i like both 1gen and second gen mazda rx-7s
but there can only be one
can somebody run me down the pros and cons of both .

 

That's a complicated question. For example, 1st gens are much more simple cars but it is getting hard to find parts and it is an archaic suspension design. 2nd gens have a much better suspension, come turbo, but are heavier and less pure.

It all boils down to what you are looking for.

For me, the early 2nd gen ('86) and the early 1st gen ('78, '79) are the RX-7s I look for because they are most pure.

 

I prefer the 1st gens myself. Lighter, long history of racing, and great availability of performance parts now thanks to www.re-speed.com

True, the stock suspension leaves a lot to be desired, but with a little work you can turn one into a go kart. 2nd gens can be improved too, I'm sure, but I've never been concerned at an autocross event when I see a 2nd gen pull in.... Great cars, no doubt, but I think they went too far towards comfort and wandered away from the racing heritage, resulting in a car with a great motor and suspension that was just too heavy to do anything with. The Z cars ended up much the same way, which is too bad in my opinion.


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