Hi All. As you can tell from my post count, I'm new here. I'm interested in acquiring an RX7.

I have a question concerning the 3rd generation. How do the interior size and ergo's compare to the 2nd generation? I'm a big guy, 6'6", 290, and fit nicely in the 2nd generation 7's but find the 1st generations a little tight.

Thanks in advance. Great site. Rotory Rules.

 

You will find the FD (3rd gen) to be a bit tight for you. I drove an FC for a few years, and was always surprised at the amount of room inside that little car's body. I also really enjoyed the fact that EVERY control was right at my fingertips. Something Ford and Chevy STILL can't get right!

The FD is "tighter", in that they wrapped the interior around you. To those who feel claustrophobic in tight places in a car that's moving rapidly, the FD is a little worrisome. I personally LOVE the way the interior feels, though. All of the gauges and lights and buttons and such are pointed at the driver.

But... I'm right at 6' and 180 lbs, so I have room to spare. My dad is your size, and had trouble getting in and out, and his long legs really get in the way of the steering wheel that doesn't move up or down. So your best bet is of course to get in one and see what you think. Good luck!

 

Well MrJP, being an Ergonomist I'd have to concur with spurvo. Everything is layed out very nice for a car of it's day, and I believe the somewhat tight interior was a direct design idea so as to make it feel like a true sports/race car. I am strong to believe that the design of this car used Japanese males as their interior anthropometric design population, therefore I'm sure your going to have some difficulty in the vehicle. Can you fit, sure, is it something that will be easy, probably not. I don't see any problem for you unless it would be a daily driver or something you are prone to dislike (i.e less than optimal spacial considerations)

 

It really depends on your torso to leg ratio too.

There are some routes you can take to alleviate being on the taller end of the scale:

1. Race seats which go lower to the ground.
2. A non-sunroof/moonroof model.

I'm about 6'1-6'2 with an R1 and I don't hit the roof even with a helmet on, even using my stock seats.

That being said, it's also important you are able to sit in the car in a way which allows you to drive in a performance-oriented manner. This means no gangster-ride seat leaning or hands just reaching the steering wheel.

 

a smaller diameter D cut steering wheel can go a long way towards making things more comfortable if you have long legs.

 

I’m 5' 10“ but I have a sitting height for someone who is 6' 3" (short legs!) and I weight 200 lbs. I have to get into mine in a funny way, but once inside I can lean the seat back and not worry about hitting the roof. If my sitting height was a couple of inches higher I don’t think I would fit.

 

The room in the FD is smaller than the first gen. It's not likely that you will fit comfortably in a stock FD. You will just have to try one out to know for sure.

If you have your heart set on one, you may be able to add an aftermarket seat/steering wheel to make it work. As someone else mentioned, try one without a sunroof.

Good luck

 

I've also heard of people takeing the seats off the rails and bolting them straight to the floor.

 

ditto

btw: passenger room is a lot more tight

 

Thanks all. I fit quite well in the 2nd Gen 7's. Actually, it fits me better than any other car I've ever driven. I do, however, like the 3rd Gen better.

As mentioned above, I will have to find one and test drive. I just didn't want to waste someone's time showing it to me, as well as my time finding one, if I was sure I couldn't make it fit. Based on your comments above, and the web sites from some of the sponsers here, I have an idea as to how much adjustment I can have.

Again, thanks all. Great rides you have.