MR2 vs MX-5 vs 350z vs GT86 vs 370z Vs S2000

[Asura]

I posted a while ago in terms of planning for a second car while driving a banger as my first car because of insurance, and I got really good advice from everyone there so thank you!

I've been going through insurance quotes and messing around to see the quotes for myself on these cars on the title and I was surprised to see that they can be decently affordable. So I'm thinking fk it, I might just consider getting one. (That's if they don't go up before I decide it's time to buy them)

My main motive for the sports car is to gradually convert it into a track car, where I can really push the car to its limit. I plan to have it as a daily for a couple of years before I get another car to replace it and then convert the car into a track car. My main constraint is going to be the budget. From my initial thoughts, these are the pros and cons I can see for owning these cars.

I was considering an RX8 but, with the oil and engine issues, I don't think it's worth the investment.

Just want to get your guy's thoughts on this.

MR2 (SW30)

Pros

- Lightweight
- Mid-engined so highly advantageous in cornering
- Possibility to swap the engine to a 2zz (sounds really good!)
- Convertible, so for the nice summer period could engine having the roof down
- LSD comes as standard
- Small engine so easier to learn and work around the engine

Cons

- 2 Seater (depends on how you see this)
- Old car by today's standard, so potential issue in parts supply, as well as it being scarce
- Inflated price due to the various actors affecting demands in the car market
- Slightly underpowered (then again, depends on the individuals preference)
- Mid-engined (More prone to spinning out if you're not careful or experienced) and probably more difficult to work on


MX5 MK3 Sport

Pros
- Lightweight
- LSD as standard
- Convertible
- Plentiful in parts that are affordable relative to the other cars in the list (Would take less time to convert to a track car)
- Okay-ish price, (by far the cheapest in the list)

Cons
- Issue with the price inflation
- Not the best looking MX-5
- Underpowered

350z/370z

Pros
- V6 (they sound nice)
- I think they're good looking
- Plentiful in aftermarket parts etc
- Decent power
- Lovely interior

Cons
- Porky
- Inflated price
- V6 engine - would be an overstep for a beginner to work on
- LSD depends on the model I think

GT86

Pros
- Lightweight
- Coupe body
- Newest one out of the list so parts are plentiful and huge aftermarket support
- Nice interior
- LSD

Cons
- Boxer engine reliability issues and also may be a bit much to work on for a beginner
- Price is a bit out of reach for me
- Known for their torque dip

S2000

Cons
- Engine
- Lightweight
- Convertible
- LSD

(probably the best car here)

Cons
- Slightly old like the rest so issue with parts supply possibly?
- Inflated price so might not be able to afford one then

I think out of the list I'm most likely will go for the MX-5. I want it to be a car that I can learn alot from as well as enjoy briefly as a daily driver before making into something for track.

[georgeyboy12345]

Out of those lot, the S2000

[JonChalk]

As a previous owner of an MR2 (many years ago), engine modifications / performance improvements are tricky and limited (mostly around getting rid of more heat), so bear that in mind.

[SuperNads]

I never get tired of the 6k to 9k rev range of my S2000. It's such a uniquely fantastic engine and I'll be keeping mine until it gets physically taken from me.

[Asura]

What can you say about the availability of the parts for the s2000 as a daily car as well as track-wise?

[Asura]

JonChalk said:

As a previous owner of an MR2 (many years ago), engine modifications / performance improvements are tricky and limited (mostly around getting rid of more heat), so bear that in mind.

Ahhh, I'm guessing because the engine is trapped around so, the only way for it to cool down is through those side vents?

[Rich196]

MX5 NC every day.

Bullet proof, loads of them so spare parts are cheap if you need them. Incredible handling car, will teach you all the basics of car control in a very predictable package. Loads of aftermarket support so it can grow with you, all the way to to FI and 270hp if you wish.

[JonChalk]

Asura said:

JonChalk said:

As a previous owner of an MR2 (many years ago), engine modifications / performance improvements are tricky and limited (mostly around getting rid of more heat), so bear that in mind.

Ahhh, I'm guessing because the engine is trapped around so, the only way for it to cool down is through those side vents?

Yep, quite a few people got caught out back in the day trying to swap in the 190bhp celica engine, as dimensionally identical (give or take), but got caught out with overheating.

[Asura]

Rich196 said:

MX5 NC every day.

Bullet proof, loads of them so spare parts are cheap if you need them. Incredible handling car, will teach you all the basics of car control in a very predictable package. Loads of aftermarket support so it can grow with you, all the way to to FI and 270hp if you wish.

I think the MX5 is winning me because of the affordability, and how you and the car grow together and learn a hell of a lot without bearing much loss. I'm about to cry seeing how some of their prices are increasing. Damn!

[TameRacingDriver]

As a purely track car, I'd probably take the S2000 or perhaps the GT86 (with some mods).

If it's mostly road driving though, you could do worse than the MX5. I've just picked up an NC BBR Super 200, and it's really good fun. I agree with a previous poster too that these will be the cheapest and easiest to own and run. Which might be an advantage for track use too.

[cerb4.5lee]

I think that a GT86 with a turbo or a supercharger bolted to it would make a very decent road/track car.

[Asura]

cerb4.5lee said:

I think that a GT86 with a turbo or a supercharger bolted to it would make a very decent road/track car.

I like the idea of it. I'm just wary about it being a boxer. I'm not sure if the FA20 is an improvement from the EJ, I'm guessing with stock internals max you can get out is 300 bhp?

[TameRacingDriver]

Asura said:

cerb4.5lee said:

I think that a GT86 with a turbo or a supercharger bolted to it would make a very decent road/track car.

I like the idea of it. I'm just wary about it being a boxer. I'm not sure if the FA20 is an improvement from the EJ, I'm guessing with stock internals max you can get out is 300 bhp?

I saw one for sale a few months back, 15k, 250 bhp. I would personally have no real concerns at that level. Quite a robust engine I understand.

[Rich196]

Asura said:

I think the MX5 is winning me because of the affordability, and how you and the car grow together and learn a hell of a lot without bearing much loss. I'm about to cry seeing how some of their prices are increasing. Damn!

Before I had my GT86, 7 years ago I had an NC MX5, cost me £2900 with 120k miles on the clock, meister suspension, RX8 roll bars, uprated pads, Manifold exhaust and remap. I added team dynamic wheels NS2R tyres, bucket seats and harness. It make 190hp when mapped by BBR.
I put 10k miles on it and 15 track days in my ownership of just under 2 years. It was epic and very light on consumables and taught me a lot. I sold it for considerably more than I paid which is rare.

I moved on to a charged GT86, its been reliable, but parts are expensive because not many were made. I cannot comment on a NA 86 as mine never was.

[SuperNads]

Asura said:

What can you say about the availability of the parts for the s2000 as a daily car as well as track-wise?

To be honest, the car hasn't needed for anything other than routine maintenance and there's a whole host of modifications around (although not particularly cheap as a lot of it comes from Japan). I've only changed the air intake and replaced the catalytic converter with a Hi-Flow cat.

I do toy with the idea of making it more of a track car but I do still enjoy road driving and the suspension is quite crashy already (although it does feel a bit rolly on track). Michelin PS4s make a huge difference to driving faster with confidence although you will always have to take it easy in the wet regardless.

It's more fun on track than on road to be honest as you get to spend more time in VTEC. It can feel a bit sketchy driving like this on the road! I can totally see why people don't like them especially if you are used to torque low in the rev range - but if you like using a fantastic manual gearbox and really needing to use it to find the power, then the S2000 is awesome.

[Asura]

Rich196 said:

Before I had my GT86, 7 years ago I had an NC MX5, cost me £2900 with 120k miles on the clock, meister suspension, RX8 roll bars, uprated pads, Manifold exhaust and remap. I added team dynamic wheels NS2R tyres, bucket seats and harness. It make 190hp when mapped by BBR.
I put 10k miles on it and 15 track days in my ownership of just under 2 years. It was epic and very light on consumables and taught me a lot. I sold it for considerably more than I paid which is rare.

I moved on to a charged GT86, its been reliable, but parts are expensive because not many were made. I cannot comment on a NA 86 as mine never was.

Whichever car I get, I eventually would look to supercharge it.

? Would you think the issue of the availability of parts would improve once the GR86 is released?

[Asura]

SuperNads said:

To be honest, the car hasn't needed for anything other than routine maintenance and there's a whole host of modifications around (although not particularly cheap as a lot of it comes from Japan). I've only changed the air intake and replaced the catalytic converter with a Hi-Flow cat.

I do toy with the idea of making it more of a track car but I do still enjoy road driving and the suspension is quite crashy already (although it does feel a bit rolly on track). Michelin PS4s make a huge difference to driving faster with confidence although you will always have to take it easy in the wet regardless.

It's more fun on track than on road to be honest as you get to spend more time in VTEC. It can feel a bit sketchy driving like this on the road! I can totally see why people don't like them especially if you are used to torque low in the rev range - but if you like using a fantastic manual gearbox and really needing to use it to find the power, then the S2000 is awesome.

Right now I'm fighting over the S2000, MX5, and the GT86. S2000 sounds like the perfect car for what I want.

I think with the S2000 and the 86, I might have to consider getting them on finance. If I had to buy a car asap, it'd be the MX5 since it wouldn't be too much trouble saving up for it but with the other two, it's going to be hard given these prices are increasing. But I'd only consider financing once I sort out other stuff.

[Rich196]

Asura said:

Whichever car I get, I eventually would look to supercharge it.

? Would you think the issue of the availability of parts would improve once the GR86 is released?

Not really it will still be in a huge minority over any MX5. Not much as gone on mine, but for example £600 for a drive shaft.

[CABC]

I'd go mx5, did it myself with 2 cars and spent well over budget! these projects easily creep... 5K becomes 15 after a couple of years.
that said, the creep is more easily achieved and more affordable with a 5. it's also a great journey to build the car and feel the difference with each mod. the mx5 is low powered out the box and some will say uninspiring, but after s/charging and other mods it'll be an engaging weapon.

MR2 - lovely car, but hard to mod.
350z - feels heavy, I think the weight is too far forward. rarely seen on track...
GT86 - awesome B road car. lightish, but still quite heavy for hard track work. better than an MX5 as an all-rounder but the 5 can be easily modded to be a better track car. then again, you could modify the 86 too.
S2000 - no experience of tracking these. I suspect that peaky, non-linear engine would not be good for track. rare sight on circuit

point to think about - I s/charged my stripped mk1 mx5 to 200hp and it finally had the power to keep up on the straights (and up the hill at Dony!).
I enjoyed that journey a lot, but next time I would nasp tune a 2L to 200hp+ with cams and head work. that would enough to flow with 'traffic' and be a purer and simple to maintain package. go along to a few track days and talk to people in the pits about their experiences building their cars to that point.

my crude list of good track cars by price/performance would be:
MX5, MR2. - simple fun
Clio 1x2 - simple and more power
Elise - the scalpel. engaging, but not so slidey and expensive if you kissed the armco.
MX5 (200hp) - the full package. playful, controllable @200+/tonne
Caterham - tha race car

I've driven a variety of BMWs on track and while some have been good I've never been sold on any being better than a lightweight from that list. but at least the 3 series has a wealth of expertise and parts available.
similarly, I had a standard GT86 for a few years, tracked a few times but never felt it could be fettled to achieve more than any on that list. That said, it probably could be made very good and still be very useable off track, if that's useful.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd go with the 370Z they're a good drivers car & are simple to maintain, as well as the fact they have more than enough grunt to be getting on with, so no need to be buying Pro/Super/Turbochargers to get them a bit more lively.

Here's a readers car thread on someone running a 370Z doing track days etc & running it daily:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...