This is a simple question, but I'm no rx-7 guru.

Is the R model significantly better in terms of agility and reliability (2nd oil cooler) than the base & touring models? As for performance, I've only ridden/driven base & touring cars so I'm wondering just how much better it has the possibility of being, and as for reliability, I have no idea.

Thanks. Through a rather surprising turn of events I ended up with 20 grand (on top of my income & savings), and you can guess where this is going. I have to determine if it's worth it to wait for an R model to show up in the market.

 

Competition yellow mica would be the only reason i would hold out for an R model. The only difference (which you already know) is the second oil cooler and stiffer springs. Unless you buy an automatic then you would be able to add a second oil cooler yourself. I personally like my base since it was ordered with cruisecontrol and leather seats.....and no bose. If i were you i would just get whatever rex suits your needs. Cant live without a sunroof....then get a touring...etc etc. Good luck on your purchase

 

You don't have to wait no more, here's an awesome R

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cg...item=598644071

 

Does the base have a rear wiper?

The R doen't have one, which I prefer.

 

my 94 base pep doesn't have one

 

The 2nd oil cooler is there to help when the car is driven under extreme, i.e., racing, conditions. I've seen no evidence that engines in R-1's/ R-2's last longer than in the other models. It's possible I suppose, but I haven't seen it going by what's been reported on this forum.

The main advantage of the R models is their super-sharp handling. It's great if you're autocrossing the car, but some have complained about the ride in everyday use. I see you live in D.C.
I've driven the streets in D.C. An R model is not the kind of car I would want to drive every day on the well neglected pavement of the nation's capitol. You may have a different opinion. You should test drive an R on a rough patch of road before you buy one.

 

The most obvious reason that some people have left out is resale value. If you want the chance to resell it down the road and not lose as much money than I would wait for the R. I'm not trying to downplay the other models.....but let's be realistic. I know that when I look at 7's.....one of the 1st things I look for is if it's an R model. That's where the resale is. If you don't care about resale value down the road than go with whatever is nice (color,options,etc....)

 

I don't think that's true. Many tourings still go for very high prices. I don't see much of a diffrence. Plus, some people don't even know what's the difference between a R and a touring. Even if they did, they might not know how rare R's are compared to tourings.

 

I'm sorry if I came across the wrong way on my last post. Like I said, I don't mean to downplay any other models....it's just that there are fewer R models than Touring models.That's not saying that they are any less of a car. I was just trying to point out the resale value.They are all great car's!!!

 

I agree with silvr94R2 on this one.

 

Thanks for all the info.

I'm not really planning on selling the car for any significant amount of money, and I DON'T want the competition yellow mica. (You can see that car speeding a mile away). Anyhow, I don't do a whole lot of driving, so as a car this is more of a vehicle for personal entertainment. That is, I'd very much like to work on a rotary. It also has a nice performance factor about which I can't complain.

So thanks. I think I'll try to go for the base, because I don't want the extra 120 lbs associated with the touring. (nor do I care about the added features). Plus, I like white and silver, which I don't think are available in R1/R2. Correct me if I'm wrong. . . silvr94r2???

 

The R2 (94-95) was available in Silver Stone, Brilliant Black, and Vintage Red. The R1 (93) was only available in Brilliant Black, Vintage Red, and Competition Yellow Mica. Chaste White was only available as a Touring or PEP model.

 

There's silver R2's (83 total)in the U.S. But you're gonna have a hell of a hard time finding one. I actually found a 94 silver R2 for $18.5k. BUt it was still too expensive for me.

 

As you can see by my name.....they did make them. Rare is an understatement when you talk about them also.There were only 100 Silver R2's made in 94/95 combined.Mine has only 7500 miles and going strong....after I get it back from the shop.

Good luck on your hunting.....wait for the good one! Whatever your choice may be.....

 

don't all models have rear windshield wipers???

 

my base 93 dont "just drive real fast, works just as good"

 

An R1 has a number of small differences in the suspension. If you have a collision book, the parts are listed separately as the Heavy Duty suspension. The obvious differences are the 2nd oil cooler and strut bar. If you see one with the R1 spoilers, look for the front brake ducts. Almost no one puts these on. Less obvious are the different struts, springs, and many bushings. The trailing arms are different on an R1.

 

I have to disagree with Silvr94r2 on the resale value thing. I've done alot of research on Rx7's before I purchased mine and still now, and I have yet to see a "noticeable" price difference between a Touring and an R1/2 of same year and condition. Actually I've seen quite a few Tourings going for more than similar R models because of the added "comforts", or better yet "bare necessities" (to me at least). When I was looking to purchase a car I was looking for the best car/deal, but I also would have preferred a Touring over an R model if they were in similar conditions. As for the performance aspect I really think that's just BS. Even if the R models have .1g better lateral acc., how many "normal" human beings are going to actually reach those limits without being on a racetrack? I am 100% sure that in everyday driving situations, the two models would perform exactly the same. The only real benefit of the R's is the 2nd oil cooler, but that can always be added to any model without one. Don't mean to bash anyone, but just throwing in my opinion! Either model is more car than 90% of potential buyers can ever handle! Have fun!

 

I am just starting to look into the 3rd gens... I would like to go with an R1/R2(for the stiffer suspension and 2nd oil cooler), but would like some of the other comforts such as leather, sunroof, cruise. Would these be availiable together in a PEP package possibly somewhere? what kind of options were there from the factory(ie. could a touring come with a 2nd oil cooler? could an R1/R2 come with leather?) Thanks in advance for any info.

 

Oh, you want everything! Sorry, they don't come that way in the U.S. Leather and sunroof came only on the Touring or PEP models (although some 93 base models had optional leather seats) and the stiff suspension and 2nd oil cooler came only on the R models.

 

Again, thanks for the input. I suppose I'll have to actually go for a ride or a drive in an R2 before I can decide (I don't want a 93). But of course, availability is the key factor.