auto cross - TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast

Scapegoat · 02-12-2008, 01:54 PM

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?

Roto · 02-12-2008, 02:25 PM

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

Scapegoat · 02-12-2008, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roto

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.

thewake · 02-12-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

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?

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?

lawdogg · 02-12-2008, 03:48 PM

Miata.

Honest_Bob · 02-12-2008, 03:53 PM

not gonna runt he srt-4?

justinlansdale · 02-12-2008, 05:08 PM

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

jdmwill · 02-12-2008, 05:12 PM

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

Scapegoat · 02-12-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honest_Bob

not gonna runt he srt-4?

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewake

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?

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...

Nick 95 6sp · 02-12-2008, 05:27 PM

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.

OBEEWON · 02-12-2008, 06:02 PM

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

Scapegoat · 02-12-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OBEEWON

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

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.

92dxman · 02-12-2008, 06:12 PM

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.

Scapegoat · 02-12-2008, 06:18 PM

what makes the 99 sport stand out above the rest?

02-12-2008, 01:54 PM	#1
Scapegoat TST Ruined My Life! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: stop looking at my gold Member #1208 iTrader: (1)	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?

02-12-2008, 03:48 PM	#5
lawdogg Tri-State Addict Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chicago, IL Member #5674 My Ride: seat of my pants iTrader: (0)	Miata. __________________ 2001 Audi allroad 2.7T 6mt: DD - 1991 Mazda Miata: track rat - 1992 Dodge Stealth RT/TT: now with VR-4's drivetrain - 1994 Mistubishi 3000GT VR-4: 11.8 @ 116: RIP

02-12-2008, 03:53 PM	#6
Honest_Bob TST Ruined My Life! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Easton, PA Member #1179 My Ride: 05 WRX Wagon iTrader: (2)	not gonna runt he srt-4? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

02-12-2008, 05:08 PM	#7
justinlansdale Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Montgomeryville, PA Member #4286 My Ride: old BMW & obnoxious bike(s) iTrader: (5)	i really don't think you're going to be able to finder an MR2 spyder for under 5k.. __________________ // To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

02-12-2008, 05:12 PM	#8
jdmwill Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: edison, nj Member #5436 My Ride: daily s13 slammed drifty ready, drift car ae86 sr20 powered...20" mongoose for fun iTrader: (4)	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 LOVE MOJO CHICKEN

02-12-2008, 05:27 PM	#10
Nick 95 6sp Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Narberth, PA Member #3675 My Ride: '95 Supra Turbo 6sp iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ Nick '95 6sp Supra Twin GT2860's w/TiAL exhaust housings, 2X TiAL WG's and BOV's, on V-band moded HKS twin manifolds, AEM v2, FJO w/NTK, AEM meth/water spray, GSC S1 cams, OS Giken triple clutch and Super Lock LSD, Racelogic

02-12-2008, 06:02 PM	#11
OBEEWON Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hightened State of Emergency Member #1315 My Ride: Lansdale Local iTrader: (1)	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 __________________ E .· \' ' ·. F To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

02-12-2008, 06:12 PM	#13
92dxman Tri-State Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Lansdale, PA Member #470 My Ride: 10 Mazda 5. iTrader: (0)	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.

02-12-2008, 06:18 PM	#14
Scapegoat TST Ruined My Life! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: stop looking at my gold Member #1208 iTrader: (1)	what makes the 99 sport stand out above the rest?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
piknockout's STU Auto-x Build - '06 STi sponsored by Agile Auto 9/27 SCCA Nationals	piknockout	Member Journals	115	09-29-2010 09:23 AM
Farm Show Auto Cross	OBEEWON	Gallery	21	08-03-2010 10:07 AM
July 26 Auto Cross at Camden County College	03wrx girl	Gallery	16	08-12-2009 12:23 PM
my first auto cross with my fc 56k NO NO	driftingrx5.7	Auto-X	15	07-09-2008 04:19 PM
Auto Cross pictures from today.	UnderPoweredRS	Gallery	18	04-04-2007 02:15 PM