Any1 own/driven the new RX-8?

[Discogsus]

Originally Posted by MaxRX7

must add a turbo !!

Preach on MaxRX7 :
Heard any rumors of one yet?

[sazebac]

Originally Posted by VTT

RX-8=250HP, NA, FR, 6 speed, 4 doors, 4 bucket seats & 18"wheels

Any one here actually own the new RX-8 or been driven one before? Please write some comment of it, such as performance & handling, build quality & comfort, color, style & look thanks.

I bought one about 3 weeks ago. It's sunslight silver with all black interior anf the GT package. It's the only sports car I've ever had so don't really have anythign to compare it to except the s2000 that I test drove. To me the Honda was rough and had high decibles of road/wind engine noise, also I did not feel comfy in the car. My legs did not have enough room (I'm 5-11) and I just felt overall cramped. I told the honda salesman I had to go to the Mazda and Nissan dealership. Went to MAzda and drove the RX-8. When I first sat down in the car the first thing I noticed was how comforatable I was in the seat. I had lots of room, more than enough for my legs, the position of steering wheel, shifter, clutch, radio controls seemed perfect after having just driven the Honda. The ride was smoother and quiter. Of course the top had been down on the Honda.
The overall feel was so good I didn't even go to the Nissan dealer. Looks was something I was looking for and I felt the 8 looked far better than the Z. So I drove one home that day.
The categories that were important to me personally were looks and every day driveability, and I thought this car was the best looking in its class and the everyday driveability was great.
As far as reliability, the car had 11 miles when I bought it and now I have 750. THe only thing I have noticed is a slight noise when I first back up out of my car port and then slowly accelerate down the driveway. Could be normal. Plan on talking to the mechanic about it soon. Other than that no problems. I would feel better with a full spare tire kit but that was a 400$ option and took up a lot of trunk space.
All in all the car is a lot of fun and you would think I was driving a Ferrari by all the attention that it gets. Very satisfied.

[jato]

Do you know the reason why motorcycles are so fast with low horse power and low torque: Weight!

Nissan 350Z Weight: 3815 lbs.
Mazda RX-8 Weight: 3029 lbs.

Originally Posted by Steel

uh... any piston engine in the world

Nissan 350Z: 287hp, 274 torques
Chevy Corvette (C5): 350 hp, 375 torques
Toyota Supra: 280hp, 318 torques.
Mazda RX-8, 247hp, 159 torques.

see the discrepency?

Well, it has a low PEAK torque, but a really flat torque curve (i hope) So it really shouldnt be a problem.

[jato]

The slight noise when you back up is normal. It is the way the trasmission is in contact with the engine. All RX-8 make the same noise.

Originally Posted by sazebac

I bought one about 3 weeks ago. It's sunslight silver with all black interior anf the GT package. It's the only sports car I've ever had so don't really have anythign to compare it to except the s2000 that I test drove. To me the Honda was rough and had high decibles of road/wind engine noise, also I did not feel comfy in the car. My legs did not have enough room (I'm 5-11) and I just felt overall cramped. I told the honda salesman I had to go to the Mazda and Nissan dealership. Went to MAzda and drove the RX-8. When I first sat down in the car the first thing I noticed was how comforatable I was in the seat. I had lots of room, more than enough for my legs, the position of steering wheel, shifter, clutch, radio controls seemed perfect after having just driven the Honda. The ride was smoother and quiter. Of course the top had been down on the Honda.
The overall feel was so good I didn't even go to the Nissan dealer. Looks was something I was looking for and I felt the 8 looked far better than the Z. So I drove one home that day.
The categories that were important to me personally were looks and every day driveability, and I thought this car was the best looking in its class and the everyday driveability was great.
As far as reliability, the car had 11 miles when I bought it and now I have 750. THe only thing I have noticed is a slight noise when I first back up out of my car port and then slowly accelerate down the driveway. Could be normal. Plan on talking to the mechanic about it soon. Other than that no problems. I would feel better with a full spare tire kit but that was a 400$ option and took up a lot of trunk space.
All in all the car is a lot of fun and you would think I was driving a Ferrari by all the attention that it gets. Very satisfied.

[VTT]

Congratulations for all of u on your new ride RX8 + thanks for all the reply guys
Can't wait to test drive one myself

Originally Posted by Entreri33

WE tested it against another friends S2000 and drag racing and some really twisty roads they feel pretty equal. Acording to road and track (or car and driver i forget which) the S2000 and the 350Z are pretty equal so it seems that all 3 vehicles are going to be which style do you like best.

I believe S2000 and 350Z owner will not agree with that . For sure S2000 and 350Z are faster compare to RX8. But I believe RX8 should win on road handling and cornering, S2000 should be close! I seen the Best Motoring RX8 vs S2000 vs Skyline coupe. Both kill the RX8

Originally Posted by kamokuwan

The Evo had a little shaking, a lot more body roll

Is that Evo8 u tested? Isn't it the body roll on Evo suppose to be very minimal

Originally Posted by K&N_FILTER_DUDE

I have 2 RX 8 down stairs I have a Silver 6 speed and a black automatic
the manual dynoed at 178 hp
the auto dynoed at 148 hp

Wow, u r the man Two RX8!!!
Why don't u get the 247hp version??

[sazebac]

Originally Posted by jato

The slight noise when you back up is normal. It is the way the trasmission is in contact with the engine. All RX-8 make the same noise.

Actually, the noise comes after I have backed up and slowly start to move forward. It's a slight jarring noise. Hard to describe the sound. But happens almost every time. I think I've avoided the noise once or twice by being super super slow letting out the clutch, but it's hard to avoid the noise. But if it's normal that is good.

[VTT]

Found this from another thread.... Sory NO ....

I took out an RX-8 today on my wasy to work. It was not by much but I was definatly faster than him. I littl eover 1 carlength at the top of 3rd.

Woot!!!

Actually part of me wanter to beat the RX-8 and the rotorhead in me wanted the 8 to win. Such a moral battle.

__________________

2003 Mini CooperS John Cooper Works addition

[350Zyprexa]

Originally Posted by jato

Do you know the reason why motorcycles are so fast with low horse power and low torque: Weight!

Nissan 350Z Weight: 3815 lbs.
Mazda RX-8 Weight: 3029 lbs.

If you are looking for a true "sports car" then don't buy an RX-8, I have owned one since August (now doing the buyback because it's too slow for the price), it has weak pull, especially from 0-30 unless you are willing to do 8000 rpm clutch dumps (which is unique to this car I'll readily admit), but very expensive to replace that clutch every 6 months. The 8 is not a "sports car" but still the only rotary available in the U.S. It's performance is nowhere near the RX-7s of old.

I drove the 8 for 6 weeks and put 2879 miles on it but have since chosen the buyback and now have a 350Z, a comparison:

RX-8: 250 hp...oh wait I mean 238 hp....oh wait I mean ???
(check the rx-8 forum, most owners are dynoing (yes a new verb)
about 180-190 at the wheels), torque is well known to be slightly
better than my grandpa's riding lawnmower.

350Z: 287 hp at the crank.....hmmm..still 287 hp....yes 287
with 274 ft lb of torque which must be felt to understand, I've
personally chirped 'em in 3 rd gear, don't know about 4th but
why would you want to?

A stock 6-speed Z will waste any RX-8 on the road and not even break a sweat. Trust me on this one.

If you're looking for a fast car like the RX-7's of old, DON'T buy an RX-8, they are not even in the same class. If you want a "4 seat, rotary 'sporty' car" then, by all means the 8 is a great choice, it is relatively quick (just don't race a Camry or V6 Accord), has an incredibly nice interior, and handles like a dream. It is not, however in the same class, performance-wise as the 350Z, s2000 or other 30K+ japanese true sports cars.

All this BS about the 0-60 performance being the same despite the hp and torque defecit is rationalization by RX-8 owners who either missed the buyback deadline or are true diehards for the 8 (not that there is anything wrong with that), but I'll race you to the gas station anytime.

Used to own: Velocity Red, 6-SP GT Mazda RX-8
Now own: Daytona Blue, 6-SP Touring 350Z

P.S. The real curb weights are as follows:

Mazda RX-8 6-SP MT("with popular options"): 3029 lb (source: RX-8 owner's manual)
Nissan 350Z 6-SP MT (touring model): 3247 lb (source: 350Z owner's manual)

[randoff]

Originally Posted by giwojo

For real world driving, the RX-8 has the 350Z trumped. The trunk is the same size as the Z-car's and it still has useable back seats. Low torque isn't all bad for that car. The tires don't spin from a stop at all, even uphill in heavy rain. Im sure this car will be at least OK in the snow, I know the Z is horrible in snow. I like the 350Z, but not everybody can get by on two seats and a tiny hatch.

You took the words RIGHT out of my mouth! Those are ALL of the reasons I opted for the RX-8!!! Plus the 2003 350Z had ugly interior..."me no like". And what's with glove boxes being in weird places like the 350Z has? Hmmmmn...

[infinitejns]

I just purchased the RX-8 on Sunday (congrats to me)! I test drove a number of cars - the 350, the Z4, the Infinti Coupe, and MANY others. Bottom line - I drove the RX-8 for 2 mintues and new it was the car I wanted. I can not make comparisons between the 8 and the 7 (I never drove the 7) but it was by far the best ride around. The 350 definately has much more torque but the ride felt much rougher. If you like to drive, I mena really enjoy driving. The 6 speed RX-8 has great throw i nthe stick, great distance in the gears and can fly. Handling is very tight and the ride is very smooth. I have only had the car for a couple days but so far I have no complaints at all. Each day I have it I am happier and happier with my decision. For the money I spent vs. what was out there it is an absolute no brainer!

[Yossy]

Hi Guys!!!!
Check this out,
http://www.ooparts-international.co.jp/

[ferrari_adidas5]

RX-8s are great in the snow

[goat_launcher]

Originally Posted by ferrari_adidas5

RX-8s are great in the snow

some would consider that blasphemy, but rock on wit' yo bad self.

[Xlorn]

[quote=Steel]uh... any piston engine in the world

Nissan 350Z: 287hp, 274 torques
Chevy Corvette (C5): 350 hp, 375 torques
Toyota Supra: 280hp, 318 torques.
Mazda RX-8, 247hp, 159 torques.

see the discrepency?

------------------------------
Yeah, the rx8 is the chapest car you listed.

Man you get such bang-for-the-buck when purchasing the 8. If you havn't at least test drove one, do so. :thumbs:

Nuff said.

Mark
Dallas, Tx

[Xlorn]

I believe S2000 and 350Z owner will not agree with that . For sure S2000 and 350Z are faster compare to RX8. But I believe RX8 should win on road handling and cornering, S2000 should be close! I seen the Best Motoring RX8 vs S2000 vs Skyline coupe. Both kill the RX8

-------------<snip>
Best friend has a s2000, hell he'd admit it was a driver's race b/w his s2000 and my 1994 miata in an autocross event (want straight line? you can put a turbo in a 94 miata for much less than a new s2000). Of course with a turbo car you just changed the handling of the miata tremendously and your autocross times may well go down before they go up as that turbo can kick in a the sorriest times when your not use to it and the handling characteristics are thrown off kilter ;P

Pick up my rx8 thursday, after a bit of break-in we'll see how I can do against him in an autocross, but straight line acceleration is practically equal between the two cars (s2000 & rx8).

Hell the rx8 tied the 350z on a twisty track. Don't believe it?

http://www.interfacedesigns.com/rx8.wmv

You want pure horsepower for the $$$, go get a freakin dodge SRT-4 it "whoops" all the cars mentioned here in a straight line for $20k. If that helps you with an inferiority complex, great! Cheap therapy, and it leaves the good cars for those who really appreciate em (wether its a 350z or whatever).

I am a bit tired of peeps knocking the rx8 for power (it takes up so much space on rx8 forums) becuase there really is nothin else to knock (except looks, and ya either like it or you don't..)Keep in mind the rx8 is cheaper in base form than the cars its compared to. (Base form still includes all the performance equipement with standard tranny). Yeah so I'm rooting for the rx8 but it is an rx8 discussion thread.

350z has the rx8 in a straight line, but I wanted a car to autocross in so I couldn't care less. All depends on what you are looking for and driver experience (not to mention your budget).

Some people need to get to a track and recognize that these cars are all great and you need the weapon that fits your fighting style (and then you need alot of track time learning to use it--which rules out magazine companies as a valid form of comparison most of the time as the "driver" gets very limited track time with each car). Get involved in amatuer racing. Make some friends that drive your car's nemisis. Learn from them. There is always someone in more expensive car forums talking shit about *your* car and how much better their newer, more expensive car is.

For me, a "real" sports car is the best car you can afford, get to the track and learn how to use. Otherwise its all speculation and nothing is learned by anyone involved. If it's a stock civic, learn to drive it faster than anyone has a right to drive a stock civic. Some day it may be a Lotus Elise and you'll be thankful you didn't waste your time talking trash and instead honed some skills.

Had to vent a lil.


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