Of course theres gonna be some bias opinions on here since this is a ITR forum, though I have some questions regarding the two cars. I'm looking into buying a CW 01 Canadian Spec R ideally within the next year or so and I was wondering how the ITR handles against the 93-95 Mazda RX-7's. I currently had a freeway run in with a TT RX-7 and the Mazda could not outrun me persay on the hwy, though I couldn't pass him either so ideally we were pretty much equally compared on the FWY from 80mph on up in speed (even though he's TT boosted, and I was running a I/E on a facotry JDM R motor). There's discussion on my forum (http://sirrommotorsports.com/forum/s...&threadid=2118) about how I should get a RX-7 or a "super car" they put it such as a Supra, 3000GT VR-4, 300Z over my always dreamed ITR. I currently have a B18C-R in my 99 Civic Coupe Si, though its not the real overall thing... I want a R!!! Can any of you ITR people give me some proven or personal comparison facts between the two cars? How will the R handle compared to the RX-7 (both factory form) and how will it accellerate compared to the 93-95 RX-7 (again in factory form)? I know with turbo upgrades the RX-7 would be the faster of the two, but technically the R isn't made to be the "faster" of the two cars, it's designed to be a quick, yet handling track car.

 

Man, almost any RWD car with sporting aspirations is a better handler than the majority of FWD vehicles. I'm selling my R next year for some rear-drive goodness As for the RX-7 specifically compared to the R, no contest the Rex is a much superior handling beast. RWD, low roll center, limited-slip differential, only 2800 lbs. with 255 hp... the list goes on. Just look at the AutoX designations: the ITR is in D Stock and the FD3S RX-7 is placed in SS (highest stock category).

 

While I haven't owned an RX7, I did drive one, and it's speed seemed fairly comparable to the R, though definitely way more torque down low. It had Koni Shocks and Ground Control springs I think, lowered maybe 1", and it was solid, no bodyroll whatsoever but still comfortable. The brakes were nice too, though I didn't get a chance to try them out like on my R. Some of the things to consider in the decision are reliability and utility. The RX7 has been known to be not the most reliable sports car out there, especially when modified improperly, whereas Rs are pretty damn good in that respect. Also, you'll have trouble transporting much of anything other than one other person in the 7, whereas the R has at least an excuse of a rear seat and a reasonable rear cargo area. That being said, some day when I have the money for building a reliable 13B, I'll be getting an RX7, though probably as an addition to the R, not as a replacement.

One other thought, you referred to the Supra, 3000GT VR4 and 300ZX as "supercars," but not the 7. I'd say given similar mods the 7 will easily hang with the Supra on the straights, and will definitely pound its ass into the ground through the corners. The VR4 is a pig BECAUSE of the awd, and the 300ZX was pretty tame (IMO) in stock form, and had problems with overheating to boot. I'd take the 7 over any of those in a heartbeat.

 

It'll depend on the track. Both have their strong points. On Sebring they are about equal on the long course but in my experience the ITR can get a bit quicker on the 'club course'.. but then it wasn't the same driver so :shrug:. I've passed modified 3rd gens in my GS-R before too though, so driver experience/etc is going to play a part in any 'real world' comparison.

Personally, I like the 3rd gen more for a track car, but then I don't care much for FWD anyways..

 

If you are an average driver with no real RWD experience at the highest level, you would be hard pressed to beat an ITR with the RX7, track depending.
The ITR is so easy and user friendly at the limit and it can be pushed right from the get go. Whereas the RX needs a confident experienced driver to extract the best.

Yes indeed at the national level Autocross events the top drivers in RX7 beat the tops in ITR's but in every day driving with every day people, the ITR is hard to beat.

 

I'm going to have to disagree on some of that.

An ITR at the limit in the hands of a inexperienced driver can result in spinning the car, rolling it, etc. Most all inexperienced drivers will lift if the car starts to slide. To drive a FWD car fast you have to be even more confident IMO assuming the FWD car is setup "correctly".

At least IMO RWD is easier to control. Perhaps that is just me though. :shrug:

 

Just keep one thing in mind, the age of the RX7 and the age of an ITR.
that should be a big factor in buying any car, time alone can kill a car.

As for the RX7, I love them and would have owned one but could not find the right one and went with the ITR.

Btw I have owned 2 first gen RX7s- great cars with so much potential.

 

The RX7 is definitely a faster all-around car than the ITR stock vs stock with same driver. But finding a well taken care RX7 is hard, even if it's stock, the motor requires a rebuild after a relatively low mileage (includes all seals and vacuum hoses).

Don't assume that the ones taken care by the dealer would be "ok". Those are the worst since there's almost NO qualified mechanics who could work on a rotary engine. 7 owners always say, if an RX7 is brought into the dealer for major service, it would most likely die there.

All information is according to my friend, who owned an FD and is the admin of the 7 forum so his source is pretty reliable.
http://www.rx7club.com/

 

I'm confused. Talking about freeway runs yet asking which car is a better track car. :Shrug:

 

I'm gonna guess he's using that as the only comparison he's personally experienced. He doesn't sound like the typical idiot street-racer thinking he's "road racing." What do you think, original poster, am I wrong?