I just got to thinking today, after seeing a couple pictures showing the rear seat area of the RX-8 and how little legroom there appears to be, that the RX-8 seems to be remarkably similar in spirit to an older car that came out nearly 20 years ago. This car had a very high-revving (for its time) high-tech engine placed in the front, with proper rear wheel drive (and limited-slip units were a common option). The back seats were pretty comfortable for adults, with long front doors making rear seat access tolerable. The car was inexpensive and quick, very nearly equalling the performance of a mid-engined 2-seater sports car using the same engine. A close-ratio 5 speed gearbox was quite sporty for its time. An oil cooler system was standard. And the seats were supremely supportive and adjustable. It was quite the hot car in its day and remains a cult car today with a huge (and growing) following.

Most of you probably already know I'm talking about the AE86, known in various markets as the Trueno, Levin, or Corolla GT-S.

Not fast at all by today's standards (nearly 17 seconds in the quarter mile) but it's still damn fun to drive all these years later. :)

http://home.earthlink.net/~bryan64/pics/newtoy/rearandfront.jpg

When I think of the AE86 and its excellent balance of practicality and performance, I realize the RX-8 is treading little new ground -- it just seems to be making all the right compromises, on paper.

The AE86 weighs about 2,400lbs, which is significantly less than the Mazda will weigh, but I bet the RX has a chassis 500% more rigid. ;)

not to mention, more power, anemities, room, and cool factor... :D
rotary power.

The Celica Supra also was a great car with 4 seats. Until they turned it only into the Supra.

Roachman

that is sacrilage bryan- now bow thy head so i might smite thee with a rotor:p

intial D!!!!!

Heh, I figured I left this open-ended enough that some would think I was putting the AE86 on the same level as the RX-8. Truthfully I think the RX-8 is the better car, but that's what nearly 20 years of progress will get you, especially at the rate technology has been evolving lately. I'm just saying the cars have roughly the same goals -- being a satisfying RWD driver's car while still being somewhat practical, and inexpensive.

Similar in concept, yes... but if we're looking at lineage...

I look at the RX-8 as the reincarnation of the RX-3. It even has the grille. :D

The AE86 is overhyped... shrug.. Everyone from the far east got caught up in that cartoon.. what's the name of it, Initial D?

Originally posted by BryanH
Heh, I figured I left this open-ended enough that some would think I was putting the AE86 on the same level as the RX-8. Truthfully I think the RX-8 is the better car, but that's what nearly 20 years of progress will get you, especially at the rate technology has been evolving lately. I'm just saying the cars have roughly the same goals -- being a satisfying RWD driver's car while still being somewhat practical, and inexpensive.

i knew what you were saying i just wanted to say "smite":D

And a very nice touch it was. :)

The AE86 is probably overhyped, you're right QL. But it's still a very good car when you consider its age and roots. Me, I was looking for anything cheap, RWD, light, and somewhat practical (AE86, FC RX7, or 240sx basically) and this AE86 pretty much fell into my lap within a week.

Don't get me wrong, I can definitely appreciate what it offers but the prices people are asking for these things nowadays are crazy.. Like I said, overhyped.. which is too bad.. with an engine swap, better chassis/suspension and stripped it would make a great track/auto-x car.

BryanH was lucky enough to get his before prices went nuts.

Even back east, AE86s go for more than FC Turbos, which is CRAZY. Don't get me wrong, I like hachirokus but the potential of the Turbo II is insane for the money.

Originally posted by SmokingClutch
BryanH was lucky enough to get his before prices went nuts. Well, almost. ;) I seemed to jump in at the beginning of the price hikes. The seller of our car knew what he had so we paid too much for it, but my dad wanted the car once he saw it so there you go. :) It's been a good deal for us though, the car has run so well.

Even back east, AE86s go for more than FC Turbos, which is CRAZY. Don't get me wrong, I like hachirokus but the potential of the Turbo II is insane for the money. That *is* crazy! That hasn't happened around here yet. In general TIIs are still more pricey than AE86s here. I'd say average price of a decent AE86 'round these parts is 2-2.5k.

Here the nice AE86s (I'm talking GT-S's here) are going for $3500 and up... keep in mind there are VERY few left here since road salt ate most of them.

I know where there is an SR5 coupe, automatic, ~130,000 miles, dark blue, with rust bubbles on the rear fenders, and they want $2000 for it.

Meanwhile FC Turbos can be had for under $4000 in pretty nice shape - and my '88 GTU in okay condition was only $1700.