Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Test drove 2 potential "fun" cars

After thinkin' about the classic roadsters, I don't think that's what I'm really after. Although they're really cool (that silver Alfa is in amazing condition!), I think that's something I'd rather undertake when I'm retired. I'd rather have the mondern feel when I'm sitting behind the wheel - tight steering, ergonomic and well placed buttons, a CD player, nice brakes w/ ABS, and airbags. You get the idea.

Also, say I put a CD player in a '88 Alfa Spyder... I'd get bad vibes from the Alfa crowd a the Alfa meets.

I think a Boxter is a little outta my league, and there's no Porsche dealership for about 75 miles from where I'm moving. It'd be hard to drive 150 miles for warranty work.

Engine swaps are 100% outta the question. I don't have the tools, the space, nor the desire to undertake something like that. I want to drive the car.

I know it's not a roadster, but what are peoples' opinions on the G35 coupe? Pros & cons?

One thing I like about the MSM and the S2000 is that they come with all the performance goodies. I'm not into DVD navigation, homelink, blah blah blah. If I'm not mistaken, one can purchase the G35 w/o a LSD. I don't want a RWD, 6 speed, 287hp coupe without a limited-slip! That's just silly! Since I'd probably be buying one used, I'm wondering if it'd be a hassle to find one that's "just right."

My wife went through the same thing recently. She wanted a convertible and likes roadsters. We test drove both a S2000 and a Miata (not MS version). We ended up buying the Miata.

We test drove a 2004 S2000 first. It is fast, handles very well and has better interior/exterior aesthetics (personal opinion of course). However, I found the car incredibly cramped and uncomfortable, it gets worse gas mileage, costs a lot more and costs more to insure.

A couple weeks later, we test drove a 2000 Miata. I wasn't expecting to be impressed having already driven the S2000. However, I was very impressed. The Miata is not near as fast and it may not look near as cool, but it is definitely more satisfying to drive. It is hard to put your finger on exactly what makes the difference. We like the seating position in the Miata better, the transmission feels great, and the car feels extremely nimble. We've taken it on a 200 mile trip and I was not at all uncomfortable. The price difference between the two cars helps a lot as well. On top of that, there is a huge aftermarket of comparatively cheap parts for the Miata. The wife is already asking for forced induction.

I don't know if my opinion will help you make a decision, but good luck.

Your wife rocks!

Thanks for the input. My fiance is really excited to do some test driving!

I agree with James. Stick to rotary in an RX.

Rotaries don't like heat. Turbos generate heat. They also are easy to increase boost for more power which also generates heat. How many stock turbo RX-7's (2nd or 3rd gen) have problems? Few. I only hear about problems when people (who don't do their research) start modifying them. The other issue is apex seals. They wear out over about 150k miles, +/-25k. Rebuilding a rotary is common because the engiens are failry old, and it is very easy/cheap to do compared to piston engines.

The NA 13B is one of the most reliable engine designs with much fewer moving parts compared to piston designed. Since the RX-7 hasn't been for sale in the States for at least 11 years, and the NA 13b since 1990, stories about rebuilds doesn't surprise me. Anyway, I have 158k miles on my 13B. It leaks a little oil, but the engien is pretty strong.

Drove a base model Z today.
Unf!


I gotta go find that link that Swazo put up w/ that super sweet sounding Z exhaust.

Damnit...I wish I was in the market for a car NOW. Stupid wedding costing so damn much. Is it too late to elope?