Dizzy's latest 'what car' thread - Miata? MR2? E30? RX7?

As my TR6 project has rapidly grown beyond my means, I don't want to sit out another summer without a fun driver. So I'm (attempting) to do the smart thing and get a friggin' reliable car. (FWIW I'll let the TR6 go for $3k to anyone on this board - just needs some minor body tub rust patched, frame is totally solid, good floors, victim of a bad PO 'restoration', etc etc)

Decent 2nd gen MR2's seem to be cheaper than Miatas, which is kind of baffling. E30 318is's seem to be a real bargain right now too, and 2nd gen RX7 turbos are also pretty easy to find cheap. Target price is under $4k; the goal here is to have a fun track day/autocross toy that I can also drive to work every now and then. I'd definitely prefer some kind of removable roof, so the RX7 and E30 are already at the back of my list (I think convertible versions of both cars look a little ungainly). The tossability and strong aftermarket for the Miata is appealing, but so is the idea of having a 'proper' mid-engined car. Just how doggish are the N/A MR2's?

Any and all input is appreciated.

An N/A MR2 will be no slower than a 1.6 Miata.

EDIT: looks like the MR2 is about as fast 0-60 as a 1.8 Miata, which is considerably quicker than the 1.6.

$4k will actually buy a ratty but running MR2 turbo nowadays. 200 whp is about $50 away (good boost gauge and a manual boost controller). Lots of people parting these cars out now, too, so you can restore one without too much hassle or expense.

But if you want a competetive autocrosser and a more tame track toy, the N/A really is the better choice. On the street though....

-Winston, '91 MR2 turbo

www.mr2oc.com for all thing MR2. You will have to register to get in but it is worth it.

Dont pass on mk1 MR2's, if you can find one. They are a ton of fun

John
'90 Miata
'88 MR2 SC - sold

Don't overlook 1st Gen RX-7's, they have a removable sunroof that Mazda marketed as "Targa Style" since it's nearly the entire roof! There are metal and glass versions (I have both for mine) and they are a snap to remove and replace. The open air experience is second only to a true drop-top.

1st Gen MR2's are also great values in that price bracket. Find the cleanest, most unmolested one you can. They really look best in non-standard colors. In a sea of Red and Silver ones a factory tealish-blue was the most popular car at a recent MR2 meet.

I've owned both a Miata and a MK2 MR2. I also own an E30 but I just got it and it's currently without an oil pan so I can't give you any feedback on it.

The 2.2 in the N/A MR2 is a fantastic engine! I know that isn't really always popular opinion. If 93celicaGT2 chimes in he'll sing it's praises also.

It's smooth and has a lot of low end torque compared the the Miata, but falls on it's face at about 5000 RPM. 5000 RPM, on the other hand, is where the Miata starts to come alive.

Driving wise, the Miata feels more agile and faster, probably due it it's size and screaming twin cam but someone will surely tell you that stock for stock the MR2 is quicker through the cones.

The MR2's driving position feels much nicer, For me, at 6' tall with 32" inseam, the steering wheel is in a perfect location and you hand falls onto the shifter. The stock shifter is tallish and very near the wheel and has a longish throw but it's still a pretty positive feeling shifter compared to other mid-engine cars I've driven. (Fiat X1/9 and Porsche 914, so that might not be saying much.)

All that said, I sold the MR2 and kept the Miata. I like the Miata more and the driving experience it offers.

Also, as daily drivers, the Miata is two cars in one. Top up and top down are two completely different vehicles. I have a mixed city/hwy commute of 20 miles and consistently get 32mpg, driving like a manic, so mileage isn't bad either.

The MR2 got around 28 +/- 2 mpg and felt like the same car roof panels in or out, one was just slightly more windy.

Slick, I've got a $4000 '99 Miata with 112k miles in dark metalic blue. The interior is in great shape, runs very well. AC doesn't work and there's the always present 4" rip along the back bow in the top. It's bone stock except for a set of '97 STO 15" wheels and nearly new non-competition tires. No wrecks, original paint. It's spent most of it's life in San Francisco. Now it's in Houston, Texas.

I've owned more MR2s than you can shake a stick at. From '85s, to a fire-breathing 300whp 93 turbo.

I just got my first ratty 1.6l Miata. The similarity between the how Miatas and Mk1 MR2s handle is uncanny.

The 5SFE 2.2L is a big steaming pile of crap. They are torquey and they last a long time, but they sound aweful. 5k rpms? Actually they go flat about 4700. The car is good enough to make up for it, but just barely. On an autocross course it is fine, but on the street it's frustrating.

MR2s are harder to find in good condition for the price. If you're shopping at the bottom of the barrel, you'll get much more value from a Miata. If you're willing to spend $4k, I would shop for a really nice SC Mk1 MR2 or a 93+ NA MR2.

for those gen 2 MR2's i hear the T-tops sometimes leak...

As a previous second gen MR2 NA hardtop owner I would emphatically suggest one. If I ever get to a point again where I can have the room for one at home I would like another.

4k would get a REALLY nice e30 these days. If you can find one....

Great cars, IMHO, though if I was looking at two seaters an MR2 would be calling....

MR2, whether it be turbo or N/A.

Someone said that 200whp was bolt ons away. So is 250whp on a Turbo model. Boost controller, better intercooler, exhaust, and a 3" intake. BAM! Done. 250whp in a car like that is a seriously quick car.

As for the N/A, for racing purposes, i'd rather this. The Turbo is a better car on the street, more entertaining, but i prefer my fire breathing 3sgtes in the stability of an AllTrac. YMMV.

As for the 5sfe sounding like crap.... i don't think i've ever heard an S-series motor that i liked the way it sounded. 3sgtes included.

Running out of breath at 4700? In a rev1 motor, yes. In a rev2, you have useable power up to about 5500. If you want the power to keep going, it's a cam regrind away. Colt Cams or WebCams will both do it for you at a very fair price. Completely transforms the car. I'm a big fan of the 5sfe. It's VERY torquey, it's quick enough to keep you from falling asleep, will return decent gas mileage (34mpg mixed in my celica), great for hauling you out of tight corners in 2nd gear. (It'll pull at 1500rpms without complaining.) If you keep up on maintence, and fix any oil leaks as soon as you see them, it will last FOREVER.

What i would personally do, is buy a NICE n/a MR2. Drive it. Get the suspension sorted. And when you feel you need more power, then swap it. A 3sgte swap on an MR2 is a weekend affair.

SlickDizzy wrote: Decent 2nd gen MR2's seem to be cheaper than Miatas, which is kind of baffling. E30 318is's seem to be a real bargain right now too, and 2nd gen RX7 turbos are also pretty easy to find cheap.

I am surprised you can find all of those in WI. I would've thought they all had rusted away by now. Don't you guys use salt up there?