First Place: 2004 Mazda RX-8

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/101039/page002.html

Wow. That was an outstanding article (for those of us who love the 8... maybe not for the Z).

Really summed up the essence of the 8... which fits me perfectly.

Woohoo! we rock.

Nice to know! The RX-8 is KING!!

yes, as said in Italian mag, RX-8 is more good on daily use....and good when you push on corners.
The real obstacle to the diffusion in Europe is high consumption .rember that gasoline price here is equivalent to 1,1 dollar for litre (a gallon is 4,54 liters). (euro/dollar ratio assumed 1:1)

I have never seen so much emphasis put on noise and ride quality in a sports car road test! :( That being said, their complaint about the lack of personality in the VQ mirrors my impression as did their approval and slight dissapointment in the exhaust notes of the 350Z and RX8, respectively.

I agree with the notion that a slower car that is better balanced can be more enjoyable than a faster, more brutish car, but my personal impression of the RX8 was not nearly as high as theirs. I think I'll test-drive it again to see if my first impressions were correct.

Other interesting things - the acceleration times were still high for the RX8, but are not bad considering that Edmunds doesn't usually launch their cars hard. Also, the RX8 got a worse slalom time than then 350Z. Finally, they left out the RX8's "observed gas mileage"? :confused:

someone please email this to blue350z:D

revhappy...

The balance and fluid feel of the RX-8 is exactly what made me want the car. So, while their article may not jibe with your opinion, that's cool.

But it jibes with mine. :D

Mazda paid Edmunds.com. Mazda also paid TopGear. ;)

Just wanna say that out before z owners say that. :D

Ferrari is paying worldwide magazine since 40 years:D

Originally posted by racerdave
revhappy...

The balance and fluid feel of the RX-8 is exactly what made me want the car. So, while their article may not jibe with your opinion, that's cool.

But it jibes with mine. :D

Hey, that's cool and really what most of us are looking for. :)

Donald if it were that easy would every car get a good write up?

Excellent article ! The runner up in my car purchase was the G35c. I went with the 8 for the same reasons mentioned - with no regrets. Edmunds solidified my decision. Thanks.

The Z may be faster, but the RX-8 is the better sports car.

That last sentence sure sums it up nicely.

Corner carver...

Nice article - had so many great one-liners about the design and performance of the car. WRt the exhaust note, I'd liken the difference to that between a piston-powered prop aircraft and that of a turboprop. Sure, one's got that meaty "blub-blub-blub" sound to it, but the turbine that spins the turboprop tends to be smooth and refined.

I never got to drive a Z, or the G35c, which were my top 2 contenders against the 8... but one short test drive in the 8, and I was hooked. This article just helps reinforce my decision.

This is my first sports car, and even with the "missing" hp, it's still far above my needs. I'm a happy camper. :D

Originally posted by WTF no turbo
Donald if it were that easy would every car get a good write up?

Just the high bidder. I guess manufacturers would write it off as "marketing."

Glad I didnt end up 2nd....Z was a consideration a year ago

Interestingly enough, if you look at Edmunds "long term update" of their 350Z, they state their MPG raged from 14 MPG to 19 MPG.

Sound familiar?

Revhappy, I'm disappointed in you....and where's your buddy Ike? Nothing new here, I drove the Z first as well as the G35 and this article was pretty much "spot on" although I'd likened the feel of the RX ride as "glass-like and nimble".

the 0-60 times are close to what has been shown in other tests, all depending on the launch. I have read from 5.9-7secs (highest time), all depending how badly you abuse the clutch. Still, the 8 can move off the line if you want it to, just have to keep it in the sweet spot of its power band. I think from a normal launch (not 8k), you can manage mid to low 6's.