Originally Posted by MuseChaser (Post 2488879)

I'm going to go in a TOTALLY different direction in answering the OP's question. I bought the FR-S because it was the first car I've driven in a VERY long time that reminded me of the go-kart, light-bodied handling of the first car I owned that really excited me. That car was a Fiat Spider.

Yeah, they're finicky mechanically, and yes, they're old. VERY old now. HOWEVER, find one in good shape, and you're still well under your $7500 ceiling. Easy enough to work on if you like working on cars. If you don't, then stop reading now. They handle wonderfully, very much like the FR-S albeit with a bit more body lean but not much, and with a little less acceleration, but they have that low-to-the-ground solid feeling, and 100mph in them feels wonderful and very well controlled. The real wood dash and styling.. well, it's just a gorgeous little fun car. I'll eventually buy another one. Loved that car. Just didn't have the mechanical skills at the time to keep it running in tip-top condition.

I drove a few BMW Z3s. Meh. I liked the handling of my 325i better. The Z3 felt too heavy for a small roadster to me. I like Miatas, and would have bought one rather than the FR-S except I need to carry gear at times so the Miata was out. In hindsight, I'm GLAD I bought the FR-S, even from purely a driving standpoint.

If you have a chance, comb Craigslist and see if you can find a late 70s Fiat Spider to test drive. You may fall in love. Of course, it'll require a long-term commitment like any other kind of love.

Have fun..

Barry

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR (Post 2489098)

I'm clearly a SW20 fan.. but if I wanted an MR2 that wasn't a project car..... MR-S.

Originally Posted by dem00n (Post 2492833)

The Fiat Spiders and Alfa Romeo Spiders are the best toy roadsters in the world...

Originally Posted by MuseChaser (Post 2488879)

I'm going to go in a TOTALLY different direction in answering the OP's question.

Originally Posted by Rampage (Post 2496556)

I have owned both. It is MR-S wins by a mile for me. Even when It had the crappy little 1ZZ it was still more fun the the SW20. My SW20s were a 91 NA and a 93 Turbo. Both red. The only thing better about the second gen is the looks.

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR (Post 2504432)

I didn't know it was a competition :)

The MR-S is a better package from the factory in terms of handling, weight, agility, etc. Also, it's newer and more reliable. The power is the con with the MR-S but I've still looked for one off and on with plans to swap motors.

The biggest con of the MR-S for me is simple the roadster part. It's mostly useless in Florida as it's too damn hot 90% of the year to bother dropping the top yet the sun/elements wear it out so you still have to replace it/care for it/etc. Extra work for something that's basically worthless here.

Those people who love humid air, high dew points and high temps I guess will love that part.

Originally Posted by cdrazic93 (Post 2523883)

i was about to say miata is always the answer, then i saw the stripes. oh god. so this will be the time miata might not be the answer...