[Scrappydoo]

Originally Posted by TrackRider54

I'm the proverbial middle aged man hitting my midlife crisis. I already have a motorcycle for times when I need to do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. I'm looking to replicate the experience I had back when I was 16yo bombing around in my 1985 RX-7. That car had 100hp and weighed slightly more than a starving bird. 14" wheels with what probably equate to wheelbarrow tires today. 5-speed manual transmission, light clutch, easy to work on yourself (loved that top mounted oil filter!). Tires were cheap, parts were easy to find.

Of course, I wanted more power. All my buddies with IROC-Zs, Mustang GTs, Probe Turbos, Fiero V6s, Firbird Formulas, and Trans-Ams....they all had more power.....but none could stay with me on a twisty road. That car was like a roller skate. Stuck to the road like it was glued to it. The RX-7 had no rev limiter...just a buzzer that would sound when you were "over revving" the engine (which was really to protect the accessory drive).

What that car did was teach me the old Mr. Miyagi trick......"Balance Daniel San!". I had to learn to carry corner speed. To feel the car. To anticipate when the tires were going to let go (only put it in the ditch once). I had to have a big enough lead on my buddies coming out of the corner to keep them from easily passing me on the straight. For the most part, I was successful (damn rich friend that had a Corvette spanked me all the time).

For my graduation gift (and because I got a scholarship to collage) my Dad bought me a VW Corrado. Supercharged four with 158hp. I felt like I was driving a Formula 1 car compared to my RX-7....but it was front wheel drive....and just not the same.

So now I'm older, wiser (well...at least less stupid), and I no longer have any desire to street race. But I want that same feel. That feel of beating a car for all it's worth and not having to hold it back. It would be a second car for me. One I could take out on weekend drives when the weather is too cold or too hot for a motorcycle ride or when I want to take my wife or daughter with me who don't like riding the motorcycle.

So...here's my question. For those of you who are in your mature years, how's the car holding up for you. Any regrets for not buying something with more power, or more creature comforts? At 6'5", 260lbs....I can't fit in a Miata. I'm hoping an 86/BRZ could be in my garage for enough years that I might give my grandkids a ride (my daughter is 12yo...so I have some years to go).

When you were at college didn't they teach you how to spell it?
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