Hello Rx-8 folks,

My friend has a e46 M3 6sp (2002) and we drove each others cars today (mine being a rx-8 mt)

Biggest difference I thought was the clutch. The RX-8's clutch is incredibly light compared to the M3s. Totally different cars I would say. M3 really hits after 3 rpm, and the engine gets pretty loud and sounds great. Sport mode was neat too. M3 also seems a lot heavier. M3 was more powerful in the low-end, but in the high rpms I thought they felt the same (my friend felt the same way). He said he loved how the rpm needle "floats". The power of the M3 was good, but not what I had expected, considering I've also driven a '02 911 twin turbo, and that thing has power everywhere, even while idling!

My friend loved the handling of the rx-8, the short shifter, the beep at 8500, and how light it feels.

2 great cars, but I'm still glad I got the rx-8. My friend joked that he wish he had an rx-8, and said "damn, I'd be up $20k!"

I love the m3

those are some kind words coming from a m3 driver

Originally posted by garbagedook
a '02 911 twin turbo, that thing has power everywhere, even while idling!

muah ha ha ha... :cool:

The e46 M3 is 1570kg without driver or fuel, compared to the RX-8's 1325 with driver and fuel.

Which makes the M3 inc driver and fuel about 3700llbs, and the rx-8 2900llbs. The M3 has a lot of power but it needs it...

2900lbs for a RX-8 with driver huh? Does this said driver weigh
-100lbs? :p

Ok, add even another 100lb for a fat assed american, thats still 700llbs lighter than the BMW. Just think, the CSL M3 saved 110 llbs, for a huge wadge of cash, you get that free with an RX-8 :D

IMo sports cars are all about their weight, yes power can make up in a straight line, but for braking, cornering and handling nothing can counter the extra llbs.

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Ok, add even another 100lb for a fat assed american, thats still 700llbs lighter than the BMW. Just think, the CSL M3 saved 110 llbs, for a huge wadge of cash, you get that free with an RX-8 :D

IMo sports cars are all about their weight, yes power can make up in a straight line, but for braking, cornering and handling nothing can counter the extra llbs.

Unless you drive an M3 which outbreaks an RX-8 despite it's heavier weight :p I see you're making friends by insulting americans, we may be fat but at least we have basic math skills. Exactly how did you come up with the RX-8 weighing 2900lbs with a driver when it weighs more than that without a driver?

Ike, the weight depends on the options that the car came with, of course. Anyways, eccles weighed their 8 (with the sport package):

"With a quarter-tank of gas and the spare wheel and mobility kit removed from the trunk, my Sport weighed in at 2860lb. All-up race weight, with driver and helmet, was 3065."

Originally posted by rabinabo
Ike, the weight depends on the options that the car came with, of course. Anyways, eccles weighed their 8 (with the sport package):

"With a quarter-tank of gas and the spare wheel and mobility kit removed from the trunk, my Sport weighed in at 2860lb. All-up race weight, with driver and helmet, was 3065."


Thanks, if I recall correctly when a curb weight is listed for a car isn't it with a full tank of gas?

At least we know Rob could get a skiny 40lb. british chap and get it around 2900 lbs, but he did say with a full tank of gas...

Really though Rob, don't take offense I'm just light heartedly messing with you.