If there are other cars available at a similar price range (+/- $2000) competing with the RX-8 but offer more performance, why doesn't Mazda tune the RX-8 prior to first shipment? Do car companies in general do these kind of things to win over business against current and future competitive cars? (By "future" I mean in the next year or so)

Also, I like cars and try to understand all the technical details that some people on this forum post but, bottom line, can the RX-8 beat, or hang, with a 350Z, BMW 330, etc? :confused: I just want a car, for not only looks but also for speed. In my area (Silicon Valley, CA) lots of people are rolling around in their new 350Zs and G35s. I'd like to think when I get my RX-8, those Nissan owners wished they had my car. :D

--Alex--

ps: I had a dream last night :o about the day I picked up my RX-8. Prior to actually seeing it, I saw a form for Accessories and it listed a "Twin Turbo" option ... I remember the feeling of elation while I dreamt this ... then I woke up. :eek:

The bottom line is that no one has been able to give a real answer to your question. i.e. there is no answer that will shut everyone up.

However, I think the general idea is that the 8 should be slower then the z on straight (dunno how much), but provide better handling, interior and usability. Keep in mind that things such as handling and interior are subjective in nature, but from the latest articles we've been getting the 8 will be a great handling, well put together car.

As for the RX-8 vs. G35c, i think the 8 will be very close (maybe better?) in the straights, but again the advantages of handling, etc applys.

hope that helps

ps. lets not do "Sick of 350Z comparisons" again. k, guys?

I don't think you'll see a turboed RX-8, even for the MPS version.

The reason they keep the power lower, is because the RX-7 is the real competitor against the G35 Coupe and 350Z, and I fully believe that when it is released.. the 350Z and G35C will be put to shame.

The RX-8 is more in line with a 330 Sedan, G35 Sedan, because it has a real usable back seat and trunk. It's not going 'against' the 350Z and G35C though it's likely people will cross shop at least the latter with the RX-8.

Insurance, affordability, weight all add into the factors that Mazda is making a sports sedan targeted for a mass audience. The 330 is probably the best competition to the RX-8 because it offers great handling, *good* accelleration, good interior quality and a back seat and trunk that aren't TERRIBLE. The price however, is the deciding factor between that and the RX-8.

The RX-8 MPS will be able to 'hang' with the likes of the 350Z but not this one, at least not in the straights. Probably close to the G35 Coupe, but I'll bet that will be faster on a straight line too. If you're buying this car for drag racing, or for as you put it 'speed', then you're buying it for the wrong purposes in my opinion.

This car is meant to appeal to those who have the urge to drive hard, corner hard, brake hard, and can't afford NOT to have a rear seat/trunk. This car accomplishes that. The 350Z makes no compromises and as a result you have what you have.

As per 'hanging' with the other cars.. it's entirely based on the driver and launch. The 330 and RX-8 should be nearly neck-in-neck, the G35 Coupe will be almost identical as well, since the posted 0-60 is 5.8 seconds. The 350Z however, will definately be faster in a straight line.

This car isn't a drag racer.. it's a compliment of a little bit of everything with an edge in handling and usability that make this car so worthwhile. If you want to 'beat' the 350Z and such.. I'd suggest getting a different car. Maybe just the 350Z.

Originally posted by Hercules
I don't think you'll see a turboed RX-8, even for the MPS version.

The reason they keep the power lower, is because the RX-7 is the real competitor against the G35 Coupe and 350Z, and I fully believe that when it is released.. the 350Z and G35C will be put to shame.

The RX-8 is more in line with a 330 Sedan, G35 Sedan, because it has a real usable back seat and trunk. It's not going 'against' the 350Z and G35C though it's likely people will cross shop at least the latter with the RX-8.

Insurance, affordability, weight all add into the factors that Mazda is making a sports sedan targeted for a mass audience. The 330 is probably the best competition to the RX-8 because it offers great handling, *good* accelleration, good interior quality and a back seat and trunk that aren't TERRIBLE. The price however, is the deciding factor between that and the RX-8.

The RX-8 MPS will be able to 'hang' with the likes of the 350Z but not this one, at least not in the straights. Probably close to the G35 Coupe, but I'll bet that will be faster on a straight line too. If you're buying this car for drag racing, or for as you put it 'speed', then you're buying it for the wrong purposes in my opinion.

This car is meant to appeal to those who have the urge to drive hard, corner hard, brake hard, and can't afford NOT to have a rear seat/trunk. This car accomplishes that. The 350Z makes no compromises and as a result you have what you have.

As per 'hanging' with the other cars.. it's entirely based on the driver and launch. The 330 and RX-8 should be nearly neck-in-neck, the G35 Coupe will be almost identical as well, since the posted 0-60 is 5.8 seconds. The 350Z however, will definately be faster in a straight line.

This car isn't a drag racer.. it's a compliment of a little bit of everything with an edge in handling and usability that make this car so worthwhile. If you want to 'beat' the 350Z and such.. I'd suggest getting a different car. Maybe just the 350Z.

Well said. No need to compare the 8 with any other car. It's already in a class of it's own! :D :D :D

The RX-8 will not be faster than the Z-350, but will probably be just as quick as the 330 and G35. To most of us mere mortals the differences between these three cars, in terms of sheer speed, will be almost unnoticeable, though. Remember, we're talking 10ths of seconds here!

The simple figures of automotive vehicles never reveal what the car actually feels like. An objectively faster car, may give a less fulfilling driving experience, than a less powerfull car. Just take the MX-5/Miata: loads of fun and a very rewarding car to drive, but not really all that fast, objectively speaking.

However, in direct comparison with the Z-350, the 330 and the G35 I much prefer the full scope of the RX-8 package - to me it is an altogether more exciting product overall... As people keep saying: "there really isn't anything quite like it".

Cheers

Eske