There is this kid in my neighborhood that owns a 1990 Isuzu Impulse that has suspension tuning by lotus and he just got challenged by someone in a 1995 Mazda Miata (I believe it is an MX-5) for a run on some twisty mountain roads. The Impulse is stock but the owner put some high grip tires and the Miata has suspension work, 16" rims with some real sticky tires wraped around them an intake and an exhaust. I seen both drivers push these cars and both are pretty equal in skills so my question is, On car spec which one do you think stands a better chance of winning? and do you think a 1986 MR2 (with performance shocks, 16's with Kumho tires and intake and exhaust) can compete against these two cars. If I posted this on the wrong forum I apologize and thnx ahead of time for any feedback.

Ah, the fabled Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo. A very little known car, and a great sleeper. It's got the Miata evenly matched in wheels/tires and suspension, and I'd say it has a considerably better chassis. And let's not forget about the MR2, either. MR2s have been very successful in autocross events all across America, so it should feel right at home on a twisty mountain road.

This one is just too close to call...it'll really come down to the driver, but if I had to, I'd give a slight nod towards the MR2...but only provided that the driver can handle one properly.

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The Impulse RS though seems to have both beat at acceleration, or at least about equal with yours, at least according to this page, in which they do claim the 0-60 and 1/4 mile is derived from factory issued performance specs. So in my opinion I say it has the Miata beat.

However I do concur with kman that with right driver not to mention the other drivers' skills as well an MR2 can win. But I have to admit if the specs on the page I linked above are correct, which they do seem to be, 0.88gs is something not to be trifled with.

Well, the Impulse RS has the advantage when it comes to flat-out, raw lateral grip, but the MR2's rearward weight bias and obstinance towards weight shifting are powerful weapons in the hands of a skilled driver. It can launch harder, brake later, and accelerate out of corners sooner than most of its FF and FR competitors can. This is especially useful on autocross courses and twisty mountain roads, where you may have to change the car's acceleration and/or trajectory rapidly. As long as the driver doesn't do anything stupid or panicky, like jump off the gas when the car starts to understeer, its natural advantages should make themselves apparent.

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My Camry...someday.

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Originally Posted by kman10587
Ah, the fabled Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo. A very little known car, and a great sleeper. It's got the Miata evenly matched in wheels/tires and suspension, and I'd say it has a considerably better chassis. And let's not forget about the MR2, either. MR2s have been very successful in autocross events all across America, so it should feel right at home on a twisty mountain road.

This one is just too close to call...it'll really come down to the driver, but if I had to, I'd give a slight nod towards the MR2...but only provided that the driver can handle one properly.

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