Mazspeed

I've done a search but couldn't find any threads that compare the 951 vs 93-95 RX-7. I'd like to hear how they compare performance wise, both lightly modded (chips, intake, exhaust, etc.) I'm familiar with the maintenance issues/weak points of both. I'm considering selling my 93 RX-7 for an 88 951 (Non-S) and would like to hear from people that have driven both. Thanks! Paul

UDPride

If your current RX-7 runs well and has no outstanding issues, I say keep it. Its newer, a hell of a lot nicer and more liveable inside the cabin, and has serious power or serious power you can build on. I honestly do not think you are taking a step up to an 88 951 unless you already have issues with the car you have. They are very close but I give the clear nod to the Mazda based on age assuming condition and maintenance being a non issue in the decision.

Of course theres something to be said for wanting to own a Porsche. A Mazda is not a Porsche and the Mazda community is a fly on a camels *** compared to what the Porsches community brings together. People who drive Porsches know cars period. Not just Porsches. And a lot of us have owned a little of everything. You wont get up close and personal with a Carrera GT (like me and several others) driving an RX-7.

Legoland951

My only gripe against the rx7 is the smog issue involved in keeping one for a long time. Almost every rotory engined car I had (1st and 2nd generation rx7s) had some sort of issue with smog. Also, the apex seals go out much faster than a 951 engine from what I have seen. Sometimes, the worn seal damages the chrome plating on the rotor housing rendering the engine useless. However, unless you wrench on your own 951, you'd almost have to be independently wealthy to maintain one properly since the labor rates go from 80 to 120 per hour. Of course not many people know how to work on those rotaries, but not many people know how to work on a 951 properly either.

v944god

I just went through the same thing so I'm going to tell you my honest opionon on the situation.

I realized the market for RX-7's are so weak is because of the reliability of the cars. Sure the car looks god damn hot, but you really never know when something is going to go wrong on the car. You can pick up a very low mileage RX-7 for about 15k, but you have to realize that figure is going to grow pretty quick. The engines on the cars push out power but can't detonate which means running lean for one time will cause a $3-5k bill. The cars just dont make a suitable car for people who drive around alot. The gas mileage blows, you need serious tuning with every mod you place on, etc.. list goes on. As for the 951, you can find one for close to 1/3 or 1/2 the price of the RX-7, and modify the hell of it. Cost for cost I think the 951 is cheaper to modify. Will it push out more power? Depends. Both cars really need to have modified engines to push out that serious power. The 951 can take a god damn beating. You can run these cars hard all day at the track. At the end I went with the 951 and I'm happy with the choice.

Also, not alot of people can work on rotaries so your limited to specialist who charge hella lot. The 3rd gens had a ton of issues with their sequential turbo systems. Usually people run into the problem and just convert it to non-sequential. Than you have a problem with the AST, etc..

Danno

Aside from the engine durability issues with the RX-7 TwinTurbo, they handle quite a bit better than the 951, especially the R1 edition. Being several hundred pounds lighter definitely helps. Getting passed by those guys coming into, out of, in the middle of corners on the inside and outside at Laguna Seca is what got me into upgrading my 951...

Matt H

Prefer the 3rd gen in every way except in the wallet. After having two of them and 5 2nd gens I will NEVER own another rotary unless I have a spare, built motor ready to go. I have THREE core 13B/13B-REW engines and I am picking up two more next weekend. If I never see another apex or water seal failure it will be too soon.

That said I prefer the 951 in looks but it is damn close.
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