NAs and S5s. Higher redline, more power (than s4 NA) and I've never liked the sound of a turbo.

 

personaly, I am a huge turbo fan so i say turbo lol. I had one and i loved it till my mom took it drunk driving of a cliff(no lie)

 

I would have killed my mother if she did something like that.

 

Turbo

 

This thread perfectly reflects what i've been thinking.
Oh, this would be my third FC, but the other two were/are N/A S4's and not too solid either one.
I've replaced differential front mounts, tranny mounts, going to do the motor mounts on the current one, exhaust off/on, etc as my level of mechanical skill. Nothing major like a clutch, however.

1. Go with simpler, likely more reliable because of lower mileage and 3 years younger (N/A S5)
or
2. Go with a bigger kick in the pants but likely needing more work because it's more complicated, 35k more miles, older (Turbo S4)?

kids are 2 and 4. They'll fit in back when they come along for the ride.

Thanks everyone who chimed in. Any other thoughts?
steve