View Poll Results: What "WAS" the 1st Gen's biggest competitor?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 148. You may not vote on this poll
What's The 7's Biggest Competitor?
02-04-06, 10:39 PM
#51
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280Z, hands down.
I bought a 1981 RX7 in 1980, my first new car. No contest what to buy. I'd owned a few M.G.s, but the 1980 MGB was horribly outdated, the TR7 not very competitive, and everything else too expensive. The RX7 was new, hot, and everyone wanted one.
You can't compare cars by how they did in pro racing. I raced the RX7 in Showroom Stock for 3 years. 280s kicked our butts. But they cost more, and didn't handle as well (they cornered just fine, though).
We didn't have any Porsches in our region. One year a 924 showed for the Pacific Coast runoffs. Couldn't keep up with any of us. Not a bad car, just not a competitor for the 7, especially with that price tag.
Admittedly I'm biased, what with all the fun we had in those days, but in my mind there's never been a finer car made than the first gen RX7.
I bought a 1981 RX7 in 1980, my first new car. No contest what to buy. I'd owned a few M.G.s, but the 1980 MGB was horribly outdated, the TR7 not very competitive, and everything else too expensive. The RX7 was new, hot, and everyone wanted one.
You can't compare cars by how they did in pro racing. I raced the RX7 in Showroom Stock for 3 years. 280s kicked our butts. But they cost more, and didn't handle as well (they cornered just fine, though).
We didn't have any Porsches in our region. One year a 924 showed for the Pacific Coast runoffs. Couldn't keep up with any of us. Not a bad car, just not a competitor for the 7, especially with that price tag.
Admittedly I'm biased, what with all the fun we had in those days, but in my mind there's never been a finer car made than the first gen RX7.
02-05-06, 03:04 AM
#52
Yeah you cant really compare race results to a street car, they are two different worlds. I know for a fact from the seat of the pant feel that the 944 handles better than the 7, hands down if I raced them 944 vs. 7, the 7 would ruthlessly massacre the 944. And honestly I just like 7's better, with all their pitfalls they are still a damned good car.
02-05-06, 06:18 AM
#53
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yall dont even wanna here the real answer to this question do you. LOL. guess what to bad.
All the cars mentioned were made to do one thing. Put up with a chevette. God honest truth. Not the American Chevette that we all know as a **** bucket, but the Vaxhaull.
Over there they had a DOHC motor that made 146HP and 124lbs trq. This combined with either a 4sp or 5sp tranny. The front suspension is basically the same suspension used in the pontiac ferio from the knuckles out and the base model came with 4 whell disk brake on a solid rear axel, coil overs up front.
See in America we get the shittyest of the shittest. New GTO for example.
If you dont know this you suck at life and should just go jump off a cliff. LOL. dont accually do that though it would be bad.
All the cars mentioned were made to do one thing. Put up with a chevette. God honest truth. Not the American Chevette that we all know as a **** bucket, but the Vaxhaull.
Over there they had a DOHC motor that made 146HP and 124lbs trq. This combined with either a 4sp or 5sp tranny. The front suspension is basically the same suspension used in the pontiac ferio from the knuckles out and the base model came with 4 whell disk brake on a solid rear axel, coil overs up front.
See in America we get the shittyest of the shittest. New GTO for example.
If you dont know this you suck at life and should just go jump off a cliff. LOL. dont accually do that though it would be bad.
02-05-06, 06:25 AM
#54
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for the non believers.... The HSR model PWNS you
Vauxhall Chevette
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The Chevette is a model of car manufactured by Vauxhall in the UK from 1975 to 1983. It was Vauxhall's version of GM's family of small 'T-Cars', which included the Opel Kadett in Germany, the Isuzu Gemini in Japan, the Holden Gemini in Australia, the Chevrolet Chevette in the USA and Brazil and a badge-engineered Pontiac Acadian/Pontiac T1000 in the USA and Canada.
It was designed to replace the Viva, but was sold alongside that model for much of its life. However, unlike the Viva, the Chevette was designed as a hatchback, a style that was rapidly becoming popular in the mid 1970s. For 1975 until 1978, the Chevette was, in fact, the UK's best selling hatchback as rivals failed to field competitive models until the arrival of the Ford Fiesta in late 1977.
More conventional 2 and 4 door saloons and 3 door estate variants were also built from 1976. The Viva remained in production until the end of 1979, when the Astra was launched. The launch of the Astra looked to have spelled the end for the Chevette, but it remained in production for another four years until after the smaller Nova was launched.
A van version, based of the estate and called the Bedford Chavanne was also built, but no coupe version was offered, as with the Opel Kadett.
Although the Chevette was largely a rebadged Opel Kadett C with revised front-end (detailed below), it did use the 1256 cc overhead valve engine of the Viva instead of the Opel power units found in its Kadett sister car. The Kadett's double wishbone front suspension, rear wheel drive and rear suspension with Panhard rod, torque tube and coil sprung live axle were carried over unaltered. Inside, the two cars differed only in terms of their dashboard and switchgear - the Chevette stuck to the British tradition of having the indicator switch on the right hand side of the steering column, while the Kadett had the German custom of the flasher stalk being on the left. The Chevette also had a much more angular instrument binnacle, although the Kadett instrumentation remained.
The Chevette's front end featured a more aerodynamic nose treatment than the Kadett, based loosely on the design of the "droopsnoot" Firenza. In contrast the Kadett had a more conventional flat-fronted design. In 1980, the Chevette underwent a facelift with flush fitting headlights making it look like the larger Vauxhall Cavalier, new wheel designs, revised C pillar vent covers and revamped interior trim with re-designed front seats to increase rear knee room marginally. However, it was effectively on a phase out in favour of the newer Astra, Vauxhall's version of the front wheel drive Kadett, which was launched early in 1980. The Chevette was finally withdrawn from the model range in 1983. The Chevette was nicknamed the "Shove-It" by some, owing to its reputation for unreliability and sometimes lacklustre build quality exhibited by many British-made cars of the period - although Vauxhall were much better in this respect than the likes of Rootes (Chrysler) or British Leyland.
However, it compensated by being very sporty to drive and look at even in base form. Hotter versions gained much recognition on rally circuits for a number of years - see the Chevette HS and HSR notes, below.
The Chevette was sold across Europe, but also in New Zealand between 1976 and 1981. It was unusual that New Zealand had the Chevatte, as neighbouring Australia had the Kadett based Holden Gemini. Eventually the car would be replaced by the Gemini.
[edit]
Chevette HS
Vauxhall decided to abandon company-sponsored saloon-car racing in 1977, and instead decided to go into Rallying. They had a long-standing relationship with Blydenstein racing, and commissioned them to develop a rally version of the Chevette, which employed an Opel Kadet bodyshell. They created a far more powerful Chevette variant by shoehorning the much larger 2.3 litre Slant Four engine into the shell, and with Vauxhall developed a twin camshaft 16-valve cylinder head for it. The gearbox was discarded in favour of a much stronger Getrag 5-speed box, and the bodyshell was strengthened. Avon Alloy wheels (similar to those used on the droopsnoot Firenza) were used, as well as a newly developed GRP nosecone. The resulting car was extremely fast with almost 200 hp (150 kW), and a far cry from the small-engined Chevettes from which it was developed. In order to compete in rallying, the car had to be homologated, which in this sport meant that it had to be a production model derivative in order to be eligible. Thus Vauxhall motors manufactured the HS following the Blydenstein pattern for sale. The result was an incredibly fast, if rather unrefined road car, and while production was limited to around 400 only, they all sold like hot cakes. Like the Firenza, the HS was available only in silver, with less than subtle red highlighting and a bright red and black tartan interior. Some owners requested that their dealer have their car resprayed black, so there are a few black genuine HS Chevettes in existence.
The HS was an immediate success as a rally car, clocking up notable wins for driver Tony Pond. It advanced the state of the art in world-class rallying quite significantly, and easily outclassed the Mk2 Ford Escort which had dominated the sport recently. However, its reign was not to last, as the Audi Quattro soon appeared, raising the stakes once again by introducing four-wheel drive. To stay competitive, a further version, the HSR, was developed, which was an even more powerful variant, and held its own for several more years into the early 1980s. However, the days of rear-drive rally cars were numbered, and the sport was dominated from then on by 4-wheel drive designs. The HSR was also homologated and sold to the public, though in very limited numbers. It is widely thought that the HSR numbers for homologation were achieved by rebiuilding unsold HS models as factory rebuilds, and modifying customers vehicles.
Both the rare HS and the even rarer HSR are now very sought-after collectable classics.
Vauxhall Chevette
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
The Chevette is a model of car manufactured by Vauxhall in the UK from 1975 to 1983. It was Vauxhall's version of GM's family of small 'T-Cars', which included the Opel Kadett in Germany, the Isuzu Gemini in Japan, the Holden Gemini in Australia, the Chevrolet Chevette in the USA and Brazil and a badge-engineered Pontiac Acadian/Pontiac T1000 in the USA and Canada.
It was designed to replace the Viva, but was sold alongside that model for much of its life. However, unlike the Viva, the Chevette was designed as a hatchback, a style that was rapidly becoming popular in the mid 1970s. For 1975 until 1978, the Chevette was, in fact, the UK's best selling hatchback as rivals failed to field competitive models until the arrival of the Ford Fiesta in late 1977.
More conventional 2 and 4 door saloons and 3 door estate variants were also built from 1976. The Viva remained in production until the end of 1979, when the Astra was launched. The launch of the Astra looked to have spelled the end for the Chevette, but it remained in production for another four years until after the smaller Nova was launched.
A van version, based of the estate and called the Bedford Chavanne was also built, but no coupe version was offered, as with the Opel Kadett.
Although the Chevette was largely a rebadged Opel Kadett C with revised front-end (detailed below), it did use the 1256 cc overhead valve engine of the Viva instead of the Opel power units found in its Kadett sister car. The Kadett's double wishbone front suspension, rear wheel drive and rear suspension with Panhard rod, torque tube and coil sprung live axle were carried over unaltered. Inside, the two cars differed only in terms of their dashboard and switchgear - the Chevette stuck to the British tradition of having the indicator switch on the right hand side of the steering column, while the Kadett had the German custom of the flasher stalk being on the left. The Chevette also had a much more angular instrument binnacle, although the Kadett instrumentation remained.
The Chevette's front end featured a more aerodynamic nose treatment than the Kadett, based loosely on the design of the "droopsnoot" Firenza. In contrast the Kadett had a more conventional flat-fronted design. In 1980, the Chevette underwent a facelift with flush fitting headlights making it look like the larger Vauxhall Cavalier, new wheel designs, revised C pillar vent covers and revamped interior trim with re-designed front seats to increase rear knee room marginally. However, it was effectively on a phase out in favour of the newer Astra, Vauxhall's version of the front wheel drive Kadett, which was launched early in 1980. The Chevette was finally withdrawn from the model range in 1983. The Chevette was nicknamed the "Shove-It" by some, owing to its reputation for unreliability and sometimes lacklustre build quality exhibited by many British-made cars of the period - although Vauxhall were much better in this respect than the likes of Rootes (Chrysler) or British Leyland.
However, it compensated by being very sporty to drive and look at even in base form. Hotter versions gained much recognition on rally circuits for a number of years - see the Chevette HS and HSR notes, below.
The Chevette was sold across Europe, but also in New Zealand between 1976 and 1981. It was unusual that New Zealand had the Chevatte, as neighbouring Australia had the Kadett based Holden Gemini. Eventually the car would be replaced by the Gemini.
[edit]
Chevette HS
Vauxhall decided to abandon company-sponsored saloon-car racing in 1977, and instead decided to go into Rallying. They had a long-standing relationship with Blydenstein racing, and commissioned them to develop a rally version of the Chevette, which employed an Opel Kadet bodyshell. They created a far more powerful Chevette variant by shoehorning the much larger 2.3 litre Slant Four engine into the shell, and with Vauxhall developed a twin camshaft 16-valve cylinder head for it. The gearbox was discarded in favour of a much stronger Getrag 5-speed box, and the bodyshell was strengthened. Avon Alloy wheels (similar to those used on the droopsnoot Firenza) were used, as well as a newly developed GRP nosecone. The resulting car was extremely fast with almost 200 hp (150 kW), and a far cry from the small-engined Chevettes from which it was developed. In order to compete in rallying, the car had to be homologated, which in this sport meant that it had to be a production model derivative in order to be eligible. Thus Vauxhall motors manufactured the HS following the Blydenstein pattern for sale. The result was an incredibly fast, if rather unrefined road car, and while production was limited to around 400 only, they all sold like hot cakes. Like the Firenza, the HS was available only in silver, with less than subtle red highlighting and a bright red and black tartan interior. Some owners requested that their dealer have their car resprayed black, so there are a few black genuine HS Chevettes in existence.
The HS was an immediate success as a rally car, clocking up notable wins for driver Tony Pond. It advanced the state of the art in world-class rallying quite significantly, and easily outclassed the Mk2 Ford Escort which had dominated the sport recently. However, its reign was not to last, as the Audi Quattro soon appeared, raising the stakes once again by introducing four-wheel drive. To stay competitive, a further version, the HSR, was developed, which was an even more powerful variant, and held its own for several more years into the early 1980s. However, the days of rear-drive rally cars were numbered, and the sport was dominated from then on by 4-wheel drive designs. The HSR was also homologated and sold to the public, though in very limited numbers. It is widely thought that the HSR numbers for homologation were achieved by rebiuilding unsold HS models as factory rebuilds, and modifying customers vehicles.
Both the rare HS and the even rarer HSR are now very sought-after collectable classics.
02-05-06, 10:57 AM
#55
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Originally Posted by LokiRx7.1
Hands down if I raced them 944 vs. 7, the 7 would ruthlessly massacre the 944.
I've driven a 944 and I have to say it would out run my 7 in just about any situation. One of my friends had an 88 944 Turbo S, and that thing was a beast, Sorry but IMO a stock 1st gen 7 could never hope to compete with any 944 realistically....
A base 924 on the otherhand would be in the realm of possiblity for 7 competition,but mostly only for a GSL-SE or a 2nd gen.
02-05-06, 03:05 PM
#57
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Originally Posted by fcdrifter13
for some reason I was expecting an upraor when i uncovered the truth.
02-05-06, 03:15 PM
#58
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lol. I was looking for a Vauxhal 2.3 turbo to put in mine, but i cant find one. The turbo motors made like 260hp. and that would be awsome in a 1800lbs car.
02-05-06, 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by fcdrifter13
for some reason I was expecting an upraor when i uncovered the truth.
Mazda saw the RX-7 as a competitor primarily against the 280Z. When the RX-7 came out the sales pitch was "In 1953 it was the Corvette, in 1970 it was the 240Z, this year it is the Mazda RX-7". After the 280Z remained the market leader, the message was changed to the RX-7 gives you near a similar performance to the 280Z and 924 at an unbelievale price, "you don't have to pay a king's ransom for it". Magazines at the varied in the comparison of which was best, R&T going for the 280Z, C&D going for the RX-7.
The 924, originally to be a VW built Porsche designed cheap[ lots of golf components] but quality sportscar, was a minor competitor. The 944, a genuine Porsche, came to outsell the RX-7 inspite of its substantial higher cost. In its stock form the 944 outperformed the RX-7 in every category but price.
So to answer the original question, the main competitor was the 280Z in the cheap Japanese sportscar market.
What was remarkable was the extent the RX-7 sold in its first three years with its funny gas guzzling engine, ancient drum brakes, and out of date suspension and steering, all wrapped up in a cheap copy of the 924 body. At half the cost of its competitors it was a bargain for what you got, and could be made into the cheap hotrod of the late 70s.
Last edited by PaulFitzwarryne; 02-05-06 at 05:04 PM.
02-05-06, 05:20 PM
#60
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that 944 comparision prompted me to look them up on e-bay. All the "No warrantry" ..." sold as is" cavaets show that the 944's didn't age well.
Pontiac T/A ? my dad bought one, 2nd childhood divorced thing. He looked ridiculous. The T/A (or grand slam) was a beast in a straight line. right up to 80 mph. But in the rain, the rear end was all over the road. It was a hazard.
So what is the rx-7 fb's's competition on the used car lots now?
Pontiac T/A ? my dad bought one, 2nd childhood divorced thing. He looked ridiculous. The T/A (or grand slam) was a beast in a straight line. right up to 80 mph. But in the rain, the rear end was all over the road. It was a hazard.
So what is the rx-7 fb's's competition on the used car lots now?
02-05-06, 05:33 PM
#62
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I think you missed the point of my post The chevette has been out alot longer than most of the cars you just listed. And just like the RX-7 and the 944 its is an economy "sports" car. OK thats it. not until the fd was the rx7 considered a "true" sports car. Now if you would have thought a little on your reply then you would have thought of this. All the cars including the 7 were made outside of this country before being brought in. You can by a HSR chevette in the US but it was a option very little new about and in 1983 it was totally taken out because of lack of sales in the us. the base model continuded. If you dont elieve me about the numders just look at them.
Also if you would have thought a little more the RX-7 that dominated the racing scene across scenes was a model that isnt avalible over here.
Not being a dick just read up before you post.
Also if you would have thought a little more the RX-7 that dominated the racing scene across scenes was a model that isnt avalible over here.
Not being a dick just read up before you post.
02-05-06, 06:34 PM
#63
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Originally Posted by fcdrifter13
not until the fd was the rx7 considered a "true" sports car. .
I wonder how many tens of people looked seriously at buying an RX-7 then raced out of the showroom and bought its main competitor- a Chevette? The auto magazines must have been neglecting their readers; of the some thirty comparisons I have read about the RX-7, not one included a Chevette in its list as a competitor.
As for your comment that all the cars on the list were imported, my apologies for being a ******** and mistakingly thinking the Camaro, Firebird, Corvette and Mustang were not built in the USA.
Having driven a HSR, I would agree they were a great competitive car for European style rallying, but never that they were a competitor with a stock RX-7, and that includes the Elford I also drove in the UK at that time. The HSR was more like a TWR Mazda 626 turbo.
02-05-06, 08:07 PM
#64
Originally Posted by soslowgtp
I've driven a 944 and I have to say it would out run my 7 in just about any situation. One of my friends had an 88 944 Turbo S, and that thing was a beast, Sorry but IMO a stock 1st gen 7 could never hope to compete with any 944 realistically....
A base 924 on the otherhand would be in the realm of possiblity for 7 competition,but mostly only for a GSL-SE or a 2nd gen.
A base 924 on the otherhand would be in the realm of possiblity for 7 competition,but mostly only for a GSL-SE or a 2nd gen.
sorry I wasnt more specific.
I think you missed the point of my post The chevette has been out alot longer than most of the cars you just listed. And just like the RX-7 and the 944 its is an economy "sports" car. OK thats it. not until the fd was the rx7 considered a "true" sports car. Now if you would have thought a little on your reply then you would have thought of this. All the cars including the 7 were made outside of this country before being brought in. You can by a HSR chevette in the US but it was a option very little new about and in 1983 it was totally taken out because of lack of sales in the us. the base model continuded. If you dont elieve me about the numders just look at them.
Also if you would have thought a little more the RX-7 that dominated the racing scene across scenes was a model that isnt avalible over here.
Not being a dick just read up before you post
Also if you would have thought a little more the RX-7 that dominated the racing scene across scenes was a model that isnt avalible over here.
Not being a dick just read up before you post
And yes the Rx-7 has always been considered a true sports car, but by enthusiats who knew what a true sports car is, what is your definition of a sports car? The Rx-7 has and always will stand out as innovative, goodlooking, and fast. What is a chevette? it certainly isnt innovative, its ugly, and nobody wants them. No I dont think the HSR and the Rx-7 directly competed. And even if they did, I bet that the Rx-7 outsold and outran an HSR Chevette, oh and it DEFINATELY looked better....
02-05-06, 08:11 PM
#65
Resident Weasel
Originally Posted by LokiRx7.1
I was talking about my own cars, sorry I wasnt more specific.
Hmmmmmmm..... Economy sportscar? I remember that Rx-7's were never economical in fuel economy, and the 944 was not economical either. It was ******* expensive, well when compared to a 7. Why do I really give a crap about an HSR Chevette? show me the aftermarket, show me a pic. I promise that fugly thing is nowhere near goodlooking enough to compete with my 7. Oh and why do you think it had a lack of sales?? its ugly, it resembles a chevette..... It is a chevette...
And yes the Rx-7 has always been considered a true sports car, but by enthusiats who knew what a true sports car is, what is your definition of a sports car? The Rx-7 has and always will stand out as innovative, goodlooking, and fast. What is a chevette? it certainly isnt innovative, its ugly, and nobody wants them. No I dont think the HSR and the Rx-7 directly competed. And even if they did, I bet that the Rx-7 outsold and outran an HSR Chevette, oh and it DEFINATELY looked better....
sorry I wasnt more specific.Hmmmmmmm..... Economy sportscar? I remember that Rx-7's were never economical in fuel economy, and the 944 was not economical either. It was ******* expensive, well when compared to a 7. Why do I really give a crap about an HSR Chevette? show me the aftermarket, show me a pic. I promise that fugly thing is nowhere near goodlooking enough to compete with my 7. Oh and why do you think it had a lack of sales?? its ugly, it resembles a chevette..... It is a chevette...
And yes the Rx-7 has always been considered a true sports car, but by enthusiats who knew what a true sports car is, what is your definition of a sports car? The Rx-7 has and always will stand out as innovative, goodlooking, and fast. What is a chevette? it certainly isnt innovative, its ugly, and nobody wants them. No I dont think the HSR and the Rx-7 directly competed. And even if they did, I bet that the Rx-7 outsold and outran an HSR Chevette, oh and it DEFINATELY looked better....
02-05-06, 08:29 PM
#66
Hey! I just found a magazine comparing the Rx and the chevette!!!!!!
Hold on one second............
Oh sorry, my dog took a **** on my Rx-7 magazine I thought it was a chevette. Ill keep looking though. Since they obviously competed there has to be something out there...
I do remember that though, back in the day. I was considering what car to buy, Rx-7, 300ZX, Supra, 944, Camaro, Corvette............ Chevette......... I really regret that decision, if I had to do it over again, I would have chosen the Chevette instead of my 7........ NOT!
Hold on one second............
Oh sorry, my dog took a **** on my Rx-7 magazine I thought it was a chevette. Ill keep looking though. Since they obviously competed there has to be something out there...
I do remember that though, back in the day. I was considering what car to buy, Rx-7, 300ZX, Supra, 944, Camaro, Corvette............ Chevette......... I really regret that decision, if I had to do it over again, I would have chosen the Chevette instead of my 7........ NOT!
02-05-06, 10:22 PM
#67
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A Chevette hatch was nothing but a rallyesport. This included cars like the 323, Lancer Turbo, Toyota Corolla, and the Puegot line.
Rallyesports later evolved into the four door deathtraps we see to day, such as the Lancer Evolution and the WRX STi (while the old rallyesports became known as "Hot Hatches")
The Rallyesports were built for just that: Rally. Although they can perform admirably FOR WHAT THEY ARE on a road course, they just don't put up against the sports cars (surprising, since in a lot of cases, they had equal power levels, better suspensions, and lighter to equal weight. I've never understood it.)
Sports cars are light, stripped down, and quick. The FC and FD were not necessarily sports cars, nor was the Chevette. The Chevette was, in fact, nothing but an economy car with an upper model. Much the same as the 323/GTX (the 323 was a 90 hp, 1800 lbs hatchback. The GTX was a 180 HP, turbocharged, 2100 lbs hothatch).
Chevette =\= RX7
Rallyesports later evolved into the four door deathtraps we see to day, such as the Lancer Evolution and the WRX STi (while the old rallyesports became known as "Hot Hatches")
The Rallyesports were built for just that: Rally. Although they can perform admirably FOR WHAT THEY ARE on a road course, they just don't put up against the sports cars (surprising, since in a lot of cases, they had equal power levels, better suspensions, and lighter to equal weight. I've never understood it.)
Sports cars are light, stripped down, and quick. The FC and FD were not necessarily sports cars, nor was the Chevette. The Chevette was, in fact, nothing but an economy car with an upper model. Much the same as the 323/GTX (the 323 was a 90 hp, 1800 lbs hatchback. The GTX was a 180 HP, turbocharged, 2100 lbs hothatch).
Chevette =\= RX7
02-05-06, 10:30 PM
#68
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Originally Posted by gsterror
A Chevette hatch was nothing but a rallyesport. This included cars like the 323, Lancer Turbo, Toyota Corolla, and the Puegot line.
Rallyesports later evolved into the four door deathtraps we see to day, such as the Lancer Evolution and the WRX STi (while the old rallyesports became known as "Hot Hatches")
The Rallyesports were built for just that: Rally. Although they can perform admirably FOR WHAT THEY ARE on a road course, they just don't put up against the sports cars (surprising, since in a lot of cases, they had equal power levels, better suspensions, and lighter to equal weight. I've never understood it.)
Sports cars are light, stripped down, and quick. The FC and FD were not necessarily sports cars, nor was the Chevette. The Chevette was, in fact, nothing but an economy car with an upper model. Much the same as the 323/GTX (the 323 was a 90 hp, 1800 lbs hatchback. The GTX was a 180 HP, turbocharged, 2100 lbs hothatch).
Chevette =\= RX7
Rallyesports later evolved into the four door deathtraps we see to day, such as the Lancer Evolution and the WRX STi (while the old rallyesports became known as "Hot Hatches")
The Rallyesports were built for just that: Rally. Although they can perform admirably FOR WHAT THEY ARE on a road course, they just don't put up against the sports cars (surprising, since in a lot of cases, they had equal power levels, better suspensions, and lighter to equal weight. I've never understood it.)
Sports cars are light, stripped down, and quick. The FC and FD were not necessarily sports cars, nor was the Chevette. The Chevette was, in fact, nothing but an economy car with an upper model. Much the same as the 323/GTX (the 323 was a 90 hp, 1800 lbs hatchback. The GTX was a 180 HP, turbocharged, 2100 lbs hothatch).
Chevette =\= RX7
too bad the usdm 323 GTX was only rated at 132hp: a friend of mine has an 88 basically rotting from the elements in his driveway..damn shame..I considered buying it but didn't want to put a new engine it etc. at that time..it was rather mediocre..couldn't accelerate much faster than my 92' MX-3 GS but was a cool unique car..with some mods (boost) it could be quite the beast..although even with suspension upgrades he couldn't better my autox times in my MX-3 GS (v6)
02-05-06, 10:33 PM
#69
Originally Posted by fcdrifter13
. And just like the RX-7 and the 944 its is an economy "sports" car. OK thats it. not until the fd was the rx7 considered a "true" sports car.
Not being a dick just read up before you post.
Not being a dick just read up before you post.
Chevette, OMFG, are you kidding? English sports cars of the 80's err...Capri V6, Jaguar XJS V12 (pig), Lotus Espirit, and he chooses a 4 door sedan....
Last edited by aussiesmg; 02-05-06 at 10:41 PM.
02-05-06, 10:41 PM
#71
Resident Weasel
Originally Posted by aussiesmg
What the hell is a 1980 Porsche 911, 2004 Lotus Elise or a 1967 MG, same basic idea as the FB...errr sports car. How can the FB be anything else? What category would you put it in?
Chevette, OMFG, are you kidding?
Chevette, OMFG, are you kidding?
just because the FD was faster (stock) it's a sportscar?
it has the same layout and design principals as the SA/FB/FC
more power granted it's terminology eh
that's not the definition and not even what 5th gear (tv) discussed was the definition in one of their segments
02-05-06, 10:51 PM
#72
Cholo with the Bolo
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Sorry, didn't know the exact specs on the GTX. Knew it wasn't exactly HIGH.
All I know is it had a function to switch it between AWD and 4WD modes, and an adjustable height suspension.
That and the same motor as the early Miatas.
All I know is it had a function to switch it between AWD and 4WD modes, and an adjustable height suspension.
That and the same motor as the early Miatas.
02-05-06, 10:54 PM
#73
Play Well
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OMG please learn how to read. THE FB IS NOT A SPORTS CAR. Its an Economy sports model. which means it has sporty looks a decently good drivetrain and suspension which offered decent gas milage. But is far cheaper than an accual "sports" car. Dont believe me then check with your insurance agent. Now as far as comparing it to an Miata. Think before you type again. This certain chevette was made before (about 10 years) before that. We are talking about the late 70s before the hot hatch before group B.
Now I think most of you thought I was comparing it to the fc and other cars of that type. How could I. they werent even around then.
So here is the list of the cars this HSR was grouped with in other parts of the world besides the us
FB turbo
Turbo944
280zx
Fiat 1/9
and cars of that sort. Its not a super car. And i never said it was. If you wanna flame do so I dont really care. it dosnt bother me.
Now I think most of you thought I was comparing it to the fc and other cars of that type. How could I. they werent even around then.
So here is the list of the cars this HSR was grouped with in other parts of the world besides the us
FB turbo
Turbo944
280zx
Fiat 1/9
and cars of that sort. Its not a super car. And i never said it was. If you wanna flame do so I dont really care. it dosnt bother me.
02-05-06, 10:58 PM
#74
Resident Weasel
hmmm if I take a Honda Elite 50 scooter and drop a CBR600 motor into it..ta-da! a sportsbike! humph those tires aren't going to hold up..and now I need a helmet and riding suit....oh the possibilites
take 1 Ford Festiva add 1 SHO V6 in the back..thus the Shogun was born..not a sportscar..but an evil economy hybrid that pops wheelies...insane
any Civic no matter how fast it is, is not a sportscar..
S2000 yes sporstcar
this list could go for awhile..I digress
just for kicks imagine a usdm Chevy Chevette w/a 454..good god what would that thing be? fark i'm gonna do a google..I bet one is out there..I feel it
take 1 Ford Festiva add 1 SHO V6 in the back..thus the Shogun was born..not a sportscar..but an evil economy hybrid that pops wheelies...insane
any Civic no matter how fast it is, is not a sportscar..
S2000 yes sporstcar
this list could go for awhile..I digress
just for kicks imagine a usdm Chevy Chevette w/a 454..good god what would that thing be? fark i'm gonna do a google..I bet one is out there..I feel it
02-05-06, 11:03 PM
#75
Resident Weasel
Originally Posted by gsterror
Sorry, didn't know the exact specs on the GTX. Knew it wasn't exactly HIGH.
All I know is it had a function to switch it between AWD and 4WD modes, and an adjustable height suspension.
That and the same motor as the early Miatas.
All I know is it had a function to switch it between AWD and 4WD modes, and an adjustable height suspension.
That and the same motor as the early Miatas.
and yep it had the electronic lockable differential
his car was fun we could get it sideways easily, just with a flick of the wheel..we nicknamed it the ice cream truck..tall and skinny