I am a new member thinking of trying a few local slalom days and was looking at one of two cars. A 1985 RX-7 GSL-SE and a 1994 Miata. Both are about the same price just didn't know which is easier for a beginner to learn/drive. I am not worried about running at the front at a SCCA solo2 class or anything like that just a fun simple car to play with that I can also drive back and forth to work. Any input?
I think around here the answer is going to be Miata. I think it really depends on how indepth and crazy you want to get into it.
I used to autocross a 2nd gen RX-7 in stock class. It was probably faster than the 1st gen (even if I wasn't) but certainly slower than the Miatas (we were all in the same class).
In reply to cwaters:
thanks!
trophystock wrote: I am a new member thinking of trying a few local slalom days and was looking at one of two cars. A 1985 RX-7 GSL-SE and a 1994 Miata. Both are about the same price just didn't know which is easier for a beginner to learn/drive. I am not worried about running at the front at a SCCA solo2 class or anything like that just a fun simple car to play with that I can also drive back and forth to work. Any input?
If you don't chose the RX-7, can you please post info about it, the ad? Thanks.
http://harrisonburg.craigslist.org/cto/1832937473.html
would a second generation rx-7 also be a good choice? I also looked at a 88 944 but kinda leery about the upkeep of the 944.
errr... Miata
The Miata will be better at the autocross presuming you are talking a pretty close to stock car, BUT there will be a lot more of them. I'm not sure how the RX7 is classed but I'm thinking you would be in the class just under the Miatae which would give you a little better boost to your self esteem.
Ok, miata it is. Now is there a advantage to the 1.8 cars over the 1.6 other then 200cc? The one I am looking at is a 1994 loaded car in fair shape but has a LSD and priced at $1,600
The RX-7 will fall in "C" along with the Miata. I have more fun in an RX-7 than in a Miata but the Miatas are usually quicker on the auto-x course and have a better suspension and steering setup.
The GSL-SE with properly functioning 5th & 6th ports and a full racing beat exhaust will be faster and torquier all around. The Miatas power band just doesn't do anything for me. They are also kind of like bellybuttons at an autox. Everyone has one.
My GSL-SE is way outclassed in SSM due to the porting. I have gotten beat by good drivers in C-Stock but usually run comparable times to the CSP and CP guys who usually have way more tire than me. I also am out to have fun and it shows in my driving. Sliding most of the course but almost never spining and rarely picking up cones. I have had about 6 first gens so I am biased but have driven plenty of Miatas. From bone stock to turbo.
In reply to trophystock:
That is a decent price for a 94.
As someone who has autocrossed both, I'm with Greg. The RX-7 has a much better powerband (mine was a stock carburetored 12A with a RB header and full exhaust plus some other STS class stuff). It is also easier to slide. The Miata and SA/FB RX-7 actually share a lot of parts (parking brake handle, front floorpan and carpet, some switchgear) so they really are quite similar.
The Miata is the better autocrosser in everything but completely re-engineered Prepared/Modified/screw the SCCA rules form. However, there will always be Miata's at the autocross, and you will likely be the only RX-7 and will get a LOT of attention. It also qualifies for collector status in a few states.
Oh and that is a good price for a GSL-SE if it is as nice as it looks.
Of the two, the N/A MkII Toyota MR2 is the better choice. Five minutes on the google machine will tell you everything you ever wanted to know to set one up for E Stock and you'll be whoopin' on Miatas in no time.
Sorry, had to answer the question you didn't ask. As for "I don't care if I can run at the front" trust me, you will. Might as well start with a car that can grow with you as you gain skill.
fast_eddie_72 wrote: Of the two, the N/A MkII Toyota MR2 is the better choice. Five minutes on the google machine will tell you everything you ever wanted to know to set one up for E Stock and you'll be whoopin' on Miatas in no time. Sorry, had to answer the question you didn't ask. As for "I don't care if I can run at the front" trust me, you will. Might as well start with a car that can grow with you as you gain skill.
Strange I thought those E-Stock miata's have been doing pretty well these last couple of years...
Miata
I really would prefer a miata with a rotary. In second place I prefer the RX-7.
In reply to trophystock:
If you're just learning and aren't trying to be competitive, go ahead and bring your daily driver if you can. Learning the basics of slalom, the limits of the car you spend the most time in and most likely having a truckload of fun in the process would be a great way to ease into things without spending $$$
If the car in question /is/ going to be your daily driver, I'd lean towards the Miata, simply due to the availability of parts and fuel consumption.
trophystock wrote: Ok, miata it is. Now is there a advantage to the 1.8 cars over the 1.6 other then 200cc? The one I am looking at is a 1994 loaded car in fair shape but has a LSD and priced at $1,600
That's a good price on a Miata.
The 1.8 cars gained a noticeable bump in power. The LSD is a much better unit too. The 1.6 used viscous unit that will operate like an open diff by now. The 1.8 car got a larger differential that can handle much more power as well as being an all around more effective and nearly indestructible unit. The cars also got a bit more chassis stiffening.
When I hunted for a Miata, I specifically went looking for a '94+ to get that better diff, since I was also looking to try drifting.
Oh, and those Miata engines are tough. I blew a cooling line and lost all my coolant at Thunderhill. Didn't notice because I was too busy chasing down and passing an Evo. Does not appear to have damaged the engine at all. I would not want to do a 10/10's lap of a hot track without coolant in a Rotary.
Well, still looking at the miatas but tomorrow we're going to look at a 2003 MR2 spyder. What is everybody's thoughts on those? My daily driver now is a 1987 dodge ram 50 so any vehicle is a step up.
trophystock wrote: Well, still looking at the miatas but tomorrow we're going to look at a 2003 MR2 spyder. What is everybody's thoughts on those? My daily driver now is a 1987 dodge ram 50 so any vehicle is a step up.
I would not want a gen 3 MR2 as a DD. I believe it has enough storage space for a game of tennis, and nothing else.
There are so many nice cars out there for less that I am having a hard time with it. I like the 2K miata but a 7K MR2 or a 4K NB miata is so tempting also.
moxnix wrote: Strange I thought those E-Stock miata's have been doing pretty well these last couple of years...
No doubt! The "right" Miata seems to be the car to have. But if you don't have the "right" Miata, seems any old MkII MR2 is a better local car. That's just my experience, I could be wrong. I beat the Miatas and it's not my driving prowess that's doing the trick. There is one "right" Miata here that is definatly faster than me, though it's hard to say how much of that is the driver. He's definately much faster than me.
Like so many things it depends on what you want to do. If you just want to buy a car and not hunt down the elusive 'car to have' it seems like any old MkII MR2 can run well locally. Sure, not going to win Nationals, but can have a lot of fun.
I'm willing to bet the MR2 will teach you better driving skills than the Miata
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