finally decided after 10 months of waiting to say forget the rx8 and in with the STI.

after reading all the negative responses from members makes me sick.why would i spend 34,000 for a car that gets terrible gas mileage,engine problems ;which includes the apex seals , engine heat and the lack of power from low horsepower and torque. if i'm gonna spend that much money bearing that i'm only 20 i think i should at least get a banfg for my buck. so i'm gonna say so long rotary hello boxer.

yawn

Originally posted by tonamal
engine problems ;which includes the apex seals Please tell me you didn't bring that up.....:o

your sti will have some problems too no doubt. no car is perfect.

Shouldn't this be posted on a Subaru forum because you have already made up your mind? Posts like this just seem to fan the flames around here.

Don't get me wrong, the STI is an awesome all-out performance car and if I was looking for the most bang for the buck the STI & EVO would be on my short list but IMHO posting this on a Subaru forum will get you more of the feedback that you are looking for.

As for the RX-8 it has more soul/personality than most cars on the road and that just doesn't show up on a spec sheet. If you don't feel that connection with the car I think that you would be disappointed with the RX-8 if you happen to buy one.

Don't know what you're smokin, but I have not read even ONE post saying that apex seals have gone.

Zero.

Doesn't happen.

But don't let the facts confuse you, your mind is made up......

Bye....

S

If the interior didn't look like it came from Subaru's old parts bin I might have considered it....

STI HUH???? Best bang for the buck HMMMM???? How about an SRT4....Now that's bang for the buck..a 13 second car for 20 thousand not 30 thousand....It's apparent you don't give a hoot about looks....or interior or comfort ..or feel....If all you want is fast get the SRT and dump 10 more thousand in it...I doubt any thing will catch it.....except alot more money...Peace:cool: and good luck with your purchase...:cool:

as per the apex seals: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14477&highlight=apex+seals

Tonamal, being 20 will certainly forgive you.

At twice your age plus plenty, I am having trouble waiting the 7 days that remain until I drive my sti into Sydney next Friday and emerge soon after in my new titanium 8.

The sti has provided enormous fun, especially as I live in the country and have an un-policed road nearby where I fequently exceed 230 kph, moreover it is my third wrx. However, the extended test drive I have had in the rx8 illustrated just how much more user-friendly its lesser power is (no need to dump the clutch at 5000+ just to keep up with other traffic at the lights),
and its cornering is vastly superior - vastly!

Beauty, tactility, solidity, that warm fuzzy feeling...Subaru place no value in these things. Nor, then again, do many 20 year-olds.

hey geek if i want a pos srt 4 sounds good

i understand what ur saying i have driven the 8 twice now and thought i fell in love with the car but if there were multiple problems i wouldve got it but right now im leaning th other way

wahhh... move along... move along...

there's definately no argument here which car out performs which, the sti will surely blow away the 8, 300hp/awd/turbo....but look at what the Rx8 has that the sti doesn't? I think that outweighs what the sti has that the 8 doesnt. But that is just mine and many more of the member's here opinions.

I don't understand why you diss the SRT4...what are you looking for in a car...You made it sound like you wanted a fast straight line car....I was simply implying that as far as styling, comfort and speed.. that the SRT4 and the STI have alot in common...but the SRT4 is 10 thousand less...

Sorry hit submit to early....I was also going to tell you we have someone in the local racing club that drives an SRT4...You would have alot of trouble telling him that it's a pos...especially at the track....he run's consistent high 13's....and it's also his daily driver...But to each his own....I think the rx8 is better you think the sti is better...let's agree to disagree...but if you really want to hear the truth about bang for the buck....look into the SRT4...

If not a neon then why not a lancer evo...I believe it was car and driver that said..."It carves through the corners much better then the STI" So there's your handling and straight line speed....

Just one members opinion...take it how you like...

Funny, but I haven't had the urge to go and post on non RX8 forums and tell them that I didn't like their car and was choosing the 8.

The only real negative about the car anyone could honestly say will be with it over the life of the vehicle is the fuel consumption. Frankly, the consumption doesn't worry me, otherwise I would have got a motor scooter.

The car has a W.A.R.R.A.N.T.Y. If something is wrong, Mazda will fix it - they have no choice.

Get in the car, test drive it ... if you like it and you can cope with the fuel consumption - buy it. If you don't like it, go away ... please, just go away!

WRONG!@!

STi in Australia starts running problems from the engine to the muffler. Most WRXs or STis cannot last over 5 years without major surgery!!! GOOD LUCK! :) I like the drive of the STi but the problem ratio is MUCH MUCH higher in WRX than RX8 (oh well so far as no long term test yet)

Fuel consumption. STi is about the same isn't it? The Ford and Holden has much worse fuel consumption and don't ask my friend with Skyline R34 for a long trip (or else hire a petrol tank as well)

TONAMAL, I hope you get the feeling that we care about you here down under.

RE fuel consumption: sti will only better posted 8 experiences if driven by your Mother.
Re reliability: 3 wrx's later, no faults whatsoever. Front brake pads and discs and clutch plates replaced at appropriate mileages according to driving style. Tyres: got 42000 km out of the first Potenzas on the sti (showing my age).

I bought the RX-8

but for a short time I was considering the STi- it is cheaper, the acceleration from 4000-6000 rpm was nothing less than astonishing (and not a bit scary), and the engine was proven.

but after test driving it a bit i realised;

- the interior of the sti is low rent
- you would never get to use the car's acceleration in daily use
- it attracts attention of all the wrong sort (im not 20 any more)
- the ride is not the best
- perhaps the worst of all, the engine block is actually ancient- you can bolt on any part of the newest sti's (we only have the 2.0L in australia) to the oldest liberty RS turbo which is over 10 years old not, including suspesion components.


but good luck to all the sti owners out there- fromm 4000-6000rpm its a special car.

Tonamal, if the only reason you're here is to make posts designed to cause a flame war, leave now. If you don't want the 8, wonderful-go buy the STi, but posting such deliberately inflammatory comments is really uncalled for.

tonamal... Unless you bring in an exceptional income, your not going to buy either car... insurance is going to eat you alive at age 20.

I cant count the number of 18-22 year olds that have pulled on our lot in some kind of beat-up econo-box saying that they are going to buy an 8 and want a $250/month payment.... one look at the real-world payments and insurance costs and they vanish.

From what I hear about the STi, it looks like it would be a real hoot to drive, at least if you're pushing it. Straight line acceleration must be phenomenal, with all-wheel drive and 300 lb/ft of torque. Speaking of all-wheel drive, it's a nice feature to have here, when the roads are covered with snow. I'll see how my RX8 does with snow tires real soon.

However, I agree the interior looks cheap. And can you really expect better mileage with a 300 HP, 2.5 l, turbo boxer, in a car that really isn't very light either?

And regarding reliability, I can't speak for the STi, but my 2002 WRX first allocation had a few issues from the get-go, some remedied before I traded it in at 30,000 miles: Altitude sickness when I took it to Colorado, (the dealer said basically, we can't duplicate it, so we can't solve it) clutch action like a light switch, (engaged or disengaged, no linearity) crunchy, imprecise shifting, numerous CEL's, two evaporative emission control sensors replaced, (no biggie) the engine rapped like Grandmaster Flash when cold, (probably piston slap; an idiosyncracy shared with many other Subarus including my '95 Impreza) and finally, a clutch that was replaced under warranty, 'cause when the drive train was cold, the clutch would judder so badly, I thought I was driving over railroad ties.

The STi is also a very complex piece of machinery, with variable valve timing, turbo, all-wheel-drive, 16 valves, multi-piston calipers, variable torque split, front/rear limited slip, etc. How will it (or any car, including the RX8) hold up in the long run, and if it breaks, which of these many parts will it be? And cheaper? My RX8 cost under $28,000.

So far anyway, (~4500 mi.) no issues with my (first allocation) RX8. As a daily driver, the RX8 is a much more pleasant car to drive, all things considered, even though I don't get that nice push in the back as the boost kicks in. I do still like Subaru though, mainly for their uniqueness and innovation.

If straight line speed is all you care about then definitly, get the sti. But nobody on the road is going to give your Subaru a second glance. Plus, it's a Subura.
Looks kind of cheap imo.

I do not get it, why post here that you are not going to get an 8? You think that the owners are going to say, "Oh I agree with you!" Go buy whatever and go find a forum for it.

I'm not going to buy an 8 until Spring of 2005 (I have to pay off my other two cars first). I visit here often because I like to dream about the 8, and listen to the guys that are lucky enough to own one! As a former owner of two 1st Gen RX-7's, there is nothing like driving a Rotary. No, they weren't perfect, but I did put on almost 200k on each RX-7, and they were very reliable. Just make sure that you take care of them (regular checks by a guy that knows the Rotary). The RX-8 is everything that I wish that my old RX-7's had been.

Owning a Rotary is just special. It's not like everyone else on the road.

take care, we won't miss you

Hey, someday we will all move on -- your just doing it about 5-7 years earlier than me (and without actually getting your feet wet). :D

My cousin has one and he really likes it (I like it too) -- but I let him drive my RX-8 the other day and he went nuts over all the head turning and positive comments he received whenever he parked and got out.

He told me that he still loves his car but now feels like he is driving an "invisible Buick" (his words, not mine) and he only gets noticed in his Subaru wrx Sti by the occasional 'kid at the stoplight' wanting to race.

The RX-8 has more than just looks and great handling. Like other great sports cars it is the latest in a chain. It is classy. It has a history. It has a loyal following. It has traceable pedigree (Mazda calls it DNA)! The Rx-8 is part of something bigger. The issues (MPG, Apex seals, etc.) you read about on the 2004 RX-8 will all be fixed, in time, and the 2005 RX-8, 2006 RX-8, etc. will be even stronger.

Good luck with that rocket. Drive safely!

Originally posted by tonamal
finally decided after 10 months of waiting to say forget the rx8 and in with the STI.

after reading all the negative responses from members makes me sick.why would i spend 34,000 for a car that gets terrible gas mileage,engine problems ;which includes the apex seals , engine heat and the lack of power from low horsepower and torque. if i'm gonna spend that much money bearing that i'm only 20 i think i should at least get a banfg for my buck. so i'm gonna say so long rotary hello boxer.


If you care mostly about speed speed and speed, both accelerating from a roll, standing starts ang going through auto x courses and racetracks the STi is the better more capable car by FAR than the RX8!!

But the Sti doesnt hold a candle to the RX8 when it comes to looks both inside and out.

The STi is an VERY intimidating car when standing next to you at a light.

Get the Sti. If I had the chance to do it all over again. I'd get the Sti. :)

Originally posted by The Red One
The STi is an VERY intimidating car when standing next to you at a light.

Get the Sti. If I had the chance to do it all over again. I'd get the Sti. :)

Traffic light racing ... now that says it all!

*yawn* go street race your rally car.

If performance is what you really want go with a Mustang Cobra. I went to a tuning session to meet up with a bunch of Mach 1 and Cobra owners this past Saturday, and the Cobra owners were all getting from 450-500+ hp with just a few cheap mods. According to Mustang Monthly, it only takes $1199 in mods to make it an 11 second car, and you don't have to remove seats and shit like a ricer. Also it isn't uncommon to land a 2003 Cobra for around $31-$32K right now, if you wanna spend a little more for a little upgraded interior and also a rarer version of it there is a 10th Anniversary SVT Cobra with a Red and Black interior, special wheels, badging with the standard 390 hp and 390 lb ft of torque. That's just 15 less hp than a Z06 Corvette.

If performance is what you really really want, that should be the car your looking at, not a Sti. I like coming around here, I do like the RX-8, but it isn't what I am looking for, I wanted performance with a really loud ehaust note, big engine. I decided to go with a Mach 1, this weekend was the first time I rode in one and the power and how it roared put a big smile on my face. Although after hearing the Cobra on that dyno, that thing sounded scary as shit - also put a monster grin on my face hearing that supercharger whine over the already loud exhaust - never heard anything quite like it before. :D

RX-8 owners have an advantage that most cars don't have - excellent cornering and handling ability. They are also classy looking, different, has a lot of features, and a beautiful interior. The Sti offers none of that, the handling from what I heard is nervous at high speeds, ulgy interior, ulgy exterior. It basically looks like a riced out Kia Sephia. If I put a big ulgy wing on the back of my Kia and a hood scoop, it'd look almost identical to the STi. $31K for a car that looks like a riced out Kia - no fucking way!!!!! I don't care if that shit was boosting 400 hp. Go with the RX-8 or at least pick a better second choice.

Originally posted by GodWhomIsMike
If performance is what you really want go with a Mustang Cobra. I went to a tuning session to meet up with a bunch of Mach 1 and Cobra owners this past Saturday, and the Cobra owners were all getting from 450-500+ hp with just a few cheap mods. According to Mustang Monthly, it only takes $1199 in mods to make it an 11 second car, and you don't have to remove seats and shit like a ricer. Also it isn't uncommon to land a 2003 Cobra for around $31-$32K right now, if you wanna spend a little more for a little upgraded interior and also a rarer version of it there is a 10th Anniversary SVT Cobra with a Red and Black interior, special wheels, badging with the standard 390 hp and 390 lb ft of torque. That's just 15 less hp than a Z06 Corvette.

If performance is what you really really want, that should be the car your looking at, not a Sti. I like coming around here, I do like the RX-8, but it isn't what I am looking for, I wanted performance with a really loud ehaust note, big engine. I decided to go with a Mach 1, this weekend was the first time I rode in one and the power and how it roared put a big smile on my face. Although after hearing the Cobra on that dyno, that thing sounded scary as shit - also put a monster grin on my face hearing that supercharger whine over the already loud exhaust - never heard anything quite like it before. :D

RX-8 owners have an advantage that most cars don't have - excellent cornering and handling ability. They are also classy looking, different, has a lot of features, and a beautiful interior. The Sti offers none of that, the handling from what I heard is nervous at high speeds, ulgy interior, ulgy exterior. It basically looks like a riced out Kia Sephia. If I put a big ulgy wing on the back of my Kia and a hood scoop, it'd look almost identical to the STi. $31K for a car that looks like a riced out Kia - no fucking way!!!!! I don't care if that shit was boosting 400 hp. Go with the RX-8 or at least pick a better second choice.

I rather like the 03 Cobra, but you're coming off like a true muscle head. First, the STi handles great and will detsroy your beloved Mach 1 stock for stock in every performance category, 1/4 mile, road course, skid pad, braking... Get back to us when your car gets a modern day suspension and we'll talk. Fast in a straightline mustangs do pretty well, turns... not so good. Insulting the looks of an STi makes it look like you have no other way of justifying your purchase of an inferior car.

For some of the other haters, believe it or not I get a ton of compliments on my car and have people asking me about it all the time. Just because you don't like the way it looks doesn't mean everyone feels the same way. Some people also put things like acceleration and handling over looks. While the RX-8 and the STi are both great handling cars the STi beats it severely in the acceleration department and to some people that's very important. Reliability, who knows, they are both new cars to these shores so only time will tell.

I do agree though that the original poster was rubbing it in for no apparent reason...

Originally posted by IkeWRX
I rather like the 03 Cobra, but you're coming off like a true muscle head. First, the STi handles great and will detsroy your beloved Mach 1 stock for stock in every performance category, 1/4 mile, road course, skid pad, braking... Get back to us when your car gets a modern day suspension and we'll talk. Fast in a straightline mustangs do pretty well, turns... not so good. Insulting the looks of an STi makes it look like you have no other way of justifying your purchase of an inferior car.

For some of the other haters, believe it or not I get a ton of compliments on my car and have people asking me about it all the time. Just because you don't like the way it looks doesn't mean everyone feels the same way. Some people also put things like acceleration and handling over looks. While the RX-8 and the STi are both great handling cars the STi beats it severely in the acceleration department and to some people that's very important. Reliability, who knows, they are both new cars to these shores so only time will tell.

I do agree though that the original poster was rubbing it in for no apparent reason...


Sorry man, I retract the negativity I stated in the post above yours. I shouldn't have condemned the STi like I did. It has a ton of strong points and all I pointed out was based on my subjective opinion on looks. Yes I am into the whole muscle car thing, I guess being that my Uncle, who I am really close with, always had an extreme muscle cars - from Saleens to now a really beefed up Grand National. I will admit I looked closely at the STi, but the looks are which didn't sell me (big rear spoiler). I will admit, it has to be fun to have a car with a great deal of preformance that could be driven in any weather situation, on road or off road, and is made to man handle the twisties. The looks aren't my cup of tea, but the performance it has and its ability to handle anything is definitely a huge plus. I would take a regular WRX over a $20K+ SUV anyday that's for sure.

Again, sorry for being an asshole about your car. Guess I got all caught up with that original post.

Originally posted by GodWhomIsMike
Sorry man, I retract the negativity I stated in the post above yours. I shouldn't have condemned the STi like I did. It has a ton of strong points and all I pointed out was based on my subjective opinion on looks. Yes I am into the whole muscle car thing, I guess being that my Uncle, who I am really close with, always had an extreme muscle cars - from Saleens to now a really beefed up Grand National. I will admit I looked closely at the STi, but the looks are which didn't sell me (big rear spoiler). I will admit, it has to be fun to have a car with a great deal of preformance that could be driven in any weather situation, on road or off road, and is made to man handle the twisties. The looks aren't my cup of tea, but the performance it has and its ability to handle anything is definitely a huge plus. I would take a regular WRX over a $20K+ SUV anyday that's for sure.

Again, sorry for being an asshole about your car. Guess I got all caught up with that original post.

No worries, I love the GN along with a lot of other muscle cars. I may some day be the owner of a 71 Hemi Cuda which is sitting in my deceased uncle's garage collecting dust along with about 15 other cars... My dad may end up taking ownership and it will stay in the family so I guess I would be next in line. I also have another uncle with a lesser Cuda from the same year and my brother owned a 7?MY AMX so I've got an appreciation for american muscle as well. He traded it on on a Fiat X19 hahaha, poor guy, he never was good at picking cars that didn't fall apart or polute the neighborhood :p

FYI, I somewhat agree with you about the wing on the STi, part of me loves it because of my love for the WRC, the other part of me hates it because of it's gregarious nature. If I ever own an STi the trunk will be swapped with a regular WRX, which many STi owners have done already.


Take Care,
Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
FYI, I somewhat agree with you about the wing on the STi, part of me loves it because of my love for the WRC, the other part of me hates it because of it's gregarious nature. If I ever own an STi the trunk will be swapped with a regular WRX, which many STi owners have done already.


Ike - I was wondering why Subaru didn't offer a rear wing delete option or at least a standard WRX wing, I actually like the wing on the regular WRX, I feel it flows a little better with the car.

oh btw that's sweet with the Cuda man - goodluck with that.

Originally posted by GodWhomIsMike
Ike - I was wondering why Subaru didn't offer a rear wing delete option or at least a standard WRX wing, I actually like the wing on the regular WRX, I feel it flows a little better with the car.

oh btw that's sweet with the Cuda man - goodluck with that.

Not sure why, I guess they just wanted to keep the rally car heritage alive. It's usually pretty easy to get someone to swap their WRX trunk and give you cash as well, so it's not that big of a deal if you don't want it. I'll see if I can find a pic of soemones STi with the trunk swap.

Ike

Silver wingless STi

WRX wing on blue STi

and the reason why I just can't quite hate the STi wing... It looks so damn mean

Man that hood scoop is absolutely GIGANTIC!!

But regardless, I still wouldn't mind having one...before I got my Z, my best friend had a WRX wagon, and that car was FUN to drive.

Originally posted by zthang
Man that hood scoop is absolutely GIGANTIC!!

But regardless, I still wouldn't mind having one...before I got my Z, my best friend had a WRX wagon, and that car was FUN to drive.

Yeah it's quite large on the STi, you almost need thw wing just to balance it out.

Both STi and Evo8 are 'too much' for me. I think the best looking of the bunch would be an Evo8 with 'normal' tail lamp and spoiler. I really can't get used to the headlights on the Imprezza..... The Legacy STi will likely be a hit, I'd consider that.

I wouldn't expect an STi Legacy any time soon. Honestly I miss the bugeyes, the new headlights are a little too generic for me. I really like the silver without any wing, but should I ever own one it will be white with the gold wheels. The EVO will certainly be considered as well, but if I end up getting another Subaru it will probably be the Legacy with some mods. Assuming Subaru gets the specs right on that car for the US. The other option will be keeping my WRX for a loooooong time and getting a project car once it's close to being paid off.

Love the Subaru WRC heritage (Big WRC fan!)but the hood scoop (small animal catcher) and rear wing pretty much say "hey, I'm 20something and hate ricers!" or another-words, no class....Got to agree with posters above, for the money, you can't touch Dodge's little square box.. the SRT-4 for performance. I've got an old beat up V-Max if I want to feel superior at the stop lights, it can still squeeze out a 10 sec 1/4 mile and surprises an occaisional uninformed crotch-racer.

Originally posted by SDFLY
Love the Subaru WRC heritage (Big WRC fan!)but the hood scoop (small animal catcher) and rear wing pretty much say "hey, I'm 20something and hate ricers!" or another-words, no class....Got to agree with posters above, for the money, you can't touch Dodge's little square box.. the SRT-4 for performance. I've got an old beat up V-Max if I want to feel superior at the stop lights, it can still squeeze out a 10 sec 1/4 mile and surprises an occaisional uninformed crotch-racer.

I used to have a V-Max, but it was a snowmobile... :p At least I think that's what it was called :confused: By the way the scoop on the STi is at least functional which you can't say for the SRT-4. But if you want to go fast in a straight line and don't mind the "it's still a neon" stigma then you can't go wrong with the SRT-4.

Originally posted by IkeWRX
The EVO will certainly be considered as well, but if I end up getting another Subaru it will probably be the Legacy with some mods.

Join Abusive wombat, revhappy, and me IKE. I think that's about it "people who considered the 8 than went for the evo"...

Now were talking about "functional scoops"? Next it'll be a factory "slammed look" and subwoofers....your on the wrong threads if that's whats important in a car to you. Do a little research and see what you find out about the Yamaha V-Max, it might surpise you if not educate you a-bit. Functional hood scoops....aren't we talking about 4 cylinders here?

Originally posted by moogle
Join Abusive wombat, revhappy, and me IKE. I think that's about it "people who considered the 8 than went for the evo"...

Don't forget about G-Man. However, based on his past history, he has probobly dropped the EVO and a few Porshes and is now onto something else(we haven't seen him for awhile).

Originally posted by SDFLY
Now were talking about "functional scoops"? Next it'll be a factory "slammed look" and subwoofers....your on the wrong threads if that's whats important in a car to you. Do a little research and see what you find out about the Yamaha V-Max, it might surpise you if not educate you a-bit. Functional hood scoops....aren't we talking about 4 cylinders here?


Someone needs to lighten up... How is a scoop that connects directly to an intercooler anything like a subwoofer or slamming your car??? I know full well what a V-max is, I was making a joke.

Originally posted by tonamal
why would i spend 34,000 for a car that gets terrible gas mileage,engine problems ;which includes the apex seals , engine heat and the lack of power from low horsepower and torque. if i'm gonna spend that much money bearing that i'm only 20 i think i should at least get a banfg for my buck. so i'm gonna say so long rotary hello boxer.

hey tonamal, when you find a piston car that has zero problems and 100 percent manufacturing quality, let us know. I not only will buy the car but will buy stock in the company as they will have ground-breaking technology in manufacturing process. There is no perfect car, and people aren't going to post a thread saying, "Hey, I didn't blow my seals today." So naturally (other than the Little Things (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9437)) many threads will be about bad stuff that happened to the car. I will attribute your naivete to your tender years. ;)