I own an RX8 because I liked it best. I drove the 350Z, Porsche Boxster S (used), Dodge Crossfire (not that bad if you don't look back), and the Lotus Esprit V-8.

The 350Z felt great, kind of like the best Camaro ever. Boxster wonderful and classy, a little light in front, and rubbery in the shifter. Lotus salesman, more afraid to get in the car than I was (I could actually afford the car). Lotus was still a little kit like, engine not quite worked out and suspension dodgey (I hit a tiny bump under braking, and the car leapt to the side like a scared gazelle). Nissan has a wonderful motor with lots of torque that helps in the van and sedan, but like the Camaro and Mustang makes it hard to shift gently, and avoids high RPM.

Mostly; I drove an RX3, and RX4 when I was a kid. Mileage was awful, which I got the cars cheap. I loved to surprise 240Z's, drive 'til the buzzer came on, and pull out hard. A rotary is special. No other motor sounds, or feels the same. Numbers notwithstanding, this car feels the best. Or just different in a good way. Sweet smooth, balanced. These cars may go out of production - forever.

With hybrids, better pistons, and emissions, I may never get another chance to drive a rotary. I will tell my grandchildren what it was like to rev to 9K, and drive a front mid engine car. I was really bummed when the RX7 went out of production, and I doubt that there will ever be a next generation rotary. I am taking it while I still can, I am driving the Wankel!

Double that. I looked at 350Z, S2000 and Corvette. I bought what I liked most and I don't care if some people tell me that 350Z or Camaro is faster than my car. I could buy 350Z for the same price or a Camaro for my cheaper but I wanted to buy a nice looking car with a rotary engine.

I cannot believe, it was my first post after several months on the board:)

Congrats, on your new purchase. Unlike you, the RX8 was my first experience with the rotary. I actually bought the car because of the way it look, handle and has for door. The rotary engine is a new experience for my and so far I love it.

This is the reason why I'll probably keep this car forever. And hopefully add an FC convertible to the stable. And maybe someday an FD and an FB. For some reason I really like the FC convertible...closest thing we'll get to a rotary roadster I suppose...

Don't be suprised if the RX-8 comes out in a convertible. If Mazda was smart they'd produce a convertible RX-8, because it would be a huge hit! I really see a million and one people buying that car if it were convertible.

The RX-8 will not fade guys, I have a feeling that with the new Renesis motor and the new found reliability, despite the recalls, that the RX-8 will be here till at least 2010, or 2015. It's just one of those cars that has a buzz, that's really fun to drive, that people more and more will be craving and giong after.

My personal opinion.

Rotary engine is a drug nothing feels like it, I buy a fc coupe in 1993 now own a fc convertible fc coupe, fd, fb , just purchase a jc cosmo and building a fc race car and planing to make a repu ( 1989 b2000 pickup 13b twin turbo swap).My wife is getting a RX-8.

This is the reason why I'll probably keep this car forever. And hopefully add an FC convertible to the stable. And maybe someday an FD and an FB. For some reason I really like the FC convertible...closest thing we'll get to a rotary roadster I suppose...

i'd love an fc conv. 3 rotor :D

I have a 20b and the vert, but funds are runing a little low right now, but that must be fun.

I am right there with you, I used to have a 3000GT and thus test drove the EVO when I was looking at cars (could not get past the rally looks although it handles like a dream), I test drove some other cars and was going to drive a 350 for fun, I was not planning on buying a 2 seater because of the storage room and I saw an ad for a deal on an RX-8...well that one was sold but they convinced me to go for a drive...I had researched it and the gas mileage was the initial turn off but as soon as I got up close to one and drove it, I was sold...thankfully the dealer took me to a remote road with some mad curves and said "bring it up to the higher rpm's and let it fly..." I think she enjoys going on test drives! Sat down and inked it that night. I've been loving it ever since...might not be the fastest in a straight line but no one can argue the "whole package" comment. 4 doors, good acceleration, handling and the smooth whir of the rotary...I am a music guy and rarely turn on the radio...windows open for me!

I am a music guy and rarely turn on the radio...windows open for me!
True enough. It's easy enough to complain about the Bose being mediocre but I'd just as soon listen to the rotary generated symphony that's front and center.

I shut off the stereo and I can hear the gears whine, and the motor gears ratchet. When all is quiet, you can hear and feel everything.

I drive in socks so that I can feel the clutch engage and the brakes grip. Driving with running shoes on is like making love to a beautiful woman with a rubber.

Hahahaha thats great

When I test drove the Rx-8, I just loved how the rotary made a howling echo thru the area I was test driving it in :D
First rotary I've ever purchased :)

I shut off the stereo and I can hear the gears whine, and the motor gears ratchet. When all is quiet, you can hear and feel everything.

I drive in socks so that I can feel the clutch engage and the brakes grip. Driving with running shoes on is like making love to a beautiful woman with a rubber.

take your socks off for pure pleasure in that case. :D

for almost a month i couldnt drive the 8 with shoes on cause i couldnt hear the engine at low rpms i was so used to pistons i had to have the feedback to shift from a stop i still drive with bare feet just for the feel of it the last time i got pulled over i couldnt get my sandals back on when the cop asked me to get out of the car so i stood there barefoot on the side of the road then since im in the military he made me volunteer to do some push ups so i wouldnt get a ticket i imagine it was quite the site

True enough. It's easy enough to complain about the Bose being mediocre but I'd just as soon listen to the rotary generated symphony that's front and center.


add an intake and an exhaust, and then the aural pleasure of driving this car is even more stimulating.

i too had always wanted a rotary car, i lusted after the first gens when i was in high school, because i could afford them, at the time the third gen was still new. I was sold the day i got up close to one, and then i drove it. I plan on keeping this car as long as it will still drive down the road.

i like you're writing style, nice to hear your background on rotaries

Driving with running shoes on is like making love to a beautiful woman with a rubber.

classic

You test drove three $30k cars and a $80-$90K car. I don't get it. If you 're looking at cars like the Lotus why did you not look at cars like the NSX, 911, AMG, two Corvettes, Viper, etc. If you're tryingto convince me that you chose the RX8 over the Lotus it ain't gonna work. But then again.............

You test drove three $30k cars and a $80-$90K car. I don't get it. If you 're looking at cars like the Lotus why did you not look at cars like the NSX, 911, AMG, two Corvettes, Viper, etc. If you're tryingto convince me that you chose the RX8 over the Lotus it ain't gonna work. But then again.............

I'd have to agree with 911SC

At minimum the Corvette would be an obvious choice, and if you have the cash for a Lotus then the new AWD 911 is a no brainer.

Although he is into good audio so....eh maybe it's the truth.... :)

I'd have to agree with 911SC

At minimum the Corvette would be an obvious choice, and if you have the cash for a Lotus then the new AWD 911 is a no brainer.

Although he is into good audio so....eh maybe it's the truth.... :)

Drive a corvette???

Are you mad?

They let me SIT in the Corvette, start it, and sit around at the dealer for an hour before I could get a date to come back and drive the car. What a bunch of low brow struck ups!!

I got home and my wife said that I couldn't own a Corvette because it was too "blue collar". I would have argued with anything else. She knows nothing about cars but can name all the designer labels. Once she said it, the label stuck. I asked about the Mazda and she said that it was sensible, not high or low class.

The Lotus was a bright yellow, out of print Esprit, I think that they would take a lot less than $94K. The 911 is a great car just didn't get around to it. I figured that I had covered my bases with the Boxster (the wife liked the Boxster definitley high class).

As for having the cash, my brother in law refers to me as a "cheap son of a bitch". This from a guy that bought the base Camry and had it reupholstered in leather to save the dough on the sunroof that came in the factory leather package.

I appreciate a good deal, and the RX8 is it. Just a different kind of deal.


A dodge Neon SRT can be had for less than $17K. That is bang for the buck.

The RX8 is not numbers for me. The smoothest motor ever, smoother than the Porsche, 350Z, and Lotus. Precise direct shifter that doesn't feel rubbery (Porsche and whoa the Lotus), or heavy (Vette even sitting still). Refined suspension, carbon fiber driveshaft, stability control, excellent brakes.

In short balanced, smooth, well finished, genuine.

Your kidding me right? Please tell me this is a joke.

A 45-50k car that will run circles around an 8 is low brow? Yea everytime I drive by a trailer park or a wallmart the place is just packed with new C6 corvettes. :)

If you are tall the lotus is really uncomfortable, the pedals are too close together and the seat does not move far back, the shift pattern is not short an its extrange, if you drive the car for a long time you will feel relive wen you get out.

Silverx8 has his head on straight...I'm 200% thinking as he does. There is no forgeting the impression a rotary engine car can make on an impressionable young dude ... even over the decades you don't forget ... or stop looking for the next rotaty fix... it's that bad I'm happy to say. It took me 30 years to get the 8 after my first RX-2. But the "what tha %$&^#" look I could get in my frompy little orange 4 dr sedan leaving some 'detroit muscle car' sucker in the dust was.. and for ever will be a priceless memory.

The 8 takes this addiction to a whole new life altering level LOL :D

Congrats Silverx8;)

Sorry,

I'd take the Vette anyday, and a 911? no question at all there ......that's not meant to down the 8 at all so don't take it wrong.

You won't be leaving either one of these cars in the dust, be it a straight line or in the twisites.

I own an RX8 because I liked it best.... A rotary is special. No other motor sounds, or feels the same. Numbers notwithstanding, this car feels the best. Or just different in a good way. Sweet smooth, balanced. ... I was really bummed when the RX7 went out of production....I am taking it while I still can, I am driving the Wankel!

I liked it best ... this is the key. It's what you like that matters.
This car is for someone who likes to drive not ride. Its combination of handling, feel, and yes, even comfort are unmatched for the $$.
I consider it an inexpensive exotic.

Enjoy the drive and "the road not taken"

...the "what tha %$&^#" look I could get in my frompy little orange 4 dr sedan leaving some 'detroit muscle car' sucker in the dust was.. and for ever will be a priceless memory.

My memory was the 240Z that tried to stay with me at the light. Neither of us shifted before 7K RPM, but he blew a large cloud of black smoke and pulled over to the side.

Well the RX8 is the only car I got to Test Drive.

Now a little less than 1 year later I have test driven cars like the 350Z. Still glad I was sold when I hopped into the RX8 because the 350Z handles like a brick compared to the RX8.

you have to muscle the Z to get it to turn in comparison to the 8, not exactly too fun besides going in a straight line...and even then that gets boring, same repetitive dull response any RPM you hit it at from that vq engine used in nissans other sedans and SUVs

After a year and half, I still smile everytime I look at and drive the car. I love it!

I got rid of my "8" for a "C-6" and could not be happier with my "Blue Collar Ride". LOL She must be on crack or maybe she just wants to be a Hilton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!_

I bought an rx-8 like 4 weeks ago. And have loved every minute. But it wasn't until last night that i truly fell in love with all that is zoom zoom. I took a drive from cheshire CT to north western mass for work, up route 8. Was the sickest drive ever, was mostly a 2 lane road all the way up through the forest and hills of the berkshires of western connecticut and mass. I flew, this car loves the road....my foot never left the gas...the 8 never even slipped. The only time i chickened out slightly was during a set of S turns, i applied the breaks a little and looked down, and i was still doin 85. The handling and smoothness of this car is one in its own. It truly proves that speed limits are just a suggestion. THis is the reason i have this car...this is the reason i would never trade it for any stang, Z, or anythiing in between.. Ok maybe that new porsche carrera....but only if i test drove it first and liked it


Drive it fast....it can take it....ZOOM ZOOM

lol you may want to consider that new porsche cayman, its quite the handler and looks sharp too. :D

I got rid of my "8" for a "C-6" and could not be happier with my "Blue Collar Ride". LOL She must be on crack or maybe she just wants to be a Hilton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!_

I married the mayors daughter. Coming out ball and everything. A long time ago I was at a party and someone asked what an NSX was and I said it was a really fast Honda. It was like I farted out loud.

lol you may want to consider that new porsche cayman, its quite the handler and looks sharp too. :D

Yeah looked at it, but a 911 isn't that much more. The Cayman is right between the Boxster and the 911. Those two were already too close. Now the Carrera GT, thats how to differentiate the models from each other!

The Cayman has two seats, I didn't think that was important. My kids are older and I figured the
RX8 would be just for me. Somehow freinds fill up the back, its the cool ride.

The Porsche dealer was a more open with the cars than the Chevrolet dealer. They let me sit in the GT, which at $450K is much more of an experience than sitting in a C6.

4 doors and 4 seats did it for me.

But the fact that it looks pretty good, is relatively rare (well not rare, but certainly fewer around than competition), not to mention inexpensive.

what are you guys smoking the 350Z handles extremely well sure it feels heavier but its not some glorified muscle car, it can definitely turn well.

I own an RX-8 because I can't afford a Ferrari ;)

Seriously, I once owned an '85 RX-7 and I loved it. It was a blast to drive and never gave a moments trouble. I just had to get back into the Rotary realm.

1.3L :D

lol you may want to consider that new porsche cayman, its quite the handler and looks sharp too. :D
That thing gives me wood. That car is going to be amazing.

what are you guys smoking the 350Z handles extremely well sure it feels heavier but its not some glorified muscle car, it can definitely turn well.

The 350Z hadles great. My issue was the clutch and torque. I just had trouble shifting smoothly. Automatics eventually do the wrong thing at the wrong time, like making a slow downshift in the middle of a corner, or trying to decide between first and second at a stopsign and leaving me flat. I wanted the stick to control my gears myself, and the clutch engagement was too hard for me to modulate smoothly, I ended up dumping it a lot and jerking the car off the line.

I also have a little trouble knowing that Quest and Altima owners would look at me like the kindred soul that I would be.

Knowing that almost nobody shares my motor is not snobbery. This motor is a high revving, small, special motor. This affects how the RX8 handles, rides, sounds, and shifts. So does sharing a van motor, a truck motor, or a sedan motor. Other cars don't have the rotary because it is not the best motor for them.


In the beginning you could buy a rotary car, van, or truck (some chick had a truck where she erased the first "R" and turned the "T" to a "V" on her "ROTARY POWER" truck, turning it to "OVARY POWER". Go figure.

i got a Q, did the original RPUs say rotary power on the back because EVERY rpu i see has that

My vague memory of seeing the first rotary powered lineup at a carshow. I remember the moniker on the back of the original truck. Collectors item?