RX-7 or RX-8? 20B?

dug777

Lifer
Oct 13, 2004
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4
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I know the purists get an enormous woody about the RX-7 (and i have seen some sweet, sweet RX-7s (20B anyone?), but the RX-8 looks (and reviews) like a mean customer too...
 

Stumps

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2001
7,125
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I'm more of a V8 guy myself....which pretty much makes me the mortal enemy of a rotary enthusist, but RX-7's, especially series 6 and above are pure car porn.

I don't know if a 20B is really required to get one going hard (my brother has a series 6 with a really scary 13B REW single Turbo setup) but it sure would be sweet that have it under the bonnet.

RX-8's are pretty sweet too, but lacking a turbo from the factory, is a bit of a downer for me.

one of the most painful experience's I've ever had involves a series 5 non turbo with out a muffler and a closed garage....
 

crownjules

Diamond Member
Jul 7, 2005
4,858
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Originally posted by: FoBoT
are you speaking greek or australian?

either way i don't understand

The RX line is Mazda's sports car. It was Cyclops's car in X2 that Wolverine stole, as an example you might have seen.
 

iversonyin

Diamond Member
Aug 12, 2004
3,303
0
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RX8 with warranty. Unless you can work on rebuilding these engines.

HEY, isn't Mazda building a Mazdaspeed RX8 that pack supercharge/turbocharge rotary?
 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,107
4
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This isn't even a question, IMO. The RX8 has no power at all, nothing to be excited about at all. The RX7 at least has models that are turboed, which makes it insanely amazing. The issue obviously is maintaining it, it's definitely an enthusiast's car and not for the average car owner.

For the RX7 and RX8: No turbo, no care.
 

dug777

Lifer
Oct 13, 2004
24,778
4
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Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
This isn't even a question, IMO. The RX8 has no power at all, nothing to be excited about at all. The RX7 at least has models that are turboed, which makes it insanely amazing. The issue obviously is maintaining it, it's definitely an enthusiast's car and not for the average car owner.

For the RX7 and RX8: No turbo, no care.

It's arguably got the better weight distribution, it apparently handles like a dream, plus it looks hawt, car magazines went more nuts (if possible) for it than the RX-7, and it's much safer (if you care about that)...

Those migth be some points in the 8's favour, but yeah I'm interested in what you guys have to say on the matter at the end of the day ;)
 

Stumps

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2001
7,125
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0
Originally posted by: dug777
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
This isn't even a question, IMO. The RX8 has no power at all, nothing to be excited about at all. The RX7 at least has models that are turboed, which makes it insanely amazing. The issue obviously is maintaining it, it's definitely an enthusiast's car and not for the average car owner.

For the RX7 and RX8: No turbo, no care.

It's arguably got the better weight distribution, it apparently handles like a dream, plus it looks hawt, car magazines went more nuts (if possible) for it than the RX-7, and it's much safer (if you care about that)...

Those migth be some points in the 8's favour, but yeah I'm interested in what you guys have to say on the matter at the end of the day ;)

It also has better fuel consumption than an RX-7...but even the RX-8 isn't anything special in that department.

 

BatmanNate

Lifer
Jul 12, 2000
12,444
2
81
The RX-8 is a slow eyesore. The RX-7 was unreliable and had a very uncomfortable ride, but was faster and better looking. (in the later turbo variant at least)
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,924
45
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RX-7. I don't care what engine it has in it, it's one of the most beautiful cars ever made. My dad traded in his 93 to get a CAMRY for my mom. :(
 

AMDZen

Lifer
Apr 15, 2004
12,639
0
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Originally posted by: dug777
Originally posted by: mariok2006
RX-7 with an LS1 swap/thread

because that would work :p


;)

Its been done, and after the first guy did it - it became a common swap. I think it has been more common to use the LT1 though.

Any way, I love the RX-7, the RX-8 not so much - but the reliability of that Wankel motor, in the 7 at least was horrid. I've known a few people that had one and all of them had major problems. Maybe they were mostly turbo related and not the motor, with so many fewer moving parts you'd think those rotory's would be more reliable but from everything I've read their just horrible especially once you start tweaking.

Supra FTW, that 2JZ motor is next to bulletproof in comparisson.

If you plan to leave it stock, the RX-8 may have a lot better reliability. Or maybe that doesn't matter to you, its the reason I never bought one personally. (An RX-7 that is)
 

rivan

Diamond Member
Jul 8, 2003
9,677
3
81
A buddy of mine had a newer RX7, and while it wasn't blindingly fast in the lower gears, the power level really gave up. It still had a lot of push, well past 100 mph. It was a non-turbo, if I recall correctly.

For me these days, comfort is more important than speed. The RX7 had plenty of legroom (I'm 6'5") but uncomfortable seats and seat position. I much prefer riding high to low.
 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,107
4
81
Originally posted by: Stumps
Originally posted by: dug777
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
This isn't even a question, IMO. The RX8 has no power at all, nothing to be excited about at all. The RX7 at least has models that are turboed, which makes it insanely amazing. The issue obviously is maintaining it, it's definitely an enthusiast's car and not for the average car owner.

For the RX7 and RX8: No turbo, no care.

It's arguably got the better weight distribution, it apparently handles like a dream, plus it looks hawt, car magazines went more nuts (if possible) for it than the RX-7, and it's much safer (if you care about that)...

Those migth be some points in the 8's favour, but yeah I'm interested in what you guys have to say on the matter at the end of the day ;)

It also has better fuel consumption than an RX-7...but even the RX-8 isn't anything special in that department.
Fuel consumption is the last thing you should look at in a sports car, IMO. You buy it for a purpose.

I don't think the people interested in the RX7 would care for the looks, what magazines say, safety for the most part, etc. They want a car that has potential and is fun to drive, the RX7 fits the bill.

I can't really speak on handling and weight distribution for them though, haven't driven an RX7. I have a lot of respect for RX7 enthusiasts, they are very passionate about their cars and the technology and engineering behind them.
 

AMDZen

Lifer
Apr 15, 2004
12,639
0
76
Originally posted by: rivan
A buddy of mine had a newer RX7, and while it wasn't blindingly fast in the lower gears, the power level really gave up. It still had a lot of push, well past 100 mph. It was a non-turbo, if I recall correctly.

I sincerely doubt it if you remember it having that much power. Unless it was prior to 1992 which I believe from 92-95 all RX-7's were turbo. Could be wrong though
 

dug777

Lifer
Oct 13, 2004
24,778
4
0
Originally posted by: AMDZen
Originally posted by: dug777
Originally posted by: mariok2006
RX-7 with an LS1 swap/thread

because that would work :p


;)

Its been done, and after the first guy did it - it became a common swap. I think it has been more common to use the LT1 though.

Any way, I love the RX-7, the RX-8 not so much - but the reliability of that Wankel motor, in the 7 at least was horrid. I've known a few people that had one and all of them had major problems. Maybe they were mostly turbo related and not the motor, with so many fewer moving parts you'd think those rotory's would be more reliable but from everything I've read their just horrible especially once you start tweaking.

Supra FTW, that 2JZ motor is next to bulletproof in comparisson.

If you plan to leave it stock, the RX-8 may have a lot better reliability. Or maybe that doesn't matter to you, its the reason I never bought one personally. (An RX-7 that is)

Having an LS1 in one seems to defeat the whole rotary point ;)

Besides which, a 20B is an absolute beast, even before you started tweaking (and then it just gets scary) ;)
 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,107
4
81
Originally posted by: tbike06
Originally posted by: mariok2006
RX-7 with an LS1 swap/thread

:thumbsup:
That takes away pretty much half of what people love about the car... the rotary engine is a work of art. I wish I had the time, resources, and help from others to take an RX7 and rebuild it entirely. The RX7 folks know their sh!t inside out.
 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,107
4
81
Originally posted by: AMDZen
Originally posted by: rivan
A buddy of mine had a newer RX7, and while it wasn't blindingly fast in the lower gears, the power level really gave up. It still had a lot of push, well past 100 mph. It was a non-turbo, if I recall correctly.

I sincerely doubt it if you remember it having that much power. Unless it was prior to 1992 which I believe from 92-95 all RX-7's were turbo. Could be wrong though
The non-turbos, IMO, aren't anything to write home about. I said the rotary engine is a work of art in my last post, but if it doesn't make power, then what's the point?
 

AMDZen

Lifer
Apr 15, 2004
12,639
0
76
Originally posted by: dug777

Having an LS1 in one seems to defeat the whole rotary point ;)

Besides which, a 20B is an absolute beast, even before you started tweaking (and then it just gets scary) ;)

True on the LS1/LT1 swap.

Regarding the 20B though, that is definetely a helluva motor. From what I've heard and all that I've seen, the reliability is just really bad once you start really hopping it up. I've said it already, but the Supra 2JZ is just as much of a monster if not more so, and is still a solid engine even after you've modified it. I know a guy that had a 600hp daily driver and never really had problems. And another with an 800hp, that wasn't a total daily driver, but a weekend car and remained pretty reliable.

Personally I think th RX7 is a better looking car though, so if your good at working on cars I think the RX7 is one of the coolest cars you can have. I've wanted one for the longest time, but the few times I could afford it and had a clean record I held back because of the price and the high mileage of those you could find. I still want one badly to this day though. One day when I have the money for it and to maintain it.

I don't like the RX8 at all
 

AMDZen

Lifer
Apr 15, 2004
12,639
0
76
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Originally posted by: tbike06
Originally posted by: mariok2006
RX-7 with an LS1 swap/thread

:thumbsup:
That takes away pretty much half of what people love about the car... the rotary engine is a work of art. I wish I had the time, resources, and help from others to take an RX7 and rebuild it entirely. The RX7 folks know their sh!t inside out.

They have to. They rebuild it pretty often ;)

Seriously though, from what I hear - once you learn it all its a pretty damn easy car/motor to work on. Which is always a huge plus.