I couldn't believe it. I turned up today to test drive a high-power RX-8 and was told that my expected delivery of Nov 24th is now tomorrow. Oh and I can have the car for the weekend. The dealer told me that all the red cars have been offloaded from the ship first hence why mines is quicker than first expected.

I turned up in my E46 model M3 and took the 8 out for over 1 hours drive. I really enjoyed the drive, the styling, the unique engine noise and the power delivery. It's not gutt renching like the M3 but who cares I don't want to drive German anymore. They are dull and boring. :(

The 8 I drove was silver with black leather and it looked great. I also was fortunate to see two red ones with red/black leather. Both I thought looked stunning. The red/black leather does the car justice and just finishes things off.

My biggest surprise has got to be the power, it had more than enough for what I am looking for and did not disappoint at all. And for those of you who may have read some poor reviews on the Bose stereo system - all I can say is that the Harmann Kardon with 10 speakers fitted to my M3 is far worse!

Needless to say I am going to take a hit on the trade of the BM in return for the 8 but I don't care. Roll on the weekend. Woohoo!!!!:D :D :D

Here's my little comparison chart:

Cost new
RX-8 - £23500
M3 - £45000

Interior
RX-8 - excellent for looks and lack of rattles and squeaks
M3 - a bit dull, businessman like, plenty rattles and squeaks

Exterior
RX-8 - lovely styling cues great curves, different
M3 - block shaped and boring

Wheels
RX-8 - Lovely big wheels nicely snugged into arches
M3 - Great looking when in 19" form but add some more to the price, oh and a bitch to clean!

Power
RX-8 - Excellent for the price and lovely delivery for the size of engine
M3 - Stonking but you can only go so quick before you run out of legal speeds

I hope my 25th of November comes that early!!! well done.

Well done mate, hope my Red arrives this week as Dealer thinks it might, about 1 week early. Can't wait.

All you need to do now as an owner is to join the Club!

Cheers
Oilman

Lucozade,

what is the full spec of your car?

good call Lucozade! I thought you'd sold the M3?

Edo - Thanks mate, fingers and toes crossed for yours too.

Cheers Oilman - will be joining no worries about that.

Sexy Rexy - its red, red/black leather (no SAT NAV and no sunroof)

renegade_si - The deal fell through at the last minute so I am getting bottom dollar for it. I can't believe it - it would be an extreme bargain M3 to someone.

Well done Lucozade, what a stroke of luck!:D :D

Appreciate your comparison with M3 and comments on RX8 torque, it helps boost confidence about the car.
Sounds increasingly like the Bose won't disappoint.


Cheers

thepenn