So, i'm new to the forum, and i've been reading that a lot of people have been lumping the RX-8 and the 350Z together as competitors... sorry fellas, ain't gonna happen...

althought Mazda and Nissan have battled it out to be the sportiest in Japan, Nissan (through sheer size and manufacturing might) has been able to sustain profitability at a higher level than Mazda through the 90's and made their "coolness" resurgance sooner...

not pulling any punches their 350Z promises to be a muscle-chewing pocket rocket... but i don't know how good nissan is at keeping promises (never really been a huge fan...)

Anyway, Mazda's resurgance is all about the rotary, but sensible... they need to make money right?? so, why not a sports-SEDAN??
sure, it's sexy and svelt, but four doors are four doors, no matter how really awesome suicides are...
not that i'm knocking it!! i'm sure it's very sporty, and will kill it's competition!! but with a wheel base a back-seat's worth longer than a true sports car, i can't see the RX-8 holding a candle to Nissan's new product in any category (unless it's a real piece of crap... the RX-8 gives up a lot in terms of performance indicators)

so, that said, i offer a few thoughts:
the RX-8 is about compact-sized, right?? a little bigger than a Civic maybe?? torque numbers a little better than that of a VTEC 2.0L??
Price range around that of a trick Acura??
The RX-8 could (if someone could verify this with size specs, like wheel base and height) be directly competing with the RSX Type-S... but beats it by 50+ HP, and has two REALLY USEABLE back seats!! with better accessibility and cost (i'm only assuming, i haven't a clue what a Type S would set you back in US$'s, i'm Canadian, and have a distaste for Hondas) it's a winner... except the rice-kabobs (sorry... not trying to be racist (more WHITE ricers here in vancouver than any other ethnicity), but that's the only widely known term for them that i know) are die-hard Honda drivers...

um, other competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX (again, more power, equal cost (right??), better room in back, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better looks)
BMW 3-series (can't compete with the M3, maybe in handling not HP, but at a cost of about half (i wager) the frugal man might favour it)
hmmm... other thoughts?? i can't think now... this post is to F***ing long...

To RX8 or to G35 Coupe - That's the question.

ya, that's a good one... the infinity version of the 350Z right?? same engine and 4 door on same platform??
but, it's infinity... wouldn't that mean it's big $$'s more??

Coupe is 2 doors, not four. The Infiniti coupe is hot, much nicer than the 350, and I agree it is a more accurate comparison / competition for the RX8. From what I've seen, the G35 coupe will be in the low 30's - a little higer than the RX, but still competitive.

Consider this. This car is going to rock! Forget the configuration, it has greater rigidity than the last 7. Who cares if it has four doors if the casis is rock solid. The weight balance is awsome, the rx has always been a quasi mid engined car. This gives it supreme balance. The Suspension is going to set it apart from the competition. Up front its going to have Upper and Lower control arms ala previous rx7. The all important rear suspension is 5 multi-link suspension. With 5 mounting points, much like a porsche. Its going to rock. Its going to weigh in under 3000 lbs, which is good with todays crash standards. Im really excited about this car.

the closest competitor that I can only think of would be the Honda S2000. both seem to be very similar in the power ratings and price (give or take a few thousand). but the main difference is just the lack of 2 more seats in the back for the S2k.

To RX8 or to G35 Coupe - That's the question.
Good comparison. Both RWD and around 250-260 HP. :) The RX-8 has the weight advantage. What about Audi?

Audi is coming out with an A4 Cabriolet...I wouldn't consider the TT a true competitor because it's FWD.

The way I see it, the RX is in a class by itself - but not in a good way. It has four seats, and cars such as the Miata are smaller and lighter. I guess it's most accurate to call it a sports coupe with four doors that wants to be a sports car.

So, that would leave it's competitors to the aforementioned Infiniti, the M3, and perhaps an Audi. Others come to mind, but in a much higher price bracket.

I haven't compared the size and weight extensively, but do know it's heaver and bigger than cars such as the Miata, the MR2, and I would guess the RX7. To me, that eliminates cars such as the S3K as competition.

Audi is coming out with an A4 Cabriolet...I wouldn't consider the TT a true competitor because it's FWD.

The way I see it, the RX is in a class by itself - but not in a good way. It has four seats, and cars such as the Miata are smaller and lighter. I guess it's most accurate to call it a sports coupe with four doors that wants to be a sports car.

So, that would leave it's competitors to the aforementioned Infiniti, the M3, and perhaps an Audi. Others come to mind, but in a much higher price bracket.

I haven't compared the size and weight extensively, but do know it's heaver and bigger than cars such as the Miata, the MR2, and I would guess the RX7. To me, that eliminates cars such as the S2K as competition.

I don't think I was clear...so let me clarify on my last statement -

The S2K may be bigger or heavier than the Miatas or MR2's, but I think that relationship is still closer than a comparison with the RX-8.

If I were in Mazda's shoes I think the RX-8's real competitors is the Honda Accord coupe, and the Camry Solara! I think those cars are boring and lack any real performance competition, however they have room for 5 and styled the same. Even though these cars lack anything to compete with the RX-8 they do outsell many of the other cars everyone else has mentioned. It is also priced the same as the RX-8.

The Pontiac Grand Prix coupe is also priced as the RX-8, and it has the horsepower and performance #'s similar to the RX-8 as well. I'm not sure however if it's a big seller like the Honda or Toyota, but I know they sell more than M3s and TTs.

I thought this would be great info for everyone, so that you can use this info as tools to negotiate a good price with the dealer. Remember Competition drives prices DOWN! Even though I don't think I'd want a Pontiac or a Honda, the dealer doesn't have to know that right? Happy shopping!

If I were in Mazda's shoes I think the RX-8's real competitors is the Honda Accord coupe, and the Camry Solara The Mazda6 has those covered. :)

How heavy will the new RX-8 be? The power to weight ratio may also determine who some of its competitors are. I don't think calling the RX-8 a true 4 door is the right classification. It's probably been said before, but I would think of it as an easy access sports coupe and obviously classified with other 2+2 2 doors.

According to Road & Track:

Mazda RX-8 Specifications
Curb weight: est 2970 lb
Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
Track, f/r: 59.1 in./59.5 in.
Length: 174.2 in.
Width: 69.7 in.
Height: 52.8 in.


Engine & Drivetrain
Type: 2-rotor Wankel
Bore width x chamber major axis: 80.0 mm x 240.0 mm
Displacement: 1308 cc
Horsepower: 250 bhp @ 8500 rpm
Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual


Chassis & Body
Layout: front engine/rear drive
Brakes: vented discs
Wheels: cast alloy, 18 x 8JJ
Tires: 225/45ZR-18
Steering: type rack & pinion, variable pwr asst
Suspension, f/r: upper & lower A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar/5-link, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar

actually rxtreme, i think because of the room the rx-8 has in the back seats will kind of separate it from the 2+2's... it is in a different class all on it's own, i think definitely in a good way more than bad... it's differences give it wider apeal, rather than alienating certain markets
thanx for the specs Styjan, as with those i've made some comparisons...

it's a little smaller, and a lot (+400 lbs. i think) lighter, stiffer, more powerful, FAAAAAR better balanced, among other things than the Grand Prix, which i think would be one of the American threats... oh, and it's about $26 000 (us) for the supercharged one

also, i've checked on the RSX type-S (which was my first pick as a competitor, or target... ;) ) is actually fairly spot on in my opinion...
the wheel base (for the type-s) is 4' shorter, overall length only 2', 2' narrower, 3' taller, and (if R&T's mass estimation is accurate) 200 lbs. lighter than the RX-8... now that said, they're pretty close in size, but the RX-8 is more functional as a people mover (with two full sized seats in the back, and two extra doors), more powerful by 50 frickin' horses (and gives up nothing in torque either), more ridgid (i'd wager, if the RX-8 is more ridgid than the last 7), and mass distribution that will leave the rsx type-s in the dust around the cones (about 50/50 for the RX-8, and 61/39 for the RSX <<snicker>>)...
it's got a 200lb advantage, but looking at everything else it gives up to the RX-8, those 200 lbs. might put it at a disadvantage in a crash test...
with the body-- i mean price tag on this RSX at $24 000, it's kind of a close call...
well, i suppose for those who want performance, and better people moving power, they'd pay for it (not to mention the engineering marvel that lay under the hood...)

I'm also comparing the RX-8 to the RSX, but in terms of performance I'm comparing it to the JDM spec type r. The RX-8 is said to hit 60 in under 6 sec. (how much under 6 will be interesting). That's right on par with the DC5 type r. The DC5-r has a very well tuned chasis/suspension, but it still has McStruts vs. the double wishbone/multilink type in the RX-8 (which at limit, theoretically, is supposed to be better).

I'm hoping Honda will chose to send the U.S. a type r but they may lose my buisiness if it is not available by the time I'm ready to buy a car. I need a car that can perform but also has a real back seat (I have a wife and kid). I'm looking for the performance the new type r can provide and the "feel" of a great high revving engine (used to own a Integra gs-r and loved it 'till the day I sold it). Build quality and reliability are also an issue. I can cross my fingers and hope the RX-8, being a new model, fits this requirement. All this, hopefully, for around 28k dollars.

As for comparing other models, many here have thrown in the 350Z as a comparison model. As a consumer, I'm not even thinking about the new Z. Mainly because it's not a 2+2. Performance wise, it sounds like a great deal. The brand new C and D said final spec has 287 HP and recorded it doing 0-60 in 5.4 sec and 1/4 mi in 14.1. All for less than $27,000 for the base model. I hope this inspires Mazda to offer the RX-8 for a similiar price. C and D were, however, uninspired by the Z's handling. Complaining that it understeered more than it should and could stand to lose a couple hundred pounds.

The real competitors of the RX-8 will depend on the criteria of each consumer. Most people here seem to be cross shopping between the RX-8 sports coupes like the Acura RSX. Other cars in this classification are the Celica, 3-Series, Grand Prix, Mustang, and Infinity G35. The Accord and Solara coupes don’t really qualify as competition because they aren’t at all sporty. Other folks seem to be comparing between the RX-8 and the new 350Z.
Personally, I’m only cross-shopping the RX-8 with other sports sedans. I have a family and need to haul a child safety seat around along with related baby paraphernalia. The RX-8 is the only car I would consider that doesn’t have four real doors. I can’t wait to see if Mazda’s claims are true about the suicide coupe having more useable rear space than a small sedan.
The two cars I think I have it narrowed down to are the RX-8 and the Subaru WRX STI. I like the AWD of the Subie and it looks like it will be a good deal faster, but the RX-8 is much better looking. Neither car will probably do any good below 3500 RPM but that suits my driving style. Both are also quite distinctive and set themselves apart from all the cookie cutter cars available now.
There are still some unresolved factors. I want to see how usable the RX-8 rear seating area actually is. I also want to see how the production model performs. 6 seconds to 60 seems a little slow for a car that light with that much power. Price is also a factor, since the price hasn’t been announced on the STI or the RX-8.
Oh yeah, if I can’t get the Mazda RX-8 on the X-plan or the STI on their MVP plan, I will not get them. Then I’d probably get a used Audi S4 or used BMW M3.

I would say that Mazda needs this car to be compared with other sports cars, where it will be more than able to hold its own driving wise, but has that extra real seats with easy access that no other sports cars have.

I'm sure some will compare it with sports sedans, but I'm not so sure this will be to Mazda's benefit as much. Mazda was smart to make what could be considered a sports sedan (though it will most certainly have that sports car edge a sports sedan lacks) but avoided coming across as "another BMW 3 series wannabe". Everyone has one of those. So the Mazda will be unique there. However, I think the Mazda might get bagged for not offering the comfy ride, all the heavy luxury doo-dads of the other sports sedans. Also, that group of buyers I would think would be more traditional and might blow off the Mazda as being a bit too odd for them.

Hopefully the Mazda will be placed with both. There is no doubt it will be a true sports car, but with real back seats, many people might not want to see it that. Perhaps the car's best asset is that it really doesn't fit ANY category, and is simply the only car in a category it just created. The worlds first four door sports car according to Mazda.

We'll find out ;)

Originally posted by KayakDaddy
The real competitors of the RX-8 will depend on the criteria of each consumer.

You hit the nail on the head. I'll be comparing the RX-8 with the Elise that should be arriving shortly after the RX-8. I suspect that there aren't too many others that have those 2 together at the top of their list.
For what I'm looking for in a car, the 350Z is way too heavy, and alst exceeds my maximum allowable ugliness factor. The RSX is a bit too "boy racer" (I'll refrain from the more commonly used term due to its offensiveness) for me, and it's FWD.

Well, I went and took a look at the Infiniti G35 yesterday. Damn impressive car. Nice luxury, with a 250HP/250Torque engine. It's gotten good reviews for handling and braking, too. I think that's probably the kind of competitor that the RX-8 is going to have to deal with for most people, particularly when the coupe and the 6-speed version of the G25 come out.

-Patrick

As I see it, the RX-8 has no real competition. Its about as unique as you can get.

By the way, for the people making comparisons based on size, the RX-8's outside dimensions are identical to the Acura NSX in every way, except for being slightly taller.

The G35 must be pretty nice, it just won an eleven car comparison test in the latest edition of Road & Track Magazine. It beat out other sports sedan notables such as the 330i, IS300, A4, etc.

The general consensus of the article was basically, the G35 and the 330i were the class of the competition, and the 330i seemed to be the all around favorite. The G35 was right up there with the BMW, but with a price as tested of about $8,000 less than the Bimmer. The price difference gave the Infinity the edge. You could do a lot with the $8K you save.

They said the Lexus IS300 was the most sports car like. If you are like me, you plan on playing with a few modifications; it could be an interesting pick. I’m told that because their drivetrains are the same, the IS300 will accept pretty much the same mods as the now extinct Supra. I’ve read reviews elsewhere online of a Turbo IS300, putting out about 420 HP. Turns out the IS300 weighs less too, so you would have a Supra killer on your hands.


If that logic holds true for Infinity, I would imagine that any modifications available on the 350Z could be put on the G35 as well. I'm sure that car will develop a nice aftermarket following.


Since I’m more in the market for a sedan than a coupe I’m a little ill at Infinity for putting 15 less horsepower in the sedan than the coupe. What punks! Like folks like me who need a little practicality don’t want some get up and go too. Give us the 15 extra HP back and the 6-speed and I’ll think about it.


I do agree with Grimace that there really is nothing else like the RX-8 out there. That’s why I will wait to see one and drive one before buying anything. If it can almost be as useful as a sedan while giving sports car performance, handling, and looks, it may be a perfect fit.
:)

Good point, Grimace. As I am one of the people who would like to see it about 10"-12" shorter, perhaps I'll clarify my thoughts.

First, I think the NSX is one of the hottest cars ever produced, and would take one in a heartbeat. But maybe it's a mid-engine thing - I've seen the NSX up close and have no problem with it's size. Overall, I like the mid-engine design (not just because it's mid-engine, I like the short front - long back that's naturally inherint to mid-engines) so I have no problems with size there.

For a front-engine car, I like it to be a bit smaller. The Miata, the older RX's...I don't think they'd work as well being as long as the RX8.

Not an extensive explanation, but I think it gets my point across.

Originally posted by rxtreme
I'm also comparing the RX-8 to the RSX, but in terms of performance I'm comparing it to the JDM spec type r. The RX-8 is said to hit 60 in under 6 sec. (how much under 6 will be interesting). That's right on par with the DC5 type r. The DC5-r has a very well tuned chasis/suspension, but it still has McStruts vs. the double wishbone/multilink type in the RX-8 (which at limit, theoretically, is supposed to be better).

Of course, there's also that little tiny issue of RWD in the RX8 vs FWD in the RSX.

The Rx-8 will draw buyers from several different vehicle types but, I think the bulk will come from the following areas: the "enthusiast" BMW 3-series owner, the A4/S4 crowd, Impreza 2.5 and WRX that's looking for more "sports car" and the Miata/ S2000/ Boxster/Rx-7 owner that needs room for passengers and doesn't want a fwd, understeering pig (i.e. ME):)

The car appears to strike a happy medium between the Sport Sedan/Coupe and Performance Roadster/Sports Car.

The RX-8's greatest feature (IMHO) is balance: It appears that it will do many things well: handling/acceleration, style, functionality at a price that makes sense.

I see the reliablity/fragility issue's (leftover from the RX-7) being the only thing that will "possibly" keep it from being smash success.

cshepley said:
Of course, there's also that little tiny issue of RWD in the RX8 vs FWD in the RSX.

That is a good point. RWD is traditionally more in tune to a true sports car, but I'm basing the purchase of my next car on four factors; practicality, performance/fun-to-drive factor, reliability, and price.

Practicality: Both the RSX (type s or type r) and the RX-8 meet the standard in this area. The RX-8 has a more useable rear seat while the RSX has more cargo capacity being a hatchback. Either way, it's a tie in my opinion because they'll both get the job done for me.

Performance/fun-to-drive factor: If Honda decides to send the type r, their is no doubt in my mind that it will perform right with the RX-8 in a straight line or on a track. The fact that one is FWD vs. RWD or McStruts vs. double wishbones or 250HP vs. 217HP means nothing to me if they can perform about equally or the "feel" of the car is pretty close. If the RX-8 performs as well as rumored, then I'll probably give the edge to the RX-8 because its design seems a little more leaned towards performance---on paper. It should be noted that if both are available when I'm ready to purchase, the final assessment in this catagory will be reserved until a test drive is done with both cars.

Reliability: I don't care how reliable NA rotories were in the past, this is a brand new car with a brand new engine. I personally know that Hondas reliability is a tough beat and I'll give reliability to the RSX type r.

Price: All things being equal, if the RX-8 can come equipped with what I want for ~28k, this will be a tough call. I'm guessing the type r will be a little cheaper (minus price gouging), but I may get more from the RX-8.

If the type r is not available by around April/May of next year and the RX-8 is, I guess Honda will have made up my mind for me.

Well, I've been visiting for a while and thought I would contribute. (Hope this post works!) It's nice to see others interested in the RX-8 as well.

Basically, I think the competitive models can be defined as broadly or narrowly as one wants. There is no other car out that is as sporty, has good seating for 4, has suicide doors, etc. That said, I think the closest existing competing model is the Subaru Impreza WRX wagon -- similar horsepower, capacity and price.

Personally, I've also been considering the WRX wagon, 350Z and Corvette. Granted that is a pretty broad range of car type there, but I think that just proves my original point that the competition is in the eye of the beholder. :)

I found this web site and ythought some of you ight want to visit it and reply with you r opinions.

Obviously, this is a pro-Z350 sight.

Ckeck it out at http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t32618.html:)

Funny you should mention that thread. I'm Iceburn over there (and on www.miataforum.com), and tried to interject a bit of pro-RX-8 stuff without invading their board. There were a few others who did as well.

I'm curious to see how Mazda will market the RX-8.

They can market it as a sports sedan/2+2 and compete with the WRX (STi would be a good match), BMW 330ci, Lexus IS300, and the Infiniti G35 (coupe is a closer match than the sedan). Since the RX-8 will probably be the lightest and best handling of the bunch, they can use that to their advantage.

On the other hand, you can also envision them aiming the RX-8 at the sports car segment, competing with the S2000 and 350Z. The RX-8 should offer comparable performance (if the final product matches the initial specifications), but offers an additional 2 seats, thus being the "practical" sports car.

Personally, I'm juggling between the two segments. I really like the sports car segment and the performance and handling they offer. I'm a bit hesitant to spring for a pure 2 seater, since I like the flexibility of the added interior space and ability to carry more than 1 passenger. The sports sedans interest me, but I think the handling is still a bit too soft IMO. Based on that, it seems like the RX-8 is the perfect car for me!

S2000 I think not... it's a roadster, unless Mazda has untold plans of a convertible they are in different leagues

BMW 330Ci Prolly not again... it's a beemer, a lot of the people that are in the market for that car wouldn't want something that is made by a non-luxury car company (Mazda)

WRX possibly... granted the WRX came over in reaction to rally cars... I think that it might be part of the competition

350Z maybe... most people seem to try to put these two together. Remember this is not the RX-7. The previous gens for both cars did compete, but now one is a 2 seat sports car (350Z), the other has 4 seats (RX-8)

Infiniti G35 more of a chance... same as above but has a more user friendly 2 more seat option, but does have more luxury (I'm guessing) than the 350Z

Lexus IS300 maybe... good car, not too much informed on it, but I think that it has a good chance to put that in it's competition.

With that I might market it against the IS300 and what the WRX are going to be against, as well as try to throw in some suprises to maybe switch those that are looking in totally different categories of cars-

I drive a BMW and I definitely want to change for an RX-8 !!
Where I live, they trow you to death with Bmw's tuned to the max... (and also non tuned ones)

So, my opinion is, the RX-8 is just a class on it's own. Something a lot of people will like, and others will dislike for some idiot reason...

Rotary lovers wanting to have a real sports coupé just need to wait a bit more on the new RX-7 I guess...

(Also nice work for the new RX-7 prototype but it's still the convenience of the RX-8 that makes the difference for me)

The genius of the RX-8 is that it is not pure 2-seat sports car and is not a sporty sedan, but is in between. This car is perfect for someone who wants the fun of a sports car and the practicality of a sports sedan.

Case in point...Me:

Problem:

1. I want a third Gen so bad it hurts. My all time favorite car. Best looks, super performance, love rotaries. I have wanted it since it came out when I was in college, but I was poor in college. When I could afford one they stopped exporting them to the USA. I am a snob, I like new cars.

2. Would buy a 2-seat sports car (S2000, 350z, Miata) now, but I'm a daddy (one year old on 7/23!) & a husband. Not going to happen.

3. I like sports sedans (3 Series, A4, IS300), but oh my dreams of that sports car! Plus the prices are just at my threshold. They better be dam special for me to approach my spending threshold, but they are not.

4. (Only applies to people like me & not the general public.) I am a rotary freak!


Solution:

1. Mazda RX-8, perfect solution!

I think there are many people (male & female) that have the same needs and wants for a car that the RX-8 will fill.

Point:

This car will defy classification & comparisons. There is no competitor, its a segment breaker.

i agree with styjan. im in the same spot in my life just no kids yet. funny that people are mentioning the bmw 330. i saw too 3 series bimmers yesterday and the first thing i did at each of them was walk up and look at the back seat. there is not a whole bunch of leg room back there. it appears in most of the pics that the rx8 has as much or more. i think the rx8 is a real competitor for the 3 series. the 8 is gonna have more zoom for the buck!

My 3-series sedan has very little legspace on the backseats, even less than a volvo s-40 wich a friend of mine has.
Not that I care much about that, because I'm the one always sitting in front :D

I hope the thrunk is big enough to fit a big woofer and amplifier... :rolleyes:

i wonder if the rx8 will be competition for the mustang? longish snout, short front and rear over hangs, room for four (although the rx8 should be easier to get in the back of). rwd.performance oriented.both the only ones in their class now that the mustang doesn't have a firebird or camaro to go against. both look good in yellow. ;) what would ford do if the rx8 started eating into their mustang sales. now i'm not talking cobras or saleens here just base model 6 cylinders and maybe gt's.

please the rx8 is going to be alot faster.lord jesus stop being so picky it's a beautiful car people. four door 250hp lite on it feet
the mustang gt has 260hp it weigh a ton and is not all that fast
i think if the rx8 does weigh 2900 it going to pose a threat.:D :D

I'm no fan of Mustangs, but the GT only weighs 3241lbs. Not all that much more than the RX-8, its not a land barge. It also has 302ft/lb of torque to help overcome the extra ~280lbs off the line.

That said, I bet the RX-8 with its better power to weight ratio and most likely way better handling will easily hang with a stock Mustang GT. It will absolutely kill a V6 'Stang (as many family sedans are capable of also), but would likewise be decimated by the new Cobra.

Originally posted by specmi80
please the rx8 is going to be alot faster.lord jesus stop being so picky it's a beautiful car people. four door 250hp lite on it feet
the mustang gt has 260hp it weigh a ton and is not all that fast
i think if the rx8 does weigh 2900 it going to pose a threat.:D :D

take it easy... don't get Rich started again about the "torque in the upper rev ranges is better than low" (more horse power is the key), 'cause i think he'll go nuts if he has to go through all that again!! :)

as for the weight thing, 300lb is a shit load more... try and remove 300lb from that 'Stang so it has a chance of keeping up with the 8 around the corners (in theory), you'd have a tough time (to keep it usable as a daily driver)...
besides, the 8 isn't a drag car, or a stoplight warrior, just a very sporty sedan, with kickass styling and design.

yeah rich is liable to blow an apex seal:D

Originally posted by cshepley
I'm no fan of Mustangs, but the GT only weighs 3241lbs. Not all that much more than the RX-8, its not a land barge. It also has 302ft/lb of torque to help overcome the extra ~280lbs off the line.

That said, I bet the RX-8 with its better power to weight ratio and most likely way better handling will easily hang with a stock Mustang GT. It will absolutely kill a V6 'Stang (as many family sedans are capable of also), but would likewise be decimated by the new Cobra.




stats look nice that about it is not as fast as you think 2002 gt
0-60 6.0 1/4mile 14.8 at 99mph that really suck for a 4.6 liter of
displacement that a big engine.I seen ITR on drig strip just make
them look dumb in stock form.but belive want you want!:p

and stop calling it a sport sedan please it's a SPORT CAR mmm let me think 250hp it small lite fast.it's common sense just because
it has four door does not mean nothing.look at the wrx and the evolution and big barge like a mustang or a big chevy with a 350 big block.:o :o

Originally posted by zoom44
yeah rich is liable to blow an apex seal:D

Hey, I thought I was quite polite on that thread! :D In fact, I thought at least one forum member was quite a bit more rude than I was...

I forgive you Rich.

@}----8--- a rose for you rich...
haha

you were extremely polite rich i was just worried about your blood pressure if you felt the need to explain it again :)

Originally posted by Styjan
The genius of the RX-8 is that it is not pure 2-seat sports car and is not a sporty sedan, but is in between. This car is perfect for someone who wants the fun of a sports car and the practicality of a sports sedan.

Case in point...Me:

Problem:

1. I want a third Gen so bad it hurts. My all time favorite car. Best looks, super performance, love rotaries. I have wanted it since it came out when I was in college, but I was poor in college. When I could afford one they stopped exporting them to the USA. I am a snob, I like new cars.

2. Would buy a 2-seat sports car (S2000, 350z, Miata) now, but I'm a daddy (one year old on 7/23!) & a husband. Not going to happen.

3. I like sports sedans (3 Series, A4, IS300), but oh my dreams of that sports car! Plus the prices are just at my threshold. They better be dam special for me to approach my spending threshold, but they are not.

4. (Only applies to people like me & not the general public.) I am a rotary freak!


Solution:

1. Mazda RX-8, perfect solution!

I think there are many people (male & female) that have the same needs and wants for a car that the RX-8 will fill.

Point:

This car will defy classification & comparisons. There is no competitor, its a segment breaker.


Isn't that what the BMW M3 is for too?

ya, but the M3 is really bloody expensive... my first post (that started the thread) outlined that it is quite a sum greater than the expected price for the 8... and because it's heavier, the performance won't be the same (slower in some things, maybe quicker in a straight line...)

Good point. But for a "real" back seat though an M3 would be the way to go. The Road and Track video with the hawaiian dude... he looked like he had to struggle to get into the back seat. Plus on a long trip those rollercoaster style seats start to feel really uncomfortable just like the Mercury Cougar.

NOT!

Keep in mind that the 2970 lb weight Road & Track reported was for a fully loaded model, with the 18" rims, and possibly the automatic transmission (don't remember for sure).

If this is the case, the basic model very well could be in the 2700-2800 lb range. Even at 2850 lbs, which seems on the heavy side for an RX car, the car really isn't all that heavy.

Keep in mind that the SVT Focus, which is "hot hatch" weighs 2800 lbs. The Golf GTI is pushing 3000 lbs these days. The S2000 is over 2800 lbs, too.

When you look back, Mazda has done a brilliant job keeping weights in line. If you can get an RX-8 in the 2800 lb range (which I believe will happen) you're looking at a vehicle only 100 lbs more than an FD, about the same as an FC Turbo II and 100-200 lbs heavier than a naturally aspirated FC, about 250 lbs more than a GSL-SE, and still only about 400-600 lbs more than the original 12A RX-7. Even when compared to the RX-3, which weighed in around 2000-2250 lbs, the RX-8 doesn't look all that bad for being loaded with 30 years worth of additional safety and technology updates!

Among current cars, the S2000 actually makes the most compelling comparison - similar weights, extremely similar horsepower and torque numbers, it's just that the RX-8 holds twice as many occupants.

Really, I see the RX-8 not as the RX-7 replacement (good thing, since there will be another RX-7 if the RX-8 sells) but as the successor to the RX-3. If you've ever seen an RX-3 you know they're tiny - about the size of a first-gen RX-7 but with rear seats and a body that resembles an unholy marriage of the 67-69 Camaro and '70 Ford Maverick with a great big dash of quirky Japanese-ness from the 70s thrown in. It sounds odd, but is a really attractive car, and the grille of the 74-78 models is clearly the inspiration for the RX-8's.

http://isweb41.infoseek.co.jp/motor/rx-3/event/020303/1004.jpg

http://isweb41.infoseek.co.jp/motor/rx-3/event/020303/1003.jpg

http://isweb41.infoseek.co.jp/motor/rx-3/event/020303/1006.jpg

http://isweb41.infoseek.co.jp/motor/rx-3/x-808/img/007.jpg

http://isweb41.infoseek.co.jp/motor/rx-3/x-808/img/020.jpg

I think that your real competition is the wrx stock and a chipped vw gti 1.8t. Both are getting 1/4 times in the low 14's given what I saw on a early thread that posted some 1/4 times for the rx-8 these two cars are your real competition that you should try to mod to keep up with. The Acrua Rsx- type s is not the car to shoot for because it is a equal car, and you will make no real progress in making your car faster, just a thought.

keech's first post? Did you realize you just brought back a thread that has been dead over a year? If you had looked you would notice that the man now has 3000+ No offense meant by this but in the future try not to do this. The information in this thread is now outdated. It is good for research but thats all really.

-JiM

Originally posted by j1mb0x99
keech's first post?
...the man now has 3000+

-JiM

*tee hee hee* yup, my first post.

...and "the boy" would be more accurate ;)

Rise from the grave.

http://www.emulatronia.com/maquinadeltiempo/fotosdejuegos/md/altered.jpg

Altered Beast! wooooo!

I am surprised that no one really compared the RX8 vs the S2000.

They are both RWD, sporty, offer luxury, look alike, have a small engine producing the same ouput of HP and revving at 9000 RPM, and are in the same range pricewise (rx8 fully loaded is 32k, same as a S2000 which doesn't come with any options).

Personally, I am a loyal Honda customer (GS-R owner), and the drive test with the S2000 really blew me away. The engine is really mean at high RPM, and it's a pleasure to drive it to the limit.

I am in the market for both of those vehicules, the RX8 so far has my preference in term of styling and convenience (4doors!), but all those little problem here and there for this first year of production kinda annoy me.

As for the comparaison with a M3, I don't understand.... why compare of sporty car vs a "cheap" supercar?

Originally posted by Doc Gyneco
I am surprised that no one really compared the RX8 vs the S2000.


well, we have... this is certainly not the be-all end-all of comapro threads, 'cause if you note: the 350Z hadn't even been released (i think it was just coming out) at the time i authored this thread, and it seemed every 1 out of 5 threads in the discussion section were about "RX-8 vs 305Z", both of which (at that time) were still fictional cars.

so, this is one of those long looong look ahead kinda threads.

[i]As for the comparaison with a M3, I don't understand.... why compare of sporty car vs a "cheap" supercar? [/B]

did he just call the rx8 a cheap supercar

Originally posted by mikeb
did he just call the rx8 a cheap supercar


Nope, he called the M3 a "cheap" supercar. Meaning it about as close as you'll get to supercar type performance for the price, though the Z06 may have something to say about that. :)

well, I'll take a m3 over a zo6 anyday

It's interesting how age and lifestyle may influence a person's list of competition for the RX8.

I can see why Road & Track would take cautious effort to select the Infiniti G35. I can understand why Automobile is careful to find a median between the BMW 330i and the Nissan 350Z. I can also see the engine comparisons to the Honda S2000's engine. But comparing the RX8 overall to a Subaru WRX sti, Acura RSX, GTI 1.8T, and SVT Focus? Hmm.

This thread almost reminds me of that "kill" thread a while ago. Someone needs to rein it in.

I dont know guys, so far I have been liking the RX8 but recently its been sucking. A few problems for me, thinking of getting a nsx, but if I do I wouldnt drive it everyday cuz people would hate on it at school

how has it been sucking?

Originally posted by Efini 8
I dont know guys, so far I have been liking the RX8 but recently its been sucking. A few problems for me, thinking of getting a nsx, but if I do I wouldnt drive it everyday cuz people would hate on it at school

Now why don't you brag about that modena you own?