Hello everyone! I've been dreaming about getting a 3rd gen RX-7 since the first time I saw it. I've owned a 1984 GSL and a 1986 GXL and just fell in love with the rotaries.
I've been following the development of the RX-8 since the RX-01 and the new multi-side-port engine design. The thing is, I think the FD RX-7 was and still is the most gorgeous car ever!! I all out prefer the RX-8's interior and NA RENESIS engine but I can't make up my mind on wether I should buy an RX-8 or go with a later year (1996?) RX-7 and use the money I save on a good rebuild, porting and single turbo upgrade along with some other mods... What do you think?

I'm pretty sure most people on this forum will pick the RX-8. If you posted this on rx7club/rx7forum, the RX-7 will be top choice. As for me I like both, but would rather have the RX-8. The only FD I would wanna own is the Spirit R. :D

Originally posted by neit_jnf
wether I should buy an RX-8 or go with a later year (1996?) RX-7

I thought the last year of the RX-7 was 95... ?

The last 3rd gen came out in '96

(although, if you count the new Japan-only release, it's actually 2002)

Anyone knows if it's possible for an individual to import a car from Japan? (2002 Spirit R :D )

Originally posted by neit_jnf
Anyone knows if it's possible for an individual to import a car from Japan? (2002 Spirit R :D )

yeah, but it's a small fortune just to flip the interior.

I just realized, the TVR Travolta drives in Op Swordfish, it's brit style (the steering wheel's on the right)

is that legit? (so we wouldn't have to flip the interior)

Originally posted by RX-pecting
I just realized, the TVR Travolta drives in Op Swordfish, it's brit style (the steering wheel's on the right)

is that legit? (so we wouldn't have to flip the interior)

All Motorex Skylines are Japan right hand drivers so I think anything can be imported but it must be converted to US crash tests. and pass them.

Originally posted by RX-pecting
The last 3rd gen came out in '96

(although, if you count the new Japan-only release, it's actually 2002)

The last RX-7 sold in the US was a 95.. sure they were sold through 96, but they are still 95 models.

I've had four FC's and two FD's already, so I'd get an RX-8 just to have something different. :)

Originally posted by RX-pecting
is that legit? (so we wouldn't have to flip the interior)

RX-pecting, been through that experience...not a fun thing to do driving a car with the steering wheel on the wrong side :-(

Why's that Maximus? Scary cause the dimensions leave you on the wrong side of the lane?

To me the FD RX-7 is by far the most beautiful sports car ever designed. At the first hint of a new RX-7 design, I'll be over at the 4th Gen RX-7 forum doing it all over again.

For me the RX-8 is a fun, practical rotary car, but I have RX-7 in the blood.

If money, reliability, gas mileage, practicality weren't an issue I would take the FD, just on the performance aspect. Factoring in all of the above-mentioned reasons makes the RX-8 more appealing to many people, but for just fun I would go with the FD.

Originally posted by Renesis08
I'm pretty sure most people on this forum will pick the RX-8. If you posted this on rx7club/rx7forum, the RX-7 will be top choice. As for me I like both, but would rather have the RX-8. ...

So far,it lookslike your'e right about the voting.

I also picked both, I like the RX-8 becaue of the 4-doors an back seats - But I also love the looks of the last gen RX-7and hope and pray that when the next RX-7 does come out it resembles more of it's past style and looks and appears visually very different to the RX-8 vs. just coming out as a 2-door faster version ...

I don't know what the laws are about importing cars in Puerto Rico, but if you're limited to US-spec cars, get the RX-8. If you can import Japanese cars, I would choose a 2002 RX-7 over a 2004 RX-8.

the llast 3rd gen imported to the us was in 95
i have one of them
the last 7 was in 2002/3 not sure which
not 96
too bad it was in jpn

I can't fit into a FD, so the decision is pretty simple. Beautiful car, just not made for tall people.