I am looking at buying an rx7 (or 240) when I recieve my tax return. I have search around and found some info I was looking for but not everything. I am looking at a car that is capable of both drifting and autocrossing. But it will also be my main means of transportation. I have another vehicle if need be but Its a gas guzzler. My main concern is bang for the buck. I am looking to spend about 2000-2400. I want a 5sp w/lsd, and a straight body, but interior and paint doesnt matter much. but I dont know if that doable in my area (bay area CA) What should I be looking for, and should I consider getting a model without lsd and going aftermarket or is stock stuff pritty durable? And also for those who are familiar with both of them what are the pros and cons between the rx7 and s13?

 

i think a 240 is a good car to start with if you dont know much about sevens then i wouldnt start with one unless you have been doing alot of research on them as far as which is better it depends are you talking about a tii vs. a 240 or a n/a rx7 vs. a 240 if you had a choice of a tii then i would go with that if i had a choice between a n/a seven then i would probly pick the 240 but this is just me opinion

 

Remember at best a FC will do only around 17-18 MPG city (and most around 15-16 MPG City if you are not careful), so if you are on so tight of a budget that gas mileage is an issue you may want to look at other cars.

If you have to have a LSD then you will be looking a a 86-88 GXL, 88 GTU, or 89-90 GTUs (note the small "S"- don't confuse that model with a 89-90 GTU) for non turbos, and any 87-91 Turbo model. Generally speaking the non turbos will be more reliable but some people consider them rather underpowered by todays standards. However non turbos will be better balanced as far as overall feel.

You should be able to find a decent non turbo for $1500-$3000 in the bay area, and $1500 to $4000 for a Turbo (depending on year).

As far as what year, the 86-88 models were more direct with the handling, and had tighter road feel, while the 89-91 models were slightly softer, and considerably heavier (anywwhere from 100 to 200 lbs heavier depending on model). Some people say that the 89-91 models had better styling, but that is more a personal choice as Mazda did some like it or hate it updates from the 86-88 style. The 89-91 also have the dreaded and often failing mouse belts (the only thing to ever have a factory recall on the FC).

Of the coupes; given any choice and any model, the 88 GTU would be my first choice followed by the 86-87 Sport, and then the 89-91 Turbo, then the 89-90 GTUs.

As far as a 240sx VS a FC, well I personally don't think they are in the same class, so I don't want to really comment on that:

 

Drifting?
Go with the S13...
The FC is a bad beginner's car to drift.


-Ted

 

I haven't attempted to drift my car, but what makes it any worse than a 240 for a beginner?

 

^^ near 50 / 50 wieght distribution makes it a bit more finiky when it comes time to exit the drift.

The nissan platforms will give you more feedback when they are ready to hook back up.....the RX-7 also can seem a bit more "go kartish" while steering the drift meaning that it feels like it has too much traction....unless you've got just a nuts amount of horsepower

 

So you're basically saying that an FC would be better for autoX. That's good because that's what I plan on doing with mine once the build-up is complete.

 

Thats enough for me to say, go with the 7. Some people will tell you its not a beginners car, blah blah blah. A river isn't beginners' water, but you jump in and learn to swim.

Edit: But since you do have all of this information at your finger tips, take advantage of it, and do alot of searching. Search any topic you want, something is sure to come up. If someone post a link, click it and read.

 

Suspension geometry...
Low polar moment...


-Ted