I'm currently in a dilemma and have decided to shy away from the sc platform for now. The current sc300 market I was interested in is close to garbage when it comes to private listings in my area. So I'm looking into different platforms to keep my options open because being carless sucks..

Are there any enthusiast for the mr2 and z32 on clublexus? I know this is like comparing apples to oranges though, so hopefully I get some answers haha. I was hoping to know the pros and cons for each vehicle. Please keep in mind that this would be a boosted daily, so reliability is a major plus. As far as upgrading, coils and wheels are always first on the list. Plan on boosting the mr2 from 250-275whp or the z32 from 300-350whp. My budget is around.. let's say 5500.


From quick research I've read about cons:
Mr2: snap over steer, no room to work in the engine bay, cramped interior.
Z32: weak heads when increasing boost, no room to work in the engine bay

I plan on doing more research when I get back home from work, but hopefully this helpful community could help me out real quick

 

I would go with the MR2. I love the 3SGTE (owned 6 3SGTE powered cars including a 2.2L stroker) and it isn't that bad to work on with the engine in. I love the way the MR2 looks and handles. It is small inside, but you don't buy either of these car with people carrying in mind. Plus, you don't see an MR2 every day.

The 300ZX is a nice car. I have cooled on the looks over the years, but it is still a looker. The engine is PITA to work on unless you have the arms of a 2 year old girl. Pretty much anything that needs to be fixed below the valve covers requires and engine drop. Besides that, they have a lot of heat issues because everything is so crammed in.

 

I have a 94 300zx. I love it...when it's running. Certain model year engines have fuel injectors that are prone to failure due to the ethanol content of gas. If you are a DIY'er, have nimble hands, or have a great relationship with a mechanic go for it. The sound of the VG30 is much better than the 3SGTE.

 

MR2 gets my vote!! RWD and Mid-engine gotta love that set-up!!

 

Yep, me too. I had 2 300ZXs, one auto 2+2 and one 2 seaters with 5 speed. Drives nice if a little too heavy, but that's when it's running. The two keep giving me problems, overheating, can't shift into gears, no AC, turns off while driving, etc. Finally got fed up and sold both of them. And one of it wasn't even have 68K miles on it!

And the MR2, I just bought another one last month, 93 model, love everything about it except I think the interior feels little small. Much more reliable than the 300ZX, just a little underpowered, but that's nothing mods can't fix. And believe or not, the engine bay has more room than 300ZX to work on.

 

MR2, I've owed two, still miss it, like no other car I've owned 300ZX TT is a cool car too but I had friends who always had theirs in the shop.

Get any MR2 that's clean and put in a JDM 3SGTE, 245hp stock and come with ceramic turbos and much better fuel air systems than the US ones (i.e flapper air metering vs wire sensors).

Its hard to find clean MR2s they've been pretty riced.

Best years are 94 and 95 if you have to go US, 93 is ok, and I would avoid 91/92 unless you plan to do a "half cut" swap anway.

 

I'm a big fan of lightweight cars, so the MR-2 is what I'd do. You can make both cars fast, but 300ZX is one porky "sports car".

 

As of right now, my MR2 turbo is registered as a non-op, only because I wanted to pay off my M3 before I drop some money into the mr2. The most popular years are the 93+ but they are costly. Better synchros in the transmission, bigger brakes, minor cosmetic, as well as better suspension. Also, I believe there was optional LSD transmsission for the turbo model.

All you really need to do is swap out the stock turbo for a ct20b turbo from the later MR2 or put in a ct27(upgraded) stock turbo, turn up the boost to 15-17psi, add a downpipe, intake and exhaust and you should be at your power goal. Your goal is basically the same as mine. A reliable and fun 240whp-270whp DD. It's also a good idea to upgrade the intercooler at that power level otherwise you will be getting heat soak.

My M3 should be paid off by spring so I can't wait to revive the MR2. That was a fun car to drive and I miss it a lot. Best of all, I don't see them around too much and I don't think I will ever sell my mister 2.

Goodluck.