Bullwings

I'm sure most are probably fans of the AE-86.

But, the E30 is such an awesome track star as well if done properly, and there's Spec E30 racing. Also, all of the control arms and other chassis components from the E30-M3 are 100% compatible with the car (essentially the same chassis, not like the E46 and E90/2 M3 and their 3-series counter parts).

The comparison is mainly of the chassis balance, dynamics, predictability, and overall handling. Motors/power are not of concern at this point. Both will have coilovers at the least.

Yeah, I know it's paper racing, but what would you pick for a track car? For the initial cost, i'm trying to find something that's $3K or under and somewhat running/drivable for at least 20 miles as a bonus... I'm trying to build a CDTC (cheap disposable track car). I just got my S2k and have tracked it quite a bit, but i always worry about wadding it up in a wall. I'm not quite ready to walk away from it if something happens.

I threw the Miata in just because - an early enough model will fit the under $3K bill easily.


Lastly, which will be the easiest to find parts for? Miata i'm sure, but between the AE-86 and E30 (keep in mind sourcing parts from other/later model years, such as the E30 sourcing from an E36 or early z3 chassis). It's nothing for sure just yet, but something I'm thinking of starting to work on late in the year. I'm new at this so it'll definitely be a project (and a headache I'm sure).

TheDonEffect

For everything you described, the miata is your best route. Cheap to buy, own, operate, and mod in all the categories. The 86 is coo but the suspension is archaic (funny how people knock mustangs for the axle yet they adore the 86) and power mods are expensive (oh look silver top 4ag with ITBs making... <200hp, good job), but they are light as hell, all the easier to steal them. The E30 I dig namely because it's an old BMW and all that, great track cars too, but sounds like you want something disposable, and an E30 is something that you would grow attached to.

North Star

I vote E30.

dat boi

NA FC Rx7 > AE86. If you were close to Arizona, I'd sell you mine.

In all honesty, I would do an E30 over an AE86. Parts for the Corolla seem hard to come by at times but there's no doubt it would be a fun car (extremely lightweight). The E30 is a great chassis and it won't need much for a track car. Then again, you won't be making much power in both of these cars but they're still a lot of fun. Now the RX7, and the reason why I picked it over all the options you listed. The cars are extremely easy to come by, easy to work on, parts are pretty cheap and the NA ones can take a good beating. I haven't even had the chance to take it out on the track but driving around on the streets and twisties, it offers great feedback to the driver, it's light-footed, albeit a little down on power (currently my auxiliary ports don't open, but it's a simple fix that will yield me about 15 whp) but with good adjustable coilovers (I'm on Tein Drift Spec) and tires, it's a joy to drive.

highwaystardoritos

240sx or FC

Ben22

Miata because they're so cheap, loads of parts (inexpensive too, well kind of...), easy to find and guaranteed fun!!!

Orpheus

i actually have a '86 gts, and i am STILL trying to get it track ready. had it for a couple years already. there is always something wrong with it.

the only reason in my mind to have an ae86 track car is to be able to pass people with much fancier cars and be proud that you did so in a '80's crappy economy car with ancient suspension. if you do not care about that, the other cars are far faster and probably even cheaper in the end.

though... track stuff aside, there's something about driving the ae86 on the road. i love it. maybe even more fun than driving my s2000 and evo on the road.

Bullwings

Thanks, but there's a reason I only put those three cars on the poll.

I coulda put a datsun 510 on there, and all sorts of other cars.

whiteflash

I don't think most people adore the 86's suspension, as much as they adore it for its light weight and [accidental?] 50/50 weight balance. Only praise I've ever sung (or heard people sing) is in its chassis. I think perhaps, people might summarize that as suspension out of ignorance since its fast in the corners.

NA1NSXR

There is no better car for your purpose than a Miata. However, the NB is really far and away superior from the NA which you are probably talking about. Still, I'd go Miata if for nothing else, the ease for getting parts for it.