Hey guys,


I've been a fan of both of these cars for a while now. I have the opprotunity to buy a leftover 2003 EVO8 for $26k, which is about the same price I'm hoping to get an RX-8 for. I can't decide which car to get. Part of me wants the no holds barred performance of the EVO but then the other part of me wants the coolness and refinement of the RX-8. I'm so torn......
What do you guys think?

Fred

for 26K u can prolly get an 8 only with sport package..
and personally, I think evo's no better than an econobox with a turbo.. spend some more and get an 8 with grand touring!!

I was trying to make that same decision a few weeks back. I liked the turbo of the evo... it's a cool car and has a lot of room inside. But... the 8 has a more forgiving ride, is more the size of car I wanted (I don't have kids and I don't haul a lot of people or stuff around).... it is more unique and just called to me.... the evo in looks is quite ordinary, in features is also lacking if you're looking for a lot of gadgets and such.... just drive both of them and go with what you feel more comfortable with. It was a hard decision for me but so far I'm happy. I just couldn't see using that stiff evo for a daily driver....

Evo = really really ugly lancer with a ricer wing and turbo

get the Rx-8 youll be very happy.... take it for a test drive if you havnt yet. i smile everytime i get in the car. and you cant help to stare at it as you walk away.

i got my black auto Sports package for 26.5 k
(wanted stick but didnt have the $)

26k for an Evo 8 is a very good bargain. You should really ask yourself if you're into the hard core performance. Like everybody said, test drive both and see which one matches the kind of balance between drivability, style and performace that you have in mind. If I'm in your shoes, I would really consider it over the RX-8. I test drove it but couldn't make myself to fork out another 3k of my already stretched budget for my next ride. Ask yourself how much seat time in a day will you be driving it like a performance car. Then ask yourself if you're willing to look aside its relatively normal, sedan-like interior, punishing ride and the higher NVH at highway speeds while you're not pulling 1g turns and running crazy 1/4 times.

But at 26k, hmmm.... I would've then gave the Evo 8 another test drive to see if I can convince myself otherwise :)

Please tell me where you can pick up a new Evo8 for $26k. If I were you, I'd jump on this opportunity. Performance wise there is no comparison, the Evo8 is also more practical. However, the RX-8 is more comfortable and styling is better. (though the Evo8 also looks pretty sweet if you can swap out the rice tail lamps and the whale wing)

You have to drive both and then decide for yourself which really fits the bill for you. It usually only takes one test drive as they really are two different animals.

Figuring it out on the internet will only cause a debate.

everytime i see those evo8's on the road...i must say that intercooler looks awesome and I'm not a big fan of HUGE spoilers BUT it compliments the evo8's box-y look.

i'm not a big fan of econoboxes as you can see in my siG BUT when an evo8 rolls by me i get a bit intimidated. I'd take the evo8 over the sti....probably because i have a z and I'd like a 4 door that can spank my car? and the PRICE of the evo you claim... the choice is tough. An exotic looking sport car or a boxy performing sports car.

-test drive it like everyone says...depending on the type of person you are you'll see what you'll like....the nice sporty, luxurious rx8 or the straight up performance package with 4 doors.

I thought we've already covered ALL the RX8 vs. 'X' topics???

I mean if we've had RX8 vs. Jesus, what else could possibly be left???

RX8 vs. LIME CAT!!!! YES!!!!

I'm going to answer this from the experience of both cars! I actually had an Evo for 7 months and loved every second of it. It is a unique car in it's own right just like the RX-8 is. People ask me all the time which do I like better and my answer is I like the Evo for the performance and the RX-8 for the luxury items and extras. The Evo literally made my heart beat faster when I pushed it. The ride is not as bad as some assume. On rough roads it does become an issue but most roads are paved well enough for it not to be so bothersome. It does have a tendency to pull with the grooves in the road. The RX-8 is comfortable and handles better than all of my past cars except the Evo. I love being able to make a complete U-turn in about 3 lanes with my RX-8. I have done a trip from VA to NY in both cars and felt no discomfort in my back with either, both offer excellent back support from the driver's seat (I've felt some discomfort in my back after this trip in some of my past cars). I will note that a longer trip in the Evo would be a pain simple because there is no cruise control (I thought I heard of an easy way to add one though, you might want to check evolutionm.com to make sure). I personally like the looks of both cars as different from each other as they are.

Let's give the real deciding factor! How much attention are you willing to pay when you drive? The Evo requires some attentiveness when you drive. I have had a cop pull me over and tell me "I had a hard time catching up to you!" (no ticket that time). The thing about it was that although I was speeding through a windy road I was not purposely speeding, I was just tired and the car accelerates and handles phenomenally (this was about 4am after being up at 5am the previous day). I've been pulled over several times in the Evo (fortunately only 1 out of about 4 times resulted in a ticket). If I get pulled over in the RX-8 it is because I was trying to do something wrong! I've had the Rx-8 a little over 7 months now and have not been close to being pulled over (at least not to my knowledge).

I don't know what else to really address between these cars for a prospective buyer so RTEC if you have a particular difference between these 2 cars you have a question about feel free to ask.

I literally have put in 10,000+ miles on both cars and consider myself experienced enough in regular every day driving with both.

Wow!

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm starting to lean towards the RX-8. I don't know if I can handle anymore speeding tickets, haha. Thanks

Fred

I think people here are confussing power with performance. The evo is a turbo powered turd.

Originally posted by RTEC
Wow!

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm starting to lean towards the RX-8. I don't know if I can handle anymore speeding tickets, haha. Thanks

Fred

Yeah, because the RX-8 is incapable of breaking the speedlimit :p

Drive them both and buy whichever you like best. That is a very good deal on the EVO, you could probably turn around and sell it in 6 mos. if you don't like it as a daily driver for not much less than you paid.

Originally posted by Logan072
I think people here are confussing power with performance. The evo is a turbo powered turd.

You need to get a clue, the EVO trumps the RX-8 in every known performance category save for maybe braking depending on which publication you take your numbers from.

People still seem to think the Evo is a tuned version of the Lancer. Different powertrain, different suspension, different body panels.. We here in the States received the neutered Lancer before the Evo while the rest of the post-industrial world had several generations of the turbo variety for years already. The Evo's greatest competitor is probably the WRX, as both are compact awd turbo 4cyl saloons.
Get the Evo if you need the power and brash rally-style sportiness right out the box. As for the 8, there is always room for upgrades if you feel something is missing.

Originally posted by Logan072
The evo is a turbo powered turd.

LOL, oh my, have you actually driven an Evo?

It's an *amazing* car. I came very, VERY close to buying one. In the end, I decided I'd rather own and live with a sports car (RX-8) rather than a street-legal racecar (Evo), but wow... the Evo is truly a wonderful ride. If you want all-out, uncompromised performance, the Evo will not dissappoint.

Once my emotions cooled, I decided I wanted something more elegant, something I could "dance" with and make "sing." To some degree, driving the Evo mostly involves hanging on for dear life, lol. The RX-8 works with me as a partner, a team.

You could say the Evo is designed to deliver maximum performance.

The RX-8 is designed to deliver maximum driving pleasure.

Both are wonderful cars... you really can't go wrong.

P.S. Join some of the Evo forums and research the (possible) weak clutch issue before deciding.

Originally posted by HeelnToe
LOL, oh my, have you actually driven an Evo?

It's an *amazing* car. I came very, VERY close to buying one. In the end, I decided I'd rather own and live with a sports car (RX-8) rather than a street-legal racecar (Evo), but wow... the Evo is truly a wonderful ride. If you want all-out, uncompromised performance, the Evo will not dissappoint.

Once my emotions cooled, I decided I wanted something more elegant, something I could "dance" with and make "sing." To some degree, driving the Evo mostly involves hanging on for dear life, lol. The RX-8 works with me as a partner, a team.

You could say the Evo is designed to deliver maximum performance.

The RX-8 is designed to deliver maximum driving pleasure.

Both are wonderful cars... you really can't go wrong.

P.S. Join some of the Evo forums and research the (possible) weak clutch issue before deciding.

He drives an AT RX-8 so I doubt he even cares a whole lot about performance therefore the chances of him having driven an EVO are slim, as are the chances of him understanding the merits of such a great car.

There's that lack of reading comprehension rearing its ugly head again. Obviously he can drive a manual since the other vehicle listed in his signature is a 5 speed.

Not surprising you'd defend another factory ricemobile though.

Edited just for you Scorp.

There is an issue most people need to get over. The 8 is a great car. Just because the 8 is a great car doesn't mean there can be other great cars. Otherwise all the threads go to "the 8 is really slow" and "the evo is an econobox driven by ricers"...

holy crap an evo a ricemobile and a econbox what the shit kind of world do you guys live in. Lets be little more open minded here and lets think twice before calling other ppl cars ricers mind you the rx-8 has euro lights too....

TWINTURBO 2800 .....

It's people like you who reinforce my doubts about ever owning an RX8. Your comment about EVO's being ugly ricers with big wings is really ironic, seeing as to how your car has altezza lights juss like an evo.

I hope you realize that unlike your automatic POS that probably will be lucky to run high 15's in the 1/4 mile, an evo can actually back up its sporty looks. To bring you back down to earth, even my old 2000 4 door Honda Accord 5 spd I-4 would've taken you out at any dragstrip (ran a 15.5 1/4 mile). Not to mention that the rsx-s i own right now would take you by about 3 bus lengths (gotta 14.3 second time slip).

Not to totally bash on rx8's since I do like most things about them. But the EVO is a true performance car that 99% of Honda's hope no to run into, and many v8 boys even have to think twice about lining up with. And all this coming from a 4 door 4 cylinder is truly amazing, and very respectable.

Hmm... but at least your car looks kinda fast right?

Not all 8 owners are unappreciative of other great (or even good) performance vehicles. Its cool for someone to say "I don't like the styling or certain aspects of the EVO, STi, G35, Z or whatever", but its uncool (not to mention inaccurate) to describe these cars in deragotory terms. I don't get the haters of other cars here, I love my 8 as well, but because of that I don't feel the need to insult other cars.
If someone is touting a vehicle I don't like, I take the time to explain what factors cause me to dislike the car.

Originally posted by kcruboy
It's people like you who reinforce my doubts about ever owning an RX8. Your comment about EVO's being ugly ricers with big wings is really ironic, seeing as to how your car has altezza lights juss like an evo.
You ever seen 'Teaching Mrs. Tingle'? If you haven't, you should check it out. She had a thing about people misusing the word 'ironic' like you just did. Anyway, I doubt he or anyone else cares about your doubts about owning an 8. Not that I ever would, but people like YOU make me never want to be seen in a boring ass Honda. See how that works?

I hope you realize that unlike your automatic POS that probably will be lucky to run high 15's in the 1/4 mile, an evo can actually back up its sporty looks. To bring you back down to earth, even my old 2000 4 door Honda Accord 5 spd I-4 would've taken you out at any dragstrip (ran a 15.5 1/4 mile). Not to mention that the rsx-s i own right now would take you by about 3 bus lengths (gotta 14.3 second time slip).
I hope you realize that unlike your boring ass Civic-lookalike that takes about 3 buslengths to stop from 60 mph, the auto 8 is about more than Friday nights at the local dragstrip. How much money did you waste to get to "14.3"? To bring you back down to earth, 14.3 or not, it's still a plain ass, overpriced Honda with sloppy handling and sad brakes.

Not to totally bash on rx8's since I do like most things about them. But the EVO is a true performance car that 99% of Honda's hope no to run into, and many v8 boys even have to think twice about lining up with. And all this coming from a 4 door 4 cylinder is truly amazing, and very respectable.
Yeah, the Evo is amazing. That's a word I'd never use anywhere near an RSX, unless it's followed by 'boring.'

Hmm... but at least your car looks kinda fast right? Too bad you can't say the same.

I think is this.
If you are a Power Freak better go with EVO8 Don't even look at RX8 Unless the styling that u are after.

If you are wanting style if enough Performance then RX8 As i'm not looking for too much power. I love the Styling of RX8

Really. Comparing EVO8 and RX8 is out of the league here.

I saw a Best motoring Japanese version. Even a Stock WRX (of course the WRX even Suffer a Brake fade) beat RX8 on the Track and I wonder how can RX8 win against EVO8? IMO

WOW! this thread really brings out the true character of some of the new and old members of this forum- interesting............

Anyone who doesn't respect the EVO needs to watch this video (EVO vs Impreza). It's 350 MB, but worth it (and there's an RX-7 about 55 minutes into it):
http://www.temple.net/Best.Motoring.Impreza.versus.Evo.avi

I went to my local Mitsubishi dealership to test drive it before choosing the RX8. I had called ahead of time and was told by the sales person that taking one out wouldn't be a problem, but when I got there the sales manager wouldn't let me drive it, rudely grilled me about my buying plans, and even expressed doubt that I owned the car I said I was thinking about trading in! His exact quote was "How do I know you even have a WRX?!" (it was just by chance that I didn't have it with me)

Why he acted so unprofessional is beyond me, but I let him fall on his own sword and took my business elsewhere.

I considered going to a dealer farther away but the EVO was a long-shot for me anyway. I wanted an everyday driver that's comfortable and wasn't thrilled about spending >$25k. There's no question that the EVO will destroy an RX-8 at the track, but the fastest car isn't always the most fun. After the WRX I wanted something with more uniform power delivery, instant throttle response, a smooth short-throw shifter, and nimble and neutral road-feel.

But for pure performance, the EVO is an excellent deal.

yeah the Evolution is a completely different kind of car than an 8 so i dont think just doing a vs. thread is doing this justice. Just making people on both sides angry. I was on the fence between and evo 8 and rx8 myself before i chose the rx8. Mitsubishi as a company seems to have some sort of problem with anyone under 25 driving their performance vehicles even if they can prove they have the means to buy one. What it came to is that the dealer didnt let me really try the car out anywhere, while the mazda dealer encouraged me to test the limits of the RX-8. I think the company and community make a difference too

...unless all you care about is 1/4 mile times (as a lot of people here do, guess what guys nothing impressive about a 14 13 or 12 second 1/4 mile...that just looks good against, for example a civic). If you choose an evo 8 for 1/4 mile times, i think you've wasted a car that was built and meant to be driven on a track.

Scorp76....

Wow man looks like sumbody took my comments kinda personally huh? Yeah I gues it does suck to be told by a "boring - ass Honda" that your car is slow, and then realizing that it's true. But hey, at least you can brake faster! Look, like I said, I do like many things about the 8 , including its looks, handling, and brakes, but in terms of acceleration, its quite underpowered.

To be honest, my car may not be all that exciting compared to an EVO, but how fast is YOUR car again? I don't want mag times, I wanna see your own, actual 1/4 mile slip, or else you can juss shut it. And just to educate you a lil, since that's apparantly what you need, my "boring, over-priced Honda" took only two basic upgrades (intake and ecu) to run low 14's....not too bad for a Honda I think.

Since your in Texas (and I am to), I'd be more than happy to run you and put the video online. I mean, its juss a boring, unamazing Honda rite? haha....can't wait to put this online.....

you know what kinda 1/4 mile id find impressive...something in the 9s or 10s otherwise, metaphorically we're talking about taking a yugo to laguna seca for a track day.

...drag racing is for 16 year olds and real dragsters!

Some people get it, some people don't.

OMG did I just read somebody with an auto RX8 bash an EVO? You have to be kidding me...

I'd go with the EVO.

Here's why:

Pros for the EVO:
- more power (everywhere in the rpms)
- more performance (1/4 mile, cornering, braking, slalom)
- more practicality (4 real doors, bigger backseat, bigger trunk, more headroom)
- if you're into modifiying...more hp/$
- AWD for better snow/rain performance
- standard DIN stereo...so you can replace with a nice aftermarket unit

Cons against the EVO:
- not as pretty as the RX8
- no luxery (no Nav, no cruise, no power seats, no auto climate,..etc)
- AWD can be hard on the clutch depending on your driving style. I've got 16k and still going with no problems but some have gone through a clutch in under 10k.
- noisy (very little sound deadening)
- paint quality (the paint is very thin)
- interior material quality (the EVO materials are ok but they're definitely no BMW, Lexus, or Acura)

As you can see I'm a performance/practicality guy so I chose the EVO.

Originally posted by AbusiveWombat
Cons against the EVO:
- not as pretty as the RX8
- no luxery (no Nav, no cruise, no power seats, no auto climate,..etc)
- AWD can be hard on the clutch depending on your driving style. I've got 16k and still going with no problems but some have gone through a clutch in under 10k.
- noisy (very little sound deadening)
- paint quality (the paint is very thin)
- interior material quality (the EVO materials are ok but they're definitely no BMW, Lexus, or Acura)

Add:

- No side air bags, with poor side impact safety ratings (two stars?)
- Reports of rust, mainly behind rear bumper

These cons, along with the previously listed ones, eventually pushed me into the 8 instead of the Evo. I don't mind the lack of luxury (those Recaros are very nice though) in the Evo, but I didn't want to wake up every day worrying about my clutch slipping ($1,000+- to have replaced), rust spots, paint peeling off, and poor side impact protection. Again, a wonderful car to drive - and many owners have had ZERO problems with it - but I didn't want to chance it.

Originally posted by HeelnToe
Add:

- No side air bags, with poor side impact safety ratings (two stars?)
- Reports of rust, mainly behind rear bumper

These cons, along with the previously listed ones, eventually pushed me into the 8 instead of the Evo. I don't mind the lack of luxury (those Recaros are very nice though) in the Evo, but I didn't want to wake up every day worrying about my clutch slipping ($1,000+- to have replaced), rust spots, paint peeling off, and poor side impact protection. Again, a wonderful car to drive - and many owners have had ZERO problems with it - but I didn't want to chance it.

The clutch problem is cause by people dropping them at high rpms repeatedly for drag racing (which the car is not made for). Rust spots in the rear bumper from what I've heard is cause by the USDM rear bumper beam being added. Paint is better than Subaru and does not peel. It does chip just like any other car. As for the side impact I think the 2 star is from the crash test of the regular Lancer. There is not side airbag, which is a good and bad thing. Side airbags increase weight up top where you don't want weight however it is a good safety feature to have.

RX8 have it's own share of problems as well.

to be honest i never looked at the Evo before i bought my 8. sometime i wish i had just to rule it out. on another note. it may all be opinion and all, but from people i know and my own experiance i believe mazda is a lot better to work with on warranty issues. may not be important but it was for me. :)

Originally posted by kcruboy
Yeah I gues it does suck to be told by a "boring - ass Honda" that your car is slow, and then realizing that it's true.
From where I sit, anyone who paid $24k for a tiny 200 hp coupe that's largely considered a girl's car and looks designed for old folks shouldn't talk. Especially not when it has to be modded for acceptable results.

To be honest, my car may not be all that exciting compared to an EVO
Your car isn't exciting compared to ANY car north of $17k.

Since your in Texas (and I am to), I'd be more than happy to run you and put the video online.
I'm sure you'd love that. But see, I'm not the one with the username that includes "boy" so unlike you, I've outgrown boyish activities like racing to prove my dick isn't short. Go find you another riceboy like Ike if you need to validate your boyhood. I'm sure he'd be all for it.

SCORP 76...

All the weak points you attempt to make are very subjective and really quite immature. It's too bad that you have to stoop so low as to try to insult someone for driving a Honda. Honda's are reliable, well-built cars, and I'm just trying to represent my RSX in a fair way. All the things you say are truly pathetic and make you look like an ass.

I still think I hit a sensitive nerve in you by reminding you that your car is still slow. Kinda like thinking your the shiet cuz you have big biceps and take steroids, but being caught with your pants down. Anyways, I'll take your weak attempt at at an insult as a decline to race me. It's ok, I understand you wanna keep your pants up.

Sorry to everyone else for going so far off topic. Go Evo!

the rx-8 is not a blazing fast car in a straight line but id like to see you keep up with him on a GT track

So RTEC (Fred)... what are your thoughts on the issue now?

Not to muddy the waters, but keep in mind there are other cars to consider in this category. I drove an RSX-S, TSX, WRX, Evo (4 times, lol), Mazda3, and Jetta GLI before deciding on the 8. Sometimes driving cars you don't end up wanting (all nice cars, just not for me) helps clarify what you really DO want :)

Can we STOP with the personal insults?

kcruboy,

no one should be bragging about a 14.3. My WRX would kill your RSX (or even a Hyundata 4) even if I gave you a 10 car head start. And what are you doing on an RX8 board? All I ever see you do is put down the 8 in some way. I actually like RSX's, its a shame that its owned by a troll.

WRX8Titan...

Your right, a 14.3 is not something to brag about. So RX8's that are significantly slower than this shouldn't sit here and try and tell me how my "Honda" is basically a boring piece of crap. I'm not trying to stick this in everyone's faces, just those who try and put down RSX's without knowing squat about them.

The reason I'm on here? I've been considering getting an RX8, which I have stated is a fine car several times. I like to do my research before making such a large purchase, and one of the weakest points to me is the car's lack of power. I have no regrets cruising these boards and gathering info. while providing some of my own opinions.

I see you own a wrx, but guess what.....I really don't care what your doing on this board.

the cars got plenty of power for the race track and for its size, .93G on the skidpad is proof enough that once you're going the competition is going to have trouble getting to ya in the twisties...in an RSX your front wheels steer brake and accelerate, you can't possibly maximize cornering when you can only use your contact patch for steering or acceleration (where a rwd drive car can maximize on using the front tires for steering and the rears for acceleration)...in the end kcruboy you've gotta test drive the car...its not a drag racer but it will put a smile on your face and theres nothing we can say that will simulate the driving experience, so just head on over to your mazda dealer and give one a go

Originally posted by kcruboy
I've been considering getting an RX8, ... one of the weakest points to me is the car's lack of power...

It's not so bad, but if you're used to a VTEC kick (RSX-S) or turbo spooling (WRX), the 8 might feel lacking since it's sooooo linear in it's power delivery. It has it's own charms, but it's not for everyone. The advantage is there's no rpm peak or turbo spool to wait for.

The Evo of course has a tremendous kick when it spools, which is incredibly amusing. The 8 won't provide that sort of pleasure, though for me, it's overall balance and smoothness were more important.

Originally posted by kcruboy
WRX8Titan...

Your right, a 14.3 is not something to brag about. So RX8's that are significantly slower than this shouldn't sit here and try and tell me how my "Honda" is basically a boring piece of crap. I'm not trying to stick this in everyone's faces, just those who try and put down RSX's without knowing squat about them.

The reason I'm on here? I've been considering getting an RX8, which I have stated is a fine car several times. I like to do my research before making such a large purchase, and one of the weakest points to me is the car's lack of power. I have no regrets cruising these boards and gathering info. while providing some of my own opinions.

I see you own a wrx, but guess what.....I really don't care what your doing on this board.

You are basically putting down the RX8 in this thread, and from the looks of it you don't seem that interested, you are just giddy about your kill story on clubrsx. And I am on this board because I am an 8 owner as well.

Originally posted by kcruboy
[B]SCORP 76...

All the weak points you attempt to make are very subjective and really quite immature. It's too bad that you have to stoop so low as to try to insult someone for driving a Honda. Honda's are reliable, well-built cars, and I'm just trying to represent my RSX in a fair way. All the things you say are truly pathetic and make you look like an ass.

Right, right, like you were so mature when you popped off on the RX8 because someone didnt praise the 'almighty' Evo? You're just as much an ass for that, regardless of how you tried to kiss ass by throwing a few nice words in too. Try to represent your little car all you want kid. You're still a boy with a girl's car and not impressing anyone.

I still think I hit a sensitive nerve in you by reminding you that your car is still slow. Kinda like thinking your the shiet cuz you have big biceps and take steroids, but being caught with your pants down. Anyways, I'll take your weak attempt at at an insult as a decline to race me. It's ok, I understand you wanna keep your pants up.
You can think whatever the fuk you want. I don't even HAVE an 8, which I've said before. I do know a car that's superior to the RSX when I see one (which, btw, is a LOT of cars), and have no problem bringing an RSXboy back to reality when he pops off like he owns something special.

Hey guys!

I'm leaning towards the RX-8. I'm gonna try to go for a test drive tommorow and see what happens. I think the refinement and looks will steer me towards the RX-8. I think I'd rather have a car with lots of refinement and some performance rather than a car with a lot of performance and zero refinement. I'll keep you guys updated.

Fred

Thread closed (nothing against you, RTEC). You guys just can't leave stuff alone, can you?