as i said
i have rsx type-s but i wanna get rx-8 (love the way it looks ^^)
i am not into fast or not but i just wanna know the fact be4 i buy rx-8

thax

my best time for stock was 15.3x
now i am doing 14.99~15.1x with i/h/e
how fast is stock rx-8?

Probably comparable to your modded RSX.

in the best motoring video "rotary reborn" they tested the 8 with a g35 (skyline coupe), s2k, wrx, the rsx but it was the integra type r (J SPEC RSX) and others...heads up the rsx did beat it in acceleration just by a fraction (around 50-70 mph) but keep in mind that it was the type r K20 engine...and the rsx is a little bit lighter...=(

Like Ike said, should run really close to your current car. Most times I've seen on the production US spec RX-8's put it between 14.8 and 15.2 stock.

The RX-8 "feels" a little faster than a stock RSX-S, not much, but a little faster.

What are your traps like JD?

I own both a modded RSX, and stock RX-8. I agree they are very close, but I think the RX-8 runs a slight bit faster. It is also easier to drive and shift which will give a better edge.

Mark

I'd say the RSX has more of a "purple" ride, whereas the RX8 can best be described as "lippy"

Originally posted by Lex
I'd say the RSX has more of a "purple" ride, whereas the RX8 can best be described as "lippy"

I missed these ones in my English class back in Argentina:
"Purple" ride = ??
"Lippy" ride = ??

Geee, ya'll killin' me!

Originally posted by mqandil
It is also easier to drive and shift which will give a better edge.

Mark

The 8 has a better feeling shifter than the RSX 6MT? :eek:

thax for all of your replay ^^

reason i wanna buy rx-8 is not for 1/4 mile but all of my friends try to stop me buying rx-8.
i am so in love with rx-8 now i can't think of any car that i wanna buy right now ^^
rx-8 is great car.
i just test drove demo rx-8.
it pulls harder than my rsx type-s at low end but i feel like as rx-8 rev higher i felt it is kinda lack of power?
i don't know how to explain this feeling. it is strong around 4k~7.5k rpm but after that it felt like it lossing power........
i don't know but i will buy rx-8 for sure ^^
i never drove mazda car be4 but rx-8 was more smoother than rsx type-s and s2k

thax again
i am looking for more infos about acceleration ^^
how you feel driving it everyday........etc

Originally posted by RX8-TX
The 8 has a better feeling shifter than the RSX 6MT? :eek:


Highly doubt that, it really doesn't get much better than the 6 speed Honda/Acura

Originally posted by IkeWRX
What are your traps like JD?

my rsx trap at 96.8 mph

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Highly doubt that, it really doesn't get much better than the 6 speed Honda/Acura

i agree
for shifting rsx is much more smooth but for acceleration wise rx-8 is much more smooth

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Highly doubt that, it really doesn't get much better than the 6 speed Honda/Acura

I agree with that too. I test drove both the RSX-S and RX-8. The shifter feel on the RSX-S is more smooth, but not by much though. I preferred the size of the RX-8's shifter.

jdmlover79 should also consider that moving to the RX-8 gives him a better driving position (sits lower), rwd, better refinement (less road noise); and at the same time slightly better performance.

I traded in my '03 RSX Type S for my RX-8, AT, Sport and I found the 8 gets up a full head of steam quicker than the type s because the rotary gets up in the rpm/s quicker than the 4-cylinder in the Acura.

Although I had no negitive issues with the RSX other that it being a six-speed. If I were to really find fault with it would be that the car did not feel substantial enough. It felt...hollow! If that could be a word for it. The 8 is much more refined and comfortable to drive at the limit.

The RX-8 shifter is NOT better than the RSX-S in my opinion.

My roommate has an RX-8 and I drive an RSX-S so I've driven both extensively.

The RSX-S shifter is smoother, lighter, and more precise.

The RX-8 shifter feels more rubbery and vague than the RSX-S. It also requires higher effort shifts.

Both are fantastic cars, I absolutely love both cars. You can't really go wrong eith either.

If you want a little quicker acceleration, get hondata and tires for your RSX-S. Most people over on clubRSX with I/H/E/hondata/tires run low 14's, some even running high 13's.

If you want a better overall performance package, spend the extra money and get the RX-8. It won't run low 14's in the 1/4 mile without some modding (hopefully there will be mods soon), but it'll out handle just about anything on the road and is almost as practical as the RSX-S.

how is the rsx more practical than an rx-8??? My friend has an rsx type-s and I swear when I got regulated the the back seat it was not fun! The car is way too small..

Maybe on mileage the rsx would be more practical but when you and three other people want to get somewhere thats where the rx-8 shines!

Originally posted by bkterry13
The RX-8 shifter is NOT better than the RSX-S in my opinion.

My roommate has an RX-8 and I drive an RSX-S so I've driven both extensively.

The RSX-S shifter is smoother, lighter, and more precise.

The RX-8 shifter feels more rubbery and vague than the RSX-S. It also requires higher effort shifts.

Both are fantastic cars, I absolutely love both cars. You can't really go wrong eith either.

If you want a little quicker acceleration, get hondata and tires for your RSX-S. Most people over on clubRSX with I/H/E/hondata/tires run low 14's, some even running high 13's.

If you want a better overall performance package, spend the extra money and get the RX-8. It won't run low 14's in the 1/4 mile without some modding (hopefully there will be mods soon), but it'll out handle just about anything on the road and is almost as practical as the RSX-S.

Like you said, you own the RSX *snicker*... so of course you're going to say it's not better. You wouldn't want to look like you wasted your money on a POS.

Originally posted by bkterry13
The RX-8 shifter is NOT better than the RSX-S in my opinion.

My roommate has an RX-8 and I drive an RSX-S so I've driven both extensively.

The RSX-S shifter is smoother, lighter, and more precise.

The RX-8 shifter feels more rubbery and vague than the RSX-S. It also requires higher effort shifts.

perhaps it's because you're used to how your own car shifts which is why you feel the RX-8's shift is "rubbery" and "vague"...it took me a while to get used to how the 8 shifts and frankly, it shifts just fine...i've not driven an RSX so i cannot comment on which is better, but i've driven quite a few manuals and the RX-8 is just so short and sweet, i can't imagine anything better...

Both are fantastic cars, I absolutely love both cars. You can't really go wrong eith either.

If you want a little quicker acceleration, get hondata and tires for your RSX-S. Most people over on clubRSX with I/H/E/hondata/tires run low 14's, some even running high 13's.

If you want a better overall performance package, spend the extra money and get the RX-8. It won't run low 14's in the 1/4 mile without some modding (hopefully there will be mods soon), but it'll out handle just about anything on the road and is almost as practical as the RSX-S.

the RX-8 is still more practical than your 2-door RSX...i've sat in the backseat of an RSX and it reminded me of my 3000GT, the seats are there only for insurance purposes...in an RX-8 they're there because they function as actual passenger seats, and the suicide doors allow you to enter even without having to move the front seats forward at all...perhaps the only thing more practical about the RSX is gas mileage...but then i bought a sports car, not a Honda...i wasn't in it for economy

It is more practical for me as it gets much better gas mileage and has more storage space and a much more flexible cargo area. I have a dog that I often drive around with and in the RSX I can just lay down the back seats and he has plenty of room due to the hatch layout. It also prevents dog hair from getting on the seats. In the RX-8, there is really no where to put him. The car is also much roomier up front, and you don't have that bulge in the floor on the passenger side. True head room in the back seat is tight if your over 5'9". I use the cargo area much more than the back seats.

If you routinely carry passengers in the back seat and have the money for the extra gas costs, then yes the RX-8 is more practical for you.

Geez, you guys are really sensative about your car. I love the RX-8, and if I was rich enough I would have bought one. I bought an RSX-S because total costs (Payments, insurance, and gas) are about $150 per month less than the RX-8. If I had the extra $150 per month I would have bought the RX-8, and I probably will but one in the future, but for now I just can't afford it.

The RX-8 shifter is one of the best I have ever used, but it is not as good as the RSX-S shifter. In my opinion, neither is as good as the s2k shifter.

Geez, say one negative thing about the car and you guys go nuts. I love the RX-8 probably as much as you guys do, but it's not perfect.

note... you never defined the word practical.. to you using the cargo space was practical.. to me carrying three friends is more important..

I am not jumping on you as I still think the rsx is a hot looking car.. (provided it doesn't have a shopping cart spoiler)

also I am 75 bucks a month cheaper on insurance than my friend who has an rsx.. same age and driving record. (4 doors is amazing)

and we know both cars are not perfect. ;)

^ thanks for clearing that up.

Insurnace for me is also a little higher than it would have been on the RX-8, only about $15 per month though. Those high rates from the much stolen integra and two door layout seem to drive up insurance costs on the RSX.

It's pretty amazing how low some of the rates are on the RX-8! I guess if you classify it as a 1.3 liter 4 door it really drives the cost down.

This is a great thread. In 2001, I was about to buy the RSX-S, but I heard about the RX8 and decided to wait. If my decision was between these two cars, I would pick the RSX-S.

In terms of performance, the RX8 is slightly better overall. Acceleration is essentially even between the two cars. Handling is close also as the RX8 has done better on the skidpad (though the RSX-S comes with some crappy tires) and the RSX-S does better in the slalom test. As for the real world, my subjective experience was that one was not clearly better than the other in handling. The RX8's brakes are vastly superior and IMHO, that will allow the RX8 to win by a small margin on a road course.

I prefer the RSX-S shifter as I found the RX8's to be a bit too rubbery (though still excellent overall). The RX8 sat a bit lower, which I liked. Rear visibility was better in the RSX-S. Interior was very close, but I preferred the RSX-S's slightly (Interior is not a big deal for me).

As for practicality, I was in the earlier poster's boat. I put my dog in the back more than people and the folding down seat and lack of the high tranmission tunnel made the RSX-S much more practical. In fact for a year and a half, I have been saying the RX8 should have been designed in a similar manner as the RSX-S (i.e. 2x2, 2 door coupe).

The RSX-S wins this contest, IMHO because of cost. The Grand Touring Package will run almost $10,000 higher than the RSX-S (Fully-Loaded). The difference is gas mileage is around 10 MPG in mixed driving. I also believe that the RSX-S will be more reliable and the cost of repairs should be lower as a result. I expect insurance costs on both to be about the same. Finally, Acuras tend to hold their resale value very well and Mazda's tend to depreciate significantly. Given that the RX8 is by no means a limited edtion model, I'd expect it to depreciate quicker.

Originally posted by jdmlover79
as i said
i have rsx type-s but i wanna get rx-8 (love the way it looks ^^)
i am not into fast or not but i just wanna know the fact be4 i buy rx-8

thax

my best time for stock was 15.3x
now i am doing 14.99~15.1x with i/h/e
how fast is stock rx-8?

I had a 2003 Acura RSX Type-S. I loved the car... but traded it in for my RX-8 :) The RSX has pull when the vTec kicks in at (I forgot) around 5500 RPM.... but the RX-8 just feels a whole lot more powerful. It's also just an all-around better car. I like it much better than my RSX.

I think it's just personal preference. The RX-8 is a real sports car, or as close as to one as you can get. I like that. I don't consider the RSX a sports car or close to one.

It's tough to describe, but just drive 'em a lot you know what I mean.

You're going to have to take care of the RX-8 a lot more than the RSX... that is for sure! I think most RX-x drivers becomes enthusiasts that way.

RSX is a nice car. I've always loved Honda shifters but, it doesn't make a difference for me to actually care. As long as they can hold the power and they are placed in a good position, I'm all go. Though, I don't like long rubbery throws a la Jeeps and such. Then again, I'm a sports car type of guy.

I also consider Honda styling pretty lame. It's like it's designed by 60+ conservative types. Mazda takes chances and sometimes fail, but at least they try. Hell, my '93 RX-7 look pretty good compared next to the 8 and it's 10 years older! My old Honda looks like it's belongs to 80's fashion. Yuck. Then again, it was an Accord and not an Integra or RSX.

Originally posted by revhappy
Rear visibility was better in the RSX-S.
I could not disagree more. After driving the RSX-S for over a year, the visibility was AWFUL! The RX-8 is like driving a convertible with the top down compared to the RSX-S, in regards to visibility.
The difference in gas mileage is around 10 MPG in mixed driving.
Wrong! Maybe 2 mpg. I average about 19.5 in the RX-8. I averaged around 21-22 in the RSX-S.
I expect insurance costs on both to be about the same.
Nope. My insurance went down about $60 when I trade the RSX-S for the RX-8.

RX-8 shifter rubbery and vague?

Must not have drove the same car I did...

^ Compared to the RSX shifter. Compared to most it's pretty precise. It's all relative.

^^ was there a whole in your fuel tank on your RSX-S? Maybe you stayed above the VTEC changeover constantly? I've never heard of anyone getting mileage that low on that car. Most people get 27-28 mixed driving, and many people get 35 mpg on the highway.

Originally posted by jonalan
I could not disagree more. After driving the RSX-S for over a year, the visibility was AWFUL! The RX-8 is like driving a convertible with the top down compared to the RSX-S, in regards to visibility.

That was my experience as the RSX-S was less low-slung and had more rear visibility. In fact, I have no been in any similar 2X2-like car with as much rear visibility.

Originally posted by jonalan
Wrong! Maybe 2 mpg. I average about 19.5 in the RX-8. I averaged around 21-22 in the RSX-S.

As was stated in the post before mine, most people at least equal the EPA stimates (27.5 MPG in mixed driving) and from a poll on here most got 18 MPG or less for the RX8.


Originally posted by jonalan
Nope. My insurance went down about $60 when I trade the RSX-S for the RX-8.

Perhaps, but let's see how this turns out after a couple of years( i.e. when the insurance companies get knowledgable about the RX8).

Originally posted by Outlaws eXtreme
Like you said, you own the RSX *snicker*... so of course you're going to say it's not better. You wouldn't want to look like you wasted your money on a POS.

hey! let's not make rsx type-s vs rx-8
and DON"T say it is POS.
if it is..... i can start whole bunch of down things about rx-8 but let's not go that far cuz i love rsx type-s and rx-8.

i don't think i wasted money on my rsx type-s, the reason i wanna buy rx-8 is looks better (in my opinion) and less noisy etc.
but i love rsx just the way it perform.

thax for rplays guys ^^

p.s. dam i can't wait until i get new ride ^^

Originally posted by bkterry13
was there a whole in your fuel tank on your RSX-S? Maybe you stayed above the VTEC changeover constantly? I've never heard of anyone getting mileage that low on that car. Most people get 27-28 mixed driving, and many people get 35 mpg on the highway.
Oops, my bad. That must have been the car prior to the RSX, a Lexus IS300. .....nevermind :D

dam !
i want rx-8 so badly now dam it ^^
but i am kinda sad about my rsx type-s :(
i have to say good bye
good bye vtec :(

p.s. how come no one saying welcome to rx-8 forum ?:mad:

^ yeah, what he said :-)

They're both great cars, and their aren't supposed to compete with each other.

The RSX-S is a low $20's sporty hatchback and the RX-8 is a high $20's sports car with real world functionality.

jdmlover79, I think you'll really enjoy you're RX-8. You should be able to get a good trade-in on your car as the RSX holds it's value VERY well.

Revhappy,

I have to say that I am uncertain about the RSX S and its' handling ability? I have never driven the RSX S but I did drive a friends Integra Type R (the real thing not one with a faux sticker). And it certainly didn't handle as well as my RX-8. I have owned several sports cars, some that have been modified heavly and some like my RX-8 that were stock. My RX-8 is the only car that has handled as well as my M3 did while remaining stock. The 50/50 weight distrubution and rear wheel drive are perfect for on the track. It may do better if it was AWD in the rain or snow but without seriously spending more on brakes, suspension and tires we have a fantastic car for handling. Don't get me wrong if I was used to driving a front wheel drive with 60/40 weight distribution the RX-8 would feel weird while cornering.

Now as far as brakes go... If I can slow down later into the turn and hold my grip better in the turn I will be faster than another car which would be required to break earlier and (with a front wheel drive) potentially need to accelerate later will loose every time on the track. Better brakes are very important when racing. I would even like to see a turbo version of the RX-8 with some nice Brembo (or the like) calipers and slotted disks. What would my stopping power be then?

Now for those of you who think that the RX-8 has "rubbery feeling" shifting... I am a little bit confused. Mazda has some fantastic short throw shifters in their cars. The Miata was well known for its' short throw. With the RX-8, Mazda went a step further, and practically fused the engine, transmission and driveline together. What did this do for us? Well for one we loose less hp in the driveline. I have noticed an increased feel in the shifting over my M3 which BMW prides themselves on the feel of the road and car. I have driven many different cars and without spending another $30k or more I can't find a car that has better feel for the gear box (without after market mods of course). Again if I have been driving an Acura for some time and try to switch over to a different car my regular commuter will feel better. Why? because that is what I am used to. I have seen people on the street in Honda's beat Porche's at the start simply because they new how and where to shift their cars. Having a better shifter doesn't make you faster if you aren't familiar with it.

I am not trying to ruffle any feathers but quite often the feeling of power or shifting is a subjective matter and familiarity will almost always make a difference ;) .

Originally posted by bkterry13
^ yeah, what he said :-)

They're both great cars, and their aren't supposed to compete with each other.

The RSX-S is a low $20's sporty hatchback and the RX-8 is a high $20's sports car with real world functionality.

jdmlover79, I think you'll really enjoy you're RX-8. You should be able to get a good trade-in on your car as the RSX holds it's value VERY well.

thank you ^^

^^ the RSX-S does NOT handle as well as the RX-8.

It's one of the best handling FWD cars I've even driven, but it can't touch the RX-8.

The RX-8 is the best handling car I've even driven.

You may be right about the shifter, it may just take some getting used to.

as handling wise rsx type-s is not that great (i drove my car for good 2 years now and i love to go track)
it has too much body rolls but i don't know about rx-8 (i never drive rx-8 at track or doing hard cornering).

but again rsx is graet car too ^^

Oh yeah don't let me forget about the re-sale value. The Miata and the RX-7 have held their values very well traditionally and I even got a discount on my insurance for my RX-8 due to it's projected re-sale value. This is truelly a one of a kind car and even if it becomes as popular as the Integra/RSX has been in the past it will still hold its value because it doesn't have the competition in the market place from Honda, Acura, Toyota, Subaru, Etc. No one else makes the rotary (wankel) engine right now on a mass production car.

Originally posted by jdmlover79
hey! let's not make rsx type-s vs rx-8
and DON"T say it is POS.
if it is..... i can start whole bunch of down things about rx-8 but let's not go that far cuz i love rsx type-s and rx-8.

what did you expect creating a thread called "is rx-8 a lot slower than rsx type-s?" on an RX-8 forum full of RX-8 enthusiasts? poorly labelled threads will create such types of debates

"is rx-8 a lot slower than rsx type-s?"

let's answer the thread.

Stock RX-8 is faster than stock RSX-S.
Stock RX-8 is faster than RSX-S with CAI.
Stock RX-8 is slower than RSX-S with hondatech.

There's a lot of heavily moded RSX-S out there and they are faster than our RX-8. :)

So, the answer is NO. RX-8 is not "a lot slower" than rsx-s.

p.s. both are nice cars

My friend is funkyR at the clubrsx.com. He has a DC5 Type R (same as your Type S). He was so impress of my 8 that he raced his with mine. No comparison - after 2 corners in the mountain - don't see him in the rear mirror at all :)

Originally posted by BRx8
what did you expect creating a thread called "is rx-8 a lot slower than rsx type-s?" on an RX-8 forum full of RX-8 enthusiasts? poorly labelled threads will create such types of debates

firstable read my threat from the beginning, i didn't say rx-8 is slower. i am just asking a question.
so you think becuz of title one can say POS to other person's car?

Originally posted by donald121
"is rx-8 a lot slower than rsx type-s?"

let's answer the thread.

Stock RX-8 is faster than stock RSX-S.
Stock RX-8 is faster than RSX-S with CAI.
Stock RX-8 is slower than RSX-S with hondatech.

There's a lot of heavily moded RSX-S out there and they are faster than our RX-8. :)

So, the answer is NO. RX-8 is not "a lot slower" than rsx-s.

p.s. both are nice cars

thank you for answering my question.
some of info you have is not rite but i won't go over that cuz i am not here or made this threat to be rsx type-s vs rx-8.
:cool:

Originally posted by takahashi
My friend is funkyR at the clubrsx.com. He has a DC5 Type R (same as your Type S). He was so impress of my 8 that he raced his with mine. No comparison - after 2 corners in the mountain - don't see him in the rear mirror at all :)

nice one yo

i believe rx-7 was legned in japan so i hope rx-8 will be a legend too ^^

Originally posted by jdmlover79
firstable read my threat from the beginning, i didn't say rx-8 is slower. i am just asking a question.
so you think becuz of title one can say POS to other person's car?

Yeah, I think everyone is beginning too sensitive. My friend has a rsx-s, it's a pretty nice car. There's a lot of after market parts for the rsx-s. With all those mods, rsx-s can be faster than 8 easily, but just stock to stock, 8 is faster.

Anyways, welcome to the forum. :cool:

Originally posted by donald121
Yeah, I think everyone is beginning too sensitive. My friend has a rsx-s, it's a pretty nice car. There's a lot of after market parts for the rsx-s. With all those mods, rsx-s can be faster than 8 easily, but just stock to stock, 8 is faster.

Anyways, welcome to the forum. :cool:

thax
dam you have nice looking car yo ^^

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
Revhappy,

I have to say that I am uncertain about the RSX S and its' handling ability? I have never driven the RSX S but I did drive a friends Integra Type R (the real thing not one with a faux sticker). And it certainly didn't handle as well as my RX-8. I have owned several sports cars, some that have been modified heavly and some like my RX-8 that were stock. My RX-8 is the only car that has handled as well as my M3 did while remaining stock. The 50/50 weight distrubution and rear wheel drive are perfect for on the track. It may do better if it was AWD in the rain or snow but without seriously spending more on brakes, suspension and tires we have a fantastic car for handling. Don't get me wrong if I was used to driving a front wheel drive with 60/40 weight distribution the RX-8 would feel weird while cornering.

I strongly disagree in regards to the RX8 being a better handling car than the ITR. The ITR is tuned to go right form the showroom to the racetrack and has done extremely well in sports car racing. The RX8 certainly has the better platform, but it is tuned way too soft to compete. There are always compromises in engineering, and that nice ride does come with a price - reduced handling ability.

IMHO, the tune of the car is more important than the theoretically better platform - unless you want spend serious money and time with it (experimenting with different setups) and are willing to always have a "tuner car" feeling when you drive it.

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
Now as far as brakes go... If I can slow down later into the turn and hold my grip better in the turn I will be faster than another car which would be required to break earlier and (with a front wheel drive) potentially need to accelerate later will loose every time on the track. Better brakes are very important when racing. I would even like to see a turbo version of the RX-8 with some nice Brembo (or the like) calipers and slotted disks. What would my stopping power be then?

I totally agree and I think that is why the RX8 should beat the RSX-S on a road course.

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
[B]Now for those of you who think that the RX-8 has "rubbery feeling" shifting... I am a little bit confused. Mazda has some fantastic short throw shifters in their cars. The Miata was well known for its' short throw. With the RX-8, Mazda went a step further, and practically fused the engine, transmission and driveline together. What did this do for us? Well for one we loose less hp in the driveline. I have noticed an increased feel in the shifting over my M3 which BMW prides themselves on the feel of the road and car. I have driven many different cars and without spending another $30k or more I can't find a car that has better feel for the gear box (without after market mods of course). Again if I have been driving an Acura for some time and try to switch over to a different car my regular commuter will feel better. Why? because that is what I am used to. I have seen people on the street in Honda's beat Porche's at the start simply because they new how and where to shift their cars. Having a better shifter doesn't make you faster if you aren't familiar with it.[B]

Well, that drivetrain must not be doing a great job at reducing power losses according to Mazda's estimate of 238 Engine HP when dyno's and real world experience suggest its much closer to 220 HP. I agree with the shifter comment and that's all the more reason to drive your car! :D

Revhappy,
Just as an FYI going from 238hp at the flywheel to 220hp at the rear wheels is about 9.5% drop on power where the normal range is between 15-20%. So drive train loss could reflect 202.3hp-190.4hp at the rear wheels with a less efficient drivetrain. So the RX-8 does pretty well. But of course you can always take into consideration that with the extra money you save on the RSX-S you could probably add a turbo and intercooler and make up for the drivetrain that way.

Keep in mind that the RX-8 does have the DSC/Traction Control so I can hit corners harder with more confidence. This doesn't totally make up for a stiffer suspension but it does help.

I had a '91 Toyota MR2 with heavy mods and we had it at 575hp. I put TSW Evo 17" wheels on it with Nitto exit GT 501 tires, Eibach Pro Springs and Koni 8-way adjustable shocks. My suspension was capable on the track let's say but when I had it dialed in for the track you wouldn't want to be a passenger driving on a bumpy road unless you were used to some serious Autocross on dirt roads. (No, the car never saw dirt roads).

Originally posted by jdmlover79
firstable read my threat from the beginning, i didn't say rx-8 is slower. i am just asking a question.
so you think becuz of title one can say POS to other person's car?

i've never called the RSX a POS...in actuality, this is the first time i've even talked about an RSX outside of a conversation i've had inside one with a friend that owns it...besides that i don't really think too much of them, i'm still very partial to the Integra Type R's of which the RSX was born from...i never truly liked the smaller, more compact, more triangular new form of the Integras...

i'm only responding to your amazement at how this turned into an RSX vs. RX-8 debate...it's because of your title...look at it! pretty much speaks for itself...

About the IT-R, I've recently started a thread on it here:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16398

I was about to get the RX-8 but a friend offered to sell his to me. I was debating with myself whether the refinement and looks of the '8 would justify the extra 9k (i'm getting only the 6MT Sports package) over the price of a used IT-R when I could "theoretically" have similar amount of performance and driving fun. So, 93rdcurrent, drop by this thread if you have more insights on the value of the IT-R

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
Revhappy,
Just as an FYI going from 238hp at the flywheel to 220hp at the rear wheels is about 9.5% drop on power where the normal range is between 15-20%. So drive train loss could reflect 202.3hp-190.4hp at the rear wheels with a less efficient drivetrain. So the RX-8 does pretty well. But of course you can always take into consideration that with the extra money you save on the RSX-S you could probably add a turbo and intercooler and make up for the drivetrain that way.

I think you misunderstood me. I said the dyno (~170 HP at the wheels) or more importantly acceleration times similar to the RSX-S indicate the car is only making 220 HP at the crank. If the HP at the wheels figure is so low and Mazda sticks to the 238 HP at the crank position, then the drivetrain is losing excessive power. Frankly, I think they are still overating the engine.

The RSX-S has a power to weight ratio of 7.23 (200 HP * 100)/2,767 lbs. Multiplying 7.23* 2,980 lbs. (estimated weight of the Sport Package) gives you about 215 HP. Using an estimate of the Grand Touring Package's weight of 3,029 lbs. gives you 219 HP.

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
Keep in mind that the RX-8 does have the DSC/Traction Control so I can hit corners harder with more confidence. This doesn't totally make up for a stiffer suspension but it does help.

This acts more like a nanny and I believe most who take the car on a road course will disable it.

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
I had a '91 Toyota MR2 with heavy mods and we had it at 575hp. I put TSW Evo 17" wheels on it with Nitto exit GT 501 tires, Eibach Pro Springs and Koni 8-way adjustable shocks. My suspension was capable on the track let's say but when I had it dialed in for the track you wouldn't want to be a passenger driving on a bumpy road unless you were used to some serious Autocross on dirt roads. (No, the car never saw dirt roads).

That sounds like a sick car, I think I would sh**t in my pants when that thing was on the track! :o

Revhappy,

The MR2 was a blast. I would like to see the RSX-S vs. the RX-8 myself. I don't see what area you live in but I think it would be fun to put these two cars up against each other with average street drivers, no mods, and lots of smiles... I know that both cars have a devout following and they really are fairly close in most areas. I don't mean this as a challenge but more just for kicks. I love to race and we have the Spokane Raceway out here where the BMW car club often reserves the track for weekend street warriors with work shops on improving driving and fun activities. This would be a fun place to put that question to the test. They will be opening up in the spring... Anyway I enjoy a good debate.

For more discussion on RX-8 compared to RSX-S and other high revving cars, you can also read this old thread started by revhappy himself :)

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9017&highlight=revhappy+rsx+celica

Yeah, I was having a hard time deciding which car to buy and I still am now :)

Originally posted by BRx8
i've never called the RSX a POS...in actuality, this is the first time i've even talked about an RSX outside of a conversation i've had inside one with a friend that owns it...besides that i don't really think too much of them, i'm still very partial to the Integra Type R's of which the RSX was born from...i never truly liked the smaller, more compact, more triangular new form of the Integras...

i'm only responding to your amazement at how this turned into an RSX vs. RX-8 debate...it's because of your title...look at it! pretty much speaks for itself...

i know you didn't say that
i quote Outlaws eXtreme's reply not yours right?

I AM NOT HERE FOR SAYING RX-8 IS SLOWER THAN RSX TYPE-S

^____^

**mod edit** please don't post offensive pictures

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
Revhappy,

The MR2 was a blast. I would like to see the RSX-S vs. the RX-8 myself. I don't see what area you live in but I think it would be fun to put these two cars up against each other with average street drivers, no mods, and lots of smiles... I know that both cars have a devout following and they really are fairly close in most areas. I don't mean this as a challenge but more just for kicks. I love to race and we have the Spokane Raceway out here where the BMW car club often reserves the track for weekend street warriors with work shops on improving driving and fun activities. This would be a fun place to put that question to the test. They will be opening up in the spring... Anyway I enjoy a good debate.

Hey 93,
Unfortunately, I'm on the other side of the country (unless they named Raceway Park in Old Bridge, NJ to Spokane Raceway. :p ). I think it would be close and come down to the driver in a drag race. My money is on the RX8 on a road course with its vastly superior brakes, but I still think it would be close.

I have been dieing to take my car on a road course and hopefully that will happen next summer.

godsh i just wanna know how fast is rx-8 compare with rsx type-s


edit : thax for all reasonable reply guys i guess i think this is it.
i don't want any reply.

admin plz shut down this threat and sorry about even asking a question about rx-8. i think i asked too much.

nice admin we have here ^^

Revhappy,
too bad. Oh well I bet we would've had a good time and I hope that you get to see some track time in N.J. I know you'll have fun and everyone can benefit from pointers no matter their level of skill. Anyway cheerio.

Originally posted by 93rdcurrent
Revhappy,
too bad. Oh well I bet we would've had a good time and I hope that you get to see some track time in N.J. I know you'll have fun and everyone can benefit from pointers no matter their level of skill. Anyway cheerio.

Thanks, I will need lots of pointers! :o

RSX Type R vs RX-8 Type S please refer to Best Motoring International video. Not sure about what you meant by 'faster' but I think the Honda 4 Banger actually has a more usable torque curve, but the rotary revs faster and smoother.

Sad to say, had a run with my friends 91 Prelude SI, and from 0-60, it was tie, I drive an auto and he had a auto too. It was on a local road so I didnt want to go any faster than that. We have some bad torque

Originally posted by bkterry13
It is more practical for me as it gets much better gas mileage and has more storage space and a much more flexible cargo area. I have a dog that I often drive around with and in the RSX I can just lay down the back seats and he has plenty of room due to the hatch layout. It also prevents dog hair from getting on the seats. In the RX-8, there is really no where to put him. The car is also much roomier up front, and you don't have that bulge in the floor on the passenger side. True head room in the back seat is tight if your over 5'9". I use the cargo area much more than the back seats.


I'd have to concure. The RSX, like most honda's is just more practical for cargo. Reason being...the seats fold down. Yes, you can fit plenty of crap in the RX8 thanks to it's suicide door lay out, but what happens with the REALLY bulky stuff? I'm a movie theater manager, and I have to move prints around at least once a week. Sometimes two or three films at once. With my Civic COUPE, I was able to just fold the rear seats down and stack everything.

With the RX-8, I have to lay down a bed sheet over the back seats, and slowly roll the (SINGLE) film into the back seat. Worry about it scuffing up the center console none the less, and pray that if I have to make a sudden turn, the fill won't slam against the opposite window, or not my ass out from sudden breaking.

Fuel economy is genuinely better. At the moment...the there is a wider aftermarket array of performance parts and I have a feeling that they shall always remain much more affordable than the RX-8's aftermarket mods.

Its a big compliment for the RSX-S to be in such a close comparison with the RX8. I don't think that Honda ever imagined comparing its RSX with a car that costs 10 grand more and the same goes for Mazda...

My opinion as I stated before is that the 8 is a great car with a very problematic engine that makes topics like this one possible

The renesis has to give something substantial in trade for the poor mileage and other little bugs. That "something" has to be HP ! I would be driving an 8 with no remorse on MPG's if I had those claimed 250's under my foot. I like it better than the s2000 and the Z350 , I'm guessing that Mazda will have to do some radical changes to this engine if it wants the 8 to sell year after year

As of today I don't see any edge in favor of the Renesis compared to its piston cousins : Worse MPG's, Less HP's, and all the usual little issues related or normal to the rotaries.

I wish someone could convince me otherwise

Has anyone actually thrown a RENESIS on an ENGINE DYNO yet?
Besides Mazda R&D.

Originally posted by budwei


As of today I don't see any edge in favor of the Renesis compared to its piston cousins : Worse MPG's, Less HP's, and all the usual little issues related or normal to the rotaries.

I wish someone could convince me otherwise

Yep...thats what I'm trying to figure out too...I really want to sell my S2000 to get an 8, but I really don't want a less powerful engine....if it had those claimed 250 horses, then I would reconsider....I'm trying to convince my self that the 8 won't be as slow as my S2000...which is slow compared to my previous car...Rx-7...I'll have to wait to see what goodies or what Mazda plans on doing in the years to come....Anyone know what would happen if they bump up the liter or motor size? Kinda what they did to the S2000? From 2 liter to 2.2 made alot of difference in torque and Horsepower. I know honda says theres no horsepower difference, but dynos prove other wise...atleast 20 horsepower different.

It's quite a shame because I think that the RX8 looks absolutely fantastic and my gf and I have been strongly considering trading one of our cars in for it. However the HP and MPG is such a huge concern. My car has 200whp with minor boltons i/h/e/hondata , runs 13.8 and gets 31mpg combined driving...

The reduced HP bugged me at first, but doesn't anymore. I can live with that.

But getting less than around 19 mpg is poor. I don't know if it'll keep me from buying it, but I'd like to see it be a little better, particularly as Mazda touted the Renesis as having improved fuel economy.

Anything below 25mpg is pathetic. Even a C5 corvette can get up to 29mpg on the highway!!! The car has 350hp!!!

Yeah, that's why my brain is having difficulty correlating 1.3L = 22 mpg when the Vette's 5.7L = ~30 highway.

It certainly doesn't seem like the Renesis is more miserly on fuel...

How did we get to the point on a thread comparing the RX-8 to the RSX-S that we start throwing Corvettes in? Whew! There are a lot of things to take into consideration here and for many people the rotary engines high rev and smooth feel is qutie the reason to buy the car. Many people are not experiencing the poor mpg (that I and some others are). This is the first year of the car and I am sure that many of our issues will be addressed. The EPA findings done on this engine were not in my understanding performed by Mazda. So why the difference on the production cars? Mazda has produced a fantastic car once again and I am happy with what I have. I could have Spent the $60k on the '04 M3 I was looking at but decided that even with the loss in hp I was still getting most of what I wanted. Maybe I can also look at how far the $34,500 will get me in gas. Now the poor mpg doesn't seem so bad. I would also like to point out that many people experience poor gas mileage when they purchase a new car. Many of the people I work around finance new autos and they have shared with me some of the concerns other owners have had about their new Hondas, GM's, Fords, Etc. So it isn't just us. And if it was more than it being a new car then I am sure we would be hearing from the EPA. They wouldn't want to be misled by any manufacturer and we would all have a serious complaint if this were the case. So rather can keep going on about this here on this thread move the mpg back to the proper thread and start a new one if you want to start comparing Chevy's to Mazda's.

Well, since we're throwing in Corvettes why not throw in the Accord?

3.0L V6 6 speed 240HP/212 torque (more like 260 with 93 octane), 3300 pounds (ouch) FRD

I've been averaging 21 mpg- but I drive like a bat out of hell, and I just got my first oil change so I expect mpg to increase.

I ran 14.5 my first time at the track and others have run as low as 14.3 stock.

Definetly doesn't handle as well as either the RX-8 or the RSX-S (I test drove both) but man, that torque throws you back in your seat! None of that high rev B.S. to launch either- optimal launching rpm is about 1800-2000.

Anyway, I've had the car about 2 months and I love it to death, the interior is very luxurious (better than the RSX and about the same as the RX-8) and there is adequate space in the back seat for passengers.

Oh, and it's only a little bit more expensive than the RSX-S- I got my 2003 for $23,900, which was about $100 over invoice.

There sure aren't nearly as many mods out for it as the RSX though!

Haha, welcome to the forum, Captal! :D

I actually traded in a 2003 Accord Coupe EX V6 for my RX-8. The torque was great, but it was soooo front heavy, it wasn’t funny. I also thought that the brakes were nasty. However, I traded it in mainly due to my incompatibility with its ergonomics. I was never able to get comfortable in it.

Originally posted by Captal
Well, since we're throwing in Corvettes why not throw in the Accord?

3.0L V6 6 speed 240HP/212 torque (more like 260 with 93 octane), 3300 pounds (ouch) FRD

I've been averaging 21 mpg- but I drive like a bat out of hell, and I just got my first oil change so I expect mpg to increase.

I ran 14.5 my first time at the track and others have run as low as 14.3 stock.

Definetly doesn't handle as well as either the RX-8 or the RSX-S (I test drove both) but man, that torque throws you back in your seat! None of that high rev B.S. to launch either- optimal launching rpm is about 1800-2000.

Anyway, I've had the car about 2 months and I love it to death, the interior is very luxurious (better than the RSX and about the same as the RX-8) and there is adequate space in the back seat for passengers.

Oh, and it's only a little bit more expensive than the RSX-S- I got my 2003 for $23,900, which was about $100 over invoice.

There sure aren't nearly as many mods out for it as the RSX though!

Asking from the bottom of my butt: Do you get peak torque @ 1800 rpm?

That has to be sweet! However, not as sweet as an Audi All-Road Bi-Turbo!!!

Originally posted by T-REX
I actually traded in a 2003 Accord Coupe EX V6 for my RX-8...I traded it in mainly due to my incompatibility with its ergonomics. I was never able to get comfortable in it.
EXACTLY why I traded my 2003 M-B C230k for my RX-8. The 8 just fits me well. And it's fun to drive, too -- that doesn't hurt!

This is kind of late chiming in, but I have driven both cars. The RSX like most Hondas, has no low end torque. It is pretty annoying to get going from a stop.

My MX-6 ran a 15.28 with just a Magnaflow exhaust, Hotshot CAI, and very good (S-03) tires. I race my friend quite often in his stock RSX Type S and we both autocross. He can pull on me on the highway once we are well past 60, but I beat him stop light to stop light everytime. He hasn't drag raced his yet though to get a sli[, but there are plenty that have. Maybe I can convince him to go over to Firebird one night with me. It would be really close.

I have test driven a few RX-8s. One felt incredibly faster than my MX-6. This figure is completely out of my ass, but it felt a good second faster in the 1/4 (although I didn't have the CAI then). It kicked you back from 2000 rpms and kept pulling harder and harder to redline.

The second RX-8 I drove was much slower, and while it kicked like the other off the bat, you could feel the torque drop as you climbed the RPM range. On the highway, it really didn't want to move at all.

The 3rd RX-8 I drove was somewhere in between. It didn't build like the first one, but it didn't drop like the 2nd one either.

Some guys in the UK seem to think there are at least two versions out there, and I agree.

Regardless, everyone knows that Renesis is not running to it's full potential. When that happens this thread will become pointless, because no RSX with anything short of FI will come close to keeping up with an NA eight.

Of course we are all waiting very impatiently for the first FI eight to start throwing out some numbers. Then Supras, modded FDs, 911 Turbos, and Z06's will be the debate.

Former RSX Type-S owner here.

I traded my RSX in on the RX-8 after 2 years of very pleasant ownership. I was really happy with the Acura. In fact, when working the deal with the Mazda dealership I told the guy that I was happy with my Acura and if they could not meet my numbers I would walk away happy with my current car...fortunately I didn't have to walk.

I loved the RSX. I purchased one the first month they came out. I loved the 6-speed and the iVTEC engine was like having a turbo when it kicked in on higher RPMs. But let's face it; I'm not out there racing with the car. I consider both the RSX and RX-8 to be a refined ride, not a striped down ride to get the best 1/4 mile time possible. With that in mind, here is my honest take.

Exterior styling is a hands down winner to the RX-8. My wife called me after seeing one thinking it was the new model RSX (she got a quick view and saw the RX) and told me the new one made my car look like sh*t. As for interiors, the RX-8 definitely has more room for both front and rear but I really have to say I liked the styling of both. The choice of materials for the dash on the RSX was fantastic and all controls were well placed. I especially love the climate control and the auto-up driver’s side window and miss them on the RX-8. The sound system in both cars was done by BOSE but the RX-8 blows the RSX away in terms of volume and bass even though the RSX had a sub in the spare tire area. The seats in the RX-8 have a much better fit to them. One thing I dislike is the placement of the cup holders in the 8 as they are too far back.

As for engine. The RSX was very smooth and the 6-speed transmission was the smoothest that I ever experienced. It is hard to knock Honda for their manual transmissions as they are very refined. The engine provided more than enough power for city and highway use and I never had any problems getting power from the engine when needed. Low end and high end RPMs produced the best with a lull in the mid RPMs until the VTEC could kick back in.

As for the RX-8, I drove both a 6-speed and AT before settling on the AT. I was somewhat concerned with the 6-speed as it seemed to idle a little rough. The 6-speed is smooth but is not as refined as the RSX. Both 8 engines are suitable for the task and operate extremely well. I have not had any problems getting power from it whether I am just racing to 60mph or trying to pass someone. The biggest thing is the difference in sound as the rotary has a very different sound to it.

Handling is much better with the 8 than the RSX. The 8 feels like it would hang upside down from the highway. I feel much more confidant in the 8 when cornering. Steering has a much tighter and responsive feel that with the RSX.

Finally as for fit and finish, both are excellent. I cannot find issue with either. Road noise is present in both but is not a bother.

Sort of long, but with all that said, I loved my RSX and I love my RX-8. There are a few things I would like to have in the 8 from the RSX but overall, the 8 is a very impressive vehicle that is well worth the money. I still cough at the gas pump but my wallet is getting used to it.

As for insurance, mine dropped significantly. I have a clean record any the rate dropped over $50.00 per month which more than makes up for the fuel. Ha-ha.

Finally…(again)…a few things negative about the 8. One of the nice things about the RSX Type-S is that there are no options. Everything was standard; 6-disc CD player, climate control, etc. On a higher-end vehicle, I would expect the 8 to include those items as standard. A $30,000.00 car should include those items as standard, much less to not even have some of them available. There were add-ons for the RSX such as spoiler, fog lights and the like (mainly appearance items) and that is fine, but some items should be considered standard features. It is nice that some options are there with the 8, as it gives some choices but overall it is somewhat lacking. Just a small sticking point with me.

Hope that helps...

RJ

RJ,

That was a great post. One thing to take into consideration though is that the RX-8 could have been a much more expensive car like the RX-7's were. Mazda figured that those of us who wanted the extras would be willing to pay extra and for those who either had a tighter budget or who were less concerned with Nav, 6 disc changer, etc. they were able to get a great sports car with some highly advanced features where it mattered most. I applaud Mazda for this insight and I think that they learned a few things from the last generation of RX-7.