I changed the fluids and filters and made sure all the major systems were in good condition. I threw 5600 miles at my GTU and the only issue was loose front axle bears that were tightened back to spec.

 

I trust my gxl n/a every day no problem. I have complete trust in my car and would have trust in it to go long distances. If it is well maintained you shouldn't have any problem driving it hard for a long time. due to the rotaries nature it likes to be driven hard.

 

without thinking twice about it. Before making a LONG trip I make sure the oil is freshly changed, make sure all my hoses are tight and all fluids are topped off and it's perfect. Avg. cruising speeds 75-80mph (unless I spot a cruiser, in which case it's 65mph for a lil bit). Make sure your car is in great shape first and then go on your trip.

If you push your car all day at the track and then you want to drive back another 12 hrs. then you might need to do a complete check-up before you leave to make sure your tires, brakes, fluids, suspension and anything that could leave you stranded is all in good shape/ topped off.

OUt of the 2 choices I'd go with the miata due to the amount of gas you'll save in the long run (to the motor and weight of the car helps)

 

going from california to new york without cruise control is very uncomfortable.

But it can be done.

 

did you actually do that in an RX-7? if so impressive.
i remember going 7 hours and my cruise control wasn't working, that ended up a little painful at the end.

 

The trick is to stop for two hours every hour

 

I drove from Atlanta to Deals Gap then ran the dragon and came back without a single issue when it was n/a. Then I went to Sebring, FL from Atlanta driving 7 hours straight when I converted it to a TII on a fresh rebuilt motor (boosting when I came back). Honestly if its not leaking a whole lot of coolant, oil, or gas then id trust it to go a long distance.

edit: I can only imagine going from cali to ny without cruise... going from sebring and back left a crease on the toe of my right boot and ive never had a fatigued foot before but mine sure was sore.

 

i have a 88 base model and drove it from temecula to hawthorne with no problems at all...

 

yes, an FC can do it just fine.

BUT, and I never thought I'd say this: I'd get the miata. I own both, and one of the best things about the miata is that I absolutely abuse the **** out of it, and it just takes it and keeps going, plus it gets twice the gas mileage of an FC.
I do think the FC will have more perfromance potential, so if thats your main concern, get it. I personally have no problems driving my FC any distance, and it is modded to the max, but I wouldnt tell anyone else to take it on a trip. My miata i would let anyone drive it across the country with no worries.

just my .02
pat

 

I drove mine from Columbus, OH to Carson City, NV and back non stop both ways. (6 months apart)





My back hurt a bit.

 

if the car is properly maintained then there shouldnt be a problem, this august i'm driving my FC from seattle, WA all the way down to irvine, CA.....so i guess you just have to trust your car lol!!!!

 

this thread is turning into long distance road trip stories, haha.

 

****, I went 6 hours on a drive, blew an oil seal, and didn't realize it until I got home, and realized I'm out of oil! :O The fact that engine is still great amazes me.