GTX140

After a month of research, and soul searching, I've FINALLY decided on my next car: 96-98 3000GT VR-4. Even though I love VWs, and wanted a 1.8T, there is no disputing the VR-4. A good, low miles 3000 runs between $16K-18K. Slap on an exhaust, filter, and BC and the thing pushes 400HP at the crank. I think I could live with that . Besides, living in a snowy area, the AWD will be most appreciated. Hell, it's even a 2+2. 6-speeds, twin-turbos, AWD, and AWS means I will have a huge grin. More so than any GTI would give.

Mxyzptlk

No don't do it. Yeah those cars are sweet. But you need to do some research. Those are pieces of **** as far as mechanical reliability goes. Don't get caught up in the appeal.

5SpeedP5

that and they are a dog, they weight ALOT


want twin turbo, go 93-95 Rx7...... next to that is the 90s 300zx TT, and if you like dodge (im not sure about reliability) but there is the stealth TT.......

GTX140

Are you kidding me?!?!?! As long as you don't constantly beat the **** out of it, they have no problems. I know two people with VR-4s, and they have never had a problem other than normal wear and tear. As for the RX-7, the POS of the sports car crowd? No thanks. I don't need to be replacing my engine at 100K, swapping out 72 vacuum lines, or dealing with paper thin sheet metal. I used to work at a Mazda dealer, and from what I have seen, I'd never own an RX-7TT. They are WAY to high maintenance, especially for a college kid like me. Besides, I prefer AWD. I'm not looking for a super star handler, just something *****-to-the-wall fast.

GTX140

BTW, the Stealth and 3000Gt are the same car. I wouldn't mind a Z, but I want something at least 96 or newer. If I recall correctly, 95 was the last year for the TT Z in the states.

5SpeedP5

true, but dissing the rex....well you should be shot, they arent exactly that high maintance anyways..... i have an aunt with a 89 and it has over 200k miles, the only thing done to it is regular oil changes, and a new clutch and rebuild tranny at 140k miles.

and them TT RX7s are quick as hell... stock 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, im pretty sure the 3000gt doesnt touch that

Sweedenhouse

Uhh no the VR4 is the ****, it'll do 0-60 in 5.4 and the quarter mile in 13.7 in its stock form. If that's a dog, I would love to see what you consider a performance machine. Plus it looks a **** ton better than an RX-7.

mazdaspeedwest

I can't beleive you think the Stealth/3000GT look better than an RX7!!!!! Too each his own, but dude, c'mon your just kidding right? BTW, ever drove in one? They feel like total crap IMO, , horribleroad feel, steering, not a very good feel at all but pretty good brakes, fast, yes, but there's alot more to a car than speed.

I have seen a few trannies fall apart on the stealth/3kGTs. Again to each his own, but IMHO i would never touch one of those with a 10 foot key.

BTW, check my sig Pat, Got the 1.8T

Sweedenhouse

Yeah I driven a 3000GT before. They do drive kinda like a big car, kinda swappy, I'm sure that could be fixed with some suspension work though. But I still stand behind my feelings on the looks. The 3000GT just look so smooth, and no do not confuse them with the Stealth, while they might have the same inards under the hood (with proper models), but the Stealth looks like crap.

5SpeedP5

well gd, im a RX7 dude, and 4.9 second 0-60 is a big diffrence compared to 5.3, and do i have to go into rotary vs. piston discussion. and quite frankly, the rx7 sure as hell looks better than that ugly **** 3000gt, ahhh i cant stand how they look, and modded to hell the rex looks awesome. then there is the 300zx, i love that car too, modded it also looks awesome, even stock.


oh well

Sweedenhouse

NO, I am aware of the rotary/piston crap. But you really think less than half a second is that big of a deal? Perhaps on the dragstrip sure, but a good driver can more than make up for that small of a time frame. ANd for the average enthusiast on the street, not teh strip that VR4 will be more than enough for most people. Oh wait, I know, you watched The Fast And The Furious, and you remember the part when the one boner said sumthin along the lines of "It don't matter if you win by 1 second or 10 seconds" or some crap like that. JESUS H CHRIST I HATE THAT MOVIE (sorry had to vent) Oh well yeah to each their own, I'm not saying the RX-7 is ugly by any means, hell no. Its a sweet car, I just think the VR4 is sweeter.

GTX140

I'm very fortunate in the respect that I've driven some kick *** cars in my 23 yrs on earth. I've driver several RX-7 TT (including a single turbo conversion), a 400HP Eclipse, an '89 911 Turbo (930), GNX, and some others not really worth mentioning. I agree on the RX-7s looks, I believe it to be one of the most beautiful cars ever built. However, I can't afford to baby a car while away at school, living in an apartment. Because of this, the RX-7 is out. They require extremly high maintenance. I worked in a Mazda garage. If anyone on this board would know about this, it's me. I know the VR-4 handles like crap, but I don't care. I just want speed. I love my Pro, and I've managed to get it into the 15s, something many N/A Pros haven't done yet. Since it isn't fast, I focused on handling. It handles like a champ, but I miss gut-wrenching acceleration. I prefer acceleration over cornering G-forces. And, like I said, I want AWD. 320HP in a RWD car, in the snow, is not fun.
BTW, congrats Darryl on the 1.8T. Go to www.ecstuning.com . If they don't have the part, you don't need it. APR chip, dogbone mount bushings, and a BOV I saw SEVERAL VWs this past weekend at the Ohio VW drags. Guys runnin low 14s with just an APR chip, mount, and K&N drop in filter. Happy motoring. I do envy you!!!

GTX140

I forgot to mention, that a cat back system, 14psi (up from the stock 12), and a K&N net a tick under 400HP in the VR-4. Besides, the VR-4s have a built in safety net, pistons. I honestly am afraid to tweak a rotary. They are much more prone to blowing up in lean situations. If they overheat, the whole damn thing needs to be replaced. Rotaries are also more prone to compression loss in modded form.
This is not a dis on rotaries. I think it is a brilliant design, and I love the fact that Mazda is the only car company with them. However, I need that safety net. I can't afford to blow an engine, literally and figuratively. Thats why I'm going with the VR-4. If you'll ecxuse me, I'm going to get shot now.

Mxyzptlk

Go ahead and buy the car. Just dont bitch or ask anything when its sitting up on blocks cuz its broke. Whats the point of owning a car like that if you are planning on driving like Grandma.

Makaveli

oh dude, don't diss the rx-7 looks

That's my all-time favourite car (by looks) that can be had for under $100K....

VR-4s look nice as well. I heard some good things about how fast the TT Stealths can be.

Just had to defend the looks of my wanna-have rex