Yes, I think if you're trying to give someone the general impression of what a car is, speaking from the standpoint of a heavily modded example is pointless since you can completely alter the character of any car by modifying it, and which is the correct representation? Too subjective, what someone wants from mods may not be the same but we can all understand what the starting point is. Just the common single turbo conversion can be radically different, some carefully select a medium frame modern turbo like an EFR or G35 to maximize response and some scoff at area under the curve and just go for that peak dyno number, some have period correct builds with journal bearing T series turbos designed 40 years ago that make 400whp with worse transient response than modern 600whp EFR builds.

 

It is good to clarify that, because it is increasingly rare to see an FD with a fully functioning original sequential set up.

 

Never driven an FD either. Probably never will. I've ridden in one durring some 6 or 7/10ths driving.

My freinds that own FD's could keep up with me when I lead them with my old FB. So FD's aren't slow.

 

That's a surprisingly accurate statement. Sitting position, clutch feel, pedal positions, shifter feel, etc. all feel familiar.

Only major differences I noticed when I drove it... ND brakes bite harder initially, engine noise + power output (obviously), and the ND has more body roll.

 

Its a 33 year old car.It drives good for what it is, but there are better cars out there today. When given proper suspension and tires, it improves.
Better even with new rubbers in the suspension, but it still creaks, squeaks and rattle (mine does at least, a 94 mod euro spec with 40k miles).

If i had not bought mine during the lowest value period they have had, i would not have owned one today. I think todays prices is complete bonkers.

 

Guilty. Sometimes I sit in a lawn chair in the open garage on a summer day and simply admire my good taste.

My old GF was a flight attendant and got passes for us to fly to St. Louis in 2010 after I watched an FD go unsold on eBay and contacted the owner by PM. Not sure you could do that now.
Drove it then, drove it back to Chi in the afternoon.
Still only has 28K on it.

 

Its definitely difficult to find old rare cars to test drive like a FD. I've been looking at some rare newer cars and its the same difficultly to drive since there aren't any at dealers to drive.

Making some friends at cars and coffee, autocross, or track days is probably the best bet to getting some opportunities. That being said, I don't think I've ever seen another FD at autocross, track days, or on the street. When I bought my FD a couple years ago, I rode with the owner and did not drive it before buying it. I'm always happy to give rides people around in any of my cars at autocross, track, or street, but only have a couple friends I would trust driving my fun cars. Also I'm happy to let a stranger sit in the driver seat without driving it. I will say that the FD has a pretty tight drivers seat, its definitely difficult to fit if you are taller or thicker. The steering wheel is pretty low so there isn't much room to your thighs.

I think Miatas drive somewhat close to a FD and I think all the Miatas have better ergonomics than the FD. I also like how my NC miata drives more than the FD. I'm a bit biased, but I think a NC Miata or RX8 (chassis shared with NC) could be a good option for something cheaper to have fun with before getting a FD. The NC will be a lot more reliable, the RX8 will give you some fun rotary reliability to deal with.

If you post a more precise location, someone might be able to give some better advice or offer about checking out a FD.