I'm a potential RX-8 buyer and I dont understand when people say that it is "SLOW". How slow is it?

I currently drive a 2002 Toyota Solara 4-cyl VVTI (2AZFE engine) and that's not slow for me. In fact, the 4-cyl Solara is heavy for its engine. Sure it runs 157hp/160 ft lb but it sure "zooms" to my preference.

You know what's slow for me? Honda Civic (awful POS). I used to drive one and you'd have to floor it just to get it moving off the stop light. No wonder people are modifying those POS's... it's screaming for one! You just cant drive it stock.

So what is it really? Are these people who say the RX-8 is slow former Viper drivers or former Civic drivers? Coz if they used to drive a Civic and now they say the RX-8 is slow, then I need to keep my money and buy something else in the future.

ps. my only complaint about my Solara is that it's like the "diet soda" of sporty cars (not sports cars). Good enough but just doesn't cut it when it comes to handling, looks, potential (what you can do with it).

btw, I also like the Dodge SRT-4 but the cheap interior reminded me of a Civic, so...yuck.

I don't think its "slow". I used to drive a CL Type S, and this car is approximately as quick. It doesn't feel the same though...the CL would downshift when you floored it and had a muscle feel (for lack of a better word). This car just keeps on pulling and it doesn't seem that you are hauling ass 'till you look down and see your doing 100.

Compared to the Solara, it will feel (and is) considerably quicker.

Most of the complainers have probably never driven a car that is truly fast.. Not to mention the fact that the majority are merely "bench" or "spec-sheet" racers. ;)

It's every bit as fast, if not faster, than my wife's Subaru WRX wagon. And the Mazda interior is far nicer than the WRX or STi even..

It's plenty fast. My prior daily driver has north of 400hp and I *still* have no complaints about the RX8's power. If the car is "too slow" for you, might I suggest that you learn to drive.. you know, in something other than a perfectly straight line? ;)

That's not a shot at you, Xyn. Go and drive the car, you will be very pleasantly surprised :)

Thanks. I have test driven the RX-8 but it was the Automatic and I didnt get to play with it much coz it was running out of gas already and the Salesperson with me was starting to get worried.

The A/T RX-8 ran kinda like my Solara (which I really like) but way better handling and cornering. It was fun but I would have to get used to the cramp windows (compared to Solara) if I'm going buy the RX-8...no biggie.

I was also surprised how nice it cornered considering it's smooth drive. As many of you might not know, driving a Solara feels like driving a hover craft, you can barely feel the bumps. RX-8 is not as smooth but close. That's a plus for me.

I would really like to hear what the antagonists here have to say about the supposedly "slow RX-8".

Slow compared to my twin turbo '93 RX-7 which does 0-60 in 4.9s and 1/4 mi in 13.5 @ 104 mph (closer to 13.0 with sticky tires). Now compared to a normally aspirated pre-'93 RX-7 rotary the RX-8 is fast (they were like 16.1s 1/4 mi).

"fast" is such a relative term like most have pointed out here. It all depends your basis for comparison.

The Rx8 is prolly a bit slower than a S2000 (which i have driven a lot, same with an rsx-s) but should have a similar feel, low torque, high revving, low (high numerical) close ratio gearing and a consistent a long pull through the gears.

Compared to my '64 Corvette Stingray w/ 300HP 327 Small Block,
my RX-8 is not slow.

Originally posted by rxeightr
Compared to my '64 Corvette Stingray w/ 300HP 327 Small Block,
my RX-8 is not slow.

:eek: Damn!

I had a v6 3.8L Firebird before. The RX-8 is faster than that and it FEELS A LOT faster.

You won't be beating a V8 Trans Am on the straight line but you'll do better on corners.

And the RX-8 is probably faster than even the V8 Mustangs, even on a straight road.

Remember real roads have curves ;-) and that's where the RX-8 feels fun, like a roadster.

I dunno, it my opinion the 8 has to be "coerced" to perform, meaning turning-off the dcs/stability mumbo jumbo and then ramping up the RPM's (5250 and above) to launch. So yeah, if you do all of that, the car is 'decent to good'. To reiterate a million times this car is not a stop & go (stoplight) racer. You have to 'set the car up' to perform, if you don't drop into 1st from high RPM then in my opinion the car does seem slower compared to other cars out there. If you are the "fast and furious" type this is not going to be your type of car, especially if you want to hammer it at every stop light given that you will "need to take time" to get the RPM up first before you go....

Nah, I'm not interested in straightline performance at all. Most people I have known who ARE into just that are afraid to race in curved roads, they think it's too dangerous. But then again, they drive Civics so that's kinda expected.

Anyways, even though I have mentioned that my Solara zooms to my favor, there are times that I just hate its power. Even flooring it doesnt change much. Like for example, driving down to Monterey from San Jose using I-17. That highway is very curvey and tricky but sometimes I just want to pass slow cars there. Or when I would need to climb up the steep highway (I-17). Those are the times I hate or love my Solara. Sometimes it feels too heavy but sometimes it feels like I need to lay off the gas pedal.

If nobody here is familiar with I-17, I'll explain the feeling. It's a really nice scenic freeway from San Jose to Los Gatos exiting to Santa Cruz. And because it is a freeway planted on the mountains, it is very curvey, steep, and narrow. 2 lanes each direction. You can see all the paint scrapes on the divider walls from cars that couldn't handle the curves.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but what I'm getting into is that I hope there arent any power hesitations from the RX-8, considering its low torque configuration. The Solara gives me that and I dont want it anymore. How does the RX-8 feel when you have a passenger with you and driving on a flat plain? What about a full load of passengers?

I also bring skateboard and blades in the trunk but those aren't too heavy to affect the power.

ps. If straight line performance is your thing, then I'm not interested in your opinion.

TY!

Originally posted by Psylence
Most of the complainers have probably never driven a car that is truly fast.. Not to mention the fact that the majority are merely "bench" or "spec-sheet" racers. ;)

It's every bit as fast, if not faster, than my wife's Subaru WRX wagon. And the Mazda interior is far nicer than the WRX or STi even..

It's plenty fast. My prior daily driver has north of 400hp and I *still* have no complaints about the RX8's power. If the car is "too slow" for you, might I suggest that you learn to drive.. you know, in something other than a perfectly straight line? ;)

That's not a shot at you, Xyn. Go and drive the car, you will be very pleasantly surprised :)

Funny, I always think that those who think the car is really fast have never been in a truly fast car. Low 15, high 14s is not really relatively fast.

Originally posted by Xyntax

If nobody here is familiar with I-17, I'll explain the feeling. It's a really nice scenic freeway from San Jose to Los Gatos exiting to Santa Cruz. And because it is a freeway planted on the mountains, it is very curvey, steep, and narrow. 2 lanes each direction. You can see all the paint scrapes on the divider walls from cars that couldn't handle the curves.


well, I'm from Capitola and I drive 17 all the time to work.. Monday night I took one of those "45 mph" curves .. @ 75.. and I did not feel unsafe at all.

The previous week I had passed a Camaro on 17, the Camaro was going ~60 in that curve and I knew from having driven the Firebird (identical to Camaro), that he couldn't take it much faster than that.
My RX-8 basically drove a circle (um, half-circle, that is) around the Camaro.

I remember once going downhill there in my Firebird in a curve @70 in the left lane, and wholy shit, this Porsche shot by definitely 85+ mph; he couldn't keep the lane though and cut me off. No F-body will perform like that. I don't know about the Solara, but it has to do with the weight and esp the weight distribution.

My ex had a Boxster and I'd say the RX-8 drives as well. I need to hook up with her and we need to settle something on the track :-)

test drive time

I own one and BELIEVE ME....it's not slow! Are there cars faster? Yes!

This car however will not dissapoint you. Great acceleration, handling,noise levels low, sexy styling. You buy into " the package " with an Rx-8, not just power, or styling, or practicality alone. All the points that this car has to offer are balanced and work in harmony with eachother. That's why the car is great!

People are saying its slow because they are comparing the SE to cars in similar price range like G35c, WRX, and EVO.

Xy.. You and me are in the same boat. We are both steppin up from average cars to one that is a bit above average. Coming from my previous vehicles the Rx-8 is not slow at all. I drive an old pick up truck right now and after my test drive w/ the 8 I almost stalled my truck b/c I didn't push the gas pedal to floor when I put it in gear. The top speed on my truck is around 90 mph. I say around cause the speedometer only goes up to 85. So I definately say that the Rx-8 is fast and I believe you will too. Especially if you think your solara zooms... You will love it.

-JiM

This board is full of know-it-all car snobs. To the avergage person, this car is a freakin rocket and its got the best handling ive ever experienced.

I traded in a '94 Z28 with 275 horsepower. Yes, it was fast from a stoplight, and you really didn't even have to try to get past someone. I haven't broken in my RX-8 yet, but I can't wait to see its full potential.
In the Z28, I could take my favorite offramp at about 60 mph, and the car and tires were working hard. Yesterday I took that offramp in the RX-8. I wasn't trying to go fast, and I was doing 69.

yeah, can take any turn at any speed......FUN

Originally posted by RussellP
This board is full of know-it-all car snobs. To the avergage person, this car is a freakin rocket and its got the best handling ive ever experienced.

That's not very nice.

In my case, I've put well over 200,000 miles combined on my rotary cars and have owned an RX-7 continuously since 1986. I also do most of the work on them myself.

That said, the 8 is pretty quick and does handle very well.

IMO slow is a car that runs 17.5+ 1/4 times
Average cars are 16.0-17.5 1/4 times

IMO anything lower then 16.0 is fast, some just faster then others.

Once again, price to speed comparison.

Speed, speed, speed... for those that want speed, go get an STI or an EVO. With them you get a cheap econobox interior and fabric seats, not to mention econo sedan styling with stuff added on. Or you could get a 350Z, but then no back seat, same with an S2000. You could get a Mustang and live with a less than modern interior and all but unusable back seat. The G35C has more power, but according to all the mags I've read, it isn't any faster than the '8' and it is much bigger. THe Accord coupe is pretty fast, but the exterior is way to bland and it is very large on the outside. All the cars listed above are all nice, but I think the '8' has several advantages: It's pretty small and light, it handles very well, the interior is way above avarage and it has the Renesis - need I say more. I looked at the ENTIRE car, not just ONE aspect for my decision.

Originally posted by 6speed8
...I looked at the ENTIRE car, not just ONE aspect for my decision.

I like that. That's what I have been doing for the past 3 weeks ;)

I'm definitely leaning towards getting one. I think Silver would be my choice. I love a Silver car coz it never gets old, dirty, or cheap.

I have no doubts about RX-8 M/T's power at all, I'm just bothered by the comments about how slow it is. Most people just say it is slow per dyno prints but never elaborate on real-road experience about the RX-8 being slow.

The 0-60 doesn't matter much to me, 0-45 does though (it's more practical on the streets). The only time I need shorter times moving up to 60 would be on a freeway entrance.

p.s I love the interior. Big plus!

Originally posted by RussellP
yeah, can take any turn at any speed......FUN Wrong, I disproved that theory to my determent and embarrassment twice already. I'll learn eventually. :)

good point 6speed8

Originally posted by mikeb
good point 6speed8 I second that, good post.

Put it this way...
For the city driving you mentioned, the 8 will promptly overtake the car in front of you from a stop before you realize it.

I love driving the 8 around the city because you can leave it in 3rd and really accelerate around other cars, and (more nice-ities) since you are in 3rd at upper revs it will compression brake when you let up the gas.

On the highway I hardly ever take it out of 6th. You can pull into the left lane to pass and run from 70 to 90 before you know it.

Before taking possession of my RX-8, one aspect I was concerned with had to do with torque.

I live in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range, and I have a choice of a flat, very curvy road, or a steep hilly route to my workplace, which is 40 miles one-way.

In my previous ride, a 2000 Nissan Frontier Truck w/ 5sp manual tranny, I would have to downshift into 4th to maintain my speed while climbing the hilly route.

I was certain, the RX-8 with a 6th gear, that I would have to do the same thing. Once again, my RX-8 impressed me! No gear changes necessary to maintain speed.

However, while that route used to be my preferred, as it used to be the faster route, the RX-8 has now made the curvy route the fastest :D

Well I drive an unmodified 96 Pontiac Sunfire GT (a 44,000 mile engine got put in my car at 68,000 - first one went BOOM!) and I get almost every light, lane change, etc. I want because most drivers suck. For the regular driving competition (the one against the moron drivers between you and open road) the RX-8 is going to kick ass.

Sure you'll find someone with a car that can beat the RX-8, but at the power and speeds that takes most drivers will not have the balls to really find out (assuming you do). A simple mistake or slow response can make a difference of at least half second.

I'm more concerned with winning the day-to-day competition with other traffic and be able to enjoy a fine drive (whether around town, out in the country, or on vacation) than in drag strip, closed course, or rally racing. If that was where my cajones got off I'd be driving me one of them rocket cars. :)

When you want the RX-8 to you can go 0-80 in 'fast enough to be illegal'. At least if the cop missed his morning donut and is suffering from low blood sugar. Where the Z really out performs the RX-8 is from that point forward. Up till there they are even enough that the driver and environent will make a difference. I think a lot of Z drivers will suffer from the timidness displayed by a lot of corvette owners who can (but never do) kick the Z and the RX-8 to the curb.

The Z is easier to win in than the RX-8, though. Just push the pedal and shift. Not much to it except with that 1+ G-force 1st gear you might want to start lifting weights. The RX-8 will require a little more practice and a little more attention to the details. And a mistake will cost you more.

In a twisty situation the winner will probably be settled either by who got in front first or just how much straight away the Z has to use to its advantage. Curvy enough and I bet the RX-8 pulls away from the Z.

Put a real road in the situation and the tenser and more reactive (at least in terms of speed) Z will want to skip off of bumps and road imperfections more than the RX-8. Again the RX-8 at least closes the gap if not actually pulling into the lead.

Against all mortal vehicles it won't matter if you wind it up or not. The high powered mini-van might actually leap from the line first, but 2-2.5 seconds later it is behind you (I actually had a minivan take off on me at a light while I was doodling with the radio on my last test drive - I still took his lane before the next light a few hundred yards down the road).

I have the feeling that the RX-8 is more than likely a lot more tunable to a persons own driving ability (in that how you drive it is how it responds) over a wider latitude than a Z. My Golf driving mother, bless her heart, would probably freak out in trying to drive a Z between the power and lesser visibility. I'm not exactly sure what would happen in the RX-8 (you have to know my mom and, no, she won't be driving it, dad on the otherhand ...), but I think she would find it surprisingly easy to drive.

The world (and the Japanese) is enrichened by the existence of both. I enjoyed all 4 test drives in the Z. Just not as much as I enjoyed the 5 in the RX-8. But it was close. Oh so close.

milo

P.S. To be honest the bad MPG stories are still freaking me out a bit. Until I order (and maybe even after then) I could always change my mind and get a Z. Maybe the other shoe is about to drop in the near future on the MPG issue much as the HP thing did.

Originally posted by RussellP
This board is full of know-it-all car snobs. To the avergage person, this car is a freakin rocket and its got the best handling ive ever experienced.

I don't think it's that people are snobs. I notice that this forum has a very wide level of owner's 'sports car' experience. There are those that seem like this is their very first 'sports' car, and probably those where this car could maybe be their daily driven bad weather/beater car. Just like some people may think that a $30k car is very expensive, but some who wouldn't ever own anything less than $50k.

I see a difference when I read, for example, an RX7 board and this board. It is clear that the RX8 is more 'mainstream' and attracts wider variety of owners whereas the RX7 boards seem more of a 'hard core' enthusiast crowd. So fast or whatever are relative terms, but when writing most everyone always assumes that their audience is just like them.

The problem I have is that it is hard for me to feel like most cars are "fast", because I compare them to my modded 93 Rx7. But the 8 is very quick compared to most vehicles on the road. Speed is relative as mentioned by you guys, but I like that the 8 feels quick. Maybe it is the high revving or the quick shifting, I don't know. But this car is a kick to drive, and a lot more forgiving than my 7.

Originally posted by milo

In a twisty situation the winner will probably be settled either by who got in front first or just how much straight away the Z has to use to its advantage. Curvy enough and I bet the RX-8 pulls away from the Z.

Put a real road in the situation and the tenser and more reactive (at least in terms of speed) Z will want to skip off of bumps and road imperfections more than the RX-8. Again the RX-8 at least closes the gap if not actually pulling into the lead.



Actually on my Z forums, lots of people run there cars at the track and one just happen to menction that the last outing he was at the person that was driving the RX-8 "spent most of the day waving other cars to pass" and all the cars were in the same class. Also there was an all out track test of somewhere around 8 Japanese cars and the RX-8 came in 7th place besting only the Miata by a few tenths of a second. A few of the other cars in that test were the G35 coupe, Honda S2000, 350Z and Subaru WRX. FYI, the S2000 won, the 350z was the runner up.

Also FYI: The cornering grip diffrence between a 350z and a RX8 is only .02-.03 depending on the magazine you read. That diffrence is almost undetectable and will deffinatly not make up the power difference.

Not sure where you came up with all these imaginary random thoughts, I doubt you have driven both cars so extensive that you can make these comments.

Originally posted by Blue 350z


Actually on my Z forums, lots of people run there cars at the track and one just happen to menction that the last outing he was at the person that was driving the RX-8 "spent most of the day waving other cars to pass" and all the cars were in the same class. Also there was an all out track test of somewhere around 8 Japanese cars and the RX-8 came in 7th place besting only the Miata by a few tenths of a second. A few of the other cars in that test were the G35 coupe, Honda S2000, 350Z and Subaru WRX. FYI, the S2000 won, the 350z was the runner up.

Also FYI: The cornering grip diffrence between a 350z and a RX8 is only .02-.03 depending on the magazine you read. That diffrence is almost undetectable and will deffinatly not make up the power difference.

Not sure where you came up with all these imaginary random thoughts, I doubt you have driven both cars so extensive that you can make these comments.

Most tracks aren't the type of curvy I'm talking about. Not many tracks have no straight strip where, for sure, the Z is going to win. After all tracks are generally built to open up the extremes of a car. And, if talking about track driving, I have no experience driving either a Z or a RX-8 on a track, your right. However...

I was talking mostly about real roads and real drivers not tracks and expert drivers in my post. I've driven both enough to have my opinion on how most drivers will do in them on real roads. I'm not talking about simple hauling ass.

I don't drive tracks and I don't face expert drivers.

I know in either car I would win against most other drivers in the other car (I do that now in a Sunfire GT). I know that while both have excellent brakes the RX-8's lightness means it stops way shorter. I know I can design a course that the RX-8 would win handily based on the smaller turning radius, the shorter stopping power, the slight extra stick in a curve, and the visibility advantage on roads where hazards do come at you (something the track negates).

Take it or leave it that's my opinion and I would be happy with either car.

milo

the rx-8 has such a smooth power band it can be deceiving.....................but I think one guy on here made a comparison to the rsx-s...........not even close..........the 8 is faster...........I took a 350z out twice for a ride, ad it was not that much quicker, but did have more torque............I have owned a 200prelude, 2003 1.8t Jetta now.........BMW 325i........88 Mustang 5.0................88 rx-7......and the 8 is faster than all, even the Mustang............

Originally posted by milo

I have no experience driving either a Z or a RX-8 on a track, your right.


Enough said right there....

Originally posted by milo

I was talking mostly about real roads and real drivers not tracks and expert drivers in my post.


The 8 car test were Pros, the other track info (about the RX8 waving people by all day) was directly from an everyday forum member.

Also you seem to just make blind assumptions with NO basis of facts, for example you menction the RX8's braking is better because its light... Do you know there is more to stopping becides weight? Like brake design and size? The RX8 vs 350Z stop in the same distance (1 magazine had the RX8 by 2 feet less)from 70-0 (standard test). Which basically means they are equal.

Not sure where you come up with all this nonsense, all these opinions from somebody that drives a sunfire. Have you driven either car? Have you ever driven a sports car?

Originally posted by Blue 350z


Enough said right there....



The 8 car test were Pros, the other track info (about the RX8 waving people by all day) was directly from an everyday forum member.

Also you seem to just make blind assumptions with NO basis of facts, for example you menction the RX8's braking is better because its light... Do you know there is more to stopping becides weight? Like brake design and size? The RX8 vs 350Z stop in the same distance (1 magazine had the RX8 by 2 feet less)from 70-0 (standard test). Which basically means they are equal.

Not sure where you come up with all this nonsense, all these opinions from somebody that drives a sunfire. Have you driven either car? Have you ever driven a sports car?

Damn, harsh. :cool:

Originally posted by Blue 350z


Enough said right there....



The 8 car test were Pros, the other track info (about the RX8 waving people by all day) was directly from an everyday forum member.

Also you seem to just make blind assumptions with NO basis of facts, for example you menction the RX8's braking is better because its light... Do you know there is more to stopping becides weight? Like brake design and size? The RX8 vs 350Z stop in the same distance (1 magazine had the RX8 by 2 feet less)from 70-0 (standard test). Which basically means they are equal.

Not sure where you come up with all this nonsense, all these opinions from somebody that drives a sunfire. Have you driven either car? Have you ever driven a sports car?

And enough said by you since I never said I was talking about the track experience. Real roads. Real drivers. The cars are close enough that either can win. That is enough said.

Not sure where you come from questioning my OPINION especially when I have laid out exactly in what conditions I'm talking about and where I have gained the insights.

I make no blind assumptions. I gave opinion based on my experience with each car and data from a lot of sources.

Road and Track's tests give a 60-0 stop of 119' and 80-0 stop of 217' for the Z. The RX-8 scored 114' and 202'. 80-0, 15' difference, on some courses that is significant.

I only drive a Sunfire as my car now because I was cheap last time. I have driven the Z 4 times. The RX-8 5 times. I've driven (not owned) Porsches, Camaros, Mustangs, a Conquest TSI, and a few hop-uped 70's muscle cars. My Probe GT, while not a true sports car, was real performer, especially on the curves.

Why don't you turn down the condescending tone you p****! My opinion is informed, but still only opinion. Chill out you big weenie!

milo

Originally posted by milo

The cars are close enough that either can win. That is enough said.



Close enough in handling and braking.. But there is also 1 more small tidbit. POWER! And about 60HP and 130TQ difference! The RX8 is putting out about 220-225HP and 140 at the crank vs 287HP and 274TQ.

Originally posted by Blue 350z


Close enough in handling and braking.. But there is also 1 more small tidbit. POWER! And about 60HP and 130TQ difference! The RX8 is putting out about 220-225HP and 140 at the crank vs 287HP and 274TQ.

Is there any thread you could visit that you don't turn into an RX8 v's 350Z horsepower pissing contest???

Let's just agree that BOTH the RX-8 and 350Z are awesome sports cars. I know I'd be very happy with either. I chose the RX-8 for the practicality of the back seat, styling, and smooth power. Others want the extra power & torque of the Z along with it's unique styling. That's fine....but after all, this is an RX-8 forum, not a 350Z forum, so expect folks to be biased.

Amen, well said o_town_racer

Originally posted by Blue 350z


Close enough in handling and braking.. But there is also 1 more small tidbit. POWER! And about 60HP and 130TQ difference! The RX8 is putting out about 220-225HP and 140 at the crank vs 287HP and 274TQ.

Which is exactly why I said a curvy course - and just to clarify a mean a really tight and twisty course. Why I 'conditioned' my statement with the noting of the need for a course with not enough straight away to let the Z use its advantage.

I think you missed some of the nuance of my earlier statements. I know at a drag strip, the oval, or any normal closed course the Z is going to win with drivers whose skills are all about the same. But limit the lanes, thrown in civilian 2-way traffic, traffic signals, cops, your life on the line and not some pro driver, green lights that are somewhat unpredictable, real pavment, and a wider variety of driver skill level and human reaction time and tell me its a done deal on who ends up back at the Quickie Mart first. In those conditions the driver is even more important than car anyway.

Since I quoted one Car & Track stat here is another interesting thing their data shows. Obviously the RX-8 driver has to be committed and wind the car up to achieve these numbers while the Z driver can pretty much just mash the pedal. Both should turn off anything that gives the computer control - DSC, et al.

The 350Z
0mph to...
...30mph 2.1sec
...40mph 3.3sec
...50mph 4.4sec
...60mph 5.6sec
...70mph 7.6sec

1/4 mile 14.3 @ 100.2mph.

The Rx-8
0mph to...
...30mph 2.1sec
...40mph 3.2sec
...50mph 4.5sec
...60mph 5.9sec
...70mph 8.0sec

1/4 mile 14.5 @ 95.6mph.

So early on the RX-8 can keep up (even beat up to 40mph) and then it falls off as the Z pulls away. But like I have said before it is easier to pull it off in the Z. You have to make the RX-8 perform for power. Otherwise it is quite tame.

0.4sec up to 70mph and 0.2sec at the 1/4 mile. How variable is human reaction to a red light turning green?

BTW, the Corvette gets 1/4 mile in 13.4 @ 101.1mph. Wish their owners drove them that way. :)

milo

Milo,

BTW, the Corvette gets 1/4 mile in 13.4 @ 101.1mph. Wish their owners drove them that way.

I know I'm not the best drag racer, so my RT and launches aren't always the best, but I've gone mid 13's at around 110 mph (after market intake, exhaust, and re-programmed ECU). I drive it like that when I can ;-)

Originally posted by milo


The 350Z
0mph to...
...30mph 2.1sec
...40mph 3.3sec
...50mph 4.4sec
...60mph 5.6sec
...70mph 7.6sec

1/4 mile 14.3 @ 100.2mph.

The Rx-8
0mph to...
...30mph 2.1sec
...40mph 3.2sec
...50mph 4.5sec
...60mph 5.9sec
...70mph 8.0sec

1/4 mile 14.5 @ 95.6mph.

milo

Have you been under a rock for the last 2 months? The RX8 is hitting low 15's around 92MPH (and thats gonna be the norm no matter what excuses people come up with). 95% of 350z's are running between 14.0-14.3@100-101 (EVEN THE AUTOS). The one in the mag was pre-preduction before the ECU tweaks, you can almost call it a diffrent car.

So in reality with PRODUCTION RX8's, we are comparing a low 15 second car to a low 14 second car.. If you people still think the RX8's are really producing the numbers you quoted from C&D, its time to wake up to reality.

The RX8's would have no problem making those numbers IF it HAD the avertised power 250 (should be around 205-210 to the wheels) but it doesn't, its getting around 180 to the wheels and the 1/4 numbers are exactly what you would expect from that kind of power, low 15's. And if you believe the BS about the RX8 and dynos, I got a bridge I wanna sell you..

The RX8 will run consistant low 15's with occasional visits to the high 14's.. Thats the truth and if you don't wanna believe it, I feel bad for you. I seen it with my own eyes and also drove a friend's friend's RX8, it was quick, felt almost exactly as fast like my buddy's modded celica GTS (which runs 15.1-15.3@94) but much smoother.

Yes they are both nice cars, I am just stating that you mag racers have a lot to learn. Mag times are used as a guide, real numbers are what matters. Expecially when you are trying to compare to a pre-production RX8 that more then likly HAD the entire 250HP.

Blue 350Z: The Z, indeed, performs better than the 8. No question about that. The only down side that I see in the Z is the absence of the rear seating. Sometimes people do need something a bit more practical (such as taking your fellow colleagues out to lunch).

Back to the original question. Is the 8 slow?

Yes or no IMO.

The 6MT 8 is much slower than the C4S my colleague has. It is on par with the 330 (without the sport package) in the twisties. (None of my colleagues have the new accord coupe w/6MT so I cannot tell.)

It is, however, faster than any of the sporty coupes out there with an automatic. Also, the 8 is FAST in the eyes of my insurance company.

Being said that I believe the (6MT) 8 is a good replacement for the Solara. In fact I tested the V6 SLE when it first came out and settled for the Maxima because of the poor suspension tuning and lackluster acceleration for a sporty coupe. If you are looking for an auto, you may want to look at the new Solara V6.

And yes, the 8 is faster than my minivan and my P5.

It always amuses me how people abuse numbers to further their own point.

You guys don't seem to understand racing at all.

Track days are not racing, and if you're racing during a track day, you're being extremely irresponsible. Most people think they're above-average drivers- Especially those who go to the track and buzz around near other average drivers. You can talk about heel toe, torque steer, etc all day long, just like the kids out their in their 'modified civics'. When it really comes right down to it, most of you have no idea what 'fast' is, and that's just the truth.

Autocross is not racing, either. It's an interesting competition, and a great way to improve your driving, but if you're really racing at an autocross, someone is likely to get hurt.

Drag racing isn't really 'racing', but it is a sport. However, drag-racing a brand new, $30k car, stock, is an absolute travesty, and really pathetic.

Maybe you're just trying to figure out what your car can do the next time you need to accelerate from a dead stop down a perfectly straight quarter mile of road.. (Considered getting a job as a police officer?) but you shouldn't be proud of, or put much stock in, the numbers produced.

Now I really hope there is nobody out there actually RACING a brand new RX-8 or 350Z, stock.. that would be very silly.

Almost EVERYONE thinks of themselves as an above-average driver. Most people who have done a track day or two, maybe put in some time doing auto-X, done a few tuesday-night drags think they're very good drivers.. But I gurantee you that if you could take any car ever built, go to your local track, and run against a real racer in a Neon or a Miata, or even a pickup or crown vic, you'll get your ass handed to you.

With such a disparity in driver skill, why do people bother even comparing their cars? Drive what makes you happy, and let others drive what makes them happy. Don't delude yourself by thinking that 5hp or .02g or .01 sec is going to make the difference-- The only difference will be between slow and slower. If you decide to take up racing to improve your skill, you'll find that you don't even care to brag or bicker anymore, because you'll know you're fast.

-Kyśź

The 350Z SHOULD be faster, it has 50 hp more and over 100 lb ft of torque. The S2000 with 240 hp would give it a run for it's money, so it seems to me that yes the 350Z is fast, but not as fast as it should be. Once again someone comparing acceleration to the RX-8, so what? Who cares? If i wanted to go fast in a straight line and carrying people wasn't an issue, I'd get a top fuel dragster! There is SO much more to a car than acceleration, and for those that don't understand that, I say, perhaps someday you will.

Originally posted by 6speed8
The 350Z SHOULD be faster, it has 50 hp more and over 100 lb ft of torque. The S2000 with 240 hp would give it a run for it's money, so it seems to me that yes the 350Z is fast, but not as fast as it should be. Once again someone comparing acceleration to the RX-8, so what? Who cares? If i wanted to go fast in a straight line and carrying people wasn't an issue, I'd get a top fuel dragster! There is SO much more to a car than acceleration, and for those that don't understand that, I say, perhaps someday you will.

Its not about how fast which car is, its about clearing up the facts of how fast what cars are. Just clearing the air to the people who still think the rx8 is running under 6 second 0-60's and low 14 1/4's.

And I don't know exactly where the 350z should be faster comment came from. I think a 13.9-14.1@101mph is pretty damn good for a N/A 3.5 V6 in a 3200lb car. And after the winter I am getting a True Dual Exhaust and pulleys ($700) and i'll be running 13.6-13.7@103ish. Plenty fast... All with getting 30+MPG on the highway.

If I wanted only speed and nothing else mattered like styling and quality, I would be sitting in a STI or a Cobra right now.

Hey Blue350..

I don't care how you are modding your 350. I'll bet most everyone here doesn't care either. We have Rx8's. You don't.

Since your main goal seems to be to annoy, please go away.

Originally posted by Psylence
Hey Blue350..

I don't care how you are modding your 350. I'll bet most everyone here doesn't care either. We have Rx8's. You don't.

Since your main goal seems to be to annoy, please go away.

As long as people post BS, i'll be around ;)

...personal request.

I have IKE and 350 on my ingore list, so when you guys (gals?) reply, please dont cut/past their entire crappy post above yours.

Of course your free to do what you wish, just an FYI for those of us who use the ingore button to turn off the agravators.

...so much better without em

cut/past??? do you mean PASTE?

I know I will be cutting around and passing these guys everywhere in my 8. :D

To me the RX-8 is a fast production car, and you all have to admit most cars that come from the factory arent anywhere near as quick as this car.

I have had quick cars, my civic runs mid 14s (not bad since it ran 17s stock) my Z ran low 13s with no traction and very minimal mods, my dsm ran high 11s and should run low 11s now that Im rebuilding the motor..

I picked the 8 over the 350Z (which I could have gotten and was my #1 choice for a long time esp since I love Z cars) because for one its nice to be able to take more than 1 person somewhere, I also preferred the interior of the 8 over the 350Z, so overall the 8 won my vote.

If I wanted a straight line performer like a lot of these squables about power seem to come down to I would have gotten a 03 mustang cobra.

Why cant we all accept we have nice cars and let it be that? The 350Z is nice, the G35C is nice and so is the RX8

And it still amazes me that even tho the Renesis is "overrated in hp" it still puts out 30more whp than the previous NA rotary was rated at the flywheel, all this power coming from a tiny (look at pictures of the motor its amazing how small it is compared to a piston engine) 1.3L

-Chris

Originally posted by Blue 350z
As long as people post BS, i'll be around ;)

Undoubtedly, since you're the one posting the BS.

You're the jerk who concludes based on all of 2 real-world 1/4 mi runs that the RX-8 is a 15.2 second car. Blue350Z, you had your ass handed to you about your very selective and biased mis-use of information in this regard already, yet you still trumpet the same old BS - you are the joke here.

As for handling on real-world roads, as milo was referring to - would you like me to post again the Australian 350Z review where they slammed the 350Z for it's terrible real world handling? You know, the article where they gave it a total rank of 3/10? You know, the article where you thought bitumen meant gravel? What a loser. You're the one still spouting the same old BS, and ignoring any proper factual analysis or presentation. We don't need you here nor want you here. Get lost.

Regards,
Gordon

Originally posted by wleonard
[..]
Of course your free to do what you wish, just an FYI for those of us who use the ingore button to turn off the agravators.

...so much better without em


I noticed that there is at least one user who is 'community' blocked or maybe an administrator set him on everyone's ingore list. Wonder what it takes to make it that far :-)

Because I never used the 'ignore' button - on anyone, yet on my first day on this forum I found a few messages

'This forum member is blocked. To read the post.. click here'

This thread is losing focus.. I noticed that the guy who started it originally hasn't written anything in quite a while..

-Peter

Originally posted by ptiemann
I had a v6 3.8L Firebird before. The RX-8 is faster than that and it FEELS A LOT faster.

You won't be beating a V8 Trans Am on the straight line but you'll do better on corners.

And the RX-8 is probably faster than even the V8 Mustangs, even on a straight road.

Remember real roads have curves ;-) and that's where the RX-8 feels fun, like a roadster.

this is true!

Guys, I don't want to, but I'm about to close this thread. If you don't like what someone posts, ignore them or just don't read it. This thread is going nowhere, and fast.

Originally posted by Blue 350z


As long as people post BS, i'll be around ;)

That's self fulfilling if ever I've read it!

once again
6speed8 makes good points
there is more to a car than speed and speeding tickets that go with it

Originally posted by Elara
Guys, I don't want to, but I'm about to close this thread. If you don't like what someone posts, ignore them or just don't read it. This thread is going nowhere, and fast.

Elara, was the "going nowhere, and fast" an intended pun. Cute!

Originally posted by Gord96BRG


Undoubtedly, since you're the one posting the BS.

You're the jerk who concludes based on all of 2 real-world 1/4 mi runs that the RX-8 is a 15.2 second car. Blue350Z, you had your ass handed to you about your very selective and biased mis-use of information in this regard already, yet you still trumpet the same old BS - you are the joke here.

As for handling on real-world roads, as milo was referring to - would you like me to post again the Australian 350Z review where they slammed the 350Z for it's terrible real world handling? You know, the article where they gave it a total rank of 3/10? You know, the article where you thought bitumen meant gravel? What a loser. You're the one still spouting the same old BS, and ignoring any proper factual analysis or presentation. We don't need you here nor want you here. Get lost.

Regards,
Gordon

Once again whatever lets you sleep at night,

And that Aussie review was the biggist joke of a review I have ever seen. I posted it on the 350z forums for a good laugh and I found out I just reposted it, somebody beat me too awhile ago. It was by far the worst attempt ever by a reviewer to get noticed. Also somebody menctioned that it was that guy's LAST review and hasn't wrote 1 word since it.

Originally posted by Blue 350z


Once again whatever lets you sleep at night,

And that Aussie review was the biggist joke of a review I have ever seen. I posted it on the 350z forums for a good laugh and I found out I just reposted it, somebody beat me too awhile ago. It was by far the worst attempt ever by a reviewer to get noticed. Also somebody menctioned that it was that guy's LAST review and hasn't wrote 1 word since it.

No, the biggest joke is you.

If you had driven on some of the sorts of roads the reviewer was talking about you'd have a clue, but you obviously only support reviews that support your view.

The RX8 has superior handling to the 350z and maintains it's composure very well on bumpy unpredictable reverse camber bends.

Bringing the thread back onto topic. The RX8 is a fast car. It also outshines many cars that would be faster in a straight line through it's balance and grip over poor road surfaces where the road is anything other than a perfect straight line.

Personally, I find going fast in a straight line about as exciting as eating breakfast cereal.

Another thing, anyone with a perchant for low air dams and skirts with lowered and stiffened suspension would find themselves with a hefty repair bill and required dental work if they tried to punt their car round the twisties the "Aussie Journo" is refering to.

Blue 350z, and credibility you may have had has completely gone :D

Originally posted by Kev


Elara, was the "going nowhere, and fast" an intended pun. Cute!

Kev, yes, it was intended :) Unfortunately, it went nowhere even faster than I thought.

Sorry guys, closing this. Remember what your mom told you when you were little? If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Take a hint.