old school imports

Im looking to buy a new car soon so i need a serious comaparison. which do you thing is the best buy overall, take into consideration the handling, acceleration, and looks

1985 Maza RX-7
1982 Nissan 280zx
1987 toyota supra

and feel free to suggerst any other 80s imports

Im just looking for something to have fun with and upgrade without spending a fortune. also i know the 1st gen rx-7 is the mose reliable rotary but im not so sure about its dependability

80's imports? How about a Mustang, or a Camaro?

I hate it when you Europeans do that. He obviously means Japanese imports, since he is obviously from America (it says so in his profile), so quit breaking his balls about it.

The 3rd gen. Supra had very problematic motors and the RX-7 has always been very expensive to maintain, so I'd go with the 280ZX. My dad had an '81, and the only maintenance he ever did was replacing the clutch at 75,000 miles. He bought it for $7,500 and sold it for $5,000. They are good-looking, pretty quick, agile, and very reliable.

I hate it when you Europeans do that. He obviously means Japanese imports, since he is obviously from America (it says so in his profile), so quit breaking his balls about it.

Yeah? Well tough fucking shit. If you can’t be bothered to read the stickies at the top of this forum I couldn’t give a shit what you do and don’t hate. This is an INTERNATIONAL forum, how difficult is that to understand?

mustangs and camaros are a dime a dozen, i want something that people will stare at. and personally i think the 5.0 mustang is the ugliest thing on the road

I read the stickies and I see your point, crayzayjay, it just bothers me that you know exactly what he meant but instead of commenting on what he asked, you nitpicked at his choice of words. That's just a waste of space and time. Anyways, let's not turn his thread into yet another import argument.

Mustangs and Camaros are indeed a dime a dozen, but they are also significantly cheaper than the cars you have listed, and nearly as fast as the turbo Japanese sports cars of the era (faster than the N/A's). A nice 3rd gen. Camaro IROC-Z would be a great starter car for someone getting into autocross or road racing, and a nice Foxbody 5.0 Mustang would be just as good for drag racing. But I understand if you wanna stick with the Japanese cars. Just be careful what you buy, because Japanese reliability back then wasn't what it is today.

I hate it when you Europeans do that. He obviously means Japanese imports, since he is obviously from America (it says so in his profile), so quit breaking his balls about it.


Not to throw another log on the fire but what about Euro imports like the Audi Coupe, the E30 M3, etc etc

I considered that, but I assumed since he listed three Japanese cars, he was talking about Japanese imports. Besides, in America, when most people say "imports", they are referring to Japanese cars. Don't know why, that's kinda just how it happened.

I read the stickies and I see your point, crayzayjay, it just bothers me that you know exactly what he meant but instead of commenting on what he asked, you nitpicked at his choice of words. That's just a waste of space and time. Anyways, let's not turn his thread into yet another import argument.
What's a waste of time and space is you still rattling on about this. Keep on-topic.

Indeed, like I said, let's not turn his thread into another import argument. There are a few more good 80's Japanese imports to consider. The Mitsubishi Starion was a pretty potent performer. It had a 2.6L turbocharged four-cylinder and rear-wheel-drive, and it was pretty quick. Don't know much about the reliability history. There's also the pre-1987 Supra (called the Celica Supra). I don't think it ever came with a turbo, but it was lighter and less problematic than the 1987-1992 Supra.

I had a starion when i was 16. It was a fun little car and i had a great time driving it. But it was impossible to find performance parts for, it was unreliable, and between being packed into a small engine bay and having the piping for the turbo in the way it was very hard to work on. even with all of that i loved the car and i would buy another one if i could find on for sale in MI.

I named the three cars I did because they offer good bang for the buck and i like how unique each one is. but the starion was a good suggestion, keep em coming

i didnt mention any european imports because i havent found any in my area and price range

not to be totally OT, but what fixation is it with 1980s vehicles ? i mean theyve got super high mileage theyre gonna break down and are usually in poor condition...youd spend thousands just getting most of them to pass an emissions test here

sirsmiley: Remember, one of his high priorities is uniqueness, and honestly, you don't see many well-maintained 80's sports cars these days. And I, for one, am a big fan of 80's styling, especially on cars such as the 1st gen. 300ZX and 2nd gen. RX-7.

youd spend thousands just getting most of them to pass an emissions test here

Some states are fortunate to not have emissions...like Florida for instance

:naughty:

I just love the style of teh 80 cars i mentioned. And they seem to have everything i want - good looks, all three of those cars came as a 2 seater, 5 speed, RWD, and they are all pretty cheap for how much fun you can have in them, and this may be a little subjective but the nissans I6 is pretty much bullet proof.

i'd say fix up a 88 supra turbo. i personally love the 86 1/2 to 92 supra's

Subaru XT :naughty:

Aside from the AMC SX/4, the Subaru XT is one of the few sports cars of the era that can ride on wet, snowy and muddy roads. Not to mention unlike the SVX or WRX with its air suspension system, that auto levels for the US version (the lower the faster you go) and especially for XTs sold in Canada with a manual lever for operating the level, it can actually go somewhat off-road. Even though the turbocharged 1.8l H4 is more tunable there are more parts and ways emerging to tune the more powerful NA 2.7l H6 or what is called the Subaru XT6. And unlike the SVX some do come with a 5 speed, even though with wide gearing it does not seem to help its 0-60 too much. Also, like the SVX is can reach speeds of 160mph, even though like the SVX with a design which only some or you can say even fewer would love it would also take some time to initially reach that speed. Even though all I can say is the Subaru XT, especially the 1.8Ts with the electronic readers has to be one of the most unique interiors I have seen (in a good way) with the checkered felt seats, large windows, airplane like steering wheel with audio plus other buttons along it, actually 12 point equalizer on audio console, brightened up with orange and red LEDs. Or you can go with the Subaru RX with the same 1.8T H4 as the XT but it lighter, probably cheaper if you can find one and you can say is like the WRX's predecessor.

But aside from that car one of the most tunable out of the ones you mentioned is the RX-7 since you can just swap in a 13B rotary from a 3rd gen RX-7, not to mention the 2nd generation one being quite tunable too. Also aside from headgasket problems I have heard the 2nd gen Supras are actually quite reliable and have been tuned up to 500hp. The Nissan 280z is a great tuner car as well being the lightest and having swapping capabilities from an RB to a Chevy small Block, also the stock engine is also quite tunable as well. However good luck finding one in good condition and when you do they can be quite expensive compared to the other three since they are pretty iconic.

I test drove a Subaru XT GL10 about a year ago, and even though, when i first saw it i thought it was hiddous, i drove it and i loved the way it handled. it also had a ton of power for the weight. It did exelent power slides. but it sold before i could make and offer.

the supra is my least favorite of the three because of the weight but still a great car.

i would really like something with good handling and ive heard the Z is awesome if you upgrade the suspension

Id just look for something a little newer like a 93 rx-7 or a integra, u buy any of those cars and something goes you'll be paying a fortune just to fix and get the part. Plus alot of people who are selling those cars, they have problems and rust and just aint work it. Your best bet is spend or save your money on something a little newer and is going to last.

mustangs and camaros are a dime a dozen, i want something that people will stare at.
Mazdas, Toyotas and Nissans are also a dime a dozen!

Of the cars that were originally listed, I think the Z car looks best, and would be a great all rounder.

If the Supra is a turbo, that car would probably have the most potential overall. The only problem with that body style, however, is its tendancy to blow head gaskets. The problem could be cured with an HKS metal gasket. You can find several Supras out there that have already had that mod done. Once the gasket is fixed, you're good to go. The reputation of that motor precedes itself. You can make some awesome power without killing the bottom end. The first car my brother and I ever souped up was a 91 Supra turbo. It's still one of the baddest straight line cars I've driven to this day. Sure was a money pit before we were done with it, though.

As for the RX7, I like those. Light, tight, and ready to fight. I know I might regret saying this for all the wailing and gnashing of teeth that will ensue- but I really want to take one of those and drop a carbed small block into it. So much speed for so little money. And it would be really easy to work on everything yourself, too.

Overall though, I would probably go for the supra if it's a turbo, and for the Z if the Supra is an NA. The RX appeals to me more as a project car, although it would be a fine piece if you just left it alone. If I was going to drive a car everyday and keep it stock, I would have to think hard between the Z and the Mazda.

And I just had to throw in an odball suggestion. Since we are talking about 80's performance cars, did an Omni GLH happen to cross your mind? I know the FWD might be a turn off, but that would still be a cool old car.

I was suprised at the supras power at first (I havent test driven it yet) but then i saw that it 3,600 lbs. how the hell does does a ton and a half handle? id i dont know if i mentioned this initially but the 280zx also comes as a turbo. and most people think the 1st gen RX-7 is ugly but i personally love that body style. Oh and as har as costing a fortune if it breaks, I do all my work myself so finding parts would be the only problem.

Im not interested in the omni but i appreciate the suggestion.

of the cars you chose i think the 280ZXT is the best...great tunability, fairly nice sized aftermarket for the L series motors. last of the inline Z's to be offered to the US...it is sure to be a classic along with its older brother the 240Z. with a few suspension mods and some engine tuning, it can be force to be wreckoned with on any course....

but since you said you dont mind working on your cars yourself...may i add the 2nd gen RX7 TII or maybe the 300zx Turbo. both can be made uberly fast with a little money and both can handle their selfs on a race car in stock trim but wait till you start modding. and yes, i know the 2nd gen RX7 is more unreliable then probably what you want but to me it can be overlooked if you test drive one. and the 300zxT is probably one of the most reliable ZX's every built.

another option i might consider if you could find one is a celica all-trac...

I have looked of a snd gen rx-7 trubo II for about a year now and they just dont seem to be for sale in Michigan. then i realized that the First gen is available for cheaper and has been raced in every aspect of racing for years and usually leads its class.

*blinks* People think the first gen RX-7 is ugly? *shakes his head* Hell, I find the Second gen RX ugly. Vastly prefer the First Gen, and I want to steal every 3rd gen I see.
On the Datsun, call me nutty, but I never did like the slightly more angular feel to the 280zx, prefer the 280z, 260z and 240z. But either way, awesome cars.
On the Toy', hell, I'd even suggest a '76 Celica GT, and do a quick 22R swap. Quick, and to me, good looking. Finally: You NEVER see an old Celica GT around it seems, least of all modded.

I'm obviously a little biased, but what about a CRX? Looks are a matter of personal preference as far as 1st-gen vs. 2nd-gen is concerned, but the '84-'89 rexes are dirt cheap and reasonably reliable if you can find one that's been well-maintained. Unfortunately for the 1st-gens, the aftermarket is scarce, but a 1700-lb car (the '84-'87 HF's weigh in at 1713 lbs) is hard to beat.

The 3rd gen. Supra had very problematic motors and the RX-7 has always been very expensive to maintain, so I'd go with the 280ZX. My dad had an '81, and the only maintenance he ever did was replacing the clutch at 75,000 miles. He bought it for $7,500 and sold it for $5,000. They are good-looking, pretty quick, agile, and very reliable.

As far as i know the 3rd gen supras other than the head gaskets where asmost bullet proof. Cast iron block i beleve all forged internals. The Rx7s aren' that hard the maintain espically this geneeration the second one i believe is the one he is talking bout. But 2 quick ?S are we talking bout n/a,single turbo, or twin on the supra? n/a or turbo on the rX7?

actually the 87 supra had a bullet proof engine. the only problem is had was the head gasket wasnt torqued down enough so it blows depening on how its driven. if you want one, ask to see if it had th egasket replaced, and if it hasnt, just slap on a metal one torqued down correctly and youll be fine.

Dreamspawn - im talking about the 1st gen rx-7, and a n/a '87 supra

bulletproof engine but ALOT of weight (the supra i mean)

O yah the supra fromt he frist 2-3 gens had alot of weight. But weight isn't always everything look at my next car *going to test drive next week* a Mistu VR4. Close to 4000 pounds but 0-60 in 5.0-5.5 and 1/4 miles in the 13 stock. Can easly be pushed into the 12s with 200$-400$.

true but the vr4 is a twintubo v-6. this supra is 3600lbs and probably an N/A because turbo supras are really hard to find in MI