Two of the cars I lusted after as a kid were the 300ZX and the 1st and 2nd generation RX7. Today, I still see quite a bit of 1980s 300Zxs, but rarely see any 1st or 2nd generation RX7s. Did the Zs sell more or did they just last longer (or is my area an anomoly)? Lucky for me there is a nice 300ZX from mid 80s and a 2nd generation RX7 in my apartment complex.

 

I can't speak for the 300ZX but I owned a '78 280Z, an '82 280ZX turbo and an '86 RX7 and the 7 had far less issues that would effect its longevity than the Z's. (Z's rusted into oblivion)

 

cars back then do rust a lot more, but the Zs last a long long time.

 

You will tend to see more older Z's because they sold a lot more of them. The key to any older car continuing past 20 years is ongoing care and maintenance. Most cars built before 1985 were not engineered to last more then 15 years.

On the plus side, as these cars become more rare, their value will begin to slowly rise. You already see this with older 240 and 260 Z's. I doubt that older RX-7's will appreciate like older Z's. The Z was a more popular car, and really became the icon of the Japanese car gaining acceptance here in the states.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by red_base 95
You will tend to see more older Z's because they sold a lot more of them. The key to any older car continuing past 20 years is ongoing care and maintenance. Most cars built before 1985 were not engineered to last more then 15 years. [/QUOTE

Tell me about it, we kept 1978 Ford Fairmont and Oldsmobile Delta 88 running for over 20 years. It defintely took diligence as those were some very dark times for domestic automobiles.

 

I tend to agree... I see a fair number of older Z cars on the road, and some in good condition...

Comparatively, I see very few older 7's on the road still in good repair. I think some of that has to do with the relative obscurity of the engine and the unwillingness of mechanics to attemp repairs...

I'd bet you can find better condition 7's in wrecking yards than Z cars though....

I still think the older 7's look better...

 

Just did a search on autotrader.ca and found 46 rx7, all years, and 20some 300zx.

 

My first car was an 85 300zx non turbo, but the engine caught on fire after a couple months. Although it was a 15 year old car when i got it, it only had 170,000 mi on it. I guess the previous owners didnt love the car and left me with their trash.

 

The Z's were great until the "ZX" came along, then they got all bloated and heavy...

The 1st gen 7 is definitely one of my favs, the design looks suprisingly fresh and modern, especially considering it's 25 years old. If I ever have the time and garage space, I'd love to own an 84-85 SE someday...

 

I think the Zs and the 1st and 2nd generation RX7 still look great today. I know whenver I see them I have to go over for a closer look.

 

there's nothing that says "vintage 70's sports car" to me than the Mk 1 RX-7 with the IMSA aero on it... just kind of awe... and you just CAN NOT beat that sound... a bridge ported 12A is just :shiver:... oh yes.

 

Just wanted to share... '82 280ZX Turbo was my second favorite car that I owned (86 RX7 ranked first with me). Apologies for the poor pic, it was taked back in 1990...

Sure was a blast to drive and IMO the design still looks good by today's standards.

 

nice :D