are they comparable?

similar Hp/torque (hi HP / low torque)

high reving/high compression

i wanted to throw the z into the mix but it has 50 more hp and 100lb more torque...

anyone had driven all three can comment?

let just stick to drivability/streetability
no need to pull all 1/4 mile/0-60 from C&D

i've only driven the 8, not he s2k

just want to have a fair review from you guys before taking the dive

I have a colleague that just bought an S2000 and he is already bragging about what a better car it is than the RX8. I'm not sure how he has arrived at this conclusion, except by the reviews that he's read.

He obviously has never driven a rotary :D

Wizard

sorry, but the s2000 excels in all aspects of performance, it has a faster 0-60, and handles a tad better.

the s2000 is hands down the better performance car, however take comfort that an rx8 is in fact a sedan that is quite comparable to the s2 -which is a pure-bred sports car. its also lacking in almost all the luxuries that rx8 provides.

IMHO ... if the rx8 was a two seater, and stripped to the bare minimum and was equipped with the same kind of rubber that the s2 has, it should be on equal grounds if not better.

someone please correct me if im wrong.

The S2000 is more "pure" sportscar than the RX-8 with quicker steering, better turn-in, less body roll and it's easier to swing the tail.

However, it's loud (even with the top up) and quite stiff riding. The engine is not as smooth and the torque curve is even more peaky. With the RX you can drive it quickly with 4000RPM on the clock. The S2000 comes alive only at 6000RPM and then it makes a hell of a racket (a nice sounding racket) but it will wear on you eventually.

"Creature comforts" are practically nil.

Personally, the S2000 is a great weekend toy. Driving it year round, everyday would not be desireable.

Originally posted by RomanoM
Personally, the S2000 is a great weekend toy. Driving it year round, everyday would not be desireable. Just to be fair, there are many who would disagree. I have long been considering an S2000 as a daily driver as I want my daily driver to be fun and I have never seen what the problem is with the S2K in daily life. So it's loud, big deal; if I wanted sedate I'd buy a Lexus.

Oh, and I fit in an S2000; still waiting to see on the RX-8 as my dealer's cars didn't come in yesterday as they were supposed to... :(

As far as appearance goes (anybody care about that?) it is my opinion that the RX-8 and the S2000 have equally reached the summit of excellence. Beautiful! Both of them! ;)

Technically, they are both at the forefront of automotive perfection.

OK, now, what do you want?
Can you tolerate just two seats? Will you be willing to replace the rag top every two or three years? Will the athletic zest of a true sportscar grow tiresome after the honeymoon is over?

The S2000 is my next car of choice by the way. Just wish I could buy both at the same time. The RX-8 is just more in-line for me and my wife. Sure would like to have that chioce on a daily basis though. :D

I know this is subjective but does anyone actually like the sound of an S2000 above 6000 rpm? Yes, sports cars are allowed to be noisy but surely the quality of the noise is important.

The S2000's engine is an inline four with no balancer shafts (according to the brochure they took them out to reduce friction losses) and it can't begin to compare in terms of sound quality and smoothness with the straight sixes and V6's of competing cars, never mind the rotary.

One trip into the VTEC zone in this car was enough to convince me I didn't want it, because of the terrible racket it made.

Chris,

I guess everyone has a different opinion, but I absolutely bl00dy loved hitting the VTEC zone. Closest you can get to an F1 car noise this side of a Ferrari. :D

Cheers
Mark

Hmm. I drove the Honda S2000, the G35, and looked at the 350Z.
Although this encompasses all three here is my 2 cents.
My notes?

Honda S2000 4th place
space - little with top up (most of the time)
headroom 34.6 vs. RX8 36.7
front leg 44.3 vs RX8 42.7
shoulder 50.2 vs. RX8 54.9 really noticed this!
hiproom 49.8 vs. RX8 53.4 skinny people seats!
cargo 5.0 vs. RX8 7.75 WELL!
Fast car great response slow takeoff in 1st. Noisy with top up - road and engine. Felt like I was face to face with salesman - narrow cockpit. 2 seats.

G35 3rd place
luxury interior. Big bulky seats, nice power seat entry to rear, fantastic pickup, back seat unusable for adults, head in rear glass - hot in sun, due to a review I read I noted the interior plastic spraypainted silver dash(the article mentioned longevity issue with silver) -understood. Most expensive.

350 2nd place
Cool interior gauges and design ques. Love floating gauge design! Nice seats, Spaceship look. Small - 2 seater
much more space than S2000 though

1st place RX8 for rear seat, driveability, engine, exotic racer look, price.

I had a deposit down on a RX-8 MT GT, got tired of waiting so I decided to take a look at some convertibles (originally what i wanted all along till I saw the 8). I test drove a miata, nice but too small and underpowered, test drove a S2000 2002 Suzuka Blue, I was sold right away. It was just so much damn fun to drive, I felt like I was in a car that was an extension of me.
Have since bought it, got my deposit back on the 8, have added an AEM CAI and a RSR Invidia Exhaust.

Personally I love the sound of this car with the top down, I feel like I'm in a F1, the car handles like it's on rails. I don't have kids, I've got a Crew Cab Frontier for other none sports car stuff and as for amenities I almost never listen to the radio as the sound of the engine is my radio, never use the A/C and I appreciate the mininmalist race car aspects of this car.

Just my opinion, some day I'll drive the 8 to see if I've missed anything, but without the ragtop I doubt it.:)

the s2k is great for a second car.
so if you require daily driven car and is your primary vehicle, go for the rx8 since it will pretty much do anything an s2k can albeit lacking in terms of track performance but your daily commute will be much more enjoyble. The thought of revving the car all to 7k to get it out of harms way is no fun during rush hour traffic.
again if you're looking for a sport oriented second car to bomb around cones or track, the s2k is a great ginsu knife weapon. ;)

mine's a daily driver and I have no problem being comfortable, revving to 7000rpm to avoid harm's way? This car reacts very well below 7000rpm and blasts off after that.

P.S. I still love the lines of the 8 as well as the interior, but I just knew I'd have more fun in the S.:)

I'm SHOCKED nobody mentioned the biggest difference: roof/no roof.

Looks like we don't have any roadster fanatics here. IMO having the roof come down and feeling the wind in your hair on a Sunday morning drive up the mountains is automotive nirvana.

I'm starting to realize many people who purchase S2000's don't care for the convertable top which is quite shocking to me.

Given a choice, the fact the RX8 has a fixed roof automatically disqualifies it.

Originally posted by dreamgetter1

Just my opinion, some day I'll drive the 8 to see if I've missed anything, but without the ragtop I doubt it.:)

Have to quote myself?

Originally posted by wizardrummer
I have a colleague that just bought an S2000 and he is already bragging about what a better car it is than the RX8. I'm not sure how he has arrived at this conclusion, except by the reviews that he's read.

He obviously has never driven a rotary :D

Wizard

Haven't you read the latest issue of Car and Driver and Road and Track? The S2000 got first in both reviews and smoked the 350Z in the Road and Track comparison.

I've driven an S2000 for almost a year now, both road and autocross. I've driven an RX8 for almost a day now. Trying to compare them is apples and oranges.

Individual driving preferences and tolerances vary. I have no problems with the S2K's stiff suspension for daily driving.

The S2K is about pure driving with few creature comforts. The RX8 is about sporty driving with lots of creature comforts. There are pros and cons for each and which are more important vary with each person you ask. Remember G-Man who ditched the Lancer EVO's performance because it didn't have cruise control?
________
LovelyWendie (http://www.lovelywendie99.com/)

Well, the ragtop is great BUT I use my car daily and tested the S2000 with the top up and down. I would keep the top up going to work and during this part of the year (mostly) in FL due to the excessive heat and humidity. We have a Miata and the top stays up now but comes down imore often n the winter (FL) Oct - May. We don't care for the noise in the Miata with the top up either. We aren't older just don't like sweatting while driving. Like the one guy said. The S2000 is a great car but the RX8 is more versatile and lends itself to daily use better. I believe that will make it more marketable too. Statistically convertible sales are down this year but they are great fun when conditions allow.

any comment on truck space?

Originally posted by ChrisW
I know this is subjective but does anyone actually like the sound of an S2000 above 6000 rpm?

Damn right I do! Pure exhileration.
As far as comparing the two, the RX-8 isn't really in the same league. It's a mass of compromises, and that's okay because the end result - a sports family car - is unique. Accept it for its virtues, and don't seriously compare it to a vehicle that makes no compromises.

Haven't you read the latest issue of Car and Driver and Road and Track? The S2000 got first in both reviews and smoked the 350Z in the Road and Track comparison.

The 350Z roadster. The 350Z hard top smoked the S2000.

Originally posted by ToRX-8orToZ


The 350Z roadster. The 350Z hard top smoked the S2000.

Word. Also, while the s2k was out losing to the mach 1 and 350z in that article, the rx8 was out taking care of the 390hp Cobra.

Originally posted by IRTMVEZ


Damn right I do! Pure exhileration.
As far as comparing the two, the RX-8 isn't really in the same league. It's a mass of compromises, and that's okay because the end result - a sports family car - is unique. Accept it for its virtues, and don't seriously compare it to a vehicle that makes no compromises. Are you a pro wrestler? You sound like this dude I saw on Saturday morning TV. Was that you?

Obvious for me...I drove all three and bought the RX8. For many of the same reasons as stated above. It is an all around better car "FOR ME".
I was almost crippled after a short but exhilerating ride in the S2k, scratched it off the list. It isn't near as nice inside and is beginning to look dated, although I still do like it's look just not near as much as the 8.
The 350Z is well a 350Z. I thought the inside was cheap and crappy looking. It didn't seem near as nimble and fun to drive as the other 2 and personally it didn't seem to have that much more power or torque than the others (I know it does).

The 8 is close enough in all categories that it may lose in (for some testers) and the other 2 are far away in the categories that the 8 wins in. Make sense?

The RX8 for me Thank you very much!

im not sure that this s 2000 is faster than the rx8,i have printed out 2 diffrent pages form s 2000 track tests and both say 0-60 is 6.2 sec(also comments in one the rsx type s is on its heels at 6.3) rx8 comes in at 5.9 sec.there was no 1/4 mile times on the s2000 that i could find but to say that the s2000 is not in the same league as the rx8(regarding performance) is got to be from jelous honda owners.to run 1/4 mile time in 14.5 @ 96 mph (road and track test)the rx8 wont be far off this hondas ass if any.

Due to the nature of both engines, the driver that can utilize the wide powerband better will win. But all other things being equal the S is a little faster in the quarter. A few people actually broke into the very high 13's. No matter though, since both cars are about total performance and not just straight line acceleration.

Originally posted by akrx8
im not sure that this s 2000 is faster than the rx8,i have printed out 2 diffrent pages form s 2000 track tests and both say 0-60 is 6.2 sec(also comments in one the rsx type s is on its heels at 6.3) rx8 comes in at 5.9 sec.there was no 1/4 mile times on the s2000 that i could find but to say that the s2000 is not in the same league as the rx8(regarding performance) is got to be from jelous honda owners.to run 1/4 mile time in 14.5 @ 96 mph (road and track test)the rx8 wont be far off this hondas ass if any.

i wonder if you launch the 8 the same as a S

low torque, high rev

probably a 7500/8k drop clutch with dcs partially off?

Originally posted by TerenceT


i wonder if you launch the 8 the same as a S

low torque, high rev

probably a 7500/8k drop clutch with dcs partially off?
Yes, you need to abuse the clutch/drivetrain to get a good launch and 1/4 mile time. Shudder..

The 350Z is well a 350Z. I thought the inside was cheap and crappy looking. It didn't seem near as nimble and fun to drive as the other 2 and personally it didn't seem to have that much more power or torque than the others (I know it does).

Agreed on the interior. The Z's interior is poop. In reguards to your torque comments... either 1) You never actually have tested any of the cars or 2) You don't know what torque is.

The Z has gobs more power (down low) then the S2k or the 8. Comparing the performance numbers for the 8 written by Car and Driver to well established numbers of the Z and S2k seems pointless. The early dyno results for the 8 suggest that the 5.9 0-60 time, and 1/4 time is another Car and Driver fiction.

The Z is a well established 14 second runner, as is the S2000. I've got a feeling we will be seing the 8 run 15s once people start to get out to the track.

With all of that said... I still havent bought a car yet. The Z is out for me... because its interior is kia quality. I'm down a slightly used S2k or a new 8. As of now I'm leaning towards the 8.

I ve had an S2k now for 2 1/2 years and I luv that car but feel like a change. The only problem that i have had, is that I owned a Series 6 RX7 previous to it!!!
Nothing quite like a 13B with twin turbos!!! Always wishing that my S2k was faster now. S2k is a Lot more reliable though...

Now the Rx8's have just been released down under, and I LUV the look of them!! That is one sexy car (but so is the CONVERTIBLE S2k)! and it is a ROTOR!

I just wish the RX8 was faster. every independant road test in Aust magazines have tested them as slower than the S.I think the best 0-100k time they could get was 6.4 secs. S2k has been tested as 6.2. I dont want to go backwards again.

What will help me decide is what comes out Aftermarket for these babies! Reckon u can get the Rx8 much faster with bolt ons(no turbo)??

By the way both cars are hot so stop the B.S!!! luv the Z as well. Its an exciting time for car buyers ..more choice, more value

Having driven them both, I prefer the S2000. The RX8 is gorgeous, and convenient, but the rotory is way, way overrated. It's just too civilized, smooth and characterless. The RX8 is really more comparable to the Acura TSX: small, mostly unobtrusive engines; no torque; four seats; quality interiors; nice features. Not really that involving or visceral a driving experience. Still, the RX8 takes it easily based on looks.

The S2000, on the other hand, is sensory overload: rough, raw, loud and mean. A bit like Pamela Anderson vs. the pretty RX8's Sarah Michelle Gellar.

The day I got my RX-8 was the day I got rid of my 626 sedan (insert big sigh of relief) and my Miata (insert a big sigh of sadness).

A outstanding as the RX-8 is, it can't give you the pure top-down driving pleasure of the slower, less nimble, more uncomfortable Miata. There is just something about a roadster that you will never get from a coupe.

The RX-8 has not disappointed me in the least and I look forward to many fun-filled miles enjoying its comfort, power and agility. It is awesome! I personally do not regret the switch from the Miata to the RX-8 for an instant, but that is a decision that I made just for myself.

However, the changes of the past month did teach me that if your soul calls out for a roadster, be it Miata, S2000, Boxster or whatever, then you better get your RX-8 deposit back ASAP and find another path to follow your heart.

Originally posted by ChrisW
I know this is subjective but does anyone actually like the sound of an S2000 above 6000 rpm?Yes, especially echoing off an underpass. IMHO the sound of the S2000 at about 8K RPM is one of the few true purely emotional moments available in autos costing less than $50K today, and the only way you'll hear a sound like that this side of a Formula 1 race track...

Originally posted by f1 tech


Haven't you read the latest issue of Car and Driver and Road and Track? The S2000 got first in both reviews and smoked the 350Z in the Road and Track comparison.

Actually I have, but reading reviews is only one way to compare cars. My colleague that I referred to has not driven the RX8. He is basing his commentary on reviews only......

I have driven both cars, and although the S2000 wins in the sterile columns of a R & T article, the overall rotary experience is just plain better IMHO. I have owned a 93 RX7, so I can appreciate the attributes of the S2000 that make it popular, but the RX8 is a FINE automobile (especially for an old guy like me that wants an everyday driver with a kick) even if it's not a twin turbo FD, or one step down....an S2000.

Wizard

Originally posted by TJRX8
Obvious for me...I drove all three and bought the RX8. For many of the same reasons as stated above. It is an all around better car "FOR ME".
I was almost crippled after a short but exhilerating ride in the S2k, scratched it off the list. It isn't near as nice inside and is beginning to look dated, although I still do like it's look just not near as much as the 8.
The 350Z is well a 350Z. I thought the inside was cheap and crappy looking. It didn't seem near as nimble and fun to drive as the other 2 and personally it didn't seem to have that much more power or torque than the others (I know it does).

The 8 is close enough in all categories that it may lose in (for some testers) and the other 2 are far away in the categories that the 8 wins in. Make sense?

The RX8 for me Thank you very much!

And me......RX8 is BY FAR the better choice for me.

Well said TJRX8

I owned a first year S2000 for a little less than a year and I now own this first year RX8. Clearly the S2000 is better in virtually every performance category. It has a race car engine, race car suspension, race car steering and race car brakes. Once the VTEC kicked in at around 7,000 rpm it got its 2nd wind and you were off to the races. An hour of screaming through the twisties and you came home with your heart pounding.....wanting more.

I expected this same power surge above 7,000 rpm with the RX8 and its just not there. Very smooth delivery of power but nothing that pulls your head into the seat. Cornering is good but not as good, brakes are good but not as good. Steering is very comparable......the RX8 really steers beautifully.

Yes, the S2000 is a loud drive and long highway jaunts are difficult. But that's not what buyers of convertible, two-seat sports cars consider anyway. I sold mine inside a year because I have a daughter and she has friends and there was no way to transport them. I knew this going in but it was something I just needed to own, even if just for a little while.

The build quality of the Honda is superior to the Mazda. I took my RX7 in to the shop 20 times for irritating rattles and it looks like I'll be doing the same with the 8. They're popping up everywhere. The engine heat on the driver's seat and in the cup holder bays is inexcusable and makes any drive of any length in the summer uncomfortable.

The biggest reason to take the Honda over the Mazda, if you don't need 4 seats, is the number imported into the States. Honda imports no more than 5,000 into the U.S. annually and will stop completely after its 5th year of production (the 2004 model). I drove mine for 10 months and sold it for more than I paid. Mazda will import at least 30,000 per year. I've already seen more RX8's in town than S2000s and Honda had a 4 year head start. We'll be lucky to have a market value of 60% of what we paid after we've owned for a year.

So, if you need 4 true adult seats, this is the sportiest, most fun car on the planet. If you don't need the 4 seats and you don't have $80,000 to spend on a car, take the S2000. It's a truly marvelous convertible sports car.....something ALL males should own at least once in their lifetimes.

Originally posted by TomsterRX8
The engine heat on the driver's seat and in the cup holder bays is inexcusable and makes any drive of any length in the summer uncomfortable.Since you owned an S2000, I'm surprised by that comment given the way the central tunnel on the S2000 heats up, making it a somewhat unwelcome leg warmer for your right leg. Let's not forget that even the staunchest fans of the S2000 call the cup holder the "beverage warmer" since any cold beverage you place in it will be warmed nicely by the tunnel after a run...

Well boys and girls, i agree that both the 8 and the s2000 are sweet, fellow rx-8 owners would be happy to know I pulled on one a couple days ago on the highway.

We both punched it around 90kph and at about 200 I had a good 3-4 cars on him. Both cars were stock and matched for passengers, and it still happened twice- I was kinda surprised actually ;).
Anyone gone off the line with an S2000 yet? (or off the line period with their 8?)

Originally posted by msrecant
The day I got my RX-8 was the day I got rid of my 626 sedan (insert big sigh of relief) and my Miata (insert a big sigh of sadness).

A outstanding as the RX-8 is, it can't give you the pure top-down driving pleasure of the slower, less nimble, more uncomfortable Miata. There is just something about a roadster that you will never get from a coupe.

The RX-8 has not disappointed me in the least and I look forward to many fun-filled miles enjoying its comfort, power and agility. It is awesome! I personally do not regret the switch from the Miata to the RX-8 for an instant, but that is a decision that I made just for myself.

However, the changes of the past month did teach me that if your soul calls out for a roadster, be it Miata, S2000, Boxster or whatever, then you better get your RX-8 deposit back ASAP and find another path to follow your heart.

Well said. As well, I'm impressed with the overall generosity towards the S2000 on display at RX8Forum. So much better than the typical 'Mustang vs. Camero' bile.

"Since you owned an S2000, I'm surprised by that comment given the way the central tunnel on the S2000 heats up, making it a somewhat unwelcome leg warmer for your right leg. Let's not forget that even the staunchest fans of the S2000 call the cup holder the "beverage warmer" since any cold beverage you place in it will be warmed nicely by the tunnel after a run..."


Hmmm.......I honestly can't remember any interior heat issues with the S2000. It may be that I sold before the real summer heat hit. It was 108 degrees here in Austin yesterday and very uncomfortable in the RX8. Air blows cold but the driver's seat was way too toasty.

Originally posted by TomsterRX8
It was 108 degrees here in Austin yesterday and very uncomfortable in the RX8. Air blows cold but the driver's seat was way too toasty. Turn off the seat warmer! I found I had bumped mine on too. :D

Turn off the seat warmer! I found I had bumped mine on too.

Believe me! Icheck to make sure I haven't hit that button about 10 times a day. It never is.

Originally posted by TomsterRX8
I owned a first year S2000 for a little less than a year and I now own this first year RX8. Clearly the S2000 is better in virtually every performance category. It has a race car engine, race car suspension, race car steering and race car brakes. Once the VTEC kicked in at around 7,000 rpm it got its 2nd wind and you were off to the races. An hour of screaming through the twisties and you came home with your heart pounding.....wanting more.

I expected this same power surge above 7,000 rpm with the RX8 and its just not there. Very smooth delivery of power but nothing that pulls your head into the seat. Cornering is good but not as good, brakes are good but not as good. Steering is very comparable......the RX8 really steers beautifully.

Yes, the S2000 is a loud drive and long highway jaunts are difficult. But that's not what buyers of convertible, two-seat sports cars consider anyway. I sold mine inside a year because I have a daughter and she has friends and there was no way to transport them. I knew this going in but it was something I just needed to own, even if just for a little while.

The build quality of the Honda is superior to the Mazda. I took my RX7 in to the shop 20 times for irritating rattles and it looks like I'll be doing the same with the 8. They're popping up everywhere. The engine heat on the driver's seat and in the cup holder bays is inexcusable and makes any drive of any length in the summer uncomfortable.

The biggest reason to take the Honda over the Mazda, if you don't need 4 seats, is the number imported into the States. Honda imports no more than 5,000 into the U.S. annually and will stop completely after its 5th year of production (the 2004 model). I drove mine for 10 months and sold it for more than I paid. Mazda will import at least 30,000 per year. I've already seen more RX8's in town than S2000s and Honda had a 4 year head start. We'll be lucky to have a market value of 60% of what we paid after we've owned for a year.

So, if you need 4 true adult seats, this is the sportiest, most fun car on the planet. If you don't need the 4 seats and you don't have $80,000 to spend on a car, take the S2000. It's a truly marvelous convertible sports car.....something ALL males should own at least once in their lifetimes.

You hit the nail on the head!! As for heat on the tunnel I'm driving in 112 degree Arizona heat and don't feel this heat, cup warmer...I wouldn't know as I don't drink beverages while I drive because I prefer to pay attention to the road and any passenger isn't permitted to drink in my car either because I wouldn't want them to spill anything when I hit VTEC :D

I don't get any unusual tunnel heat on my S2000 either.

Originally posted by TomsterRX8
I owned a first year S2000 for a little less than a year and I now own this first year RX8. Clearly the S2000 is better in virtually every performance category. It has a race car engine, race car suspension, race car steering and race car brakes. Once the VTEC kicked in at around 7,000 rpm it got its 2nd wind and you were off to the races. An hour of screaming through the twisties and you came home with your heart pounding.....wanting more.

I expected this same power surge above 7,000 rpm with the RX8 and its just not there. Very smooth delivery of power but nothing that pulls your head into the seat. Cornering is good but not as good, brakes are good but not as good. Steering is very comparable......the RX8 really steers beautifully.

Yes, the S2000 is a loud drive and long highway jaunts are difficult. But that's not what buyers of convertible, two-seat sports cars consider anyway. I sold mine inside a year because I have a daughter and she has friends and there was no way to transport them. I knew this going in but it was something I just needed to own, even if just for a little while.

The build quality of the Honda is superior to the Mazda. I took my RX7 in to the shop 20 times for irritating rattles and it looks like I'll be doing the same with the 8. They're popping up everywhere. The engine heat on the driver's seat and in the cup holder bays is inexcusable and makes any drive of any length in the summer uncomfortable.

The biggest reason to take the Honda over the Mazda, if you don't need 4 seats, is the number imported into the States. Honda imports no more than 5,000 into the U.S. annually and will stop completely after its 5th year of production (the 2004 model). I drove mine for 10 months and sold it for more than I paid. Mazda will import at least 30,000 per year. I've already seen more RX8's in town than S2000s and Honda had a 4 year head start. We'll be lucky to have a market value of 60% of what we paid after we've owned for a year.

So, if you need 4 true adult seats, this is the sportiest, most fun car on the planet. If you don't need the 4 seats and you don't have $80,000 to spend on a car, take the S2000. It's a truly marvelous convertible sports car.....something ALL males should own at least once in their lifetimes.

Your numbers are a little off. I have owned my S for 2 years now. Honda makes closer to 10,000 per year for the US market. You sold your S at a very good time. The car has lost some value. I personally have never had any problems with my S. I love the drop top, the power, the handling, the looks and don't need the extra space yet. I still like the 8 and may get one when they work out all the bugs. But I am keeping the S forever. I just bought parts off a guy who is trading in his '02 S for an 8, but he cahnges cars every couple of years.

Originally posted by ToRX-8orToZ
. In reguards to your torque comments... either 1) You never actually have tested any of the cars or 2) You don't know what torque is.
Well I got bad news for you DUDE I have driven both of them many times as well as most other cars of this type. Yes I do know what Torque is and have owned 3 Camaros a Mustang a BMW and 22 other cars. Some with gobs of torque and some with hardly any. If you read hat I said (doesn't SEEM like...I know it does) I stand by that statement. It didn't seem to have near the torque of my '95 or '97 Z28. I'm not quoting numbers or torque curves or Dyno tests just how it feels to my butt in the seat. And in case you didn't notice I bought the RX-8 ( I could have bought any of these cars as well as many others) and have almost 1500 miles on it. I'd say I talk from more experience than you.

Peace :-)


PS: Thanks Wizard!

Well I got bad news for you DUDE I have driven both of them many times as well as most other cars of this type. Yes I do know what Torque is and have owned 3 Camaros a Mustang a BMW and 22 other cars. Some with gobs of torque and some with hardly any. If you read hat I said (doesn't SEEM like...I know it does) I stand by that statement. It didn't seem to have near the torque of my '95 or '97 Z28. I'm not quoting numbers or torque curves or Dyno tests just how it feels to my butt in the seat. And in case you didn't notice I bought the RX-8 ( I could have bought any of these cars as well as many others) and have almost 1500 miles on it. I'd say I talk from more experience than you.

Right.

Here is the direct quote from your post:

The 350Z is well a 350Z. I thought the inside was cheap and crappy looking. It didn't seem near as nimble and fun to drive as the other 2 and personally it didn't seem to have that much more power or torque than the others (I know it does).

Where exactly did the '95 and '97 Z28 come in? Look, you might very well be an experienced driver... but your butt clearly has loss some feeling if you didnt feel the extra torque in the Z relative to the 8. Maybe you shouldnt be driving anymore. Are you really old? Or just stupid?

Originally posted by ToRX-8orToZ


Right.

Here is the direct quote from your post:



Where exactly did the '95 and '97 Z28 come in? Look, you might very well be an experienced driver... but your butt clearly has loss some feeling if you didnt feel the extra torque in the Z relative to the 8. Maybe you shouldnt be driving anymore. Are you really old? Or just stupid?

Not that I HAVE to fight TJRX8's battles, but why are you taking it so personal and what's up with the insults?

Here is what Tom said. it (350Z) didn't SEEM to have that much more power or torque than the others (I know it does).

He said the word SEEM. He then went on to say "I know it does". What's wrong with his perception of how the 350Z's power feels TO him as compared to other vehicles he has owned or driven, INCLUDING the RX-8?

Second statement: Tom said, It didn't seem to have near the torque of my '95 or '97 Z28.

Duh! That's where the '95 & '97 Z28 comes in. He clearly stated that he owned those Camaro's, and the 350Z did not SEEM to have as much torque.

If you can not accept personal opinions and/or view about your beloved 350Z, then you need to leave this board, or learn to accept these opinions and views like a grown-up.

All of Tom's statements was how the 350Z's power was perceived by him. He SEEMS qualified enough to voice his opinion since he has owned high torque autos before and has recently driven the 350Z.

ToRX-8orToZ seems to be a troll. From the other posts on this forum I suspect he is a pimply-face kid in his underwear using mom's PC. Not that there is anything wrong with that but he really does not seem to fit the character of this forum. To answer his question "ToRX-8orToZ", my vote would be "to Z", bail on this forum and go elsewhere.

If you can not accept personal opinions and/or view about your beloved 350Z, then you need to leave this board, or learn to accept these opinions and views like a grown-up.

Uhhh... I crossed the Z off the list because of the interior. So... ok. Go read through the thread again, then think about positions and "grown-up" views.

All of Tom's statements was how the 350Z's power was perceived by him. He SEEMS qualified enough to voice his opinion since he has owned high torque autos before and has recently driven the 350Z.

That is the thing, how ANYONE could not see a difference in a "butt test" (as he likes to put it) between the Z and the 8 down low... well, they don't deserve any respect.


Duh! That's where the '95 & '97 Z28 comes in. He clearly stated that he owned those Camaro's, and the 350Z did not SEEM to have as much torque.

No $&^%. Any 8 year old can tell you that the Z won't FEEL like an american V8. But again, relative to the Z/8 comparo... the Z28 comes in how? Oh, I see your logic... "The Z doesnt feel as powerful as my old Z28... so in conclusion the Z doesnt feel anymore powerful than my 8." Did you guys graduate high school?

On a last note, I get flamed on these boards a lot for speaking my mind. Guess what? I don't care. I'll continue to say what I want to. You can always skip my posts if you don't want to read them.

Originally posted by ToRX-8orToZ
... but your butt clearly has loss some feeling if you didnt feel the extra torque in the Z relative to the 8. Maybe you shouldnt be driving anymore. Are you really old? Or just stupid?

My closing comments to an idiot that appears to enjoy conflict in an environemnt where he knows he won't get his ass beat.

1) I have loss some feeling in my butt since breaking my neck in a motorcycle accident 7years ago. Good catch!

2) Once again the 350Z didn't seem to have much more torque than the RX-8 and not near the torque of other cars I have owned. Now is that clear enough for you?

3) Compared to you I probably am really old. Considering your ignorance I am probably much older than you will ever see.

4) I'm sure to you I am stupid, I take that as a compliment!

Please buy a 350Z if you can even afford one.


PS: thanks Mark!

apples and oranges.

the ragtop disqualifies the s2000 automatically. that's the bottom line for me. it's the other way around for others, but hp/tq ratings don't sell everybody on a vehicle. if i wanted a monster performer i'd buy something like a cobra or an sti for around the 30k mark that both these cars weigh in at.

the rx8 will most like be the next car i own (when i get back from iraq in feb04) due to factors that i can explain and some i just can't. some cars you just take a better liking too, quarter mile time or not.

the rx8 will most like be the next car i own (when i get back from iraq in feb04) due to factors that i can explain and some i just can't. some cars you just take a better liking too, quarter mile time or not.

Looks wise, I like the S2000... hell I like the S2000 more in just about every way. But the S2000 isnt nearly as practical as the 8. Those two seats are going to sell the car... I'm basically postponing my purchase to give me time to decide if I can handle having to drive someone elses car when I go out with friends... which is frequent.

not only friends, but little things such as being able to put dry cleaning or a backpack behind me etc. i don't always want to have to open the trunk. these are tiny reasons but in an age where i could easily go several different ways, every pro counts.

s2000's are nice, i just personally like the looks of the 8 a little more as i'm a hardtop coupe kind of guy.

yeah...stuff like that just aint right man...

would you mind taking it down?
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BDSM SLAVE (http://www.fucktube.com/categories/250/slave/videos/1)

That's what a lot of comedy is about. joking about the things in life that suck.

I was trying to make a point about how getting emotional with perfect strangers about completely insignificant issues does nothing but raise one's blood-pressure.

anyway, removed at the request of the masses.

thanks a lot man, i know how you feel, about comedy being the thing that lets everyone talk about uncomfortable issues, i dunno, i guesse we just found that one a little more harsh than funny

either way, im sure its removal is appreciated, especially by rx22, and especially in a medium where certain types of comedy can be indestiguishable from harshness/insensitivity/deliberate attacks on a group, like here on the web

i for one, am sure you meant it as a joke, but, being that it is the internet and thus sometimes hard to tell, im sure others weren't
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GANG BANG BRAZILIAN (http://www.fucktube.com/categories/585/brazilian/videos/1)

Thanks for taking it down. I'm all for a good joke, but I can imagine if a parent of a child like that came to this site what they would feel. Thanks again for the removal.

Originally posted by Jimmylove
I don't get any unusual tunnel heat on my S2000 either. FWIW, this (http://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=142461) is the type of thing I was talking about...

FWIW, I just traded in a 2002 S2000 (owned for 20 months) on an RX8. I can't see anyone liking the S2K and not liking the RX8: they have a lot of the same attributes: good styling, excellent handling, relatively light weight, perfect F-R balance and low torque high-revving engines.

To summarize my feelings, the RX8 is 90% of the performance of the S2000 (actually I prefer the engine and gearing of the RX8 but the S2000 does have a clear edge in overall handling)....while the S2000 only provides 40% of the comfort of the RX8 (RX8 has better suspension compliance, *much* quieter, better sound system, heated seats, better seats IMHO, etc.).

I'd also say that the S2K has a cleaner exterior design...I think it will age extremely well. Clearly, exclusivity and resale will fall on the side of the S2K also if those are really high priorities for you.

If you want a ragtop, S2K is a great choice. If you don't or you're even noncommital, I think the RX8 is clearly a better overall package and its pricing is just a bonus.

Originally posted by IrishNutter
FWIW, I just traded in a 2002 S2000 (owned for 20 months) on an RX8. I can't see anyone liking the S2K and not liking the RX8: they have a lot of the same attributes: good styling, excellent handling, relatively light weight, perfect F-R balance and low torque high-revving engines.

To summarize my feelings, the RX8 is 90% of the performance of the S2000 (actually I prefer the engine and gearing of the RX8 but the S2000 does have a clear edge in overall handling)....while the S2000 only provides 40% of the comfort of the RX8 (RX8 has better suspension compliance, *much* quieter, better sound system, heated seats, better seats IMHO, etc.).

I'd also say that the S2K has a cleaner exterior design...I think it will age extremely well. Clearly, exclusivity and resale will fall on the side of the S2K also if those are really high priorities for you.

If you want a ragtop, S2K is a great choice. If you don't or you're even noncommital, I think the RX8 is clearly a better overall package and its pricing is just a bonus. That's about how I summed it up, but since the S2000 is loud and impractical for my use... I passed on it and took the RX-8.

I think either route you take, you'll be happy :)

Yeah, both cars are great.... I wish I could buy both.

I test drove an RX-8 last Sat. Loved it, absolutely loved it. Though the headroom leaves a little to be desired. (I am only 6'1") It is time to replace my WRX and I am looking at these 4: Supra, NSX, S2K, RX-8. Yes I am well aware of the massive differences in these cars but those are the choices. The only thing is the Supra and NSX are old. I haven't had a chance to drive the S2000 though I do know people that own them and some people love them and some tired of them very quickly. Also keep in mind that I will never drive a stock car. My WRX is heavily modified and all cars I own will be that way. Also, I heard the rumor that Honda is bringing a true hardtop S2K and they are raising it to a 2.2. Anyone else heard this? Opinions on what I should do?

Originally posted by WRX&RX-8
Opinions on what I should do?

The RX-8 is great. Beautiful, powerful, agile and comfortable. It has a usable back seat and (I never thought I would ever say this about a sports car) great trunk. However, nothing is for free and cars, like the S2000, are probably closer to being a "pure" sports car. However, many people (for a variety of reasons) can't deal with driving a "pure" sports car on a day to day basis.

Check out the RX-8 GT package if headroom is an issue. No moonroof helps a lot and I hear the manual seat will go even lower than the power seat.

"Check out the RX-8 GT package if headroom is an issue. No moonroof helps a lot " - msre

WRX, he means the Touring package, the GT is the one with the moon roof, check out the touring and sports packages
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affair Cam (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/housewives/)

WRX&RX-8...you might want to check out the forum on s2ki.com for the latest. Last I heard, Honda was going the route you suggest with raising the output to 2.2L and producing both a hardtop and ragtop. The downside, is that I heard they were reducing the redline, softening the suspension, etc. so that the S2K would appeal to a wider audience. That probably also means introducing a slush box for the first time. Civilizing the S2K and mucking about with the exterior shape could result in a less successful gen2 product. I was hoping they would just bring iVTEC to the S2 (giving it slightly better low end torque) and improve the NVH characteristics.

BTW, the '93-'98 Supra Turbo is also a really sweet ride. That car was incredibly fast and I was impressed how structurally solid it was...the 98 anniversary editions were really cool. Interior dash was a little funky/retro but that's a great choice even with no warranty if you can find one with low miles.

I thought about that. All the RX-8's the dealer had all had sunroofs. They also had the leather power seats. Maybe I'll wait until they get one that I want and test it again. Also still want to drive an S2000. But I'm lovin' that rotary sound at 9000 rpms.

Originally posted by P00Man
WRX, he means the Touring package, the GT is the one with the moon roof, check out the touring and sports packages

Oops! Absolutely correct. In Mazda-speak neither the base model, the Sport Package nor the Touring Package have the moonroof and power seat.

The Grand Touring Package, which seems very popular with the dealers, has both.

OK, just to be anal and correct the record, both the Touring and GT packages include the moonroof.

Only the GT package includes the moonroof and the power leather seats.

So if you don't want the moonroof, in the U.S. you either have to get the base model or the Sport package.

I absolutely love the S2000 - he way it looks, drives, handles, the sound it makes above VTEC, the shifter, the brakes. Everything involving driving it does so phenomenally well. For me the RX-8 is a close substitute but infinitely more practical and I need the rear seats/doors at this stage of my life.

Normally I keep cars three years, but the RX-8 is already so good at 300 miles that I intend to keep it longer - perhaps 5 years or more. But if I could have a Stook I honestly believe I would keep it until I had a Ferrari convertible to replace it with.