Any1 own/driven the new RX-8?

RX-8=247HP, NA, FR, 6 speed, 4 doors, 4 bucket seats & 18"wheels :icon16:

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

:bloated:

I have almost every book imaginable on the Rx-8. I am buying one in about four months. The Rx-8 is not out on floor yet. From what I read I heard that it handles pretty good. I am a big fan of this new car. The Mazda is not like any other sports car. With no liters and just a 6 gear speed box with a 9,000 rpm red line it has to be awesome.

my friend supposedly test drove 1 not long ago and said that he was spinning tires in 4th dont know how true this is

Originally posted by flatulatta
my friend supposedly test drove 1 not long ago and said that he was spinning tires in 4th dont know how true this is


I doubt it, doing so would take alot of torque... something the RX-8 lacks

Originally posted by dayna240sx



I doubt it, doing so would take alot of torque... something the RX-8 lacks

i agree...i doubt even a viper could do it on 4th

Originally posted by dayna240sx



I doubt it, doing so would take alot of torque... something the RX-8 lacks


understatement of the year

yea i didnt think i was true

I just test drive one a copule of day ago with a good friend of mine (manager of a Mazda dealership).

Road condition: Sunny day and the road was completely dry (no rain on the past 2 days)

Speed on some of the corner: About 60-70 mph (just an estimate)

(Of course I won't look at the mph, just focus on the road, traffic and rpm. AND IT'S AT YOUR OWN RISK)

I don't feel any spinning on wheels.

Maybe the spinning of the tires are just that they're still new or not "season" yet.

Anyhow, it's a good car and I should say is one of the best car around in the market with this price. Worth buying.

On personal opinion, the car looks better than on the picture and the back seats space are not as tight as I expected (but I don't recommend anyone to seat at the back for long ride)

I have not driven the RX-7 but my friend owned both (RX-7 & RX-8) said both have its own pros and cons (haven't really ask him what he meant, sorry)

As for the engine, there shouldn't be any problem or they have not discovered any yet. I believe there might be just some small problems (on other parts, not the engine, just like the recall on the Mazda 6's foglight)

My recommend is: wait for 1/2 a year before buying it, so there'll be more reviews on this car. (not the one by magazine). If you can't wait, go to the dealer and put a deposit to reserve the car. Larger dealership would have more option and color for RX-8 to choose from comparing to the smaller size dealer.

Please think twice before getting an automatic, I think you'll loss the "original" feel of the car.

All of these are my personal opinion. everyone's opinion are vary.

As a Mazda salesman in Canada, I can say I have had the pleasure of driving the GS model, and I can honestly say that I didn't experience any problems with the car transferring those 247 horses to the road. As I have never driven the RX-7, I have no comparisan base, but I must say that this car was pure pleasure, pure power to drive. For those who believe that the car has low tourque, what are you using as a comparisan? The grin was still on my face hours after only a 15 minute drive.:newbie:

Originally posted by Goofy Newfie
For those who believe that the car has low tourque, what are you using as a comparisan? .

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.

Originally posted by Steel


So it really shouldnt be a problem.


I certainly didn't notice any problem. :smile:

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.

the rx-8's torque numbers seem low, but i havent really felt a lack of torque on that car. i dont know maybe its the beautiful suspension setup or the traction control system but that car pulled pretty decently for me. it has such a smooth power delivery and handling control that is very unique.

Originally posted by optimuscivic


the rx-8's torque numbers seem low, but i havent really felt a lack of torque on that car. i dont know maybe its the beautiful suspension setup or the traction control system but that car pulled pretty decently for me. it has such a smooth power delivery and handling control that is very unique.

well you are comparing it to a civic... :tongue:

... shouldnt be a problem until you get into hilly regions. Then its a royal PITA.

Originally posted by dayna240sx


well you are comparing it to a civic... :tongue:

true true, :frown:

I own a titanium 6 speed (check my profile for a pic) and I honestly have not had any issues with torque at all, i've only had slight issues with its poor mpg but i can deal with that :)

I am more of a bike guy myself, but needed and wanting a car for rainy days and lazy days... I decided to start looking around. It didn't take me long to come up with a short list of cars to pick from.

Today I went out and road in the RX-8 and the Evo. Both brand new and both under 25miles.

I took them on the same roads and tried to keep the same speed in some of te turns to get a good idea of how they handled as well as how they came out of the turns.

RX-8 just felt smoother. It felt like it was holding the road better even though the Evo has the AWD. Not only that but with the RX-8 I felt every bit of the road. but I didn't feel each and every pebble or any shaking in the frame. The Evo had a little shaking, a lot more body roll, and every pebble was like a knife up my back in comparison.

Now power is a different story. In the vo I couldn't find an RPM range that didn't have power. It was as if the gas pedal was a go button and that was all there was to it. There was no lag when I pressed the gas nor was there any lack of power coming out of a turn or shifting through gears. The RX-8 on the other hand made me watch my RPMs and gears more. I could easily find the power range RPMs, I just had to stay within and everything was sweet.

For me the RX-8 wins the choice in overall car by the slightest of margins, however I am looking for comfort in a car as well as power. Afterall, all these cars can be modified to get more power then we ever need. I am a corner junkie it's why I ride a bike. Not to mention neither of the cars could keep up with my bike. So speed didn't truly impress me in either of them.

Originally posted by KamokuWan
I am more of a bike guy myself, but needed and wanting a car for rainy days and lazy days... I decided to start looking around. It didn't take me long to come up with a short list of cars to pick from.

Today I went out and road in the RX-8 and the Evo. Both brand new and both under 25miles.

I took them on the same roads and tried to keep the same speed in some of te turns to get a good idea of how they handled as well as how they came out of the turns.

RX-8 just felt smoother. It felt like it was holding the road better even though the Evo has the AWD. Not only that but with the RX-8 I felt every bit of the road. but I didn't feel each and every pebble or any shaking in the frame. The Evo had a little shaking, a lot more body roll, and every pebble was like a knife up my back in comparison.

Now power is a different story. In the vo I couldn't find an RPM range that didn't have power. It was as if the gas pedal was a go button and that was all there was to it. There was no lag when I pressed the gas nor was there any lack of power coming out of a turn or shifting through gears. The RX-8 on the other hand made me watch my RPMs and gears more. I could easily find the power range RPMs, I just had to stay within and everything was sweet.

For me the RX-8 wins the choice in overall car by the slightest of margins, however I am looking for comfort in a car as well as power. Afterall, all these cars can be modified to get more power then we ever need. I am a corner junkie it's why I ride a bike. Not to mention neither of the cars could keep up with my bike. So speed didn't truly impress me in either of them.

haha copy and paste is great

:dogpile:

I just bought the all new RX-8!!! OMG!! I love the car. I have been waiting for a long time for this car. I shopped the car all over, dealers eaither wanted me to wait months, or pay a ridiculous $5,000 mark up, please. I found a dealer who let me test drive it in San Jose. The fleet manager promised me a deal. I wasn't sure what that meant, when I got there they had 7 already to chose from, and I didn't heve to PAY a mark up!!!!! I love my new car. Thanks Duke at Alamaden Mazda.

I am ready to buy one now. Only thing is I can't find a place that isn't gonna make me wait 2 months... not to mention pay a markup like you said...

I am in the Raleigh, NC area moving to Hampton Roads, VA in 3 weeks though. So I can get one from either place.

try calling 408 968-4293, fleet manager name is duke, don't have his last name handy, but can get it off my paper work, they had 11 in stock 3 days ago when i stopped by to buy some rx-8 hats. really friendly and fair, my bud is intrested in getting one in arizona, and he said he can ship it.
good luck and let me know how it goes.

I have a test drove my friends NEW RX8 and its a very sweet ride. Its the NA RX7 that I wanted my previous car to be. AND it has a back seat. 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 will take a rotory please.

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

They have a very nice ride.

Tad bit low considering they are rated at 247 and 210 respectively.

Thats like an insane amount of loss... Ah well its Mazda

Tad bit low considering they are rated at 247 and 210 respectively.

Thats like an insane amount of loss... Ah well its Mazda

if you just look at the horsepower numbers by judging the rx-8 you dont deserve it. if you ever had the pleasure of driving one then you would know what im talking about.

What about the Dyno figures for torque? did those drop a lot also?

I test drove an RX-8 yesterday at the dealership, and I was impressed. I originally had no intentions of owning a new car but it was so sweet my parents (of all people) convinced me to get it ( I have saved them a lot of money in scholarships and they decided to help me out a bit!) I bought the last 6 speed silver one they had with the Grand Touring package. Also found out the car only has about 238 hp....not 247....I dont care the performance is still the same. Awesome car, and it turns heads like a Ferrari!

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.
It's going to be like the Honda S2K, you will have to rev the whee out of it to keep it on the boil. On the other hand, since it is so smooth it should be pleasant at high revs.

I'm waiting for the rebirth of the RX7. 4 doors and seats is 2 too many. I just drive my nice torquey 350Z till then.

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.

must add a turbo !! :banghead:

must add a turbo !! :banghead:

Preach on MaxRX7 :worshippy:
Heard any rumors of one yet?

RX-8=250HP, NA, FR, 6 speed, 4 doors, 4 bucket seats & 18"wheels :icon16:

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.

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.




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.

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.

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.

Congratulations for all of u on your new ride RX8 :thumbsup: :cheers::cheers::cheers: + thanks for all the reply guys :jump3:
Can't wait to test drive one myself


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 :headshake. 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 :banghead:


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 :confused:



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!!! :cheers: :cheers:
Why don't u get the 247hp version??

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.

Found this from another thread.... :biggrin2: Sory NO :angryfire .... :biggrin:
:chair: :evillol:

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

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)

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...

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!

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

RX-8s are great in the snow

RX-8s are great in the snow

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

[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

I believe S2000 and 350Z owner will not agree with that :headshake. 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 :banghead:

-------------<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.


::thumbsup::

well ya MOST of us in here own an RX8. thats what i like most about this site, mostly everybody here owns the car they are talking about, it makes it alot more enjoyable.

I dont think most people on here have an rx-8....

I test drove an RX-8 and I loved the ride. I Valet park at my job and I've driven all the others you guys use for comparisons except the supra. The Rx-7 feels much faster stock because of the torque pull with the turbo. The 350Z just feels big to me. I drove it in a little rain, yeah I punched it a little, just a simple 90 degree turn and the tires were slipping. So I can imagine at high dry top speeds, the car wouldn't hug as much.

The RX-8 has the best handling by far. I test drove it and it is completely responsive to the driver's wheel demands up to 70 mph! I was takin corners and scarin my sales man lol!

The low down on the HP loss. The RX-8 was toned down from 247 Hp to 238 on purpose to meet ALL emission requirements in the US. There are all sorts of sensors and restrictors under the hood. Tuners should attack these first for HP gain and then go after market. When I get mine, I'm gonna unlock the potential of the engine first.