Could I get a 0-60 time (stock) from some real drivers, i.e. you guys? I've heard tales that the 5.9 times, etc. reported in magazines are the result of guys revving to 8000+ then dropping the clutch, or guys not using the clutch at all, or just using other-than-normal driving techniques, etc., etc. and that most normal people couldn't get under 7.5 secs. Sounded ridiculous to me but I'd like it clarified. Under 6 times are awesome imo, but add another 1.5 secs and that stinks. I'd like to hear about this from some of you owners (non-AT please). I couldn't find a decent post on this topic earlier today. Also, if you were to floor an 8 already doing about 65, 70 mph, does it have the same get-up as a car with massive low-end torque (e.g. any American muscle car making a quick Interstate pass)? I couldn't test this on the test drive I took. Any help would be appreciated.

To address your last question, it depends on what gear you're in. Of course, if you're tooling along in a high gear at 70 mph and floor it, it is not going to act the same as a car with "massive low-end torque." How could it? You have to drive a lower torque, free-reving car differently than a high-torque lower-reving car. If you don't like shifting and what the characteristics of a typical American muscle car this is definitely not the car for you (may I suggest, oh...maybe an American muscle car??? :)

jds

The RX8 doesn't have massive low end torque. In fact, it doesn't have massive torque at all. If you're looking for a dragster you're looking at the wrong car. Much like an S2K, you have to take the car to its limits in order to experience its potential. The difference between the RX8 and S2K, however, is that the S2K lets you know you're thrashing its engine at the limit whereas the RX8 needs to remind you with a subtle beep. That's the difference between a rotary and a bunch of cylinders.

If you want a car that will put out 250+ pounds of torque at 2000rpm...try another manufacturer. This is not the car for you. If you're someone who realizes that points A and B are rarely in a straight line (and when they are, you find a reason to go somewhere else first) then the RX8 might stir your soul. If you want a dragster, look at a Mustang. If you want a car that will drive The Dragon (318 hairpin turns in 11 miles) (http://tailofthedragon.com/dragon.html) with aplomb, then the RX8 may be the car for you.

-Eric

P.S. Here's a link to a map of the Dragon. (http://tailofthedragon.com/maps/DRAGONmap.gif) I've done it a few times and can attest to it being an awesome drive. Anyone up for some curves? :D

Sue..

Wow...I need to drive to Tennessee SOON and drive 'The Dragon'. That looks like soooo much fun. (my wife is going to kill me for driving to TN for no good reason).

Exactly how are people supposed to measure their 0-60? I mean this with the utmost respect, but obsessing about 0-60 times are for teenagers and car noobs. As for the highway roll part, with the low torque it won't jump up to a high speed like a car with more torque would, but it's a matter of milliseconds of difference when already at speed.

I'll say it before someone else comes in here and does. If you drove the car and didn't want it, and are worried about 0-60 times and how it pulls in a straight line you'd be better served looking elsewhere for your automotive needs. The RX-8 is more about handling and balance than straightline speed (christ I'm starting to sound like and RX-8 owner...).

Jeesh, you guys and your fast typing, there were no responses when I started :p

Ike, couldn't agree with you more...but I can't help but laugh as I read your posts and see the bananas going at it. :D

Did someone say "Peanut Butter Jelly Time Gone Wild?"

-Eric

Ike....

We're making up for lost torque.

Back to the issue at hand. I drove the RX-8 and wanted one (but it's been a while, I should have made an impulse buy :-) ). 0-60 times have a lot to do with how a car feels and are thus not only for teenagers and car n00bs. Example? If a car does 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, you can rest assured that you will be pushed back in your seat, a feeling some car enthusiasts like. If a car does 0-60 in 9.5 seconds, you can bet that you will get no thrill at all out of this ride if straight line accleration is what you consider a thrill. What's a thrill for me? For straightline acceleration, under 6 (as a general rule) is an indication that I will get much pleasure from driving the car (in a straight line). Over 7, blah. Over 8, forget about it. For handling, I know the 8 is good enough to thrill me in regards to handling. I didn't romp on the 8 when I test drove it. That is why I'm asking you folks these questions. Well, that along with all the speculation found on this board and elsewhere about what the car can and can't do. Give me some times? That was idiotic to ask. How about this? Does the RX-8 give anybody any thrill when driving in a straight line? .... and .... If I downshift (I thought that was a given) to make a pass from IS cruising speed, will the 8 get me around the car in front of me in a hurry. Someone who has a had an aforementioned high-low-end torque car chime in here. I know I won't be getting a freakin 'vette, but I don't want a mother lovin' Pinto either, just a car that will scoot when I wanna.

Originally posted by 123V
Could I get a 0-60 time (stock) from some real drivers, i.e. you guys? I've heard tales that the 5.9 times, etc. reported in magazines are the result of guys revving to 8000+ then dropping the clutch, or guys not using the clutch at all, or just using other-than-normal driving techniques, etc., etc. and that most normal people couldn't get under 7.5 secs.

The magazines use drag racing techniques to generate their acceleration times on ALL their vehicles - they don't drive the RX-8 any differently or harder. Their RX-8 times are comparable to other cars, since they're all driven the same. Yes, that does mean clutch drops at whatever rpm works best. On cars like the RX-8 and Honda S2000, it is around 7000 rpm, where on other cars with more torque at lower rpm, it might only be at 4K or 5K rpm.

If you aren't normally doing clutch drop high rev starts in your current car, then you probably won't in your RX-8 either...

Regards,
Gordon

123V,

My background is all fast fast bikes and a few fast muscle cars. I'm used to torque and the rx doesn't have as much as I'm used to. BUT, given that, once you are used to the gear box and learn to rev beyond where a V-8 would be ripping itself apart it gets up and goes rather well. I will say that it does take some experience with the method of shifting (as in a lot more often and paying a lot of attention to what you are trying to do), then you can make this car do incredible things. I went for a drive recently and going through some serious hairpins and the like I never dropped under 6500 rpm. If you learn to feel where the powerband is on the rx then you can get good acceleration from the car. Granted it's no WRX but it's hella fun to drive and it sure looks good doing it.

Just my thoughts.

To respond to the original post, I think this car has plenty of zip, even if it will lose a lot of drag races.

I have tested 0-60 with a G-timer--fully stock with a full tank of gas and no wheel spin, no 8000 RPM take off. I just started out with a normal clutch drop and took it to the redline in first and second. Best time was 6.95. The start up was very slow, but the car pulled very well after the revs came up, so I think that had I been willing to try Road and Track's method (they often record 0-60 times faster than other testers) I find 5.9 believable.

I will try another test after I get an ECU reflash next week.

I drive a lot on back roads and the passing capability of this car is excellent. It just darts around other cars and makes passing very easy.

the got 5.9 by dropping the clutch at 7000 rpm's if you want that time of speed plan on buying alot of clutches. In real world driving the RX-8 is fast enough to get you over the speed limit quick enough. I have to constantly slow down because in NJ we have the speed limit change every 30 feet it seems.

This site has 0-60 and 1/4 mile times for many cars and years; it can also be ordered on different columns. I was somewhat surprised to see the 2004 Accord EX V-6 tied the 2003 RX-8 on 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. I also noted the significant variations for the same model car, but in different years.

http://www.ssmoparmuscle.com/speedcomp.htm

i got a time of 6.4 using a g-timer as well. this is with the fan on, and another passenger. did a 3700 ish drop and did not grip. still, i find that i end up with better times when i do get some spin. i had other runs where i had pretty good launches, and still ended up .2 off my best mark. shrug...

i'm going to order a catback pretty soon, too. haven't completely made up my mind as far as which. but either way, i'm going to do more runs after it's installed. curious to see the improvement.

it's not that i'm obsessing over 0-60 times or anything...i'm just curious to see how i fare against the 5.9 that was claimed..

Originally posted by 123V
Back to the issue at hand. I drove the RX-8 and wanted one (but it's been a while, I should have made an impulse buy :-) ). 0-60 times have a lot to do with how a car feels and are thus not only for teenagers and car n00bs. Example? If a car does 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, you can rest assured that you will be pushed back in your seat, a feeling some car enthusiasts like. If a car does 0-60 in 9.5 seconds, you can bet that you will get no thrill at all out of this ride if straight line accleration is what you consider a thrill. What's a thrill for me? For straightline acceleration, under 6 (as a general rule) is an indication that I will get much pleasure from driving the car (in a straight line). Over 7, blah. Over 8, forget about it. For handling, I know the 8 is good enough to thrill me in regards to handling. I didn't romp on the 8 when I test drove it. That is why I'm asking you folks these questions. Well, that along with all the speculation found on this board and elsewhere about what the car can and can't do. Give me some times? That was idiotic to ask. How about this? Does the RX-8 give anybody any thrill when driving in a straight line? .... and .... If I downshift (I thought that was a given) to make a pass from IS cruising speed, will the 8 get me around the car in front of me in a hurry. Someone who has a had an aforementioned high-low-end torque car chime in here. I know I won't be getting a freakin 'vette, but I don't want a mother lovin' Pinto either, just a car that will scoot when I wanna.

The rx8 gives me a thrill driving straight line at any speed , any rpm. Hell, my velocity red 8 gives me a thrill just looking at it in the driveway. Comparing it to a pinto is like comparing your 450 hp vette to a 4 cylinder Grand Am. Get real man. The 8 is like a sportbike. You down shift and wind out the rpms when passing fast. It's like a race car. Passng is great fun.

123V,

I did a series of Gtech runs back in August when everyone was all worked up about the Hp discrepancy. What I found (just take it for what it is worth) is that with a 7k-8k RPM tire smoking launch it is possible, under perfect circumstances, to get the car to scoot to 60 in 6 seconds flat. This is not good for the car so I don't suggest doing it. When you launch at a lower RPM the times get longer. I've got a couple of runs that were started between 5k-6k RPMs and the times ranged from 6.4 to 6.8 seconds.

If you are worried about not being able to blow the doors off of everybody that you meet at a stop light then the RX-8 is not the car for you. To get decent times out of the car you really have to thrash on it. You are not going to be able to do that very often without causing something to break. In my opinion I don't think that you would be happy with the car in the long run ("Over 7, blah"). Have you looked at the STI, EVO, 350Z, G35, or Mustang Cobra? They may be closer to what you are looking for.

Very unscientific, but....

with another passenger holding a digital stop watch....4,500 RPM clutch engagement, DSC ON, I got a 6.3 sec, 0-60. Take out the 200 pound passenger, turn off DSC, I could shave a tenth or two off that time without frying the clutch.

As others have said, if 0-60 is "your thing" then a Cobra may well be more of what you're looking for.

The RX8 is fast, no doubt. Is it the fastest? Nope!

The RX8's stregnths are much further reaching than that.

I've owned some muscle 0-60 "queens". Truth told, I became weary of them in pretty short order. That was one of the biggest complaints I had with the Z/G cars. They felt heavy (compared to the RX8) and I felt I had to "push" them hard to get the munbers the RX8 gets with little effort.

Passing on the highway is a blast. Drop down to 4th from 6th and you'll feel like you've been shot from a cannon inot triple digit speeds in a flash.

Here's another subjective answer relative to the thrills offered by the RX-8 in a straight line. The rotatry power plant is just plain different than piston engines - it offers a very broad, flat torque curve - not spikey like many piston engines. The RX-8 gets it's performance from good overall acceleration (what an engineer would call the average rate of acceleration), as opposed to a strong spike. What this means is that if you compare it to a piston engine car that offers similar acceleration times, the RX-8 will feel slower - it won't offer that head-snapping feel. I remember going for a ride in a first-gen RX-7, and being told by the owner "it's faster than it feels" and that's true for the RX-8 as well.

So, to answer your question directly, it may not be as thrilling in a straight line as other cars that offser similar performance (like a WRX) but you will be able to pass traffic with ease. I recall my first freeway experiences being something like "hmm, not so strong.... but wait, the cars I just passed are waaaay back there now." A pull through second and third will drop most anything, short of true high performance cars like Vettes, STis, etc.

OTOH, when you are on a back road, with nodbody around, slinging your RX-8 through apex after apex, getting into the throttle-brake-steer-throttle-brake-steer rythm of the car, listening to that Renisis sing, you will come away amazed at the performance - the Renesis (and the whole car) is in it's element here and you will find the whole package very thrilling. So, it's just a matter of context.

Originally posted by 123V
Back to the issue at hand. I drove the RX-8 and wanted one (but it's been a while, I should have made an impulse buy :-) ).

If you've driven the RX8 then you should be able to answer your own question. I'd have to disagree with you on the impulse buy quote because from everything you've written it still sounds like the RX8 is the wrong car for you. I'd say you made the right decision by ignoring the impulse.

For example, you said...

Originally posted by 123V
What's a thrill for me? For straightline acceleration, under 6 (as a general rule) is an indication that I will get much pleasure from driving the car (in a straight line). Over 7, blah. Over 8, forget about it.

If you expect acceleration to 60mph in "under 6 sec", you're going to be sorely disappointed. If you didn't push the 8 during your test drive, how did you miss this? Unless you push the 8 to its limits you're not going to see 6 second-like acceleration. It's not and never will be a Mustang SVT or even a Lancer Evo or Impreza WRX Sti. Low RPM grunt isn't there. Like I said in my previous post, you have to drive the RX8 more like an S2K. Mazda's own website even has a flash graphic that says "Drive it like you stole it..." During a routine drive around town (e.g., to the grocery store) the RX8 will more likely accelerate/feel like a "7 second" car (not talking 1/4 mile times here) than a 6 second car.

Originally posted by 123V
Someone who has a had an aforementioned high-low-end torque car chime in here.

I don't know that my car qualifies under your definition (263hp/267lb-ft) but if I drive the RX8 like my TTR, a Civic DX will be door to door with me between stoplights. If I drive the RX8 unlike most any other cars on the road, it will perform. Question is, how often do you see yourself dropping the clutch at 7K RPM at a stoplight? And, if your answer is "often", how long do you expect that clutch to last?

I stand by my position that even though you may appreciate the handling capabilities of the RX8, I think its straightline acceleration will disappoint you on a daily basis.

-Eric

The Miata is a well over 7 sec car, and it is definitely not "blah" imo. There's different kinds of fun to be had in the world, all a matter of taste.

Ike, you better be careful, some of the other members might start to like you!

All hail Ike!

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Exactly how are people supposed to measure their 0-60? I mean this with the utmost respect, but obsessing about 0-60 times are for teenagers and car noobs. As for the highway roll part, with the low torque it won't jump up to a high speed like a car with more torque would, but it's a matter of milliseconds of difference when already at speed.

I'll say it before someone else comes in here and does. If you drove the car and didn't want it, and are worried about 0-60 times and how it pulls in a straight line you'd be better served looking elsewhere for your automotive needs. The RX-8 is more about handling and balance than straightline speed (christ I'm starting to sound like and RX-8 owner...).

Just a small point.

You have to push ANY car (be it a v8, STI/Evo) to get the best out of them.

A lot of STI/EVO's have transmission problems because of the punishment their owners put onto them.

Rob,

Agreed...but it's a lot easier to get a 6.9 sec 0-60 run out of an SVT Cobra than a MazdaSpeed Miata. I'd say most drivers could mash the pedal on the Cobra to hit 60 in less than 6.9, whereas it might take a better driver to elicit the quicker time from the Miata. It comes down to the car's own limits.

To me, it sounds like 123V is looking for a car that will effortlessly get to 60 in ~6 seconds. He wants low end torque and the seat of your pants feel of an ///M Coupe. I love the RX8 but it isn't "that" car.

-Eric

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Just a small point.

You have to push ANY car (be it a v8, STI/Evo) to get the best out of them.

A lot of STI/EVO's have transmission problems because of the punishment their owners put onto them.

Just a bit of a correction on that... The USDM STi tranny is very very strong and I have yet to hear of anyone losing any gear. I've heard of a couple 4th gear synchros being replaced and that's about it, the USDM 5 speed on the WRX has had some problems. The EVO, has a couple other weaker links as well (something with the diff and clutch I believe) but the tranny itself seems very strong. Rob's first statement is very true however, in order to get the best times out of any car it's going to have to be abused to some degree.

True... which is why the Car and Driver 5-60 "Street Start" test is my favorite. It's closer to "real-world" performance without abusing the car.

That test does favor cars with low-end torque, but that shouldn't be any surprise.

But it's a better realistic number.

I didn't buy the car for 1/4 times, I'm more into drifting and with the nanny turned off with the right tires this car is great with 50/50 and able to rev up to 9,000. Even in the cold with the bridgestones it's very fun. I've driven the Dragon twice in the 8 now, very fun, going back in a couple of weeks. I like to do it at night so you can see headlights from oncoming traffic. If 1/4 mile is your thing, get an evo, or wait and get the 2005 Cobra 390bhp.

Originally posted by Astor
I didn't buy the car for 1/4 times, I'm more into drifting and with the nanny turned off with the right tires this car is great with 50/50 and able to rev up to 9,000. Even in the cold with the bridgestones it's very fun. I've driven the Dragon twice in the 8 now, very fun, going back in a couple of weeks. I like to do it at night so you can see headlights from oncoming traffic. If 1/4 mile is your thing, get an evo, or wait and get the 2005 Cobra 390bhp.


Grrr, I hate it when people say stuff like if you want stoplight racing or straightline speed get an EVO or an STi... It's not like these cars were made for going fast in a straight line, they just happen to be very fast doing so, and are equally impressive in the twisties.

Remember, it's Zoom Zoom...not Vroom Vroom.

The way I see it, there's more to Zoom than Vroom.

Or maybe it's all Zoom has Vroom but not all Vroom has Zoom.

You decide. :D

-Eric

Originally posted by Sue Esponte
Remember, it's Zoom Zoom...not Vroom Vroom.

The way I see it, there's more to Zoom than Vroom.

Or maybe it's all Zoom has Vroom but not all Vroom has Zoom.

You decide. :D

-Eric

Cake or death?

Can't a guy have his cake and eat it too?

Cake please....

Well were all outta cake....


So my choice is....or death?

Originally posted by Sanguine_Dark
Cake please....

Well were all outta cake....


So my choice is....or death?


Booooooo, you beat me to it :(

Isn't that a B-side Dr. Dre song if you play the album backwards?

Didn't Cake do that song "Race Car Ya Yas"?

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Grrr, I hate it when people say stuff like if you want stoplight racing or straightline speed get an EVO or an STi... It's not like these cars were made for going fast in a straight line, they just happen to be very fast doing so, and are equally impressive in the twisties.

I watch WRC, I know what the STi and the Evo are capable of, I also know what the Ford Focus is cabable of, that said I didn't mention the STi I did however mention the Cobra and Evo. Cobra's are straight line cars, Evo's weren't designed for that purpose but they do the job, and at Evolutionm.net that seems to be their favorite passtime. The aforementioned cars may be "impressive" in the twisties, however AWD drifting sucks.

Truth be told, any of the numbers that you read about in C&D, for example, are posted with the understanding that they abuse the car/clutch/tires/engine to get those numbers...regardless of what the car is.

The RX8 is fast, without a doubt. But, there's a difference in the way it goes about the rest of the driving experience in the 8 that sets it apart from everything else out there.

0-60 is one very small part of the driving experience. Until you drive the 8 over all types of roads....twisties and straight line, good pavement/bad pavement....feel the shift action and the remakrable steering, will you get a complete picture of what the RX8 can do.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Apparently I gave the total wrong impression of myself. I'm not a straight line speed fiend and my questions were purely inquisiitive. In a roundabout way, they were really so I could answer someone else's questions/doubts. I'm about the whole driving experience. I particularly enjoyed the posts about downshifting and making high-rev passes and those about working clutch-shifter-gas around winding roads. Nothing is better than that, and I got the replies I expected/hoped for. It reminds me of how fun a car can be. I'm stuck in an '03 Honda Accord V6 (AT, ack) for the moment. Even it's *fast enough* in a straight line, but I don't get the feeling it likes to be pushed, so I hardly ever do. It basically sucks to drive. No handling or breaking whatsoever...I could go on... What I liked the most about the 8 compared to the 350Z, the C5 and other cars I've driven is that the car WANTS to be driven and it WANTS to be driven fast. This is priceless IMO. Also, the car is totally unique. ZOOM, not VROOM. I like that. That describes it perfectly, a different kind of speed. Unfortunately, driving the aforementioned cars I developed a taste for whiplash (especially the C5). But, as you all mentioned, that's not all there is to driving. Now, based on my own experience examining different vehicles and what I have learned on this forum, I know exactly what to expect out of an RX-8. For that reason, I'm going to stick with my first choice...

IkeWRX - What ARE those bananas doing? Reminds me of a joke IF they are doing what I think they are doing...

Anyway, the other day I was sitting in this tavern when in walked these two guys. Now you know I am not one to snoop but I did overhear a bit of their conversation. It seems that these two hunters went moose hunting every winter without success. Finally, they came up with a foolproof plan. They got a very authentic female moose costume and learned the mating call of a female moose.

The plan was to hide in the costume, lure the bull, then come out of the costume and shoot the bull. They set themselves up on the edge of a clearing, donned their costume and began to give the moose love call.

Before long, their call was answered as a bull came crashing out of the forest and into the clearing. When the bull was close enough, the guy in front said, "Okay, lets get out and get him."
After a moment that seemed like an eternity, the guy in the back shouted, "The zipper is stuck! What are we going to do!?"

The guy in the front says, "Well, I'm going to start nibbling grass, but you'd better brace yourself."

Originally posted by graphicguy
Truth be told, any of the numbers that you read about in C&D, for example, are posted with the understanding that they abuse the car/clutch/tires/engine to get those numbers...regardless of what the car is.

Not true.

The 5-60 test is done with the clutch completely out. All they do is floor it in 1st gear at 5 mph and go from there.

I seem to remember C&D saying that the difference in time between the rx8 0-60 and street start was double that of the cobra and G35 one test.

Originally posted by 123V
Thanks for the replies everyone. Apparently I gave the total wrong impression of myself. I'm not a straight line speed fiend and my questions were purely inquisiitive. In a roundabout way, they were really so I could answer someone else's questions/doubts. I'm about the whole driving experience. I particularly enjoyed the posts about downshifting and making high-rev passes and those about working clutch-shifter-gas around winding roads. Nothing is better than that, and I got the replies I expected/hoped for. It reminds me of how fun a car can be. I'm stuck in an '03 Honda Accord V6 (AT, ack) for the moment. Even it's *fast enough* in a straight line, but I don't get the feeling it likes to be pushed, so I hardly ever do. It basically sucks to drive. No handling or breaking whatsoever...I could go on... What I liked the most about the 8 compared to the 350Z, the C5 and other cars I've driven is that the car WANTS to be driven and it WANTS to be driven fast. This is priceless IMO. Also, the car is totally unique. ZOOM, not VROOM. I like that. That describes it perfectly, a different kind of speed. Unfortunately, driving the aforementioned cars I developed a taste for whiplash (especially the C5). But, as you all mentioned, that's not all there is to driving. Now, based on my own experience examining different vehicles and what I have learned on this forum, I know exactly what to expect out of an RX-8. For that reason, I'm going to stick with my first choice... 123V: I had and 03 EXV6 Accord AT as well, fortunately it was a lemon and Honda repurchased due to the rotten egg stink so many people are complaining about. The RX8 exceeds that car in performance in every catagory and I couldn't be happier, it has plenty of acceleration and the handling is awesome for a 4 door, I think you would be extremely satisfied.

Originally posted by Rotarian_SC
I seem to remember C&D saying that the difference in time between the rx8 0-60 and street start was double that of the cobra and G35 one test.

Yeah, it was from the article Rotary Revival and the RX-8 did 7.5 sec 5-60. You can most likely add a little to that as a result of the new fuel map.

mmm... maybe not. The "L" map may put it close to that again. Anyway, yes, that's true about the street start in that issue. The S2k had a similar discrepancy between 0-60 and 5-60 (different road test, but it was like 5.4 0-60, 6.9 5-60, while the 8 was 5.9 0-60, 7.5 5-60).

123v....that push you get from the Corvette is something that only good old V8 muscle can give.

When I was car shopping between the RX8 and its likely competition, I stopped by the local Infiniti dealer for a drive in a G35c. It wasn't nearly the same feel as the Corvette and unfortunately for the Infiniti sales person, I had just come from a test drive of the RX8. I made the statement to the sales person that the G didn't have the "push" of a V8 nor the refinement and "fun factor" of the RX8. He put me in an "M" series. It's the little brother to the Q with the Q's V8.

If the M would have been a bit less expensive and had a little more handling, I would have been the owner of it as opposed to my RX8. V8s can be intoxicating in the right car.

Originally posted by graphicguy
123v....that push you get from the Corvette is something that only good old V8 muscle can give.

When I was car shopping between the RX8 and its likely competition, I stopped by the local Infiniti dealer for a drive in a G35c. It wasn't nearly the same feel as the Corvette and unfortunately for the Infiniti sales person, I had just come from a test drive of the RX8. I made the statement to the sales person that the G didn't have the "push" of a V8 nor the refinement and "fun factor" of the RX8. He put me in an "M" series. It's the little brother to the Q with the Q's V8.

If the M would have been a bit less expensive and had a little more handling, I would have been the owner of it as opposed to my RX8. V8s can be intoxicating in the right car.

The M45 has one hell of an engine, unfortunately the praise doesn't go much further than that.

Sort of like the new Acura TL...

Originally posted by GeorgeH
Sort of like the new Acura TL...

THe bluetooth technology is pretty damn cool :)

I've done the Dragon 5 times (since I got the 8 last September) and it handled great. The fastest I got on it was 67 mph. was flying around thoose curves so quick that my hubby was hanging onto to OH shit handle and doing a catholic genufleck..SP? All the while I had the rubber burning and a big smile on my face! I recommend everyone coming to E. TN to run it!

Originally posted by graphicguy
123v....that push you get from the Corvette is something that only good old V8 muscle can give.

Then you've never driven an ///M Coupe. Say what you will of its styling, this thing rocks. When you mash your foot on the right pedal, it'll put you where ever it wants you. :D

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2001/BMW/100002052/000891-E.jpg

-Eric

That BMW looks like a TeleTubbie.

Mazda RX-8 0-60 = 5.9s.

http://www.ssmoparmuscle.com/speedcomp.htm

Regards

Serge

The M3 sedan looks better than the coupe you have shown there. Actually the M3 coupe pics I have seen looked just like the sedan really, except the absense of two doors. Kinda like the difference between a 325i and 325ci.

Originally posted by Sue Esponte
Then you've never driven an ///M Coupe. Say what you will of its styling, this thing rocks. When you mash your foot on the right pedal, it'll put you where ever it wants you. :D


-Eric

I've been down the BMW route before. I won't do that again in the near future.

Originally posted by Rotarian_SC
The M3 sedan looks better than the coupe you have shown there. Actually the M3 coupe pics I have seen looked just like the sedan really, except the absense of two doors. Kinda like the difference between a 325i and 325ci.

Apples and Oranges.

The M Coupe is not an M3 and aside from the engine (and other related components) it shares little with an M3 Sedan or Coupe. An M3 Coupe (there isn't an E46 M Sedan in the US) is an entirely different animal since the M Coupe was based on the e36/7 chassis of the Z3/M Roadster.

And, If you live in Spartanburg you could have seen TONS of M Coupes on the road....especially during the annual Z3 Homecoming each fall that takes place just around the corner at BMW Manufacturing.

-Eric

I don't often drive that stretch, cause the plant is on 85 really in Greenville, not Spartanburg. Actually I believe that the old ones, like before 2002, that had the old engine were probably most of what I've seen. Maybe that is what the newer version looks like. I believe that maybe most of what I've seen was the old version.

Originally posted by Rotarian_SC
I don't often drive that stretch, cause the plant is on 85 really in Greenville, not Spartanburg. Actually I believe that the old ones, like before 2002, that had the old engine were probably most of what I've seen. Maybe that is what the newer version looks like. I believe that maybe most of what I've seen was the old version.

There is no new version of the M Roadster or coupe, you just haven't seen the coupe around much because they aren't very common.

As we all know, the RX-8 went up against the G35 and the SVT Mustang Cobra in Car and Driver and recently went against the 350Z and S2000 in Motor Trend. All four competing cars beat the 8 in 0-60 times and in C&D the 8 was 1.3 seconds and 2.1 seconds slower in 5-60 times than the G35 and SVT respectively. As can be inferred by their status as testers in major automobile publications, these guys know (and love) cars in general. And in the end, both sets of testers placed the 8 in first place ahead of the other 4 "faster" cars. Drive all five cars yourself and see if you don't agree.

BTW, I previously owned a '02 WRX (another "faster" car). I can say without a doubt that the 8 is MUCH more fun than the WRX was. Fun is a subjective term, but again, driving the 8 is the only way to decide if you like it.

Also, recently posted some pics:
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22511

My 2 cents,

Durahl

Originally posted by Rotarian_SC
I don't often drive that stretch, cause the plant is on 85 really in Greenville, not Spartanburg. Actually I believe that the old ones, like before 2002, that had the old engine were probably most of what I've seen. Maybe that is what the newer version looks like. I believe that maybe most of what I've seen was the old version.

There was and is only one M Coupe. BMW made both an E36 M3 Coupe and an E36/7 M Coupe. The M Coupe was actually manufacturered in South Carolina. The M3 was (and is) not. They were two different cars. BMW sold the M Coupe between 1999 and 2002. The top pic is of the M Coupe. The bottom is of the E36 M3 Coupe.

http://www.bmwworld.com/pics/z3/download_03.jpg
http://www.bmwworld.com/pics/3er/e36/m3/coupe_black_side.jpg

See the difference? I've been to the plant in Greenville several times and during Homecoming Greenville/Spartanburg is flooded with over 500 Z3s including a very nice showing of M Coupes. You should take a trip over to the plant this fall during Homecoming. It's quite a sight and experience.

-Eric

I have an 8 and think it has plenty of speed for me and yes if you need to pass someone the power is there just down shift &go it may not put you back in your seat but its still fast enough

BMW is going to be releasing the new M5 this coming summer I think? I was reading it while waiting for my loaner car (recalls) and the new 5 is rumored to have at least 500 WHP looking more towards 600 with 500lb tq from a V-10. Base price was est 73k I wonder if they would finance :D !

The next person that says the Evo/STi are built for straight line racing needs to stop talking about cars, period :)

The 8 got beat by a plain-jane WRX and a G35C in that BMI comparison, on a racetrack, with curves. Not entirely scientific, but an object lesson on why torque is not just for drag racing. And 99% of you will never take your car to a road course anyway...

john

Agreed, the Evo/STi are not just drag racers - to say anything else is ignorant.

OTOH, Top Gear has the RX-8 matching the 350z and M3 track times - all with the same driver. The relative performance of all these cars is obviously venue dependent. I am surprised, however, that a WRX beat an RX-8 on a road course. Do you have a link? I'd like to read.

Actually on the Best Motoring Video (Volume 9 I believe), a RX8 did beat a WRX on the track. Beat an S2000 and a G35 (Skyline) during that race as well.

Originally posted by Rotarian_SC
Actually on the Best Motoring Video (Volume 9 I believe), a RX8 did beat a WRX on the track. Beat an S2000 and a G35 (Skyline) during that race as well.

That was the lineup for best motoring 7 or 8, plus add a Miata and an Integra Type R. The RX-8 only beat the Miata and was pretty far off the pace of the other 4. That's the only one I'm aware of where the RX-8, G35, S2K, and WRX were run stock.

Naw, they had another race after that which I believe is Volume 9. I've got the clip for it...

Ah yes, I saw the video with the Miata. These things don't mean that much to me, when you have different drivers in each car. But it's still fun to watch.

Ok, i thought i had a clip for it. I got it off this site at the multimedia forum. It is called the revenge battle. There seemed to be some problem with the third intake port opening or something on the 1st race.

Originally posted by Rotarian_SC
Ok, i thought i had a clip for it. I got it off this site at the multimedia forum. It is called the revenge battle. There seemed to be some problem with the third intake port opening or something on the 1st race.
Revenge battle? Never heard of it..

BMI9 was "Fuji Fast", IIRC there are no RX8's in it.

john

Ok, I believe I found the video here

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18676

I tried to have it as an attachment but I don't think that went sucessfully

You're going to have to do a little better than that, I can't find it in that mess and I'm getting a can't find server from Takashi's site.

123V,

Most of the magazines put the 0-60 in the 5.9 - 6.4 category. It is above average car fast in other words. The other factor to consider though is the handling factor and the overall pleasure of the ride itself.

I was torn GREATLY between the 350 and the G35 and the RX8. Each car had strengths. The Z is obviously the sprint runner/torque king. I was just turned off by the overall ride on the same roads I commute daily. Whatever I picked was to be my daily driver so, the RX8 won on ride and comfort over the Z primarily. On the other hand, the G car was better than the Z (to me) on matching the RX8 but it still had a jar in the ride and the back seat was not made for adults .(head clearance) FInally, the looks - the Z and the 8 were more preferred by these eyes.

If I wanted a beautiful screamer I would look to the Z car.

If I wanted/neede an all around winner - 4 persons, stealth sports ride, cool looks, great performer then consider the 8. Hidden benefits on 8? likes regular gas and insurance is less than other two as per my agent.

If you are younger looking for only performance and can go for the "ricey" look then even consider the WRX sti - 4 seats, 0-60 4.9 secs. rough ride though (I'm told)