Compare the M-coupe and the RX-7, anyone?

[sank]

I have a 93 RX-7, and I really really like the M Coupe. However, the numbers show that my car is quicker and faster. But, numbers aren't everything, I am looking for the whole package. I get some of the same reponses you get, "what kind of car is that?" "is it fast?" "can I have a ride?" and a lot of other attention.

But, I was thinking of trading for the BMW, and I was wondering if any of you had first-hand experience with the RX-7 and could compare them for me?

Also, which year did they upgrade to the M motor (2001), and what are the 0-60 times for the newer motor?

Thanks!

[California_M3]

I had a 1995 RX-7 that I traded for a 1995 M3. The RX-7 was a great handling car with great performance. However, the maintenance/reliability thing bummed me out. On top of that, I'd seen way too many RX-7s with "new motors" at 50 to 60k. So after a few years of ownership, and 30k miles on the car, I sold it. Sold it before dealing with the huge depreciation I'd expect to see with the replaced motor, etc..... That was painful because I think the RX-7 is about the best looking car out there -- a truly timeless design. No regrets now though. The M3 has been a great car. I just drove a 2000 M Roadster last weekend for comparison as well. Both M cars have very similar performance characteristics, but in different packaging. They felt almost identical. The biggest difference I noticed in the M from the 7 was the torque. The M motors have a much better torque response than the Mazda. For that matter, much better than the slew of new cars out there right now. I test drove the 350, the RX-8, and the Evo -- none of those engines had that satisfying torque response. I also drove a Vette -- lots of torque, but not really usable around town. The NSX is about the closest thing to that feel. With the 7, I recall having to really wind it up to get it to move. With the M, you can be cruising at a normal gear, push the accelerator, and get it to pull hard. It's a really satisfying engine. The M3 is a great car, but has a conservative look. To me the M Roadster is basically the same car, but in a slicker roadster package. Still doesn't stand out like the RX-7 unfortunately!

The new M motor (315hp) came out on the 2001 Roadster. Road & Track gave it 0-60/qtr mile of 5.1/13.6. The previous 2000 Roadster (240hp) was 5.4/14.0. Not a huge difference, but significant.

Hope this helps......

[sank]

thanks for the input. I wasn't sure how similar the coupe/roadster and the regular sedan M3 were. I kindof decided myself out of the M3 for now, but I may swing back into it.

I kinda decided to go with plan C instead:
When it's time for a new motor in my 7 (any day between today and 2 years from now), I'm going to swap in Corvette drivetrain components, and solve nearly all my problems except the resaleability. I really like the wankel - too bad it's at its limit in stock form. I 'need' it to be faster.

Besides, I can't afford too much auto dynamic right now; I might buy a gsxr 1000 tomorrow (sufficiently quick motorcycle).

[California_M3]

I looked into the Vette drivetrain thing. Nice, but expensive. The one place that I've seen that does this quotes around $11k for that job. Reliability becomes even more questionable since the only documented conversion had only 10k miles on it or so. Lots of little issues to work out too. A GSXR is good cheap fun for the money....

[sank]

Yeah, I've read anywhere between 6 ad 10k, depending on how much work you can/will do yourself. Plus, there's a guy not too far from me (< 15 minutes) that has nearly completed the conversion himself, so that's quite useful.

Okay, I gotta call the gixxer guy now.