FD Popularity
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Well, I've owned and sold many FD's over the year. Back when I picked up my first one I had people come up to me all the time asking what kind of car it was, how much I wanted for it, etc, etc.... As time went on, the people giving compliments while I'm driving down the road got a little smaller. However, anytime I have a FD with a 99spec front on it with some nice wheels... I get more compliments than I ever have in an FD. Of course most people still don't know what it is, but still. While that is nice, the reason I own one is because of the driving experience it provides.
I've got rid of my FD a couple of times... but I keep coming back. There is just nothing out there that feels that exciting/powerful/light to drive. I'm pretty sure I'll always have one.
BTW Fritz, we can decide what we think of LS1 FD's next summer at VIR in the new track car
I've got rid of my FD a couple of times... but I keep coming back. There is just nothing out there that feels that exciting/powerful/light to drive. I'm pretty sure I'll always have one.
BTW Fritz, we can decide what we think of LS1 FD's next summer at VIR in the new track car
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: UP, WA
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
I love my FD and in a way, I am glad it was never whored out like some other super cars of it's hay day. as far as popularity goes, I am sure that economy has a great part in the past and current popularity of this RX7.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: UP, WA
yea i agree and again that just leads to what popularity is. it seems to me that when rich people who don't know crap about cars want to have a nice one, they just think ok lets see.. ferarri.. porsche.. corvette.. (no offense to those cars or those that own them, i would love one) and so from that stand point, they are popular in the iconic "look at me i have an expensive car" way. but if you wanna feel "popular," go to an autox or other event full of car people, pull up next to the vettes, and see where people go. i guarantee you'll have twice as many admirers.
yea i agree and again that just leads to what popularity is. it seems to me that when rich people who don't know crap about cars want to have a nice one, they just think ok lets see.. ferarri.. porsche.. corvette.. (no offense to those cars or those that own them, i would love one) and so from that stand point, they are popular in the iconic "look at me i have an expensive car" way. but if you wanna feel "popular," go to an autox or other event full of car people, pull up next to the vettes, and see where people go. i guarantee you'll have twice as many admirers.
Thats almost like an oxymoron what you said.
If they dont know about cars, that doesnt mean that makes our cars popular when we get twice the attention.
Thats the whole point of the attention, because most people DONT KNOW what our cars are.
The word "popularity" has been misused in this thread MANY times.
Dont confuse rarity with popularity. (not directing only you but in general).
FD popular among the ROTARY COMMUNITY??? YES
FD popular among the General automotive industry?? NO ( never was and never going to be)
this is exactly my point when i stated that, "THANK GOD IT WAS NEVER WHORED OUT"
During the initial sales of the car back when 300z twin and the MITSU VR4 when toyota still made TT MR2 and Supra. Rx7(fd) was still rare to spot on public roads.
BTW i grew up in the Los Angels area of all places where the sales where the highest among Mazda Rx-7's.
FD popular among the General automotive industry?? NO ( never was and never going to be)
this is exactly my point when i stated that, "THANK GOD IT WAS NEVER WHORED OUT"
During the initial sales of the car back when 300z twin and the MITSU VR4 when toyota still made TT MR2 and Supra. Rx7(fd) was still rare to spot on public roads.
BTW i grew up in the Los Angels area of all places where the sales where the highest among Mazda Rx-7's.
Theres no doubt the FD is the most popular in the rotary community. Thats a given.
We have the best looking rotary car on the road today (IMHO and no offense to other rotary cars).
But i think the concern or ehh question originally was popularity amongst car people in general which i didnt see was true.
Thats why i said people confused the rarity of FD's vs what the OP really wanted an answer to, popularity.
To sum up real quick. No our cars are not popular.
We have the best looking rotary car on the road today (IMHO and no offense to other rotary cars).
But i think the concern or ehh question originally was popularity amongst car people in general which i didnt see was true.
Thats why i said people confused the rarity of FD's vs what the OP really wanted an answer to, popularity.
To sum up real quick. No our cars are not popular.
I wish people would stop baggin on the LSx people. I think I at least understand some of where they are coming from. For me, I love driving the car so much, I don't even want to think about getting another car as a DD. I want another 7 as a DD. Hence the LSx (or to the people who are more technically and monetarily inclined, the 3-rotor N/A).
This doesn't mean I totally agree with engine swaps. I think you should only be allowed to do one if you have at least 1 rotary or have saved a rotary from destruction. I totally understand people who love the 7 so much that its all they want to drive.
This doesn't mean I totally agree with engine swaps. I think you should only be allowed to do one if you have at least 1 rotary or have saved a rotary from destruction. I totally understand people who love the 7 so much that its all they want to drive.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 48
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From: UP, WA
Thats almost like an oxymoron what you said.
If they dont know about cars, that doesnt mean that makes our cars popular when we get twice the attention.
Thats the whole point of the attention, because most people DONT KNOW what our cars are.
The word "popularity" has been misused in this thread MANY times.
Dont confuse rarity with popularity. (not directing only you but in general).
If they dont know about cars, that doesnt mean that makes our cars popular when we get twice the attention.
Thats the whole point of the attention, because most people DONT KNOW what our cars are.
The word "popularity" has been misused in this thread MANY times.
Dont confuse rarity with popularity. (not directing only you but in general).
rx7=turning heads (not saying other cars don't but still)
rx7 does not = a highly sought after car by the mass majority
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: UP, WA
I have no issue with Rx7 enthusiasts doing the swap. I don't like to see Billy Bo-Bob from Arkansas buying an RX7 simply because he thinks it's light and would be a good fit for his motor. I've talked to a lot of people who wan't an RX7 just to put a V8 in it for its weight, when our cars are much, much more than just a weight advantage over their FRC Vette.
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Norway
to all US citizens;
It's ONLY in the US and perhaps Canada that the V8 is a "popular" engine for the RX7. In the rest of the WORLD, V8's are seen as too expensive with old technology and simply not "worth" the swap..
It's ONLY in the US and perhaps Canada that the V8 is a "popular" engine for the RX7. In the rest of the WORLD, V8's are seen as too expensive with old technology and simply not "worth" the swap..
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 731
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From: Dallas TX
Yes, the V8 design has been around a long time but the LSx design is only about 10 years old.
Don't forget the Wankel rotary is over 50 years old...
Not trying to flame, just posting some facts.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
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From: NC
I think it's still popular. every time I drive it, I notice guys with their head turned all the way around so they can keep looking at it as I pass them.
I can't fill the tank up at the gas station without someone asking me if the car is as much fun to drive as it looks. or how does a little lady like me handle such a powerful car.
I just smile and tell them, "it's sex on wheels, really hot, fast, sex!"
I can't fill the tank up at the gas station without someone asking me if the car is as much fun to drive as it looks. or how does a little lady like me handle such a powerful car.
I just smile and tell them, "it's sex on wheels, really hot, fast, sex!"
Full Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Allen
and who does not like to pay attention in classBut Back to the topic... i cant see the 7 being a "popular" car because people have no clue what it is when they see it. only a few people in this world really know exactly what an rx7 is if i where to say what a popular car is i would say a normal person would call a corvette a popular car because every one knows what it is...
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Widely liked or appreciated: a popular resort.
Liked by acquaintances; sought after for company: “Beware of over-great pleasure in being popular or even beloved” (Margaret Fuller).
Of, representing, or carried on by the people at large: the popular vote.
Fit for, adapted to, or reflecting the taste of the people at large: popular entertainment; popular science.
Accepted by or prevalent among the people in general: a popular misunderstanding of the issue.
Suited to or within the means of ordinary people: popular prices.
Originating among the people: popular legend
The FD is certainly admired but it's not POPULAR by definition. Most people don't know what it is lol For those that have been bitten or rather infected by the RX7 bug it goes beyond appreciation and reaches down where nothing else has tread causing monumental changes to all aspects of the individuals life to include; economic, social, political, religious, health, enviromental etc....basically nothing is left un disturbed 
Liked by acquaintances; sought after for company: “Beware of over-great pleasure in being popular or even beloved” (Margaret Fuller).
Of, representing, or carried on by the people at large: the popular vote.
Fit for, adapted to, or reflecting the taste of the people at large: popular entertainment; popular science.
Accepted by or prevalent among the people in general: a popular misunderstanding of the issue.
Suited to or within the means of ordinary people: popular prices.
Originating among the people: popular legend
The FD is certainly admired but it's not POPULAR by definition. Most people don't know what it is lol
For those that have been bitten or rather infected by the RX7 bug it goes beyond appreciation and reaches down where nothing else has tread causing monumental changes to all aspects of the individuals life to include; economic, social, political, religious, health, enviromental etc....basically nothing is left un disturbed
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,775
Likes: 144
From: Colorado Springs, CO
^True statement Fritz.
Are you sure they're looking at JUST the car? LOL
And I think that last part is kinda erotic, haha. Although I'm pretty sure that's just cause a female said it haha.
I think it's still popular. every time I drive it, I notice guys with their head turned all the way around so they can keep looking at it as I pass them.
I can't fill the tank up at the gas station without someone asking me if the car is as much fun to drive as it looks. or how does a little lady like me handle such a powerful car.
I just smile and tell them, "it's sex on wheels, really hot, fast, sex!"
I can't fill the tank up at the gas station without someone asking me if the car is as much fun to drive as it looks. or how does a little lady like me handle such a powerful car.
I just smile and tell them, "it's sex on wheels, really hot, fast, sex!"
And I think that last part is kinda erotic, haha. Although I'm pretty sure that's just cause a female said it haha.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
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From: NC
could be a little both. but the car really is beautiful. it's hard not to stare at it.