Want a change to some Japanese muscle

[cib24]

I feel like I am in need of a change. I have tried to hold off but I want something a bit quicker and more exotic than my current weekend toy / track day car, a Mazda RX-8 with a half bridge, full bolt-ons and some uprated suspension components. Don't get me wrong, the RX-8 is exciting to drive on circuit and has been a great introductory car to circuit driving as it has a near 50/50 weight distdistribution, rwd, a lenient traction control system, and it is relatively quick for what it is without being too powerful for a novice or intermediate driver. However, I now want something a bit more focused, unique, and quicker whilst still being reasonably practical (fits two small suitcases) and reasonably reliable for several track days without eating tyres and brakes after each day (tyres last at least 3-4 track days?).

I'm not really looking at anything European mostly because a lot of the European stuff I like is out of my price range (about £20k) and I'm not really into hot hatches. Therefore, I am looking at some Japanese muscle and I started looking all over the place but I think I have finally narrowed it down:

Nissan Skyline R32 or R33 GTR (preferably already modified with reliability mods for track use. Stock power to max 450 bhp).

Mazda RX-7 FD3S (preferably already modified with reliability mods for track use. Stock power to max 400 bhp).

Mitsubishi EVO X (not sure if manual or SST is best. Read some horror stories about reliability which is funny coming from a rotary owner. Prefer either stock or up to 375 bhp. Been in an Evo VIII and couldn't stand the build quality).

Honda Civic Type R FD2 (stock is fine but maybe too close in performance to my RX-8 and FWD).

Wildcard - Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ with supercharger kit for about 270 bhp.

I realise there is quite a range here with each car offering a unique experience compared to the other. Some of that comes down to availability (i.e. it takes time to import and/or find a very good condition Skyline or RX-7), some comes down to price and/or mileage, and some of the reason is because I like them all, have seen them and I am struggling to decide what will work best for me.

I am hoping to gather some opinions from current/previous owners of these cars to get a better feel as to which one may be the right choice for me.

None of these cars will be a daily driver so mpg and supreme comfort aren't that important (only has to be comfortable enough that my wife will still want to be a passenger occasionally). I do about 10 track days a year and that includes occasional trips to the continent.

The Skyline and RX-7 are a bit nostalgic but very capable, the EVO is apparently a weapon out of the box, the Honda is apparently the best FWD car of all time, and the Toyota/Subaru is the most modern car but and also has some of the best driver qualities for the money.

What do you guys think? What would you choose?

[cib24]

Bump...No longer seriously considering a Honda FD2 Type R or Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ with a supercharger. Too many nice examples of Skylines, RX-7s and Evos available, although the RX-7's are the toughest with which to find a good example of the three.

I assume on a track the RX-7 will feel the best but the Skyline and Evo will be quicker? Has anyone owned any one of these cars and could you share your opinions?

[anonymous-user]

cib24 said:

Bump...No longer seriously considering a Honda FD2 Type R or Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ with a supercharger. Too many nice examples of Skylines, RX-7s and Evos available, although the RX-7's are the toughest with which to find a good example of the three.

I assume on a track the RX-7 will feel the best but the Skyline and Evo will be quicker? Has anyone owned any one of these cars and could you share your opinions?

Had an R33 that was about 400bhp - just loved it, and keep thinking about getting another one. Fast, fun and space for 4 - used to use it regularly when going to away rugby matches