auto cross
 

so, the time hath cometh... or something like that.

I'm looking to purchase a vehicle for autocross. I've got two options...

Miata or MR2 Spider

I'm looking to spend under 5k for the vehicle, I want a stock car to start with so I can mod as I go and really learn to drive the car from stock to modified.

The pro's of the miata is that I can eventually move on to Spec Miata racing. But with the MR2 I can drive around in something a little more unique looking.

Both are rwd, but the mr2 is mid engine. Neither make a whole lot of horsepower stock.

Any opinions for or against either car?

MR2 in autocross = a lot of spinouts initially....

spin outs are a good thing :) they're fun.

But I kind of assumed that would be the case with the MR2 due to the engine setup. I'm all about making this difficult for myself, you don't learn without challenging yourself to do so.

What is your ultimate goal with the car? If you are only ever going to autocross locally then either will work. What do you want from the car after that? Would you concider replacing the car when it is time to move up to the next level?

Miata.

not gonna runt he srt-4?

i really don't think you're going to be able to finder an MR2 spyder for under 5k..

dude i thought you already auto x.considering how you have a comment for just about any type of auto competition.considering how unsafe it is for spectators.specially for buses full of nuns and little babies.lol

look how safe it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsVomg9yUDw

I intend on getting rid of the SRT around summer, so I don't need to be beating on it at the track. And its FWD and has a lot of torque. I'd also rather race something rwd.

hmm... ultimately... I'd love to race against other people on a track.

For now I intend on running in the stock autox class and slowly move up as I upgrade suspension and get me some racing tires. I'd like to be able to compete in the modified category (IE: work the miata engine for more HP)



Oh, I was also considering getting into the solo rally racing the scca has going on, but I'm not sure how well that is doing in the area...

I think either one would be fun. Do you feel more passionate about one or the other? If so, go for that one.

I've not indepth researched it, but I suspect that parts and aftermarket support for the Miata would be better/cheaper than for the MR2. OTOH, the low polar moment of inertia of the mid engine layout ...ala easier spinouts... can definitely be used to your advantage in a tight autocross once you learn how to handle/control it.

The SRT would actually be good for autox.
Just remember to tighten you lugs, but not too much. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg5NPJ0_iEk

I did very well in the SRT last time I autocrossed in the noob class, actually beat an nsx :roll:

But I don't want to keep the car. I'd really like an 135i or a challenger srt8 when the 6 speed becomes available for the second model year.

Miata is the answer. Pick a year and go with it. The uber Miata to have is the 99 Sport. First gens (90-93) have the most raw feeling of them all. 94+ and up got the 1.8 with a little more grunt and its a little more civilized.

what makes the 99 sport stand out above the rest?