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i'm wondering if the Tesla's are starting to fall into the same niche as the FD did 25 years ago. its a moderately interesting car with a novel engine, and its getting to be pennies on the dollar to buy one.
its no FD, but its in that spot as a used car
i'm wondering if the Tesla's are starting to fall into the same niche as the FD did 25 years ago. its a moderately interesting car with a novel engine, and its getting to be pennies on the dollar to buy one.
its no FD, but its in that spot as a used car
If we are talking about the roadsters then maybe. But any of the modern models I wouldn't consider in the wheelhouse of an FD. They are all family sedans essentially. Maybe other EVs like the Fisker Karma because its more of a sports car but even after the reboot they don't seem to be able to survive.
Went to see an Emira in person and it's very nice!
The 718 Spyder is also a good contender as a FD replacement....
The Emira and 718 are also two that I'd consider. Maybe even a 4C for the looks alone.
Damn the dealer network though! Porsche is the only one that I wouldn't have to drive hours for service.
Hence, still in the FD.
The Emira and 718 are also two that I'd consider. Maybe even a 4C for the looks alone.
Damn the dealer network though! Porsche is the only one that I wouldn't have to drive hours for service.
Hence, still in the FD.
Find a solid indy mechanic, or (my fav choice) do it yourself
The RX7 will always be my favourite car. I also have an mk4 supra but it's not even close to the fd in terms of character.
I love the fact the it was made with a specific focus in mind and it didn't share it's chassis with other cars.
(probably in the same category would be the ns and s2000)
The only current car that I can think of in terms of character would be the 718 spyder rs (and probably because it's going to be the last of it's kind).
Haven't had seat time in a Type 65 Coupe, but I give it preference over the many MK4/MK5 Roadster's I have seen over the decades
Saw a Type 65 at a local autocross a few years ago - it is a beauty!
Two cents on topic from pictures in the same photo folder from that autocross event at Fort Devens, I'd still pick my friend Tommy's NA1 NSX or an Exige as an addition in the garage to my FD3S
2025 update, there isn't anything I can see replacing my FD with south of $0.2M, but I am still a fan of the new Supra and a Lotus Emira stopped me in my tracks the other day in downtown Providence
The Emira looks great, but the weight at 3,279 pounds is a disappointing antithesis of Colin Chapman's "simplify, then add lightness" ethos that would have me look for a used Exige or even an Elise instead
Originally Posted by Brekyrself
Debating between building a more track focused FD or one of these next?
I'd biasedly vote build a more track focused FD instead
The Emira at 3300lbs is the same weight as the newest 992.2 911, and the 911 has more seats.
The only lightweight car left is the Miata. NE will be lighter and more powerful!
I dunno, I don't think I would consider a fwd car able to replace the FD. They seem like they may be decent for a hybrid but being a hybrid along with a CVT, its not really a "drivers" car like FDs are.
Wow! I never expected this thread to still be alive when I made my initial post almost 5 years ago. I honestly have stopped keeping up with the thread.
My opinion on new cars is very jaded now. CAFE standards have killed the auto industry. Everything is unobtainably expensive and is junk. Last year I bought my first new vehicle, a 2025 Nissan Frontier. It is a nice truck, but has way too many government mandated safety features that easily have jacked the price up over $5k of what it should be. The truck doesn't have fog lights, but has automatic braking, engine auto start stop, and lane keep assist. Make that make sense.
Listening to Doug Demuro's podcast, he claimed that the best year for cars was somewhere in the mid 2000's and I kinda agree. Another point he made was that quality and interiors of cars in the 90's were not as good as in the 21st century. They were starting to use more plastic in the 90's and hadn't figured out the quality part. I agree with this as well. I really do think cars hit their peak in the late 2000's. Cars from that time period were reliable, sporty, fun and were really starting to make some serious horsepower.
After 5 years the cars I would personnaly consider replacing my FD with are:
1. Mazda Rx-8: it is such a good car, and nothing beats a rotary. Maintenance is annoying and they are hard to find in good condition these days.
2. Lotus Elise: I have never driven one and I am sure it is uncomfortable, but it really cannot be any better or worse than the FD ownership experience.
3. ND2 or ND3 Miata: I struggle with this one because it may be too reliable and pedestrian for me to cherish like an FD. Now that I am married and the wife has a normal car, I could daily a miata. I cannot do that with an Rx-7. I would feel wasteful not daily driving a perfectly reliable and affordable car. But man this thing is something neat. In a world where cars are getting ridiculously heavy the ND remains stupid light. I really think it is the last true "Mazda" sports car as it seems Mazda has shifted their focus from fun cars to mom appliances.
