Are the best behind us?
#26
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Originally Posted by Shiri
The old tech, uneconomical sports cars of yesterday and being replaced by the thinking sports car.
To the 350z's credit, it is almost as fast as the 300zx TT even though it doesn't have FI. It is probably more economical and guess what, its cheaper!
While the RX8 is a few steps behind the RX7, it does carry some innovation spelling efficiency in design while retaining the sport car feel.
To the 350z's credit, it is almost as fast as the 300zx TT even though it doesn't have FI. It is probably more economical and guess what, its cheaper!
While the RX8 is a few steps behind the RX7, it does carry some innovation spelling efficiency in design while retaining the sport car feel.
For me, the only two areas that the RX-8 lags behind the RX-7 are speed and styling. Styling is subjective, and there are some who prefer the RX-8's looks. It's very close for me, but I still prefer the shape of the FD. Handling, I rate as even, but the RX-8 has a far superior ride. Build quality, reliability (yes realiability!), interior design and practicality are all in the 8's favor. Add in the very affordable price, and you've got what Car and Driver calls their Best Sports Coupe for two years running (C&D 10 Best '04&'05). They also called it the best RX ever.
I feel the same way about the Z as well. The Z32 was a little better performance wise and also better looking (IMO), but just barely in both categories. Ironically, the Z32 could be had with back seats. The Z33 is a bargain however, when you look at price. Mid/High $30K for a TT 300ZX in the early nineties vs. under $30K for a 350Z today.
#27
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Massachusetts, USA
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Originally Posted by BlueEyes
the best days for me will be when they start making small affordable rear drive cars. I would love to see the RSX, SRT, Civic, Mini etc... rear drive. It would make my car shopping so much easier.
#28
I have decided that I want at least 4 seats. I am buying used too so I am looking at about 10-12K. There really is nothing in there, it's sad. I am having to go back to the 80's to find decent cars.
#30
I have been looking into them. I haven't had much luck finding an example in good condition and umollested by a teenager. It's spring now, and I am noticing a lot more cars coming up for sale. Hopefully something good turns up, I am still looking out for this....
make me ***** hurt just looking at it.
![](http://www.schwarzone.de/e30/fotost/f00557/05.jpg)
make me ***** hurt just looking at it.
#33
Mazda Mole
Join Date: Aug 2003
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One other I don't see people mentioning is safety.
If I were going to be in an accident I would perfer it to be in my 8 and not the gen 2 RX-7. The improvements in safety in the past 10 years is remarkable. I saw a program on Speed (I believe it's a Top Gear program) where they crashed two minivans. One was built in the late 90's and the other is current. It was a 40mph head on offset collision with both cars. The difference was night and day. In the 90's minivan the driver have to cut out with the Jaws of Life, not mention that his foot is where his knees used to be. In the current minivan, the driver would have been able to walk away.
If I were going to be in an accident I would perfer it to be in my 8 and not the gen 2 RX-7. The improvements in safety in the past 10 years is remarkable. I saw a program on Speed (I believe it's a Top Gear program) where they crashed two minivans. One was built in the late 90's and the other is current. It was a 40mph head on offset collision with both cars. The difference was night and day. In the 90's minivan the driver have to cut out with the Jaws of Life, not mention that his foot is where his knees used to be. In the current minivan, the driver would have been able to walk away.
#34
you know, that is something I have really been thinking about lately. I am a little worried at the safety of some of these old cars. If I were to buy one I would likely replace the belts, but that only goes so far in an accident. That's why I wish cars like civics etc were rear drive. That would be heaven.
#35
Mazda Mole
Join Date: Aug 2003
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Blueeyes
Ever seen these? K1 Attack Kit Cars
It's essentially a under 2000 lbs. tube frame kit car that takes a Honda accord drivetrain and put in in the mid-engine location of the car. I think the car looks pretty hot. Some people use prelude H22 and the car really smokes! :D
Ever seen these? K1 Attack Kit Cars
It's essentially a under 2000 lbs. tube frame kit car that takes a Honda accord drivetrain and put in in the mid-engine location of the car. I think the car looks pretty hot. Some people use prelude H22 and the car really smokes! :D