miata vs fc3s

[zmepro]

which would you prefer for a track car?

a really cheap or free fc3s convertible or a low 90's miata?

 

[RyanJayG]

I personally would prefer a totally gutted miata + turbo kit... rotaries are great but dont live very long

 

[protegeV]

miata for sure.

 

[zmepro]

yea i like miata better too but

miata = $
rx7= free or much less $

 

[RyanJayG]

once the apex seals go you'll be wishing you had the miata

 

[zmepro]

what causes the apex seals to go out?

 

[RyanJayG]

miles... and hard driving

seriously, the expected life of a rotary is only like 80 milesbefore a rebuild... stick to pistons unless you already have an intimate knowledge of wankels

 

[JDuncan]

You guys need to learn more about rotaries before you speak false hoods. I know of several RX-7's with over 200,000 miles on the stock motor with NO rebuilds... NA rotaries are virtually indestructable. It is the turbo charged rotaries that have reliability problems, and then, only when modded poorly or poorly maintained. My Turbo II had 118,xxx miles on the original motor when it finally let go, and that was with me running additional boost and only modest fuel mods. I have a friend with a T04 car at 108,xxx on the original motor.

To the question at hand... Are you a big guy or a little one? Silly question? Maybe, but very relevant. Miata's don't possess tilt steering, are very narrow, and have little leg room. I am 6'5". While I can fit in a Miata, I wouldn't want to spend extended travel time in one. That being said, I have spent the better part of this year autocrossing a turboed 96 Miata. It is lighter and will out handle the FC convertible, and if you decide to add a turbo, it will be quite a bit faster both straightline and on course. It is an incredible amount of fun.

If the Miata in question is a 90-93, then I would probably pass on it and go with the FC. Free is free, and if you don't take it, at least get me the hookup. I am biased against the early Miata's because of smaller 1.6L motor, which in earlier years (90-91) had weak crank snout problems; the smaller differential, which is not as capable as the Torsens found in the later cars and not as upgradeable either; and the smaller brakes, that are sufficient, but not as desirable to me. I can't help but look at the car as a future turbo car, so I think of the things I would want so that I could put that power down. If the Miata in question is 94-97, then I start salivating a bit more. Stock for Stock, it is more on par with the power level of the FC and will handily dispatch it in the twisties. If it is a C package car (tan leather/tan top) then it will already have the torsen diff.

I need more info on the two cars you are looking at to really tell you what I would end up choosing and why. What are the model years of the two cars? Description of options and conditions. Don't 2nd string the FC just yet because it is a rotary. It may still end up being the better choice depending on the two cars in question and what you want to do with the car in the future.

 

[FC3s Boy]

I personally would prefer a totally gutted miata + turbo kit... rotaries are great but dont live very long

you should have said "turbo" rotaries don't last long , i have over 300 passes on my set up now with out a single problem, i would go with a rx7, here are some pics of our project vert with a 13b re motor and a full cage

 

[jflo]

mmm...i was just debating this actually...but more the question, which would be a better drift car. i have the '91 miata (without the crank problem thankfully), and considering selling it to get an FC

 

[RyanJayG]

you should have said "turbo" rotaries don't last long , i have over 300 passes on my set up now with out a single problem, i would go with a rx7, here are some pics of our project vert with a 13b re motor and a full cage

yes, you are quie correct.. but I just dont think thay way anymore.... boost on the brain

 

[speedhawaii]

i seen a 13b miata hehe!

 

[Orthonormal]

Have any of you driven a convertible FC? I have. I thought I wanted one really badly about 5 years ago. What a seriously good looking car. I went out and drove a couple. They handled like boats. The suspension was soft and slow, and I'm sure the lack of body rigidity wasn't helping any. The car felt slow, too. The rotary is a great engine, but the RX-7 convertible is really heavy. You need torque to get a heavy car moving, and the rotary didn't have enough.

Then I started test driving Miatas, and they were completely different. The handling was quick and precise, and while the engine didn't slam you back into your seat, it responded quickly enough.

I would choose the Miata every time, no matter what purpose you have in mind. Street, track, autocross...

 

[JDuncan]

I have owned a FC vert, and spent a heck of a lot of time behind the wheel of a Miata. I don't think the choice is anywhere near that clear. My own vert handled extremely well and was competitive in ES where it regularly beat the ES Miatas. Again, if the Miata in question was a 90-93, I would pass on it.

It really boils down to the two cars he is looking at. I still don't have enough info to make a recommendation.

 

[Lt. Dan]

For track days, I'd go with a Miata... quicker steering ratio, nicer shifter, and NEWER....

Dan