I own a first gen.. I have had two second gen's. My personal opinion is 2nd gen's are better because they are roomier, better handlers, and look better. Let me hear some of your guy's reasons and complaints.

Happy rotaring

bob13bt, get off the net so I can call your ***!!!

 

They feel more grown up and much more solid than the SA/FB bodies to me.

And you can get a factory 'vert or a under 7 second 0-60 car.

 

1st gen versus 2nd gen?
Live rear axle versus IRS
Recirculating ball versus rack&pinion steering
non-turbo versus turbo option


-Ted

 

i think the biggest plus is the steering. The FB steering box is awful.

 

So get the 1.5 Gen rx-7 - the GSL-SE

 

As an owner of both gens I would say that the second gen is not better but different. It's really a very different car.
My first gen is much more nimble and tossable. For just pure fun it's much better then the second gen.
However my second gen handles much better and has a lot more power and torque.
It is much easier to drive the GSL than the T2. But that is probably because it easier to get into trouble with the T2.

Stock for stock, I think the first gen looks way better than the second gen . I like the classic lines of the first gen over the copy cat 944 looks of the second. I do however feel that a second gen can be made to look better with some help from the aftermarket.

The T2 is much more refined but at the same time seems to be cheaper in quality than the 1st gen. The 1st gen is very solid especially for it's age and the T2 has a lot of little things break on it like plastic trim, body moulding, ect.

Personally I would take a GSL-SE over any N/A model 2nd gen. Also the GSL-SE is faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile time than any N/A second gen.

It's all personal taste. I like all 3 gens but the 2nd gen is my least favorite of all.

Mike

 

I've owned 3 examples of the first two gens: 83 le (stock), 80 (13B/headers) and currently a 90 GXL (modded). I agree with Mike/Stinkfist that the first gens are much easier to throw around. Granted the suspension is more refined/advanced on the second gens, but they also weigh quite a bit more. In fact the entire car (2nd gen) is more refined than the 1sts .. more comfy, more solid, more powerful. As was previously mentioned, they're very different cars. Ultimately it will come down to personal preference. For me, the 1st gens are generally better looking (read: more distinctive) and more fun to drive but I wouldn't give up my 90 for anything (except maybe a 3rd gen ).

Dave

 

I believe 2nd gens are the best!

In my opinion they look the most mean. They handle better, have more power, and are AWESOME to ride in! The 12A seems to have the least trouble though.

 

stock id say the 2nd gen cause of everything they said and its what ive got even though its not working properly i love the hell out of it. i dont fancy the 1st gen body too much. (its all personal) you know.....

 

I'm of the same mind as Stinkfist (how did you ever come up with that screen name---- don't answer).

My GSL-SE is the "classic" Rex, much more nimble through the turns, and more thrilling acceleration (but that is true for any non-Vert Rex except for maybe Icemarks). But, has harsher and less refined ride and engineering is obviously more dated. To quote Icemark, it's more a Boy Racer car.

The Vert is far more acceptable to be seen in at the Country Club . Rack n pinion steering and independent suspension gives a far more comfortable ride. And, most important, the top down ability is what makes the Vert by far the best "drive along the beach" Rex.

Depending on my mood at the time, they take turns being my favorite "Ride".

 

I just dotn see it!!
Teh FC looks A lot more like the MKIII Supra then it does to the 944. Its sorta like a cross between the 2 but it still leans more towards the Supra. Down to the black stripe, and similar Turbo wheels.

Some one needs to post a side vew of all 3 cars.


BTW what you mean by changing the FC looks with after market?? The kits made for FC's look kinda stupid (WATCH FOR THE KEY WORDS in 4..3...2...1..) I Think

I've only seen 3 body kits that look decent on FC's (not includidnt the Run Racing non pop up lights kit.

 

OK first of all even Mazda themselves admitted that the 2nd Gen is "kinda of a copycat" of the 924/944. Anyone who doesnt see it, must be very biased or hasnt really paid attention....

No matter what though, I still love the styling of the TII (although I would prefer rims with 5 or 7 arms and not the stock "mesh"). I also agree that the aftermarket bodykits are a bit "ugly" IMHO....

Granted, I havent driven a 1st gen, but given the difference in weight alone, I would assume that the 1st gen is much more nible than a 2nd gen, so it would be more of a "GTi" or track car, and the 2nd Gen more of a "GT"...

 

The stearing and limited rubber under the 1st gens kinda sucks.

 

3rd gen by far .

Between 1st and 2nd gens: The only reason I bought a 2nd gen is because I did not know how cool 1st gen's could be. If I could do it all over again, I would buy a 1st gen and do it up Rice Racing style .

I think that 2nd gen looks much better, but I still love the way 1st gens look.

As of now, I have invested too much in my T2 to sell it, so I will keep it and build an RX-3 drag car "some day".

 

They're..... different. It depends on what you like.

If you want something powerful with lots of creature comforts and you don't mind it being kinda heavy, then get an FC.

If you want something more minimalist and don't mind that stock power is only 100hp, get the 1st-gen. The earlier the better, since they just got heavier and more disconnected every year.

FWIW my '80 had ultra-precise steering - recirculating ball steering is not a liability if you maintain it. (and if you think that's difficult then you probably have lots of trouble with a Wankel engine) The '85 has sloppier steering (still better than my old Fords had) and I'd say it's comparable to the loosey-goosey feeling you get from the DTTS in an FC, except at the front end of the car. I call that issue a wash.

Also, 1st-gens have lots more interior room for tall people, unless you can find the rare 2nd-gen that doesn't have a sunroof. (base model or GTUs, seemingly equally rare cars ) Very important if that's a concern for you.

 

I have heard that 2nd gens had passive rear wheel steering (some kind of moving suspension) wich made the handeling a little strange. What is this like?