944 Turbo vs. RX-7 vs. M3 vs. Trans Am

[Raza]

Okay guys, as you all know, I've been toying with the idea of picking up a sports car on the cheap.  I've brought it down to these few cars.  

1987-88 944 Turbo

1993-95 RX-7 Twin Turbo

1997 M3 (4 door preferred)

1998-00 Trans Am

Any thoughts?  Opinions?  Suggestions?  What would you do?

[TBR]

944 Turbo is the way to go imho.  

[Raza]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.  

[TBR]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.

I know it makes the least sense, but the 944 Turbo is my favorite. Sort of like how I like the A4 2.0t more than the 325i despite the fact the 325i is really a better car. There's just an unexplainable attraction. Of course, if you don't have that same attraction to the 944t, then one of the other cars would work better. Just get what you want, even if it doesn't look as good on paper.  

[Raza]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.

I know it makes the least sense, but the 944 Turbo is my favorite. Sort of like how I like the A4 2.0t more than the 325i despite the fact the 325i is really a better car. There's just an unexplainable attraction. Of course, if you don't have that same attraction to the 944t, then one of the other cars would work better. Just get what you want, even if it doesn't look as good on paper.

My issues with the 944t are that of reliability and availability.  I know the RX7 won't be much more reliable, but it's so bloody fast!  It's also a few years newer.

If I go for an M3 4 door, I could very well just replace the Passat.  No need for two sedans--I'd never drive the Passat.

[Fire It Up]

Raza, are you sure you can handle the interior of the Pontiac?

[Raza]

I've sat in a couple.  It's no worse than my friend's Mustang.  

[Fire It Up]

Oh ok. But I think it might be hard find one in 6 speed form. I always seem to come upon autos.....

[Raza]

Oh ok. But I think it might be hard find one in 6 speed form. I always seem to come upon autos.....

I've found a bunch of sticks.  Don't think I've seen a V8 with an auto before, actually.

[Fire It Up]

Oh ok. But I think it might be hard find one in 6 speed form. I always seem to come upon autos.....

I've found a bunch of sticks.  Don't think I've seen a V8 with an auto before, actually.

Really? Ive never seen a V8 with a stick. But if you do, I say go for one, and then do a spring/shock/swaybar upgrade.

[TBR]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.

I know it makes the least sense, but the 944 Turbo is my favorite. Sort of like how I like the A4 2.0t more than the 325i despite the fact the 325i is really a better car. There's just an unexplainable attraction. Of course, if you don't have that same attraction to the 944t, then one of the other cars would work better. Just get what you want, even if it doesn't look as good on paper.

My issues with the 944t are that of reliability and availability.  I know the RX7 won't be much more reliable, but it's so bloody fast!  It's also a few years newer.

If I go for an M3 4 door, I could very well just replace the Passat.  No need for two sedans--I'd never drive the Passat.

I understand those concerns, but if you really want the 944t then get it anyway, no reason to compromise!  

[Raza]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.

I know it makes the least sense, but the 944 Turbo is my favorite. Sort of like how I like the A4 2.0t more than the 325i despite the fact the 325i is really a better car. There's just an unexplainable attraction. Of course, if you don't have that same attraction to the 944t, then one of the other cars would work better. Just get what you want, even if it doesn't look as good on paper.

My issues with the 944t are that of reliability and availability.  I know the RX7 won't be much more reliable, but it's so bloody fast!  It's also a few years newer.

If I go for an M3 4 door, I could very well just replace the Passat.  No need for two sedans--I'd never drive the Passat.

I understand those concerns, but if you really want the 944t then get it anyway, no reason to compromise!

True, but I love all these cars.  The M3 for being practical speed (though an E46 325i would be at a similar price), I love the RX-7 (if I can find one unmolested), and the T/A is just so bloody brutal.  The 944 has been my lust object for a while, and I don't want to venture away from German cars, but the RX7 is a sexy auto.

[TBR]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.

I know it makes the least sense, but the 944 Turbo is my favorite. Sort of like how I like the A4 2.0t more than the 325i despite the fact the 325i is really a better car. There's just an unexplainable attraction. Of course, if you don't have that same attraction to the 944t, then one of the other cars would work better. Just get what you want, even if it doesn't look as good on paper.

My issues with the 944t are that of reliability and availability.  I know the RX7 won't be much more reliable, but it's so bloody fast!  It's also a few years newer.

If I go for an M3 4 door, I could very well just replace the Passat.  No need for two sedans--I'd never drive the Passat.

I understand those concerns, but if you really want the 944t then get it anyway, no reason to compromise!

True, but I love all these cars.  The M3 for being practical speed (though an E46 325i would be at a similar price), I love the RX-7 (if I can find one unmolested), and the T/A is just so bloody brutal.  The 944 has been my lust object for a while, and I don't want to venture away from German cars, but the RX7 is a sexy auto.

Definitely, the RX-7 is a very nice car, I have looked at them more than once but with my budget I would end up with N/A version in crappy condition.  

[Raza]

Yeah, the old ones are hot too, but the third gen rocks!



That one's got no spoiler.  

[TBR]

Yeah, the old ones are hot too, but the third gen rocks!



That one's got no spoiler.

You said 1991-1993, the 3rd gen didn't come out until 1993.

[Run Away]

If you mean 3rd gen, I'd definitley go for a RX-7. So sexy.
Upgrade the cooling system and leave the rest stock and you shouldn't have reliability problems.

[Raza]

Yeah, the old ones are hot too, but the third gen rocks!



That one's got no spoiler.

You said 1991-1993, the 3rd gen didn't come out until 1993.

Then I meant 93-95.

[TBR]

Yeah, the old ones are hot too, but the third gen rocks!



That one's got no spoiler.

You said 1991-1993, the 3rd gen didn't come out until 1993.

Then I meant 93-95.

That makes more sense.  

[Raza]

Yeah, just a little mistake on my part.  

[850CSi]

Wanna know what I'd do?

Find a '99 323i (You can find those for around $15K. I nearly got one for $10K before I bought the A4 [a high-milage model]) and throw that AA supercharger in there.

[BMWDave]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.

I know it makes the least sense, but the 944 Turbo is my favorite. Sort of like how I like the A4 2.0t more than the 325i despite the fact the 325i is really a better car. There's just an unexplainable attraction. Of course, if you don't have that same attraction to the 944t, then one of the other cars would work better. Just get what you want, even if it doesn't look as good on paper.

I agree with you on the 944 turbo part (though not on the audi vs. BMW part   ).  The 944 is also my favorite.  It is just so incredibly good looking, handles great, and is very fast.  Every time I see one I think its one of the best looking cars ever made.

[MrH]

If you mean 3rd gen, I'd definitley go for a RX-7. So sexy.
Upgrade the cooling system and leave the rest stock and you shouldn't have reliability problems.

Guess you don't read the RX-7 boards much, do you?

I'd say go with the 944 Turbo or Trans Am.  Even though I'm a rotary engine fanatic, the third gen, twin turbo RX-7's were not reliable by any means.  I'd steer away from it until you know what you're getting into with that car.

[Run Away]

If you mean 3rd gen, I'd definitley go for a RX-7. So sexy.
Upgrade the cooling system and leave the rest stock and you shouldn't have reliability problems.

Guess you don't read the RX-7 boards much, do you?

I'd say go with the 944 Turbo or Trans Am.  Even though I'm a rotary engine fanatic, the third gen, twin turbo RX-7's were not reliable by any means.  I'd steer away from it until you know what you're getting into with that car.

Nope, that just the basics on what I know (they have weak cooling systems).

I'm a MKIII Supra guy, since they are more feasable to me ATM.

[Submariner]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.

But my guess (well, i'm almost positive) that the M3, RX7, and 944 will handle a good deal better than the Trans.  

For me, I would narrow it down to the RX7 and the 944.  IMO they are the best looking and offer the same amount of performance as the M3.

[Raza]

I do love the 944, but I think the M3 will be more reliable and the RX7 and TA (even an LT1) will be faster.

But my guess (well, i'm almost positive) that the M3, RX7, and 944 will handle a good deal better than the Trans.  

For me, I would narrow it down to the RX7 and the 944.  IMO they are the best looking and offer the same amount of performance as the M3.

I've always had a soft spot for the F body.  But they don't handle poorly, however on a road course, it'll probably be embarassed by an RX7, M3, or 944.  The M3's just a pipe dream.  I imagine if I pick up an RX or 944, I'll try and get an E46 328i 5 speed later on to replace the Passat.

[Colonel Cadillac]

Wanna know what I'd do?

Find a '99 323i (You can find those for around $15K. I nearly got one for $10K before I bought the A4 [a high-milage model]) and throw that AA supercharger in there.

But, you can just wait a little while and get a new 325i/330i!

[Raza]

Wanna know what I'd do?

Find a '99 323i (You can find those for around $15K. I nearly got one for $10K before I bought the A4 [a high-milage model]) and throw that AA supercharger in there.

But, you can just wait a little while and get a new 325i/330i!

I prefer the E46 to the E90.  

[Raza]

[Raza]

[Raza]