Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Originally posted by: exdeath
FD with a 20b if you're a car person. Miata if you aren't.
I do not agree with this machismo driven comment.
Methinks you've missed the point. It has nothing to do with the Miata's perception of being a "chick car" and everything to do with the fact that keeping a car like an RX7 would be a nightmare for someone who knows nothing about cars, and thinks they can treat it like they would their Corolla and expect it to last.
An FD RX7 is a car that should only be purchased by a "car person" because it will require far more diligent and intensive maintenance, parts will cost 3x as much and be harder to come by, running costs will be higher, etc. In other words, it needs an owner who will put up with it. A car person would know what they are getting into, and plan for these things. A non-enthusiast would probably not realize what they are in for until it was too late.
An RX7 is not a car you can neglect and expect it to keep running for long. A non-enthusiast would be far more likely to defer maintenance (neglecting a rotary is a bad idea - neglecting a twin turbo rotary even worse), or be the type who would take the car to the shop anytime something went wrong. This type of person will get eaten alive by maintenance and upkeep costs of an RX7 by having a shop do all the work. Seeking out hard to find parts and then waiting weeks for them to arrive would be frustrating. Due to the rarity of the car and the unusual engine type, you'd probably need to find a specialist mechanic who knows how to service the car, which translates into even more hassle and expense.
These things are all non-issues with a Miata - they are far more forgiving of a neglectful / careless owner, the engine type is about as common as they come, and they are a dime a dozen. No picky forced induction to worry about. Any mechanic can work on them. You can get most replacement parts at Autozone, and the parts don't cost a fortune.
You can have fun owning / driving a Miata without being a total gearhead. Not so with an RX7.