simple question -


is the RX-8 a TRUE "sports" car?

and don't forget WHY or WHY NOT...

autoweek doesn't seem to think so...

http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&content_code=09787582&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=1549834&record=4

dont kid yourself
its a SPORT car

Are you expecting an unbiased answer?

Why is this car a sports car:
- Handling and grip
- Engine responsiveness
- Brakes
- Coupe looks
- Short throw gearbox

All that with a bit of practicality - that's why I bought this car.

maybe it is because it definitely looks like a sportscar.. doesn't look like anything REMOTELY related to a sedan, even if it does have 4 full size adult seats.

maybe it isn't because to some people, TRUE sportscars should not have or need 4 seats..

maybe it is because it certainly handles as good or better than most "TRUE" sportcars.

maybe it isn't because it doesn't have the straight-line performance you would expect out of a TRUE sportscar.

maybe it is because it's braking performance is as good or better than most TRUE" sportscars. Certainly better than 95% of today's sedans.


The problem is that the definition of a "true" sportscar varies from person to person.

purely subjective from that standpoint.

if you provide a clear definition of what a "true" sportscar is, there would be no doubt as to what the RX8 really is...

maybe it isn't because to some people, TRUE sportscars should not have or need 4 seats..

This seems to be the biggest gripe some have with the RX-8, to keep it from being a Sports Car.

So much for the Porsche 911.

I was doing some comparing of acceleration times in the back of Car & Driver. There are very few cars in this price range that offer mid-6 second 0-60 times. Looks like the RX-9 measures up in that department just fine.

Handling is the most surprising part of owning this car. Incredible feedback and response.

The looks speak for itself. It shows you you are looking at a Sports Car. And the gobs of people that oogle over seeing your car will not deny they are salivating over a great looking Sports Car.

Originally posted by jimbo_gixxer
simple question -


is the RX-8 a TRUE "sports" car?


Sigh. What an original question - why, this must only be the tenth poll or so on this exact question. Not to mention the 20 or 30 other threads that have already discussed this.

FWIW, if you wish to quote magazines, then go find the 10 or 15 other automotive magazines that did conclude that the RX-8 is a real sports car. Those would include Car and Driver, Road & Track, Automobile, Evo, AutoExpress, CAR, etc. Read all the road test links that have been posted in the various forums. Read all those previous threads on here about this discussion.

THEN report back.

Regards,
Gordon

Originally posted by jimbo_gixxer
autoweek doesn't seem to think so...

http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&content_code=09787582&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=1549834&record=4

PS - did you even bother to read their (Autoweek's) driver's logbook for the RX-8?? It's here (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10912) . Note how their own staff emphatically declare that it is a true sports car.

Regards,
Gordon

Nope this is not a true sports car ... just doesn't hack it on the track BUT ....

I ordered it rather than the sports cars out there cos it is so damned close to being one and yet so practical and funky at the same time

Yes.

If the RX-8 was a two seater there is no question what it would be.

And since the only thing that has been added is a rear seat that holds real people the definition doesn't change.

Easy!

Vince

If you completely read the article you posted, you would see that it spends more time saying it is more than a sports car, than less than a sports car. Mazda's attempt (damn fine one) at giving the world a car with true sports car characteristics, with a much wider range of versatility. All of the mags that Gordon mentioned seemed to come to the conclusion that they succeeded. Even the mag you mentioned, although a very old article, seemed to reveal and confirm the redefinition that Mazda was seeking. A MORE VERSATILE AND PRATICAL SPORTS CAR.

Oh, and back to your question. I will agree with the vast majority of professional car mags. A new type "true sports car".

Ultimately kind of s illy question. When you read the above mentioned article it refers to every aspect of the driving experience as comprising a sports car experience.

It seems it is only the backseat that leads to the criticism.

I was thrilled to trade in my Audi TT 225Quattro for the RX-8.

Simply no comparison. The TT felt heavy and ponderous compared to the nimble RX-8. And I get a usable back seat as the TT rear seat is joke.

I wonder, is the TT considered a sports car?

Originally posted by jimbo_gixxer
simple question -


is the RX-8 a TRUE "sports" car?

and don't forget WHY or WHY NOT...

autoweek doesn't seem to think so...

http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&content_code=09787582&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=1549834&record=4


When it handles and brakes just as well as the majority of sports cars out there, and is fairily fast. As well as having a sports car look and feel, then



Yes, it is sports car. It is just a "4 Door" sports car. I believe that this style of doors may just catch on.

good point vince

It better be a "sports car", because that's certainly what Mazda calls it in all their ads and product literature. If it ain't, they may end up buying back a whole bunch more of 'em....

I wouldn't call the RX-8 a sedan, and I wouldn't call it a sports sedan. It is just an updated RX-7 with a back seat. :)

Evo "a perfectly nice Audi TT": please define...I naturally assume you drove them both. If you think the TT is a better drive, power to you. I (and every performance article I have read) would disagree. The TT routinely finishes last in comparison tests.

I found it less fun to drive; hard seats you sit on rather than in - I always felt like I was sliding out; a shifter that came to feel like it was mired in molasses; a road feel that was too heavy, I won't even mention the quirky electrical problems I encountered

Yes, it has a nice interior...I think that is why I bought it. i liked the look and the swelling acceleration of the turbo (once you get it rolling).

Over time the bloom tended to fade from the rose so to speak and I came to mind the drawbacks I mentioned. My earlier cars have been a late 80's MR2 and then a Miata. I really missed light feel of those cars and I think I have found it again in the RX.

Anyway, did any of you notice that's the Autoweek article from LAST NOVEMBER? Check the new stuff from them and their test car in the Media section- they sure seem to think it's a sports car now.

Originally posted by rxeightr




I was doing some comparing of acceleration times in the back of Car & Driver. There are very few cars in this price range that offer mid-6 second 0-60 times. Looks like the RX-8 measures up in that department just fine.






I love the rx-8 as the next guy but the rx-8 performance is poor for its price range (when comparing to other "sports car" in the same range). The avg price for rx-8 purchases is $31,100. Performance isnt the rx-8 strong suit.

Originally posted by manbar
Performance isnt the rx-8 strong suit.

You need to be much more specific - you're only referring to straight line performance. Handling? RX-8 is right up there. Braking? There's maybe 3 mass-production cars in the world with better braking than the RX-8. In all-around performance, the RX-8 is extremely strong. If you just want to drag race in a straight line, then the RX-8 is the wrong car. Performance, in a sports car sense, is much more than just one dimensional.

Regards,
Gordon

Originally posted by Gord96BRG


You need to be much more specific - you're only referring to straight line performance. Handling? RX-8 is right up there. Braking? There's maybe 3 mass-production cars in the world with better braking than the RX-8. In all-around performance, the RX-8 is extremely strong. If you just want to drag race in a straight line, then the RX-8 is the wrong car. Performance, in a sports car sense, is much more than just one dimensional.

Regards,
Gordon

Ditto! Great Post Gordon.

Originally posted by Gord96BRG


You need to be much more specific - you're only referring to straight line performance. Handling? RX-8 is right up there. Braking? There's maybe 3 mass-production cars in the world with better braking than the RX-8. In all-around performance, the RX-8 is extremely strong. If you just want to drag race in a straight line, then the RX-8 is the wrong car. Performance, in a sports car sense, is much more than just one dimensional.

Regards,
Gordon

I would vote to ban 'performance on a straight line' from any discussion....unless you are ready for the killing MiniVan....which will ashame many sports cars and muscle cars alike.

Not that I really give a (insert proper four letter word) what Autoweek thinks, but SCCA classes the RX-8 in B Stock along with Audi TT, older 'vettes, various Lotus cars, a few Ferraris, and the S2000 (for the moment since they are considering moving the S2000 to BSP much to the dismay of those owners), etc. In fact, opposing the request of members, SCCA refused to consider classing the 8 in STX. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but what counts is what the racing community says. And they know cars. In my book, it's a sports car and a quite nice one at that.

The guy who wrote that article is just bitter he doesn't own one. AHAHAHAHHA! ( that's not the real reason, but it's the most entertaining)

Here is a real sports car.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&loc_code=index&content_code=09282484

Of course to own it you have to be Bill Gates and buy some politicians..
details, just details

before MY opinion gets misconstrued... i DO believe that the RX-8 is a "SPORTS CAR". Moreso than an Lancer Evolution, WRX STi, IS300... however, because it has 4 useable seats AND 4 doors it creates a class of its own in 2004. no traditional 2 door sports car whether it's a 2+2 or simply a 2 seater is a fair comparison.

my citing of the November 2002 Autoweek article was one of the first or second online articles i had read since my test drive on Saturday 9/13. i was simply asking an innocent question in my discovery phase of the RX-8...

thanks for the response!


btw - the 959 is a "_TRUE_" sports car. :D i'm not sure you can mention the RX-8 in the same sentence...

Originally posted by Gord96BRG


you're only referring to straight line performance. Handling? RX-8 is right up there. Braking? There's maybe 3 mass-production cars in the world with better braking than the RX-8. In all-around performance, the RX-8 is extremely strong. If you just want to drag race in a straight line, then the RX-8 is the wrong car. Performance, in a sports car sense, is much more than just one dimensional.

Regards,
Gordon


I hear you. Unfortunely, linear perfomance is a big aspect in every race not just a drag race. I'm just saying most people wouldn't entry a serious competition with a stock rx-8.

Originally posted by manbar


I hear you. Unfortunely, linear perfomance is a big aspect in every race not just a drag race. I'm just saying most people wouldn't entry a serious competition with a stock rx-8.

agreed - but then again i'm not a racer. but the 18 year old kid in an SS Camaro or Mustang or modified Japanese import would want the bragging rights to smoking an RX-8 "off the line" just because of it's sport car looks... YES? it's bound to happen...

what are the RX-8 0-60 times? 1/4 mile times/speed ? and more importantly the 60/80-100 MPH times?

Originally posted by manbar



I hear you. Unfortunely, linear perfomance is a big aspect in every race not just a drag race. I'm just saying most people wouldn't entry a serious competition with a stock rx-8.

I would question the following:

1. How many people 'enter' competitions at all? other than getting away from a stop light fast, or going down the dragstrip?
2. How many people are willing to modify a brand new $30K car?

I originally thought I would be pinning down stop lights like a maniac (not racing, simply getting ahead of everybody)....now that I've got the car, I care too much for it as to punish it every second. I know its probably been built tough for similar purposes...but I don't dare to do it.

But again, that's my opinion. I would probaby do the same with any brand new car you'd see me in: WRX, Evo, Z, G, M (holly, sports cars are a collection of characters...)

From a classic "old school" POV true sports cars have two doors, are RWD, and are ragtops.

I think nowadays the distinctions are less clear. There are sports coupes, sport sedans, econo-sports, even sport utility vehicles.

I think the RX-8 is a very sporty coupe, but IMHO, not a true sports car.

Originally posted by jbebernes
From a classic "old school" POV true sports cars have two doors, are RWD, and are ragtops.

I think nowadays the distinctions are less clear. There are sports coupes, sport sedans, econo-sports, even sport utility vehicles.

I think the RX-8 is a very sporty coupe, but IMHO, not a true sports car.

How would you catalog an M Coupe? if I may be curious.

Originally posted by RX8-TX


How would you catalog an M Coupe? if I may be curious.

Sports Coupe, I guess. One brutally fast, butt ugly sports coupe!

Originally posted by jbebernes

Sports Coupe, I guess. One brutally fast, butt ugly sports coupe!

Seem, I would put it among sports cars...even considering the following:

Performance, it will leave anything in the dust.
Handling & Braking, are above average for 'sports' cars.
4 seats -I know! the rear seats are a joke.
Convertible??...your choice.
Power & Torque, are plentiful with 300hp / 250 lb-ft.

Therefore, if you put me in front of me a coupe & roadster Ms, I will undoubtedly refer to both of them as sports cars (they are definitely not purebreed GTs)

In any case, if the 8 is disqualified from your definition of sports car, is it because its not a ragtop, or because it does have 4 doors, or both? Would you consider an M Roadster a sports car then?

I know, I know!...Im not trying to reinvent the wheel. Im simply curious.

Cheers!

TRUE sports cars = no power windows, no power anything. No AC

;)

My insurance company has the RX8 listed as a four door coupe! Isn't that a wonderful contradiction of terms?

Does a sports car have to be a roadster? Is a "sport coupe" a sports car? How about a grand tourer? My answers are no, yes and maybe.

My dictionary says a sports car is one that has ".... a low center of gravity and steering and suspension designed for precise control at high speeds on curving roads." That would exclude many roadsters.

Anyway, I know the RX8 is a sporty car and I like it.

Originally posted by RX8-TX


Seem, I would put it among sports cars...even considering the following:

Performance, it will leave anything in the dust.
Handling & Braking, are above average for 'sports' cars.
4 seats -I know! the rear seats are a joke.
Convertible??...your choice.
Power & Torque, are plentiful with 300hp / 250 lb-ft.

Therefore, if you put me in front of me a coupe & roadster Ms, I will undoubtedly refer to both of them as sports cars (they are definitely not purebreed GTs)

In any case, if the 8 is disqualified from your definition of sports car, is it because its not a ragtop, or because it does have 4 doors, or both? Would you consider an M Roadster a sports car then?

I know, I know!...Im not trying to reinvent the wheel. Im simply curious.

Cheers!

Well, as I said in my first post the old school way of thinking considered only convertibles sports cars. I'm talking the '50s and '60s here. I realize that those type of distinctions may no longer apply.

So, what is a TRUE sports car?

My first thoughts - light, powerful, neutral handling. Maybe even more important is that it be a car with a single purpose - speed. No nav, no power trunk release, no air conditioning. Not a car you commute in very often, not good for getting groceries, and definitely not one that sparks discussions about how well different baby seats fit in the back.

In the end it's another "in the eye of the beholder" issue. If you're coming out of a Camry the 8 is certainly a sports car. If you are coming out of an M Roadster...

<p>Dear jimbo_gixxer!</p>
<p>For your question not to be rhetorical, you'd have to define what the <i>true
sport</i> car is in your universe. One thing is clear though, RX-8 has quite a
few features that are not necessary for a mere transportation apparatus. Many
people who enjoy driving find it to be quite a delight in this department (I fall into this category too). It is true that there are other cars out there
that can deliver you from home to supermarket faster than RX-8. Some people
believe that only those cars deserve the <i>sport</i> label. But then, again,
there are even faster cars... </p>

Originally posted by jferg
My insurance company has the RX8 listed as a four door coupe! Isn't that a wonderful contradiction of terms?


That is wonderful indeed. Before the car came out, I was worried about insurance premiums..when I finally got a firm quote, I was almost jumping on one leg and walking upsidedown.

Originally posted by jbebernes
My first thoughts - light, powerful, neutral handling. Maybe even more important is that it be a car with a single purpose - speed. No nav, no power trunk release, no air conditioning. Not a car you commute in very often, not good for getting groceries, and definitely not one that sparks discussions about how well different baby seats fit in the back. [/B]

Ahhhhh....Viper.

Sorry Im drooling.

Originally posted by RX8-TX

I would question the following:

1. How many people 'enter' competitions at all?

2. How many people are willing to modify a brand new $30K car?



There are multiple competitions one could enter:
1) SCCA
2) Mazda specific
3) Import Specific
4) Audio related
5) Performance related
6) Exterior mods like paint, rims, etc.
7) etc...etc...etc...


I think I'd be willing to modify the car's
1) Exhaust
2) Stereo system
3) rims/tires
4) suspension
5) brake calipers (mazdaspeed)
6) aftermarket Turbo/Supercharger

but I'm still in the stage of figuring out all the bugs of the new 8 before i start thinking about the details about modifications...



---

MrRed: it's an open ended question. defining a "TRUE sports car" is like nailing jello to a tree...

how does one classify a Viper, a 911 GT3, Shelby Cobra, Corvette, Mustang (non-SN-95 chassis)? these cars define the sports category with no question...

Ok, just for argument sake where do you put a WRX? It's a sports sedan, some of the haters will say it's a supped up econo-box. However, this car is inspired by rally cars and can be rally crossed basicly stock, has better performance numbers than the RX-8, has many weight saving features, 90+% of them are MTs, and make for great autox cars with minimal mods. Seems pretty sporting to me, but I'm not sure I could ever really call it a sportscar.


Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Ok, just for argument sake where do you put a WRX? It's a sports sedan, some of the haters will say it's a supped up econo-box. However, this car is inspired by rally cars and can be rally crossed basicly stock, has better performance numbers than the RX-8, has many weight saving features, 90+% of them are MTs, and make for great autox cars with minimal mods. Seems pretty sporting to me, but I'm not sure I could ever really call it a sportscar.

Ike

Like someone said before (applied towards the Subie): its a hell of a sports sedan; with hideous front lights, but fast as hell.

I don't think you have to worry about how they catalog the WRX....just let people think its a sedan; and then let them see your rear license plate off the light.

this thread may never end
Its a matter of opinon

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Ok, just for argument sake where do you put a WRX? It's a sports sedan, some of the haters will say it's a supped up econo-box. However, this car is inspired by rally cars and can be rally crossed basicly stock, has better performance numbers than the RX-8, has many weight saving features, 90+% of them are MTs, and make for great autox cars with minimal mods. Seems pretty sporting to me, but I'm not sure I could ever really call it a sportscar.


Ike

SCCA says WRX is in STX if stock (STi is excluded) or it could be in Street Prepared E/F, but there are all kinds of cars allowed in these classes including some sports cars and lots of sedans/coupes like Camaros, Firebirds, etc. So even its definition isn't clear. But most mag articles, Motorweek, etc, say the 8 is clearly a sports car. Given that its dimensions are the same as a Carrera which also has four seats (but no trick doors), defining the 8 is really a matter of perception. Its handling, stopping, etc., seem to be sports car in character, but it's not a sports car in the same sense as my Miata. Confusing, but does it really matter????

Originally posted by RX8-TX


Like someone said before (applied towards the Subie): its a hell of a sports sedan; with hideous front lights, but fast as hell.

I don't think you have to worry about how they catalog the WRX....just let people think its a sedan; and then let them see your rear license plate off the light.


At least the WRX doesn't look like some silly smiley japanese cartoon robot from the front. Every time I look at the front of the RX-8 I wait a few seconds for it to start talking to me :p I think I need psychiatric help ;)

I don't really care where they catalog the RX-8 or WRX I was just throwing it out there for kicks, just drive them and enjoy them. By many peoples definitions of a true sportscar the Ferrari Enzo is not a true sportscar, so there really is not clear definition and you should believe your car is whatever you want it to be.

Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
I don't really care where they catalog the RX-8 or WRX I was just throwing it out there for kicks, just drive them and enjoy them. By many peoples definitions of a true sportscar the Ferrari Enzo is not a true sportscar, so there really is not clear definition and you should believe your car is whatever you want it to be.

Ike

A toast to that [darn, we need more smilies...]

sorry to bump thread, but the RX-8 IS a sports car! :o

http://www.hyperdictionary.com/dictionary/sports+car
http://www.wordreference.com/English/definition.asp?en=sports+car

notice both definition says "usually seats 2" not always! :D

And finally, for those who still wouldn't consider calling the RX-8 a sports car!

Definition of A Sports Car

A true sports car is a performance car whose primary function is to provide driving pleasure, and to allow the driver to immerse himself in that experience and communicate with the road as directly as possible. Its purpose is pure and singleminded.

The idea of a sports car has always been the same and it will never change. The designs will change as times change. But the concept will always remain.

A true sports car is light, direct and does without the things that more pedestrian vehicles possess. It is often derived from a race car in some fashion. The car may be a direct variation of a race car. It may feature technology and design from a race car. Or the people who designed and developed it have a competition background. It has heritage.

The car rewards drivers who are skilled and able. All drivers are not created equal. Those who can best feel and understand the subtle messages of the machine are rewarded with the greatest satisfaction. A sports car is meant to be driven well quickly.


What do sports cars look like?

They turn your head, they get you interested. You know just from looking at them that they offer performance and excitement. They are not ordinary cars. Even when parked, a sports car gives the impression that it is in forward motion.


What A Sports Car Is Not

Heavy cars are not sports cars. Sedans, wagons, SUVs, and the like are not sports cars. No matter how much power they make, how well they corner, how quickly they can accelerate or stop, or how much they've been modified, they are not sports cars. They may be performance cars. They may have very impressive performance. But they can never be sports cars. Thoroughbreds are horses. But not all horses are thoroughbreds.

Credits:www.davewin.com

And posting some guys opinion from his website means what exactly? If he were as good a race car or kart driver as he was a mountain biker I might actually care what his feelings on the subject are :p

By his definition there really is no such thing as a true sportscar being made anymore.

Ike

how do u define a "true" sports car?

you can't, really! and after reading all the opinions posted here, i must say dave's definition was by far the best, so i posted it cause that was my opinion exactly but better worded than i probably could've done!
Not only is there not a true sports car, the word true itself is dangerous, if for example the speed of the ferrari defines "true" then i guess the NSX isn't a "true" sports car simply cause it isn't the fastest! Or in another case a"true" sports car is one with only 2 seats and no more than that or else it would be considered not a sports car! In conclusion, the RX-8 is a sports car, i'm not even gonna argue that it's a true sports car, since there is really no real definition of "true"! If there is, show me, I change sides pretty quickly! :p

Originally posted by LiQuiDLaM

In conclusion, the RX-8 is a sports car, i'm not even gonna argue that it's a true sports car, since there is really no real definition of "true"! If there is, show me, I change sides pretty quickly! :p


Most or you canucks do! :p j/k I think if you bought it because you wanted a sportscar then it's a sportcar, if you bought it because you wanted 4 doors and a backseat then it's a sports sedan. I think this whole defining a sportscar is a bit silly, I bought my WRX for the performance first and foremost, it could have had two doors and no backseats and I would have still bought it, to me that makes it a sportscar. I don't really care what others call it ;)

Originally posted by TybeeRX-8


SCCA says WRX is in STX if stock (STi is excluded) or it could be in Street Prepared E/F, but there are all kinds of cars allowed in these classes including some sports cars and lots of sedans/coupes like Camaros, Firebirds, etc. So even its definition isn't clear. But most mag articles, Motorweek, etc, say the 8 is clearly a sports car. Given that its dimensions are the same as a Carrera which also has four seats (but no trick doors), defining the 8 is really a matter of perception. Its handling, stopping, etc., seem to be sports car in character, but it's not a sports car in the same sense as my Miata. Confusing, but does it really matter????
No, the WRX is in DS if stock. The STi is in AS if stock. You don't autox much, do you? The ITR is in DS too, and if the ITR isn't a "sports car", you're insane.

The RX8 is in BS if stock, with the S2K, 350Z, 330i sport package, M coupe, E36 M3, FC, WS6, and MR2 turbo

You can call it a sports car til you're blue in the face, that won't make it a competitive autox car :) I don't see it dethroning the S2K in B Stock any time soon

-bd

You guys are leaving out another important criteria:

"It's not a sports car if you have to troll on other car's forums beating the drum of why yours is better than theirs."

Seriously, Ike, get a hobby. I like to go driving (twisty, sceneric backroads); owning a RX8 will do that to ya.

SGC

Now here is a true sports car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6256&item=2432738433#ebayphotohosting

You really need to stop posting those ebay cars
its getting old

Sorry, i posted 2 of them.
I thought it was funny..

Apparently, based on the emails and responses I got, a few others did too..

You are the only one who flamed me.

As a courtesy to your sensitive feelings i will try not to do this any more.

If a porsche 356b can be a sports car, the RX-8 definately is...

It doesn't take power to make it sporty, it's all about style. I get most of my (positive) comments from people while I'm standing still..

;)

The Rx-8 is not a "True" sportscar. There is alot of bias here. Its a sports sedan. Sportscars dont have 4 doors.

It doesn't take away from the rx-8, its a great car.

so the BMW M5 is not a sports car

Originally posted by mikeb
so the BMW M5 is not a sports car

correct.

Im not saying the cars are not great performing. Performance has little to do with a sportscar. A miata is just as underpowered as an Rx-8, but it *IS* a true sportscar.

the Rx-8 has the looks and handling that you'd expect from a sportscar, but the two extra doors put in a different catagory.

Also, I can deal with a car with a back seat being a "sportscar", but I dont consider it to be a "pure" sportscar.

you know, why do clowns on here continue to say the 8 is underpowered!?>............my god, have you driven the car........the thing still has 238hp,.............yes it doesn't have 287hp like the Z, but for such a light car, it has plenty of power.....could there be more, of course, but I wish half the jokers here would actually spend some time in the 8 before posting such dribble...........after a while it gets annoying......we all had to read hundreds of posts about those who thought there there was some cover-up on hp because of dyno resutls until it was made clear the car cannot be dyno due to "safe mode" issues......................and did you see the times posted by a member in the "tech "area?...............his best 1/4 was 14secs at 101mph........yah, no power there.............geesshhh.........:o

Originally posted by Broker73
you know, why do clowns on here continue to say the 8 is underpowered!?>............my god, have you driven the car........the thing still has 238hp,.............yes it doesn't have 287hp like the Z, but for such a light car, it has plenty of power.....could there be more, of course, but I wish half the jokers here would actually spend some time in the 8 before posting such dribble...........after a while it gets annoying......we all had to read hundreds of posts about those who thought there there was some cover-up on hp because of dyno resutls until it was made clear the car cannot be dyno due to "safe mode" issues......................and did you see the times posted by a member in the "tech "area?...............his best 1/4 was 14secs at 101mph........yah, no power there.............geesshhh.........:o

I happen to really like the Rx-8, but it doesn't have 238 HP. I has 225. That 238 was quoted with in a 5 pct margin of error and the 238 is the top off that spread. Most are dynoing in the 170-180 rwhp.

Interms of other cars like the 350Z or even Neon Turbo....its under powered. You have to be willing to burn the clutch if you wnat to get a high 14 1/4 mile, and 5-60 sucks like you would not believe.

This car is not about speed anyway. I had a unique feel and handles great. Thats what the car is about, but dont tell me its not underpowered.

Underpowered? Test drove one yesterday, and it felt just fine to me.. It didn't feel any slower than my wife's WRX wagon, and it sure pulls better than the laggy WRX in the lower rpm range.

I was expecting to be underwhelmed with the car, to be honest. The car I currently drive is a Subaru STi V conversion with a little over 400hp. Yeah, the RX8 is nowhere near as fast as the Subaru, but it is more fun to drive. So much so, that I'm buying an RX8 next week.. Now, anyone need a really fast Subaru? :p

Not to mention the absence of a spare tire.