Mazda RX-8... what does everyone think?

[Arkaign]

I'm not a big Mazda fan at all, but ..

Mazdaspeed3 or 6 >>>> RX8

 

[thirdeye]

I wouldn't. I've owned one, and aside from the looks, I don't miss it at all.

 

[SearchMaster]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
A $400 lease on a car that you can frequently buy for around $20K? That's a TERRIBLE deal. Do the math! You could buy the car outright with a 5-year loan and probably have a LOWER payment. Jesus.

This is especially terrible when you consider that the car has been pretty much dismissed as a flop (one reason dealers tack on such huge incentives to try to move them). Reliability issues, multiple overestimates on power output, worse than useless back seat. I'm sure it is fun on the twisties, but you could practically finance the PURCHASE of a $35K S2000 for that much money, and get a much better car, AND you'd own it and still have a $15K when you finished payments, instead of no car at all.

Good point - carsdirect is showing $21.8 for a base 2007 model, I'm sure you could do better than that at the dealership.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: dawp
no true sportscar has a back seat

Mine does. Granted, it's only big enough for legless midgets, but it is technically a back seat.

Or are you confusing a sportscar with a roadster?

ZV

 

[StageLeft]

I drove one. It's large for a "sports car" with the four seats. Torque curve is very linear. Car handled well but was underpowered. I wouldn't buy one with that amount of horses and it uses an inferior engine technology (rotary engines work better in magazines than in cars, which is why almost nobody uses them). If you get one, make sure it's not the auto because they further cut the horsepower so that the tranny can take the RPM. The auto rx8 is a tragedy.

 

[KDKPSJ]

I wouldn't touch. They look nice, but that's it. It handles somewhat well and has smooth torque, but those two advantages would never overcome lack of power (both HP and lb/ft), maintenance costs, and poor mpg.

Also, to be honest, I think the praise about rotary engine is just hype. There's a reason why Mazda is only brand making the car using one. (Heck, even Mazda has only one model)

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: dawp
no true sportscar has a back seat

Mine does. Granted, it's only big enough for legless midgets, but it is technically a back seat.

Or are you confusing a sportscar with a roadster?

ZV

People have different definition of a true sports car.

Few people would consider your car a true sports car, not to say that it is not a sports car.

Lotus Elise comes to mind in my book. Proper rear mid engine layout with a great chassis. Cayman is another. Basically most non overweight rear mid engine sports cars.

 

[zerocool84]

The back seats are small, handles nice but doesnt have the power. If you want something like that just get an S2k which is faster and handles great. Sorry but sports cars need to both handle great and have power.

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: bruceb
The RX8 is nice. But you must up the power. Headers and a K&N Air Intake will
add about 20 HP to the engine. And it sound a lot better. Don't lease it. Either buy
a new one or a slightly used one. If you want a real performance rotary, look for the
3rd generation models 1992 - 1995 which had up to about a 255HP engine.

And it looks a lot better and handles much better.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-7

Well, depending on if this is his daily driver or not I would stay away from the 3rd gens as they have many weird problems. I still love em though.

RX8 is nice, but like he said it is a little slow stock. Still much faster than my V6 mustang though.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: MetalMat

Originally posted by: bruceb
The RX8 is nice. But you must up the power. Headers and a K&N Air Intake will
add about 20 HP to the engine. And it sound a lot better. Don't lease it. Either buy
a new one or a slightly used one. If you want a real performance rotary, look for the
3rd generation models 1992 - 1995 which had up to about a 255HP engine.

And it looks a lot better and handles much better.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-7

Well, depending on if this is his daily driver or not I would stay away from the 3rd gens as they have many weird problems. I still love em though.

RX8 is nice, but like he said it is a little slow stock. Still much faster than my V6 mustang though.

If it's the new V6's than not by much

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: mariok2006

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: dawp
no true sportscar has a back seat

Mine does. Granted, it's only big enough for legless midgets, but it is technically a back seat.

Or are you confusing a sportscar with a roadster?

ZV

People have different definition of a true sports car.

Few people would consider your car a true sports car, not to say that it is not a sports car.

Lotus Elise comes to mind in my book. Proper rear mid engine layout with a great chassis. Cayman is another. Basically most non overweight rear mid engine sports cars.

a true sports car has a long hood with the engine up front and a drop top. the kind of car that you could race on the weekend and drive to town on the weekday. the kind of car the corvette emulated when it first came out back in the 50s. the frazer-nash, the austin-healey, the jaguar xk120.

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: mariok2006

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: dawp
no true sportscar has a back seat

Mine does. Granted, it's only big enough for legless midgets, but it is technically a back seat.

Or are you confusing a sportscar with a roadster?

ZV

People have different definition of a true sports car.

Few people would consider your car a true sports car, not to say that it is not a sports car.

Lotus Elise comes to mind in my book. Proper rear mid engine layout with a great chassis. Cayman is another. Basically most non overweight rear mid engine sports cars.

a true sports car has a long hood with the engine up front and a drop top. the kind of car that you could race on the weekend and drive to town on the weekday. the kind of car the corvette emulated when it first came out back in the 50s. the frazer-nash, the austin-healey, the jaguar xk120.

To each his own...

a "true" of anything should be the pinnacle. The pinnacle of cars is F1 technology... It just trickles down from there until you reach an affordable production car. Honestly I'd rather get myself a dedicated kit car than a "sports car", because even they have too many compromises.

 

[geokilla]

Let's not start an argument on what a true sports car is.

@OP, like I said before, the RX-8 is an excellent car, especially if you have a family and love to rev your car to redline. But before you decide on which car to purchase, also consider the Subaru Impreza WRX, assuming you like the design and don't find it boring to drive. Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear did a review on the new STi and he found it BORING. Or you can buy yourself the Lancer Evo IX or X. These two alternatives will definitely be quicker than the RX-8.

I myself prefer the EVO X. I find the new STi to be too plain and boring looking. Nothing much has changed for the STi. Last generation's STi definitely looks better than this generation's STi.

 

[KDKPSJ]

Yes, please let's not start "true" sports car debate. Even Hyundai fans in Korea call Tiburon "Sports Coupe" because of its styling (and they don't care much about performance). It all depends on individual.

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: geokilla
I suggest importing a Skyline GTR R32.

Not possible if he's a US citizen... possible if he's Canadian under their 15 year old rule.

 

[Thump553]

PJ: A couple of things to consider:

-wankel engine=service at the dealer only=probable higher cost

-wankel engine=high fuel consumption

Both of above hurt resale value as well (but that may not matter to you under a lease).

You don't have to be gay to own a Miata, they appeal to middle age males a lot. My neighbor has one, as does the guy in the next office. Personally I love the way Miatas remind me of the MGs and Triumphs of my youth (without all the breakdowns and oil leaks).

A former coworker leased the first generation (then called RX7 aka the car that almost bankrupted Mazda). He grew to really hate it-balky to start in Wisconsin winters, high repair costs, etc. He couldn't wait for his lease to end.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: mariok2006

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: dawp
no true sportscar has a back seat

Mine does. Granted, it's only big enough for legless midgets, but it is technically a back seat.

Or are you confusing a sportscar with a roadster?

ZV

People have different definition of a true sports car.

Few people would consider your car a true sports car, not to say that it is not a sports car.

Lotus Elise comes to mind in my book. Proper rear mid engine layout with a great chassis. Cayman is another. Basically most non overweight rear mid engine sports cars.

I'd put the 951 up against a Cayman on a track any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Cayman curb weight: 2,866 lbs
951 curb weight: 2,755 lbs

Cayman HP: 245
951 HP (stock): 247

Cayman 0-60: 6.1
951 0-60: 5.5

There's a reason that the 951 still kicks pretty much every Porsche's arse in autocross.

You're welcome to call the 951 not a "true" sportscar, but it'll wipe the floor with a large number of "true" sportscars.

People are fond of creating arbitrary rules for what does and doesn't constitute a sportscar (one person said that having a radio, power windows, or air conditioning precluded a car being a sportscar) but the simple fact is that if the car can get it done in the corners, that's all that matters. Call something a sportscar or don't, but be prepared to find cars that don't meet your arbitrary criteria passing these "true" sportscars.

As to the OP: The RX-8 will be a thirsty car, and the wankel has an interesting reliability history at best. Still, it's a blast to drive and a lot of fun through the corners. Anyone calling it underpowered just isn't revving the engine high enough. It really wants to be above 4,500 RPM. If you keep it there, you'll have plenty of power. If you can handle mileage around 20, you'll have a lot of fun with the car.

ZV

 

[timxpx]

not really a fan of leasing... it's the whole concept of paying $400 a month for a car you can't put miles on and have to give back...

...however i did drive an RX-8 at Zoom Zoom Live a couple of years in a row. the first year was a short coned off course and you got to sit in with a driving instructor spotting for you/correcting you.

the next year it was on a bigger road course, with banked turns and the whole circuit feel. they had mx-5's in one line and rx-8s in the other. after driving both i definitely preferred the rx-8, though i'm sure a lot of people might disagree -- i just liked the feel of the coupe better.

get the car into 2nd gear, keep it revving between 5k-9k and it's definitely a fun ride.

they're pretty on the outside too.

(side note: my favorite car to drive at either zoom zoom event was probably either the mazda 5 or the cx-7... nothing like whipping a top heavy mini-minivan or a crossover through an autocross track. also the speed6 felt like driving a boat with a chunky gearbox, though it's still an amazing car.)

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Thump553

A former coworker leased the first generation (then called RX7 aka the car that almost bankrupted Mazda). He grew to really hate it-balky to start in Wisconsin winters, high repair costs, etc. He couldn't wait for his lease to end.

There were three generations of RX-7s, the FBs, FCs, and FDs. The RX-8 isn't really the "next generation", it's more the successor.

 

[Arkaign]

ZV : Is the 951 a 944 Turbo of a particular type? I'm a Porsche n00b, so forgive me.

Either way, Porsche * > RX-*

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: mariok2006

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: dawp
no true sportscar has a back seat

Mine does. Granted, it's only big enough for legless midgets, but it is technically a back seat.

Or are you confusing a sportscar with a roadster?

ZV

People have different definition of a true sports car.

Few people would consider your car a true sports car, not to say that it is not a sports car.

Lotus Elise comes to mind in my book. Proper rear mid engine layout with a great chassis. Cayman is another. Basically most non overweight rear mid engine sports cars.

I'd put the 951 up against a Cayman on a track any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Cayman curb weight: 2,866 lbs
951 curb weight: 2,755 lbs

Cayman HP: 245
951 HP (stock): 247

Cayman 0-60: 6.1
951 0-60: 5.5

There's a reason that the 951 still kicks pretty much every Porsche's arse in autocross.

You're welcome to call the 951 not a "true" sportscar, but it'll wipe the floor with a large number of "true" sportscars.

People are fond of creating arbitrary rules for what does and doesn't constitute a sportscar (one person said that having a radio, power windows, or air conditioning precluded a car being a sportscar) but the simple fact is that if the car can get it done in the corners, that's all that matters. Call something a sportscar or don't, but be prepared to find cars that don't meet your arbitrary criteria passing these "true" sportscars.

As to the OP: The RX-8 will be a thirsty car, and the wankel has an interesting reliability history at best. Still, it's a blast to drive and a lot of fun through the corners. Anyone calling it underpowered just isn't revving the engine high enough. It really wants to be above 4,500 RPM. If you keep it there, you'll have plenty of power. If you can handle mileage around 20, you'll have a lot of fun with the car.

ZV

The base Cayman is pretty much equal to your 951 in terms of straight line ability if you use Porsche's quoted times, with the 944 having a slight advantage. The logical reason why the 951 is excelling in its auto cross class is weight. It simply has less weight to carry around the corners, also it is probably easier to drive at the limit than a Cayman judging from the drive train layout. Feel free to elaborate on this if you have driven the Cayman, as I have not.

As for getting the job done... you could modify a Honda insight to corner like a Carrera GT, but that won't make it a sports car in my book. There are tons of cars that perform better than "true" sports cars, but none have the same pure experience.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

As to the OP: The RX-8 will be a thirsty car, and the wankel has an interesting reliability history at best. Still, it's a blast to drive and a lot of fun through the corners. Anyone calling it underpowered just isn't revving the engine high enough. It really wants to be above 4,500 RPM. If you keep it there, you'll have plenty of power. If you can handle mileage around 20, you'll have a lot of fun with the car.

pretty much the name of the game. you rev them high and keep them high and they love it. they are a little thirsty but once you get to have a little fun in them, you forget that and enjoy the smooth ride of the car. i've ridden in flat 4's, i4's, i5, i6, v6, v8's and it seems only the 6's maybe and the 8's are as smooth as my rotary. once i replaced the driveshaft, it felt silky smooth when i brought the rpms up in lower gears. consider this, the e-shaft will spin at 5k rpms, but the rotors spin at 1/3 the speed of the e-shaft, so instead of spinning at 5k rpms, they're in fact spinning at 1600rpms. helps for a smoother ride.

There were three generations of RX-7s, the FBs, FCs, and FDs. The RX-8 isn't really the "next generation", it's more the successor.

SA22/FB. there were two versions of it. also the FB had two different engines in different years. near the end of it they went to the 13b FI. the RX-8 is called the SE, and the next one will most likely be named SF. but most guys who own rx-7's do not consider the rx-8 to be a next generation or succesor. mazda had trucks, vans, sports cars, and luxury cars all driven by the rotary engine at one point, and had nothing but rotary driven cars. it didnt mean any of them were related in any way at all. they were all just driven by the rotary engine.

 

[ra990]

I have an '06 RX8 Shinka. Love it. Hurts at the pump though. Underpowered? I never felt so - it drives plenty fast for me.