s13 240sx fastback vs FC RX-7 w/ j-spec 13bt

[MrBlonde]

What do you guys think? My buddy has an FC in his garage that wouldn't cost too much to fix up, so he has the option of getting either of these cars. Which would you choose, and why? Just performance here, looks don't matter. The FC would cost like $1000 less to fix than just buying a new 240.

[hannibal]

I dont know much about FC's or rotaries, so I'd pick the S13 hatch.

The FC is $1000 less to fix the FIRST time

Enjoy this crazy world we call NICO...

[own3d]

yeah pulling your engine and tearing it apart every 50k miles is not fun

[dfw240_EE]

I think it's a tough call. I see the RX-7 as a sort of "classic style sports car". It's lean, clean, and designed solely for driving. Trouble is that half the fun (and wether or not this is fun is up to you) lies in keeping the car running.

The 240SX does have a small handful of creature comforts that the RX-7 doesn't like a back seat and a sizable trunk. However, the 240SX still does not carry around half the junk most cars carry these days. It is also designed to be driven. As opposed to many modern passenger cars which seek to isolate the driver from the road. The difference is that the 240SX is as mentioned above a good bit easier to keep running. Especially with a USDM KA engine.

[nissandrift]

I'll disagree with most everyone...I'd take the FC. There more of a sports car, quicker and handle great.

[w1ngzer0]

i rather have the FC is the motor is in good condition.

[Nismo_Freak]

yeah pulling your engine and tearing it apart every 50k miles is not fun

Only if you don't take care of it.

Besides, most people don't put 50k on a car ... it's usually wrecked or sold by then.

FC all the way... it's a better car all around.

[pitchlock]

I like FC's but the motors are to temperamental, I have enough problems keeping my 240 running. I'd get the s13

[Kaioshin1982]

I really hate it when people just say that rotary engines are bad and wont last etc. It all depends on how you take care of your car and how much you know about rotarys also what you can/cant do with them. I have a s13 but I would gladly take a FC over the S13.

My friend has a FC which is about at 150k and still runs like a champ and no problems whatsoever except his sunroof rattling. He abuses the car almost everytime he takes it out and NO PROBLEM.

FC handles better, it is quicker, love the design, their brakes (gotta love 4 piston calipers ) suspension, and the sound of it.

[Mixmastamunkh]

my friend has a white fc, and it's honestly not incredibly fast. my s13 is faster than his FC, but his is mostly all stock. that leads me to believe an s13 and an fc are almost side by side stock. the fc IS a bit faster stock, but it all comes down to your preference and what you like in a car. I would take the s13, but only if it was hatchback. i'd take an fc over a s13 coupe. plus KA's are a lot more reliable than wankel's. sry but that is the truth.

[Dirtylou]

I'm torn between the two...I almost ended up with an FC and I still have a love affair with the S5 TII but I've grown to love my S13. I'd only drive an FC if it was turbo though.

[dfw240_EE]

I would have to disagree on the motor durability. Yes under good care the rotary will have a long life. However, USDM KA's are known for lasting 200k+. Mine is currently just past the 175k point and it still runs pretty good. It could stand to lose a few odd noises, but it still pulls beautifully.

I think I touched on the real heart of the matter earlier? What do you need the car for? If you will drive this car day in and day out plus some occasional track time, the 240SX has a certain functionality to it. If this is going to be mostly for track, or you don't need much space at all in your day to day use, you may be happier in the FC.

Personally, my 240SX is my only car. I have to carry in it groceries for an apartment of two, tools, occasional boxes of office records, presentation supplies (bulkier than you might think), and even an backseat occasional passenger (those poor souls). Throw in that I would like to get back into Autocross when I leave school the 240SX is about right for my needs. Though a 2+2 FC may do fine as well. They are rare, but they do exist.

[rico05]

yeah pulling your engine and tearing it apart every 50k miles is not fun

Spoken like a true rotary n00b.

Seriously: I miss my FC. Great freaking car. The rotary is a beast when properly tuned. If you are a handy wrench, and are good at tuning (and don't rush power, but know how to properly build for power) then build the FC. I love my S13, but if I had the money, I would go back to rotary.

[Chingon]

fc has a better resale value... but it is a bigger gas guzzler. Insurance may be higher. FC over s13 anyday.

[rico05]

My CA (turbo'ed) S13 uses a lot more gas than my FC ever did.

[Chingon]

good for your...I hardly ever see a turboed fc get over 19 mpg. Granted I hardly ever see a stock tII.

[Dirtylou]

All the FC owners I've known say that they get around 17-18mpg.

[HashiriyaS14]

Only buy the FC if you already have $1300 sitting around for a rebuild.

Even if you take flawless care of it, you don't know what it's been through before, and when in doubt, on turbo rotaries, ASSUME it needs a rebuild...

[biggie]

I like the S13 better. Might be just me. I had an '86 NA FC and 2 S13s. Just like the 240s better. I definately thought the S13s are quicker than the NA rotary and I like the handling characteristics better too. But I like both, and I too like working on a KA over a Rotary.

[SienSil80]

ugh I hate ignorance pops up in reference to rotaries. Dont confuse the FD and FC motors. FC turbo motors are plenty reliable, many in town run well over 150k on their original motor and pulls just fine.

In regards to which is more powerful you HAVE to be kidding me, an s13 is only toe to toe with a N/A FC not a turbo. The SR and the 13B both sport the same horsepower numbers from factory (asuming you be a man and buy the S5 turbo motor). As long as you take care of maint. and dont neglect your rotaries love for oil and proper cooling you'll be fine. Rebuilds are cheaper and faster for the 13bt IF it ever came to that. the motor sets are around half as expensive as an SR (1200 for engine harness transmission and ECU). The motor is also easier to install in my opinion and overall simpler in design (again, assuming you take off unecessary smog equip.).

I would pic the FC over the S13 for those reasons and the fact that they're rarely picked versus s13 and have such unique characteristics.

I've owned 3 240sx and now 5 RX7, toe in toe go for the FC.

[marshun]

i've driven both and i own a s13. i like my s13 better.

it really depends on preference.