Edumakate me on the RX8

[scottmandue]

Just dreaming of that fun car I might get sometime in the future...

Almost sold on a Mazda speed Miata...

But then I see the used RX8's are about the same price...

Yeah, yeah, I know... apples and oranges... cats and dogs... piston Vs rotary... coupe Vs coverable... blah, blah, blah...

However both look like fun tossable sports cars.

Anyone here have a RX8 or know someone that does?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Couple only. Blah. I think that car would be way awesome as a convertible. Opportunity lost.

I'd much rather have a Boxster or a convertable BMW for that reason.

Look at a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata if you can find one. One year only - turbocharged. Highly moddable.

I almost bought one a couple years ago, but they're tight quarters, just a hair too claustrophobic for me.

[Rot 911]

Owned one for about a year and a half. Well built car, but you have to keep the revs up to get much performance out of it. And the gas mileage is not very good. Lucky to see 18-19 mpg. Was nice having a back seat with the suicide doors for my daughter to get in and out. Fun car, but not memorable. I agree with POP, Boxster would be a better choice.

[fluque]

I owned a black RX8 2004 for 2.5 years, the car was nimble and real fun with the red line at 9k rpm. The rotary engine is low torque but happy at high revs (238hp), the power is linear, and the shift is short and precise. Performance was very good, 0-60 mph in 5.9 sec and 150 mph top speed

For a used practical car I actually like the RX8 better than the Boxster unless you compare it with the S version which is quicker and more expensive. The RX8 can sit 4 adults, not for a long trip but for a night out on the town. Kids were happy in the backseats, it was easy for them to jump in and out with the suicide doors.

My only complain was that the AC controls and shift knob were not made of quality plastic and the driver's cloth seat was peeling from the seatbelt rub. Gas mileage sucked. If you want a sunroof the headroom is compromised. I had the base model without a sunroof.

The www.rx8club.com forum has good info.

[Tobra]

Mazdaspeed miata was 2004 and part of 2005 before the factory burned. RX8 is a pig on gas, but is quite a machine. Boxster would be a better choice than an RX8. I really love my miata, and am anxious to get it back from the van running a stop sign incident. They are over $9000, just on repairs to the car. Does not include my rental, medical expenses or lost wages. The downside to driving a little, light weight car I suppose.

[scottmandue]

Besides the Boxster I should mention a 996 would also be in the mix.

But of those the wife prefers the Miata

[Porsche-O-Phile]

She prefers an RX8 over a 996?!?!

You need a new wife, not just a new car.

[MarkRobinson]

A friend of mine sold his new RX8; 8mpg & a quart of oil a week: dealer told him it was normal :/

[Deschodt]

According to a friend at work who just dumped his:

- No torque
- terrible MPG
- Eats as much oil as it does gas

Fun to drive for a 4 seater, but there are many more options out there in that price range that'll be better in one or all of the above categories.

[porsche4life]

Looking for a fun to drive 4 seater? Look at an E46 M3, more power, better mileage.....

[fred cook]

Skip Barber uses them on the (wet) skidpad to teach oversteer correction. The cars were a blast to drive and seemed like they would rev forever. They must be pretty sturdy to survive in that environment. I liked the seats, but did not care too much for the rest of the interior.

[gtc]

I'd suggest you test drive an S2000 back to back with the RX8. I think the Honda is a superior car (chassis and motor in particular), unless you really need the roominess of the Mazda.

For that matter, I'd take an FD RX7 over an RX8...

[MarkRobinson]

I've seen dyno's of the RX8: 163-168rw appears common.

I've always viewed Mazda's as the bottom-of-the-line Japanese cars: look how poorly the paints age..ouch. Agree with GTC: go Honda, Yota is good too.

[exc911ence]

I wonder how these are in the snow...

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

She prefers an RX8 over a 996?!?!

You need a new wife, not just a new car.

Dude... she prefers the Miata not the RX8 (no surprise there)... and I have not mentioned the 996 idea... going to pull the bait and switch at the last minute"but honey we could get a Porsche for the cost of a Mazda!"

Yes the Honda 2000S would be in the mix too.

RE: Low torque & high reving... yeah I know about that "more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow"

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

you have to keep the revs up to get much performance out of it

yeh - rotaries don't produce much torque

it fills a nice gap for people with 2 small kids tho -- hey wait, what other car has jump seats for small kids...??

I drove one when they came out and used to own a trubo RX-7 (Gen. 2) -- it is a fun car, driving position is more isolated from the world than a 911 or Miata, has the seat thing above, IMO not super tossable but a lot faster than a Miata

[fluque]

Originally Posted by exc911ence

I wonder how these are in the snow...

I ran mine with winter tires and had no problems in the snow.

[azasadny]

All I know about are there... This is my 2nd MazdaSpeed3, bought new and now has 42k on it. No problems and a great car. Mazda makes some nice cars, but I don't have any experience with the RX8...

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

BMW for that reason.

BMW coupe... Hmmm...

Don't need a convertable... blond/blue eyed/bald... no more sunshine for this old beach boy.

[azasadny]

I get up to 32mpg in the MazdaSpeed3 (when I drive nice), can easily and comfortably carry 4 adults or a drumset, guitar and amp, you get the picture... The car has 263hp and a 6spd trans. I run AMSOIL 5w30 in mine and have not had any problems with it at all...