31 replies to this topic

[westie]

What's people's opinions on either on of these as a track only car, the mx5 would be the mk 1 1600 possibly, the mr2 an early one, any advantages one over the other? Thinking of choping the s1 in and getting a cheap track only hack

[Rosssco]

I'd personnally go for a early mk3 MR2. An early mk1 will be difficult to find in decent condition (body / structurally), as they are known for corrosion. MX-5's are also known for corrosion, but not as bad as the early MR2's

 

Depends what kind of driver you are I guess and how you plan on driving it, as obvious they feature different engine layouts. Predictably this means the MR2 is generally considered a sharper steer, but the MX-5 is more predictable and more sutiable for tail-out antics.

 

Reason I say mk3 MR2, is that they really do feel like a cut price Elise. Strip it out, and its not far off the weight of later S2 Elises either! The standard 1.8 engine isn't very inspiring, but generally reliable and workmanlike. The later 190bhp engine can be retro-fitted relatively inexpensively. Check early versions for engine conditions as they can suffer from cat breakup and excessive oil consumption.

[SteveA]

Both gay.

 

 

 

 

 

Having driven a proper tracked up mx-5 on track they are an excellent steed and very easy to drive on the limit.

[Mike (Cliffie)]

MX5, no question.

[Bumblebee]

Mr2

[Sc0rian]

mx5 

[sford]

There are probably more spares for the mx5, especially as they are one of those 'stretched tyres' cars you may find a lot of people buying track orientated parts that then only use them for posing. Cheap and plentiful upgrades!

[peteslag]

My MR2 was a pain in the arse to work on. For that reason alone I'd go for an MX5.

[Sylph Hunter]

MR2 Mk3 roadster - well balanced little car and there are loads of extras you can add on and play with - even engine swaps if you want more power at a later date (the 2ZZ is a straight forward and common swap).

 

[coldel]

http://www.woodsport...ine-conversions

 

These are your MR2 people if you want to buy a cheap one and do the engine swap.

[chris_uk]

Mx5 for me.

[Whiteboy]

I would go for neither, as they are both crap.

[coldel]

Friend of mine who is very accomplished on the track loved his water methanol cooled supercharged MX5, described it simply as 'a missile'

[peteslag]

I would go for neither, as they are both crap.

 

 

I'm tempted to revise my earlier post, on reflection I have to agree.

[Boombang]

IMHO the best value for money track only car is a race car someone else has spunked a fortune on.  Since SaxMax is not running this year, there are a few very nice Saxo's floating about for very little money - they aren't that quick however.

 

If it has to be RWD though, you can get a fair condition MR2 (either raced in 750 or Nippon/Track Attack) for not a lot.

[G-Bob]

I would go for neither, as they are both crap.

 

[Boombang]

Not mine and no idea what they like but...

 

http://www.trackatta....php?f=7&t=1216

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item2c7037acda

 

 

[siztenboots]

mk1 mx5 , find one that someone else chucked loads of money at , plenty around.

[Claws]

Cut to the chase, E36 M3!

[IanE]

Funnily enough I am currently thinking about sort of going the other way from the mk1 MX5 that I own at the moment to a VX220 or an Elise.

 

The MX5 on track is good fun and confidence inspiring, but it does feel a bit slow after having done a lot of track days in it.  I always end up getting a bit frustrated in the MX5 because it's usually one of the slowest cars there (partly perhaps due to my driving) and I often find that I spend a lot of time moving over to let faster drivers through, so spending a lot of time moving off the best line.