MotorWeek | Retro Review: '83 944 Vs. RX-7

Big money meets big ambition in this classic showdown at Summit Point Raceway.

[@IFORBIDANYDATACOLLECTIONTOALL]

we had an RX-7 GSL SE sitting in our yard the whole time I was growing up almost and then right before I got my license my dad sold it. crushed dreams anybody

[@mattr85]

😢

[@seanarmstrong7767]

Matthew Russian dang

[@ketsis9717]

I bought one today for 700€ that is mechanically sound and i am getting my license in a month

[@monsieurdubitatif8567]

Your dad is wise 😉

[@mykejohnson582]

@@monsieurdubitatif8567 How was that?, maybe this young man had the mechanical skills to repair and bring some life back to this car, he seemed very anxious to get the car up on its feet, but probably just didn't have the funds at that time, but im sure he had planned to get a job and start saving for parts or maybe even getting another engine to put in it, i know that feeling as i had a similar experience when i was a young teenager also back in the earlier 90's i had a uncle who had an 1978 Pontiac Grand prix SJ came with the 301 4 brrl, then he switched it out and put in an light heavy cammed 350 4 brrl. the car had came with the half vinyl top blk/on/blk leather interior, bucket seats in the front, and all fully automatic accessories,with dual exhaust and that car was smooth as shit with tinted windows, and back then they used tint their headlights, body was in excellent shape so was the paint job and interior, as the car sat in his brother's garage for the remainder of the time until 1992, only thing was he cracked the engine block back in the winter of 1986, and i became of age and was able to work and was in High school at the time in 92, and had taken automotive technology got another cammed 350 4 brrl. engine/transmission, and we did pulled the old engine and tranny out and right before we put the engine in it, my Grandfather sold it along with his 1972 Ford ltd w/402! and it was a good running car!, it hurted me and my brother to the core, and when i asked my Grandmother why he'd sold them she said something about having to do with paying back taxes, my Grandfather said it was wasn't worth the time and trouble, but i saw a whole lot of potential in that car, and still to this day i constantly think about that car.

[@Paul-fq9pj]

I love retro motorweek coz the cars are all in my price range now 👍🏻😆

[@goneflying140]

And they are all of the cars I sat dreaming about in High school.!!

[@johndrake2729]

Good luck finding them ...

[@goneflying140]

@@johndrake2729 944's are all over r the ace, but a great RX7 GSL-SE might be impossible here in Michigan.. You are right about that.

[@johndrake2729]

@@goneflying140 Yeah, any RX7 is hard to find anywhere. Last time I saw a first gen was at a repair shop in Chicago, and it looked like it had been there for years.

[@mykejohnson582]

@@goneflying140 Yeah IKR but i own one of these dream cars now! 1987 Mitsubitshi Starion, which is the Rx-7's brother and i say this to say i also love the Rx-7, which i had a chance to buy a 1991 Purple Mazda Rx-7 GTU turbo convertible/blk top 5 spd, back in 1997, but brought an blk. 1991.5 Honda Accord Ex sedan instead that same day.

[@elvenwizard12]

Had a 83 RX-7. Bought it at around 100,000 miles and drove it another 100,000 miles. One of the best cars I ever owned. It was so deceptive that car. You would never think it, but it had a Mercedes Benz bank vault sturdiness to it. It felt like it was chiseled out of a single piece of iron. Different things I loved about that car, the dash layout, the orange ambient dash lighting at nite and the defroster icon when on, the air conditioning's blue hue would light up when pressed. The little things on that car were memorable. Points of attention ,the details, a lot of thought went into designing that car. Very nice ! Beautiful well designed timeless car.

[@Buelligan88]

+elvenwizard12 That was an excellent review.

[@elvenwizard12]

+Buelligan88 thanks !

[@dininjaronin2002]

+elvenwizard12 thank germans for that...still a beautiful car...not the rear though...

[@edmusick7794]

200,000 miles on the original engine?

[@gerrydutch3589]

Ed Musick I had an 83 gsl with 160000 miles on original engine and it was strong. For my other first gens with less mileage, not so much.

[@crashbandi53]

I owned both of these- the Rx-7 always felt faster because it was a lot noisier and a bit more harsh, but I always found the 944 was way more comfortable, and definitely handled better. I loved them both!

[@shaunmcinnis566]

I also compared my mustang 5.0 to my porch 944 S . the book said the mustang was .01 second faster. The mustang felt much faster because of the surging short power band and gears. The porches was so smooth it felt much less impressive. Also handled like on rails of coarse. Very hard to break free.

[@hartsickdisciple]

15.9 was pretty quick 1/4 mile for an N/A sports car in 1983.

[@SuperChaoticus]

Bought my RX7 directly off the showroom floor in '79. I've owned a lot of cars over the decades, but for sheer fun factor, the RX7 is still my favorite. It always put a smile on my face.

[@Buelligan88]

944 still looks great for a car with roots firmly in the 70s.

[@ghost.of.aleksz.salad.]

not really the roof lines in the back ruined it

[@Chicken_cocknballsoup7376]

@@ghost.of.aleksz.salad. RX7 looks even worse. That sloped back looks like an overbred german shepherd. If you’re gonna copy atleast make it look nice.

[@SuperChaoticus]

Yeah. I really liked that look and absolutely drooled over the spaceship style of the 928.

[@gabrielcoffelt7818]

just got 944, perfect condition less than 70k on it. I love it. Corners SO well, and its almost spot on 50/50 weight distribution.

[@juliesczesny90]

Gabriel Coffelt Mine has about 135K. Friend of mine has one with 400K. They run forever, if you service them!

[@roadkillmatt]

Gabriel Coffelt Mine has 144000 on the odometer but that stopped working years ago and haven't fixed it yet and I just now having my first major repair the radiator just gave out. Not to bad for a car that is nearly 30 years old.

[@arkher11]

+roadkillmatt I have a '86 944 Turbo with around 180 000km, only major repair I had to do is the clutch (thanks to the last owner), but honestly apart from the parts that are expensive, these cars won't give up on you as long as you give them the love they deserve :)

[@ojostumbados8544]

Julie Sczesny are parts expensive? This always been my favorite Porsche

[@SAMMYJR00777]

@@ojostumbados8544 na parts are ok just make sure buy the clean 1987 944S version with more horse power and try buying in good condition one. dont ever buy a junk porsche or u will spend tons of money and yet it will still look bad. always buy the best sample of it. good luck

[@tscooter22]

Zoom-Zoom!! :-D My dad had an old RX7 like that. Fun car! I liked it so much that ~11 years later I bought the RX7 on the left. I've gotta say though, those 944s are sexy. Its design still impresses me 33 years later.

[@tyupton1719]

Same, I love my FB

[@dininjaronin2002]

+tscooter22 porsche design google search

[@E_tiBEAMERBOY]

Very nice car!

[@Redneck_Technophile]

Yea, I’m a 944 owner myself and you would not believe how many “Is ThAt A fErRaRi??” conversations I’ve had at gas stations and stoplights.

[@DUNEATV]

That 944 still looks bad ass!

[@mr.c493]

944 was always an interesting car. Completely different to the Porsche look . Still looks very modern even today.

[@judethaddaeus9742]

On styling alone, the RX-7 would have been my choice. While the LRA and fade-prone brakes made it slower on the track, in everyday use, it wouldn’t matter much.

[@johncrankshaft2886]

I worked briefly for Mazda and believe me; in everyday use the Porsche would of still been better. I remember all the Asian dudes shouting everytime a RX would come in 😂

[@SuperChaoticus]

The one thing that made me fear the RX7 handling was rain on Southern California roads. You had to slow down and treat corners with respect, or you would find the almost weightless rear end flying out from under you.

[@FlyingBirdHawk]

Back when you were allowed to say "oriental two seater"

[@fordrac1ng81]

You can still use oriental to describe things but not people.

[@KingCast65]

@@TornadoOfSouls777 Orient - Wikipedia tells me that “Oriental” took on a negative meaning (in the U.S.) during the Vietnam war when it was perceived to mean “opposite” or “other” in a pejorative sense-as in those “Orientals” are so different from us that they’ll never fit in, understand us, etc. It’s not that the literal meaning of the word is/was bad, but that some people started to use the term to disparage people from Asia. So now, the word is discouraged from use, because of its historical use as a derogatory term for Asians. Many people are too young to remember this association, or to have used or heard the word in this negative sense, so for them the word is simply antiquated.

[@bghoody5665]

I worked with a guy who was Thai/Chinese mix and he actually preferred being called Oriental rather than Asian because he said it differentiated him from other Asians such as Indians who really bear no resemblance to Asians such as Chinese. I've also spoke with a woman from Iraq who didn't mind if someone used to term Persian. She said if someone didn't know exactly where she was from she wouldn't care if they asked something like "Are you Persian?" because she could then say "Yes, I'm from Iraq." She said it's not very likely someone is going to know exactly where she's from but asking if she's Persian at least narrows the guess.

[@johndrake2729]

Pity one cannot say that about today's Supra ...

[@sipp884]

Might’ve been onto something

[@Todd.T]

I wonder why they did this video without taking the mic out of their pocket.

[@svtirefire]

Glad it's not just me, I thought I blew the speaker on my phone.

[@wannabeetiger]

It looks like the mic is clipped on his shirt.

[@Todd.T]

@@wannabeetiger But it sounds like it's clipped to his ass...

[@judethaddaeus9742]

Tape deteriorates over time, so the deteriorated tape’s issues get translated to the digital version.

[@Todd.T]

They have many other old episodes that sound fine. Stop making excuses, everybody...

[@enkadude]

Motorweek, you are bringing back a lot of good memories for me. Keep up the great work!

[@1909torino]

I had an 83' 944, great car awesome fuel economy and overall performance, I loved that car it handled like it was on rails, a well balanced car.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I used to own a mazda rx7, the same model like that one, mine was a 1985 gsl-se too! I used to love that car! If i knew then how valuable they where gonna be today! I would have kept it! Mine was charcoal black with red leather interior, full powered with power Windows, am fm clarion with equalizer radio and sunroof. And disc brakes all around.

[@chuckwhitson654]

I loved my 944, was a cool car that felt faster than it was, bit tons of fun though these Appalachian mountains where I live. Mine was speed identically

[@mynameis890]

and here it is 30 some odd years later and a decent condition 944 can be had for 3-5k. an rx7 in the same condition is a little more. about equal over all. but parts for the 944 are more readily available. both really cool cars

[@darkmadder3026]

I had an 84 GSL but had to sell it when NJ changed emissions testing to the Dyno. It couldn’t pass even after being leaned way out. Thanks a lot Whitman!!

[@403patriot3]

i always thought the next generation rx7 resembled a 944 with a big freaking hood scoop

[@403patriot3]

DININJA RONIN no it's not. their designs are years ahead of the competition then, they still are now.

[@StopMoColorado]

Pan tera - Do you realize how many Japanese cars bodies are designed in Italy or the US?? Look it up, kid. I love cars from Japan (own 3 atm), US (One, right now), and Germany, as well as England, even some Swedish cars, but many, many Japanese cars are boring and uninspiring, unfortunately, and many of the better looking ones are knock offs, visually, of European (Sports) or American (SUV's) Cars, that's no secret.

[@epoxeclipse]

The rx7 fc was based on the 944

[@sohchx]

RIP 75&80.....We miss you dearly and thanks for all of the great years and memories!!

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

My dad had a 924, 944, 944T, and then a 928S from the late 70's through the early '90s. Awesome cars and it made my childhood as a car kid really fun!

[@juliesczesny90]

***** My dad was addicted to Thunderbirds. I rode in nearly every model, from "55 to '85.

[@negativeindustrial]

+Julie Sczesny My Grandfather started our tradition with Celicas - he had the first three gens (which I inherited the 2nd and 3rd gens) and I bought the last 3 gens (that 7th one doesn't count - that's not a Celica). Each one was either GT, Supra or Turbo as offered - always the best model with us. My '94 Turbo is sik AF

[@willzer808]

+Neg Ative my grandfather had a bicycle

[@TheRealSmithFamily]

There's always got to be at least one troll...

[@clintdavis5722]

+4gasem It is a cool story.My dad had a 68Charger and a 76L82 Stingray.Those memories growing up are priceless.He also had Henry J drag car with a 69DZ302 Z28Engine.It was a little scary.

[@quentin3330]

I had an 84 RX-7 and really liked it. It was a fun 2 seater. Nice leather seats, great stock stereo and had a glass moon roof. Mine was pretty reliable too but i've heard others had their share of issues.

[@nicolomarinas7176]

I will never forget my first two 944's. The FB(not the correct body code I think) was my favorite as well. These two were my dynamic duo competing each other until the very end.

[@dodgeguyz]

Had an 82 RX7 with the 12A. Thy was a fun car to drive. Handled great too.

[@williamdavis4809]

My first "sports car" was a 1983 rx7. W0W what a car

[@user-ts6xn5mq8q]

I had a 1984 RX-7 GSL-SE identical to the one in this video... black with maroon interior. It was a blast to drive. I later traded it in for the all new 1988 RX-7 convertible. Loved them both.

[@chrisylink]

So funny my mom and dad both owned 944s. My dad had several over his lifetime and the one my mom had she sold to my dad. I've been driving a 85 rx7 for 6 months now. Just love it. Love both these cars. Grab one before people start collecting them

[@tscooter22]

The 944 is a timeless beautiful design. I've always loved it! That said, my Dad had a '79 and '84 GSL-SE and those were really fun back then. My HS buddy and and soon-to-be college roommate owned every model 80s RX-7 over the years. He owned at least 5 over the years and 1 of them might have been a duplicate because he changed cars like underwear. Of those 80s cars he also had the '86 NA and '87 turbo model and convertible (his wife's car). I later followed their path with my '94 FD that I bought brand new with 9 miles on it and still own it today. Anyway, Mazdas always gave the Porsche 944 a good run for the money and the turbo models of both brands might have been even closer. I remember my buddy racing his '87 Turbo Rx-7 against his friend's 944 Turbo and it was SO close but the Porsche barely won in a straight line. I'd say they were almost equal. Yeah, those were fun years for Mazda! It's sad the FD didn't last longer in the USA. I bought my '94 brand new in April of '95, so that might tell you something about their falling sales figures. What a pity!

[@terryorcutt8739]

I loved the RX-7 GSL-SE. Very rare to find today.

[@20TIL6]

glad I kept my Members Only jacket in good shape. They're coming back!

[@Countrysideboy247]

I love both the cars!

[@JustinShepard00]

It’s amazing how much Summit as changed from ‘85 to 2017

[@georgejacob3162]

4:25 Looks like Weird Al Yankovic driving that Porsche! Still plenty of 944's around. I would buy one of those without even thinking of the Mazda.

[@MrNuggetface]

Thank You for listening to the little guys!

[@ericsartanahorner]

Thanks for the great throwback uploads. I am enjoying them a lot. New cars just don't interest me... Maybe do a 1997 or so Pontiac Sunfire or Chevy Cavalier one, if possible(suggestion lol)... Cheers :)

[@bilalahmed2123]

My father had 1983 Porsche 944 with the extended taillight. Don't know if it was factory or aftermarket but it looked good. The car was magnificent, I used to admire it a lot as a kid. I'm sure, a basic BMW 320i can destroy on a drag race now but this car is something really special. I wasn't even focusing on that Mazda whatever it is !

[@lukes-uf4bc]

its fantasticc!!!!!!!! u cn poted 1000000000000000 times what nice years!!! i love that cars!!!! thanks thanks thanks

[@drsolar]

The RX7 is a rare sight today. I remember that the GSL added disc brakes. Nice car for the time

[@McRocket]

My brother actually owned both cars (at different times) - except his 944 was the turbo. I drove them both and I thought the RX-7 (with the 13B rotary like the one tested here as opposed to the 12A ) was more fun but the Porsche was SOOOOO smooth.

[@roddydykes7053]

You really take for granted the straight-line speed cars have today, then you see 2 spec’d out 80s sports cars drag race. In the corners would’ve been another story, they’ll always have maneuverability on their side

[@shawoo]

That 944 looks great

[@TheZXKUQYB]

I miss my black 85 Rx-7 GSLSE. Drove that car from 87 to 99 put 280k on it - just a clutch and rebuilt limited slip. I knew every bolt on that car.

[@mrHoppedupford]

Mazda looks like it needs some motor mounts.

[@ivantuma7969]

I never had the 13B RX-7, only owned three older 12As ... I also owned a 944 and a 924. The review is spot on though. Ironically, the best handling of the five was my '79 924. The previous owner put on some low profile tires and larger wheels. The things that car could do in the foothills west of Denver, I was never able to duplicate (except maybe with my '91 Honda CRX Si). The 944 I owned felt heavy, and the tall stock tires made it feel disconnected on tight mountain roads (compared to the 924). I loved my '79 and '80 RX-7s (the 82 I had always felt a little sluggish for some reason - it ran well, but I think they added extra sound insolation and catalytic converter, and it just didn't have the sound of the early RX-7s with the "thermal reactors" (sounded cooler than the muffled catalytic converters, added a lot of character and exhaust pops). The RX-7's could definitely be scary in high-speed turns with the back end feeling like it was going to float right off into the ditch, but it never did. If I had my choice today of a project car, I would probably go with the '83-85 RX-7 GSL-SE with the 13B (But really ... if I really wanted a car with a lot of potential (and actual headroom for a 6'3" frame) I would go with a 1986 944 Turbo. As much as I like the Second Gen RX-7 Turbo II, I just dont fit inside of one. I have to tilt my head, esp with the sunroof closed.

[@pjw1016]

Didn’t the larger engine rotary GSL-SE come out in ‘84 model year?

[@thelocustemperor]

they need to compare the 924 to the RX-7 (FC) they are practically identical in styling/appearance...!!

[@epoxeclipse]

Even the 944 to rx7 fc. The fc made more power and has fuel injection.

[@sunray2818]

@@epoxeclipse Oh really? Since when a stock FC can out run even an early 944 Turbo?

[@epoxeclipse]

@@sunray2818 compair na to na, the rx7 makes more power. The turbo 2 makes more. A turbo 2 VS turbo 944 is more fair, I think the 944 makes a little more than the turbo 2 hp, but the rx7 turbo 2 is lighter.

[@raycurlee3561]

They both look like trucks on a race track . Love these old car reviews.

[@lh1678]

I can attest to the 125mph..I had a 1985 GSL-SE and I did every bit of 125 one night on the interstate...it was smooth couldn't tell.

[@alexanderspencer6840]

I saw a 944 yesterday I drooled

[@Daaaake]

"Trailing throttle oversteer". Oh right, this was before drifting.

[@negativeindustrial]

He said drifting in this very video

[@clintdavis5722]

There has always been drifting.Technically if the rear tires lose traction in a turn its oversteer.I've heard it called power sliding in the 70s,if you induced it with the throttle.Watch a dirt track race from the late 40s and 50s.Yes it's a new sport,and it is fun to watch.My 82TA drifted in the rain whether you wanted to or not!

[@StanleyKubick1]

trailing throttle is just ONE OF MANY methods to induce oversteer (drifting)

[@stanced3277]

*sad kiechi tsuchiya noises

[@courtney5796]

I bought an '83 Rx7 gsl in 1988 in ND in a county of 60,000 ppl. and pretty sure it was the only one. Easy to get under 2000 lbs. and a redline @7000 rpm. Handled great and what a main street drag car sleeper at the time. Honda CRXs, 1st gen MR2s, Nissan Pulsars, Sciroccos, really ANY 4 cyl offering at the same price-point, were easy wins. The thing would chirp the tires going into 3rd if you were revving it out.

[@clintdavis5722]

Back in the mid90s I saw a 83RX7 smoke a Plymouth 340 Duster. Mopar dude had 3grand in his motor.But he couldn't get traction.

[@ThreeDaysOfDan]

thats sad,, lol

[@oscrthgrch7]

Back then there was a T shirt you could buy that said "The 80s - slow cars, fast women."

[@kawasabi1]

I saw a 944 at a police impound car auction. I wish I had the money to fix it up, it was the 90's and I was still in high school.

[@artiegohome]

You can get a really nice one for

[@bryanmchugh1307]

I grew up on MotorWeek. As I got a bit older I couldnt help but notice that their test drivers do not know how to get the most out of any care pretty much. These old MW clips are still fun though

[@charlesgreer7641]

Wonder did they do this comparison a few years later when the new rx7 came out and it looked almost identical to the 944 and 924.

[@kondor99999]

Just bought an 86 944 with only 27k miles, still smells new and I just love it, even compared to my 2018 M6.

[@TG-sf2dq]

How much did you pay .? Been looking for one

[@DavidEvans_dle]

That rotary engine is a different thing all together. The cylinder heads on a Porches 944 are magical. Four unicorns, pulling a magical pumpkin carriage. And midnight are the like the midnight of Venus, 243 days . The magical dance ball party ending time is far off.

[@Jono2113]

I miss my 83 944!

[@quincee3376]

I had an 84 RX-7 ...Fully loaded . Fun little car. I think the model was GSL-SE . Idk ..But it had 2 leather seats . Power windows . Pretty decent stock stereo. Dont think the seats were power.

[@83K5Blazer]

To be fair, an RX7 owner will spend the $6000 on topping off the oil over the life of the car.. so it’s pretty much a wash.

[@williamdavis4809]

I added a quart every thousand miles

[@theredbaron057]

“Oriental 2-seater” lol

[@icmequipment]

1983 that was smoking

[@BLITZY261]

Hang on a minute..wasn't that Goose from TOP GUN testing the red car around the track?

[@hugochavez4382]

GSL-SE should be in the title. And a 944S, now that would have been interesting.

[@michaelweston1042]

You were literally sitting on the ground in the RX-7. Fun little car but on the highway you couldn't see around anybody. I did like those pop up lights though. The sun roof as well. Mine was also black.

[@Sonic_1000]

I had a first gen rx7 and a 3rd gen. Both were amazing pieces of junk! I loved them and hated them both

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hang on 122 mph top speed for the 944 ? The GB 924 was rated at 126 mph ?

[@KingCast65]

+fredintheshed1 Aerodynamic drage my friend. BTW for awhile there was a 924S here in the states that was the quickest/fastest.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

+Christopher King Could be but I doubt there was much difference between in CD between the 24 and the 44. I think it was prob due to emission restrictions. At the time in the UK cars were all decat.

[@artiegohome]

Right you are. Those 924S' were rare birds, though. My first car was a junk yard special 924 that I thought was the coolest thing on four wheels. It wasn't, and my buddy did me a huge favor when he rear-ended her at a stop light, sending her back to the junk yard for good.

[@Eatinbritches]

Both cars are pretty sweet, but I would probably lean towards the 944 just due to a longer lasting engine and better fuel mileage. I've seen first gen RX-7's last waaaay longer than their supposed shelf lives, however.

[@owenkittredge3433]

I race in 24 Hrs. of Lemons a 1983 RX7 with 84-85 front spindles and limited slip rear end and it does well against 944s when they can keep running. We all have plenty of fun.

[@Stevieboy130664]

I drove the earlier RX7 and own a 924S (both euro spec). As an overall driver the Porker definitely has the edge. The Rotary engine of the Mazda was wonderful but needed to be revved but the worst thing about it was the steering - too much play. Still, a nice little sports car overall. As for looks, the RX7 was purer looking than that later one. Very good looking car. As is the Porsche - narrower body than the 944. Can't split them.

[@rotaryracer85]

i love my gsl-se

[@honda116969]

Boy oh boy what would I do to have in RX7 in that condition! God is that car beautiful! Both r 🆒 i just like the 13B rotary engine

[@rx7cl]

A Man a long time ago at a junk yard,told me the Rx7 is a PO man's porche.. still have a Rx7..

[@clutchcitycoale]

Now which one’s reliable Hint: it’s NOT the RX-7

[@jurzyjohner432]

That year of Mazda was a gem and the best engine ever made by Mazda.

[@calebnation7797]

I’m sorry, which RX7 came with the BP4W in-line 4?

[@SolamenteVees]

That guy at 2:35 is no Buster Couch.

[@thomasevdokimou6308]

please more rx7 videos

[@VictorPitstop]

I haven't had the pleasure of driving a 944, but I did choose my current RX7 over a seemingly high money pit of a 944... I don't regret this decision.

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

Victor Pitts The 944 is pretty nice, typical german car in that it's very tight and a bit noisy inside. Oddly the early model 944's are pretty cheap parts wise and easy enough to work on Yourself. Most of the car is made up of Audi car parts which are still well supported,too. I love the RX7, but the first gen ones had a scary loose rear end if You weren't careful, but I love the rotary engine though. Porsche changed quite a lot on the 944 in the 06 model year, and almost all parts went up very high in price. They're not a money pit if You find a good one and can care for it yourself.

[@VictorPitstop]

Oldbmwr100rs True. I have researched both cars very well. The RX-7 I bought actually has about everything done to it suspension wise and there is actually push now once into corners. She sticks. I would've loved a 944 85.5 so much more, but the cost would have been substantially more because I hear if you are going to get a 944 for a V8 swap, you might as well save up the 7-10k for the 951 due to all of the components that are upgraded. If I got a 944, I would've had to spend tons of money to get her going (around 10-12k for the swap and 951 parts) whereas the RX7 I got has everything done to her and she's begging for a V8. I am actually having a crisis and still debating selling the RX7 for another Miata, 240sx (I've owned 3), or an e30.

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

Victor Pitts Don't sell that RX, You'll be kicking yourself forever after! As for the 944, yeah You can stuff a V-8 in, or look for a turbo model, but why dig a money pit when You can get a decent enough one and just thrash it, enjoying the car as it was made? I know all about the "But I want more!" thing, but there are dead losses out there and with all You want to do it'll take forever and cost a fortune. Keep the RX, buy an old early Miata and have fun with that. I used to never be satisfied with what I had and went through a ton of motorcycles, finally realizing that a few mods and upgrades were all I needed to get the most out of a pretty stock bike really. Really, just wasting money trying to make a car something it wasn't meant to be is a waste. For that I say buy a fox body mustang and go nuts on chassis,and engine mods, at least it'll be Ford money instead of porsche money, and there'll always be someone who wants a project car. But then You've got an RX-7 where You can get a reman bridgeported engine, have a decent exhaust made, give it a more open intake and have a blast with it. I love rotary engines, they're just amazing to play with and tune! God the flames and fireballs My friends heavily ported RX-2 would make, especially when he turned on the N02 injection..And the noise, god it left Your ears ringing,but god was it fast!

[@VictorPitstop]

Oldbmwr100rs Yeah man, I am on the fence about it completely. Every time I drive the RX, I fall in love more because I'll be approaching a turn and it will be 'So, I hear yah like taking turns fast?' Then the bitch just flys through without fuss at the top of 7k+ RPMs, planted. It's a gorgeous car, but the main reason why I may trade her for a 240sx or something is because I would feel strange beating the RX with a V8. I already own a first gen Miata and love that car to death. I really don't know what I am doing with my life right now... The RX is great, but horrid on gas mileage because I flog it everywhere. It won't be a while until I prep the thing for a V8 and I am burning money pretty fast everytime I drive it until then. I posted the RX on CL just to see who bites. So far I have been offered a GSX-R with 1000 mods and it's only been 12 hours along with other inquires. I will put this one in the hands of the Car Gods.

[@keithfreeman4015]

The Italian Tune-Up Pro you fucked up.

[@jerrybarrax5618]

A new Porsche sports car with 143 horsepower. My, how times have changed. :-)

[@royjaber571]

I was thinking about swapping a better engine in one like sr20det or something like that

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

If the RX-7 had the 944's wide rear tires this would have ended differently. Cool review though.

[@WKZworks]

That watts link would still bind and cause the rear to step out. It would help, though, but it wouldn't eliminate the heart of the problem.

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

Yeah, the solid rear axle could never have the precision, but I believe it would have made up the difference to the 944 here.

[@WKZworks]

Jan-Michael Franklin The live rear wasn't the problem, it was the way the Watts pivot point was mounted and the fact that it had unequal-length links as a result that caused it to bind, reducing rear traction and causing snap oversteer. A live rear axle can easily be made to handle beautifully. If that weren't true you wouldn't have so many corner-carving Mustangs and Camaros. All truth be told, a Watts link is actually superior to a panhard bar as far as centering the axle under squat, it's just that the SA-chassis RX-7 is a special case. Mazda made too many compromises with limited space and they ended screwing up the geometry horribly. Rather than mount the pivot point at the axle center like they should have done (preferably the diff cover), it's mounted to the side of the diff area toward the left side of the car and has unequal-lenth link tubes, causing it to bind. Typical Watts link: www.kamispeed.com/v/vspfiles/photos/WTL.W81274-3.jpg Mazda RX-7: v8mongrel.com/_i/060424_work/09_060424_rnd.jpg

[@snowrocket]

WKZworks Huh? I never knew that was a problem. The best part is I know the difference between a Watt's link and a Panhard bar setup. I guarantee that most reading this don't. Good handling is a fine art that is not readily understood by even most car enthusiasts. It's some combination of good equipment AND good execution that makes the critical difference. A simple suspension done well can outperform a complicated one done poorly.

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

This is true, but in standard production trim solid rear axles don't offer the same levels control as IR's. This is why every rear drive car has gotten away from solid rear ends.

[@arcticfox6808]

The GSL-SE was clearly the better bang for the buck and this must have infuriated Porsche. The 944 Turbo was a step ahead of the RX-7 Turbo II in the late 80's. I was there, I lived it! I even have a pic of my old Turbo II on my profile page.

[@GlassTopRX7]

Mazda chased Porsche in handling until the 3rd gen, along with the NSX put the world on notice that the bar had to been raised way up. Stranger still today we live in a world where a Camaro can shame most BMW M cars in handling.

[@100forks]

When the RX-7 was first introduced, I put my name on the waiting list to buy it. Over a month later, I got the call to come down to the dealership. I loved the car but it was a no sale. The reason, it only came with checkerboard patterned upholstery. This car's was black and white. No way was I going to fork out money, to buy my first new car and have it come with an idiotic looking interior. In hindsight, I'm now really glad I didn't, due to the rotary engines problems.

[@mrvv8337]

The only problem as with most mechanical issues with cars are lack of maintenance. Change oil every 3k miles in a rotary use quality fuel and change your plugs each year and you will have a long trouble free life.

[@godfreypoon5148]

At least that's what you tell yourself while you cry yourself to sleep each night...

[@doctorgroovy9514]

Porsche, it just feels right!

[@lifehackertips7598]

3:10 16 second quarter! :-D :-D :-D :-D

[@wakkowarner4288]

I miss my "Cinco Letras." That's what we call gsl-se back home. Brilliant Black over red wine (faded to brown). 5 spd. THat glorious clarion stereo. Mmm. I also miss my rx-8, shoulda kept it. Hey mazda, Toyota just put out the new supra. When may we expect a new 7? Make it super light and cheap like the FB and I'll buy it (Cheap my foot, my cinco letras was almost 19k.. of 1984 money. THat's what her first owner paid for it new.)

[@josephmarrero5373]

I just love the rotary sound, too bad we could barely hear these cars, I think the RX-7 is more sexy looking to.

[@ndubstar]

the 86 rx7 gxl would be a better contender in this lineup, independent rear susp. 2 way lim. slip, and looks a lot better

[@RobertStClair-rx7ni]

Got a hold of 86 rx-7 sound body took out rotary cleaned all parts the rebuild kit atkins 1300.00 can't wait to get spare change to fix up this rare hard to find car been fun so far and no hurry

[@nathanielcargile7135]

This is cliche, but I def want a 944 with LS swap. Perfect setup.

[@crownpitful]

Chevy astro / beretta please

[@jimmyvega287]

rx7 kinda looks like if you took a c2 corvette and designed it to be driven in japan in the 80s

[@kondor99999]

There’s a reason we still race 944s, while the 1st gen RX-7 is consigned to scrapyards and trailer parks.

[@kizito8888]

How much would a 1983 944 Porsche with 50,000miles go for? I am looking at buying one but i need opinions on how much i should pay for it.

[@pivotguy196]

+Kizito George William In great condition probably 5-6k in decent condition maybe 3-4k

[@jamesrisen5370]

Kizito George William 3000 grand

[@kizito8888]

james risen Thank you guys for your replies. Someone did buy it an hour before i could. I am not looking for something eccentric and cool to drive but can't seem to find one worth buying. In the future, hopefully.

[@AmericanBusinessman422]

james risen you stupid

[@justryan5697]

Only reason the Porsche gets off the line faster is because the rotary has no low end torque. It does pretty well once you get up in revs. I’ll take the rx-7 all day. 🙂

[@justryan5697]

(Ya I know late comment) 😂

[@theinternets7516]

That Mazda looks like it's rolling on doughnuts.

[@robertmuellerbillcallsmeBob]

Throw an LS in the 944 and do this again..😁

[@WKZworks]

The first gen RX-7's had really bad problems with their watts link binding. It's a geometry problem that caused them to become inconveniently tail happy off-throttle.

[@MitsuUltra]

If that's the only problem you had then your car was awesome! Try replacing an engine every 2 years! I was told it was because I didn't redline it when It needed it so I just took it as it was my fault for buying a sports car for driving regularly...

[@WKZworks]

MitsuUltra I have 30 year old 12A's that still run.

[@MitsuUltra]

I mean it still runs to be a 93' but sometimes I just feel like its not worth it....

[@snowrocket]

MitsuUltra Likely you/your dealer/mechanic/your car were doing something wrong. Carbureted RX-7 engines (12A =1146cc) were easily good for 120,000+ miles if properly maintained. Fuel injected 13B engines (1308cc) were good for at least 100,000 miles. All Mazda rotaries were designed to put a slight amount of engine oil into the gas to lube the apex seals inside of the engine. If THAT failed to work properly, I could EASILY see an engine going early. Also, you DON'T overheat a rotary without expensive results.

[@juliesczesny90]

snowrocket Year ago, had a roomie with a black RX7 in the shop for engine work, who desperately needed something from Home Depot. Loaned him my black '83 944, told him to take side streets. Jerk just HAD to blow my clutch, seeing how fast she'd go down the freeway! Guess he had a great time doing it! Kept saying, "She really goes 143!" I said, "NEVER AGAIN!" He's lucky I was going to replace the clutch the next month. It was actually quite an interesting thing, when we had BOTH cars in the same household. True "Love/Hate" relationships with his car! Mine seemed to run, to spite his, side by side in the garage. Mine runs like a champ most of the time, just replaced the clutch master & slave cylinder. I put aside on average $500 yr for repairs a year, which I think is fine. C/V joints, next. Not expensive, if you just plan ahead, with preventative care from a competent mechanic.