One of my brother's friends has a lightly modified 3rd gen RX-7, and I got to drive it a few hours ago. Words cannot describe how incredible that engine is. The shocks were shot, so it didn't handle well at all, but that didn't matter for what we were doing. It's just sick how incredibly smooth rotaries are! As the revs build, it just becomes more and more smooth, and pushes you back harder and harder. It's nothing like the Honda S2000, which has a switch at about 6200 when the VTEC kicks in suddenly, and just gets more and more harsh as the revs climb. For a little while I was cruising at 6k, just because the engine was so comfortable there. Try that in a piston engine! I know there are some of you out there that haven't driven a rotary engined car, and I can't think of any other way to describe it than I already have. Incredibly smooth is the closest I can get, but it doesn't cover it at all.
Both my brother and I were scared to give it more than 3/4 throttle, because we thought the thing would blow up, or it would just break the rear wheels looses, even though we were just going straight. While we were out, a kid in a slammed Civic pulled past us with a big grin on his face. Normally I am extremely conservative on public roads (4 mph over the limit or less), but we decided to give him a bit of a show. After he pulled past to take a look at the car, I downshifted into second and we just flew past him with our heads plastered to the headrests.

Anyway, the point of this is that I'm thinking of getting an RX-8 again. I made the decision 2 months ago that I was going to wait for the new RX-7. I don't like the styling of the RX-8, and at that point I wanted to get a 2 seater. I needed a car right away, so I picked up a 2002 Miata, which I love. My 626 is only halfway paid off, and it's really a much nicer car than most people give it credit for. I'm very happy with it, and my girlfriend (who drives it 95% of the time) likes it as well. I've got about 12k left to pay off on the 626, and Edmunds lists it at 10-12k for tradein-private party values. In other words, I would come out about even. I'll be done paying it off in 2 years, and the smart thing to do would be to keep it at least to the point where it's paid off. But I want a rotary! Argh!
At least I know the local dealer pretty well, and as soon as they've got a demo they'll let me take one for a spin. Hey, I own 2 Mazdas, they'd better let me take one out! I figure that with the mods on the FD I drove it made closer to 310-320 HP, so hopefully the 8 will be a bit disappointing after that drive.

Rich, have you ever seen the RX-8 in person? I've heard the show car looks 10x better in the flesh than in photos, but I've never had the pleasure of testing that theory out.

But if you really don't like the RX-8, why don't you get an FD RX-7 until the new 7 comes out in a few years? Or is the plan to replace the 626 with the 4-seater RX-8?

I've never seen it in person, and I've heard the same thing. I'll believe it when I see it, but I don't have my hopes up. I don't think it's ugly, but after Mazda came up with 2 of my favorite all-time designs (FD RX-7 and NB Miata), it looks plain to me. There are other reasons I had decided against the RX-8 for myself also. The timing was a major factor. If it had come out this summer I probably would have bought it over the Miata, aesthetic considerations be damned. I also really wanted a 2-seater. The compromises inherent in a 4-seat design are contrary to my intended use for the car.

There are a number of reasons I won't get an RX-7, FD or otherwise. First, it would be a replacement for one of the existing cars. I can't afford 2 new car payments, my mortgage, and a third "fun" car payment on top. So, it would replace one of the existing cars. It couldn't replace the 626, because my g/f wouldn't want to have either the Miata or the RX-7 as her daily driver, and it's nice to have back seats occasionally. Therefore, it would replace the Miata. Since the Miata is only 2 months old, I'd take a major hit on it. Financially it would be a bad thing. Also, I want a car that's bulletproof. The Miata is. I'm also just in love with the way the Miata handles. Most people don't think of the Miata as a serious car, but it's really a terrific car in the curvy roads in the Rockies just west of town (until it snows, that is). Last, I'm not nearly as nervous about reliability as most are, but the thought of having an 8 or so year old turbo rotary as my only method of getting to work is not something that I would look forward to. I'd be nervous as heck that I'd be stranded, and the thought of sending one to a shop terrifies me. My brother's '87 RX-7 lived in the shop (mostly his doing, he modded the heck out of it) and the FD I just drove just spent about 7 of the last 8 months in the shop. Also the owner's fault (see aforementioned mods), but still. While I firmly believe that the normall aspirated RX-8 will have no reliability issues, the FD has earned its current reputation, and I just have to get to work so I can pay for the car, among other things.

I guess my practical side is just too strong to let me get an FD RX-7. If I was going to do it I should have done it instead of the Miata. I'll get over the lusting after the RX-8 and other rotary powered vehicles in a little while. I'm quite good at the whole delayed gratification thing. I plan on sticking around here and supporting the RX-8 any way I can, but the RX-7 is what I really want. If it even becomes a reality, I'll make some money on the Miata (they hold their value very well), and splurge on the RX-7. I don't care what it costs, or what I have to do to get one. If they make it, I *will* own one. That will make up for the next few years while I suffer with only a Miata. :D

Heck, if they don't come out with an RX-7, I'm sure I could find some way to stuff a RENESIS into my Miata in a few years. :cool:

Well, I'm not one of those people who don't think the Miata is a serious car. I've driven 1st gen's, and I lust after getting a nice used 92-94 Miata (before they went to OBD II, and after the short nose crank problem).

You don't have to stuff a Renesis in your Miata. Get a supercharger or turbocharger (whatever route you want to go) for some extra ponies!

So I gather that the 8 would replace the 626 then? Most people would cry out "impractical!" but not me. The RX-8 is supposed to have more room in the back than the outgoing 626.

uh, i thought the Mazda 6 was replacing the 626... :confused:

Yep. Replacing the 626 and the Millenia. (R.I.P.)

No no, I meant in Rich's specific situation, the RX-8 was replacing his 626. I know all about the Mazda 6, trust me. ;) I'm following that car's development carefully too...

Originally posted by Grimace
You don't have to stuff a Renesis in your Miata. Get a supercharger or turbocharger (whatever route you want to go) for some extra ponies!

So I gather that the 8 would replace the 626 then? Most people would cry out "impractical!" but not me. The RX-8 is supposed to have more room in the back than the outgoing 626.

Yeah, but it's not the power I want as much as the smoothness of the rotary. They're just incredible to drive.

Yep, the 8 will hopefully replace my 626 in a few years. I just hope I can hold out until the 626 is paid off!