Alright as a disclaimer, I tried doing a search for this, didn't come up with anything. Whether through the search function or scanning through the forums. So I'm sorry if there are previous threads out there that cover this, I'm not used to this board system so I haven't learned all the intricacies (like doing an advanced search type thing?). So that's my disclaimer, please don't flame on that .

Through my searches I did come up with some basics, some ideas, but not quite specific for what I'm looking at/for.

Anyways to the title to start off with.

I've limited my selection down to 2 cars. A RX-8 or a S2K. This car would be my summer/fun car while I would keep my beater for winters/bad weather. As a preface, I'm tall (6'6" with extremely long legs ). I fit in a s2k rather snugly, but courtesy of the sensitive steering/steering wheel I don't have to make revolutions with the steering wheel so it doesn't hamper my driving (taken 3 test drives so far, eventually going to try to pay someone to let me test drive it for a longer period of time to make sure). Have yet to get into a rx-8 but I'd imagine it's probably nearly the same length. But I dont' want that to completely affect my decision, I want a car that's fun, etc.
I'm looking at probably getting either used, but that laguna blue is looking DAMN nice, as is the Shinka RX-8.

Both are pretty high revving engines, both have pretty low torque numbers. Both are aimed more for tracks and turns rather than straight line drag strip performance. Both are light RWD cars that cost relatively the same. (Surprised I haven't been able to find this comparison anywhere else).

The first big difference is the whole convertible/coupe comparison. Which, I guess, is the reason why nobody really compares these 2. Obviously the convertible thing automatically gives the S2K an advantage for me (love the convertibles). But as for the rest of the differences. Big thing I've noticed is the RX-8 has alot more amenities (be it good or bad). Heated seats, navigation system, better sound system etc etc. Be that a good thing or a bad thing, it depends on how you look at it.
Rotary engine could be a kicker for me, because I'd ideally want to be keeping whatever car I get for a 100k miles, hopefully over that . I know finding people to do work on Rotary engines can be a massive pain, so that's a drawback. Both seem to have random quirks, none really defining for either one.

Thoughts on this comparison?


Also anything I should particularly know from model year to model year of the 8? Any year in particular I should try to avoid/ should favor?


Thanks guys!

:wallbash::wallbash::wallbash:

http://www.rx8club.com/search.php?searchid=1124850

8 looks a lot better IMO

I also had it down to the rx8 and s2k. Personally, it came down to the 4 seats, practicality, uniqueness and better looks of the 8 in my opinion. I now have an '04 Red GT, no regrets. And yesterday, I 'toyed' around with an s2k, it was fun :)

"If this were an after-school special, ooh, you'd pay a bittersweet price for your little deceit, like getting big oily zits! Or eating off the same plate as David Lee Roth!"

Sorry. I can't contribute but I love Freakazoid!

If you are only looking for a summer fun car then get the S2k.

Sorry guys, love the rx8 but if this person loves convertibles and will only be using it during the summer/good weather time then the S2k is the better choice.

However besides the extras you get in the 8, I feel the 8 has more room and surely has more cargo fun with other people room.

Personally I felt a bit cramp in the S2k, mostly cause it is a roadster and thats kinda of how you feel in them.

Came down to the 4 seater for me as well, before I bought the RX-8 was confident I wouldn't need 4 seats, proved me wrong in about a week when I needed to pick up 2 of my friends.

my dad is 6'6" and he fits in my car. its definetly not too comfy for him for a long period of time. you can add some space by not going with the heated seats and the sunroof though. it actually adds quite a bit.

Bro.... an S2000 is like a chick car... the RX-8 is a chick magnet... not sure what you're into, but why would you want to keep a car for over 100k miles nowa days? You can easily drive it up to right before your warranty ends, (by that time you should be done paying it off) and sell that mofo, to get another one.

I drive an RX-8 so obviously my answer is, get the 8 - but even if I didn't, I wouldn't even budge to look at the S2000 (which will last you longer than a rotary, depends on how you drive it).

If you want a confortable all around car that's good in the winter, get the RX-8. If you want a car for ONLY the summer (convertables are homo) get the s2000.

Cheers mate.

translation: "Hey everyone, look at me, I'm a moron and am insecure with my sexuality!"

http://www.smileys.ws/smls/grinning/00000003.gif

I agree because you are looking for a summer/fun car, nothing beats a convertible in that category. I was looking between these two rides myself. For me the 8 was more practical, looks great, and performance was enough for me. And I don't really want a convertible even though I like the s2k. I'm pretty sure you'd have fun in both cars, but the s2k roadster is definitely enjoyable for all out fun. Just make sure you really feel comfortable with the space.

...I, myself, have the RX-8 over the S2K because of its 4 doors / 4 seats...much more practical as a daily driver....but if you have a "beater car" to drive around...guess this isn't too big of a deal... :)

If the practicality of the RX-8 does not matter to you, go with the S2000. Heard the 06 has stability control now which, I think is very important. And VTEC rocks!!! No two ways about that. Can say that from first hand experience. Don't forget better gas mileage, if that matters to you. 23-24 mpg vs 15 mpg. RX-8 is cheaper to insure. And IMO, the miata is a chick car, not the S2000.

translation: "Hey everyone, look at me, I'm a moron and am insecure with my sexuality!"

HAHA

both great picks.

same ones i was looking at two years ago, +add the 350z...

you really have to drive the 8. it is not the same as the others, and i cant explain it...

also it is the 4 seat deal...

beers

:wallbash::wallbash::wallbash:

http://www.rx8club.com/search.php?searchid=1124850


damn, my apologies guys, I did a quick search to get some info, and apparently did something stupid with th search or something and only ended up coming with crap, nothing that seemed relevant. Think I was searching the wrong specific forum or something. Thanks for the input so far from everybody, and ideally I would want the car to be as much as possible my DD, however come winter and whatnot, I'm not sure if I 'd want to drive the car in the snow. I'm going to check more into the other threads, if anyone else wants to chime in I'd appreciate it still :).

And as for the S2K being a chicks car and a RX-8 being a chick magnet... a convertible that is as performance based as you can for the money is a chick car?? i.e. no amenities, space, etc?

both great picks.

same ones i was looking at two years ago, +add the 350z...

you really have to drive the 8. it is not the same as the others, and i cant explain it...

also it is the 4 seat deal...

beers

yea tomorrow I'm going to be taking the 8 for a test drive, seriously looking forward to it.

no 350z for meat least, because at least from my quick scanning and pricing, to get the basic options i'd want on the Z, it'd increase way too fast in price. (granted that was with a 350z vert, but still). Maybe it's different once you get to the dealer, or maybe I was just going gungho with what all I wanted lol.

RX8 for year round. For a summer fun car, get a Wrangler. That is our set up..along with work truck and wife's car.

whatever your choice ends up being, you'll still enjoy your new ride. gl making that decision

whatever your choice ends up being, you'll still enjoy your new ride. gl making that decision


heh thanks, it might be as simple as the test drive tomorrow to have me make my decision. I also want to see the shinka color in person, pictures it looks hella tight, wanna see if it's that way in person as well.. Hell the color alone might have me make my decision!

Why dont we ask one of the few guys here who actually own both..

i personally was going to trade in my 8 for the s2000 because of the countless problems i was having with the 8. i put the top down and fell in love. the only reason i didnt trade was because i was going to lose too much money. about a week later i was walking towards my car with my ex (she wasnt my ex at the time) and i turned to her and said i cant trade this, look how beautiful this is.

i still have some problems, but the reason they arent fixed is because i dont feel like going to the dealership, being lazy

hello there, i am an s2k owner and just here to give my 2 cents.

I've been on this site every since the introduction of the RX-8 and i'm not here to "troll" or talk "shat"

The RX-8 is good, but it has more sway and feels heavier in the turns (out of the box)
more gas hungry
smoother revs
quieter
space for 4
more storage space
more amenities
probably less to insure as well

------------

The S2k has minimal sway and is tight in the corners (out of the box)
has decent mpg
definitely not quiet
is convert
seats 2, less trunk space
more to insure
--------------

My desicion was made based on what I needed. Something that has really good handling for those nice mountain curves, something with decent power, decent mpg, and a convertable (mind you, i do live in SoCal so weather's not really that big of an issue). I don't care about the extra seats space because if you buy something like this, you should have a 4 door laying around somewhere.

I looked at the RX8 for the longest time but when it came to what i really wanted, I chose the s2k. Different folks, different strokes...after all, what's a car good for in so cal if you can't see the sun.

For the guy who said "converts are homo", i guess everyone who drives their convert M3, SL55, Ferrairis, Astin Martins, are all "homo"

After all, it's just a car, it gets you from point A to point B, just make a decision on which car will get you from point A to B happier.

Why dont we ask one of the few guys here who actually own both..who dat? I want to hear what they have to say too.

Personal opinion: pluses on the s2k are obvious. It is a great car and stock for stock, if you drive hard and for fun and that is all you care about, then s2k>8.

The 8 has some obvious pluses that have been mentioned, but there are other pluses that are much harder to describe. The feel of the car in a corner is consuming, and while I had a dealer in the car at the test drive, I didnt quite get that "round, whole" feeling in the s2k. That is not to say that the 8 handles at stock better than the s2k. That is a little subjective and the numbers lean towards the honda. my $0.02

Actually, i'm gay - tards.

Hey, at least I got one out of two right!

Why do I have this funny feeling you're from NJ...

Oh, and in response to your PM, YOU'RE WELCOME! :angel:

Actually, i'm gay - tards.

so you have a honda del sol also????

beers

Why do I have this funny feeling you're from NJ...


wouldnt' be surprised

Ike=psychic ??? :cwm27:

Who are you too talk? You just joined this forum 5 posts ago.

Excuse me?? How are you any better than him for having 158 posts instead of 5? The only people who care about post counts are noobs.

Oh and Bart - after you're here a few months, you'll learn that if you don't have anything worthy to contribute, keep your mouth shut.

You go girl!! :)

... this is his thread about HIS problem, he shouldn't have ANYTHING to say to me especially since hes new.

Fuck off...... cheers.

makin friends!!!

beers

No use.

I test drove the S2k and the drop down is really nice...Its a chick car, like he said.... and you see them everywhere.....oh and lately i dont know why...i've seen alot of totalled s2000's...The rx8 is one beautiful car....nothing comes between gravity and the rx8 :ylsuper:

Another NJ Teen on the verge of a banning, news at eleven.

Hey, you're the one that keeps going on (and the one that started bashing me).

Buzz off.

Hey, you're the one that keeps going on (and the one that started bashing me).

Buzz off.


Then why did you just delete all your confrontational posts in this thread??? Damn kids!!

Nevermind.

One more like this or the post before it, and you're on a three-day vacation.

weird...i never knew s2k were chick cars...especially 98-99% of s2k owners are men. The women s2k owners I know will eat you alive at the auto-X

S2000 is the way to go if you can afford it, sorry fellow RX-8ers. Performance wise its just better than the 8. Looks are actually quite similar (if you ask me I think the 8's front end is almost too similar to the S2000 plus the centre tunnel). I suppose you can get better mileage as well plus there's a great choice of aftermarket parts.

:wallbash::wallbash::wallbash: Well said.

But I guess it has probably been at least, what, a month since the last time we had this "debate."

And as for the S2K being a chicks car and a RX-8 being a chick magnet... a convertible that is as performance based as you can for the money is a chick car?? i.e. no amenities, space, etc? "Chick car" is a label morons put on cars that they otherwise can't say anything legitimately bad about. As a matter of fact, a far greater percentage of RX-8s are driven by women than S2000s, for the very reasons you mention.

Both are great cars. They are, however, very different cars. You want a summer-fun car? Get an S2000. You want a practical car that's still a lot of fun? Get an RX-8.

I'm sure u guys have seen it already, but there is a dvd video made by one of the magazines (japanese with english subtitles) that compares the rx8 to the skyline, s2k, z, rsx type-s, miata, wrx, bmw 3-series, rx7 fd etc.- all driven on a track (& other tests) by professional race car drivers.

Overall, the s2k performed exceptionally well- almost the best, if i recall correctly. (I have the DVD at work and will look up the title.)

Unfortunately, the video was very painful to watch- namely because every car- even the rsx beat the 8 like it was a yugo next to a pack of ferraris. Sadly, the only car in the bunch that the 8 could out-pace on the track was the miata.

However, the 8 performed really well on the slip differential & cone tests. And, the drivers said ovearll the 8 was one of the funnest cars of the bunch to drive- despite it's lacking in the torque area.

Still, I think most of us who own 8's are still very much in love w/ are cars, as said many times again- speed isn't all a car is about.

^^^That was Best Motoring. If you watch the follow up video it's called "Rotary Revenge" and the RX-8 destroys every car listed, and the S2K driven by the chubby guy who's known for driving the S2K even went into the dirt trying to catch the 8. The 8 had some suspension mods though.

Back on topic, we have both an S2K and an RX8. Both feel very similar but I will say this. The RX-8 is infinitely more forgiving than an S2K. The S2K can bite you in the ass if you're not careful...the 8 is also alot more comfortable...

translation: "Hey everyone, look at me, I'm a moron and am insecure with my sexuality!"

Talk about a twist on a double entendre.

I'd love to see his 6'6" ass try and squeeze into an RX-8 with a sunroof. :cwm27:

You want to see his ass? Wait til Ike finds out.

Maybe this is unrelated and just my opinion, I'm a big fan of Best Motoring and out of so many episodes of stock car battle at the Tsukuba circuit and touge, the S2000 and the NSX is the only lightweight NA out there that stands a chance against cars with really bad ass acceleration.

I own both cars at the moment.

If I was 6'6" I would go for the RX8. I can't imagine trying to fit 6'6" comfortably in the Honda.

For freeway / mixed travel take the RX8, the S2000 is pretty noisy and boring on a straight road. Otherwise if it's a nice day and you are heading for nice twisty country roads its hard to go past the S2000. The RX8 is a great drive but an S2000 at 8000rpm on a twisty road with the roof down is magic. It's more like a 4 wheel bike.

The RX8 is more of an allround car - more comfortable, better stereo (I turn off the S2000 stereo above 80kph if I have the roof down), seats 4 etc. They are both great cars. I used the S2000 as my everyday car for 4 years then I bought the RX8. I am still torn between them both, but I drive the 8 the most.

The RX has a slighter higher center of gravity, which is why it is more forgiving. The S2k, has a low center, and stiffer suspension, so it is very prone to snap spin, or severe oversteer if not driven correctly.

However, for a double-duty car, the 8 is tough to beat, but for a track-only car, I would be hard not to go with the s2k. Just more potential with power to weight ratio, than with the 8. Not, that the 8, isn't a great track car, I have driven several folks on this site, and I have to admit, it is tons more car than I expected. In fact, it will be my next purchase. However, I will swap the stock suspension out for coil-overs immediately, tied with some ancillary upgrades to brakes and swaybars/chassis bracing.

Alright as a disclaimer, I tried doing a search for this, didn't come up with anything. Whether through the search function or scanning through the forums. So I'm sorry if there are previous threads out there that cover this, I'm not used to this board system so I haven't learned all the intricacies (like doing an advanced search type thing?). So that's my disclaimer, please don't flame on that .

Through my searches I did come up with some basics, some ideas, but not quite specific for what I'm looking at/for.

Anyways to the title to start off with.

I've limited my selection down to 2 cars. A RX-8 or a S2K. This car would be my summer/fun car while I would keep my beater for winters/bad weather. As a preface, I'm tall (6'6" with extremely long legs ). I fit in a s2k rather snugly, but courtesy of the sensitive steering/steering wheel I don't have to make revolutions with the steering wheel so it doesn't hamper my driving (taken 3 test drives so far, eventually going to try to pay someone to let me test drive it for a longer period of time to make sure). Have yet to get into a rx-8 but I'd imagine it's probably nearly the same length. But I dont' want that to completely affect my decision, I want a car that's fun, etc.
I'm looking at probably getting either used, but that laguna blue is looking DAMN nice, as is the Shinka RX-8.

Both are pretty high revving engines, both have pretty low torque numbers. Both are aimed more for tracks and turns rather than straight line drag strip performance. Both are light RWD cars that cost relatively the same. (Surprised I haven't been able to find this comparison anywhere else).

The first big difference is the whole convertible/coupe comparison. Which, I guess, is the reason why nobody really compares these 2. Obviously the convertible thing automatically gives the S2K an advantage for me (love the convertibles). But as for the rest of the differences. Big thing I've noticed is the RX-8 has alot more amenities (be it good or bad). Heated seats, navigation system, better sound system etc etc. Be that a good thing or a bad thing, it depends on how you look at it.
Rotary engine could be a kicker for me, because I'd ideally want to be keeping whatever car I get for a 100k miles, hopefully over that . I know finding people to do work on Rotary engines can be a massive pain, so that's a drawback. Both seem to have random quirks, none really defining for either one.

Thoughts on this comparison?


Also anything I should particularly know from model year to model year of the 8? Any year in particular I should try to avoid/ should favor?


Thanks guys!

Ignore the wall banging and "search for it" people. Here's my thoughts:

When I did my car search, I was down to:

1) RX8
2) S2000
3) MiniCooper S "John Cooper Edition"
4) BMW Z4

In doing the final "cut down" at the end of the day while I could afford it, I couldn't justify the nearly $40K for the BMW although it was the car I liked the best, cost aside.

I thought the most entertaining performer of the bunch was the Mini Cooper, but it just is too damn cartoonish. I think I will indulge my enjoyment of one of those when my oldest son turns 16 in 3 years and the used market it flooded with Coopers.

That left the S2000 and the RX8. I was coming out of a string of large Japanese luxury sedans (two Acura TLs in a row, plus an Acura Legend Coupe), so I wanted that close-coupled "rocket powered roller skate" feel, and I wanted to be able to autocross it if I had the time, which I've only found time to do twice, damnit!

The S2000 had the advantage going in honestly - I'm very predisposed to Hondas and will likely go back to an Acura when I'm done with the lease on this car, if I don't have to return the Mercedes I've currently also got (a C-Class AMG on loan from my client, that I'm trying to barter to keep). I loved the idea of the rag top, loved the way it drove - fantastic engine, that Honda "whee!" revving engine, snick-snick gearbox, etc. In fact, I had an order down on the car.

What was going against the RX-8 at the time was mainly cost. I didn't feel like the RX-8 felt as refined or solid, although, I am addicted to Rotary engine noise and hadn't had one since I sold my 1985 RX-7. That tug was the strongest of all. So, I didn't feel like I wanted to pay the juice my dealer was asking for on the RX-8 - about $1200 off sticker for a red GT loaded with all but Navi and the appearance package.

Then, one day about a month before my TL lease was up, and my S2000 was due to come in, I was driving through Evanston IL and saw a Lightning Yellow RX-8 in the front row of the dealership - gorgeous color, appearance package. Awesome looking! I pulled up to a stop, hopped out and started looking at it. One of the sales managers came out and started talking with me, and said "You really like this color and this car?" I said, "Yes, it's fantastic!" He said "Well you're about the first guy ever that has said that. I will make you a deal of a lifetime on this car. We got it in a dealer trade from South Carolina 4 months ago, and haven't been able to sell it. My owner says "Move it! I don't care how little we get - no one in Evanston is going to buy it (Evanston is a rather "tony" suburb of Chicago)" "

So we went in and he offered me an outrageous lease deal on it - $363 a month for 48 months, no money down at all - sign and drive, AND they gave me a $1000 check to boot. They wrote the lease capitolization at $25,650 to achieve this - on a car with a $32,000 sticker!

So, I signed it, got it, etc.

I do ocasionally wish I'd gotten the S2K - on sunny days. But on all other days I love the RX-8.

Stew

all things being equal, i'd probably buy an S2000. from what i can tell, it's a driver's car with more HP.

but i still LOVE my RX.

i don't know if i would get an s2k myself if I weren't in SoCal. If I lived where it snowed for a few months out of the year, I don't know how i'd stand it without driving something i loved...

i don't know if i would get an s2k myself if I weren't in SoCal. If I lived where it snowed for a few months out of the year, I don't know how i'd stand it without driving something i loved...I infer from your post that you don't think that an S2000 can be driven in the snow.

Nothing could be farther from the truth, of course. It's just a RWD car; put proper tires on it, don't drive like a moron, and it'll go through anything. Kind of like an RX-8.

Now, try putting the top down on the RX-8. :hahano:

Say it ain't so, damn Rx-8 is passed by everything except the Miata which was gaining ground. I thought the Rx-8 could out handle the G35? As always a good driver makes a big difference.


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4614517506510711702&q=rx-8

Say it ain't so, damn Rx-8 is passed by everything except the Miata which was gaining ground. I thought the Rx-8 could out handle the G35? As always a good driver makes a big difference.


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4614517506510711702&q=rx-8

Despite all the people on this site that would like to think differently, hp makes a difference as well.

That vdeo has been around for almost two years. The RX-8 sounds as if it's being shifted as if it's out on a Sunday drive. The RX-8 jumped out in the lead, and was running ahead for almost two laps and then all of a sudden it falls behind.

The video proves nothing.


In the 1960's Ralph Nader had a film made of how the Chevrolet Corvair was a handling disaster waiting to happen. The film showed a Corvair going out of control and flipping. Fifteen or so years later the driver of that Corvair admitted he was paid to help it lose control.

That vdeo has been around for almost two years. The RX-8 sounds as if it's being shifted as if it's out on a Sunday drive. The RX-8 jumped out in the lead, and was running ahead for almost two laps and then all of a sudden it falls behind.

The video proves nothing.


In the 1960's Ralph Nader had a film made of how the Chevrolet Corvair was a handling disaster waiting to happen. The film showed a Corvair going out of control and flipping. Fifteen or so years later the driver of that Corvair admitted he was paid to help it lose control.

Car and Driver turned a better lap with the G35 than it did the RX-8 as well, but I suppose that doesn't mean anything either.

Say it ain't so, damn Rx-8 is passed by everything except the Miata which was gaining ground. I thought the Rx-8 could out handle the G35? As always a good driver makes a big difference.


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4614517506510711702&q=rx-8


Jeezus that was pathetic

There are too many factors to compare cars like that. The only way to compare chassis is to have the same tires, same alignment, and go to a skid pad.

Heck, I have turned times faster than Lambo's, race prepped 911's, and F40's at several tracks, in my lightly modded Evo. And, at different tracks, I have been handed my As5 by SpecMiatas, because the track was a handling track, more than horsepower.

Videos are like magazine racing, they both prove NOTHING. Put up your vids and let go of the magazine specs. Both are great cars, but it is up to the driver to decide what he/she wants.

Car and Driver turned a better lap with the G35 than it did the RX-8 as well, but I suppose that doesn't mean anything either.


No it doesn't, and you know that Ike. On Top Gear the RX-8 tied with the M3 and 350Z, so what does that mean? Absolutely nothing except on THAT particular day those cars did that.

No it doesn't, and you know that Ike. On Top Gear the RX-8 tied with the M3 and 350Z, so what does that mean? Absolutely nothing except on THAT particular day those cars did that.

Actually on different days the M3 and RX-8 did that, on the same day with the same driver the G35 was faster than the RX-8 in the C&D comparo. My only real point is that just because that RX-8 handles a little better than cars like the Z and G35 doesn't mean it will be able to overcome what it's giving up in the horsepower department.

Some people on this site seem to forget, don't realize, or choose to ignore the fact that there are plenty of other cars that are very capable handlers. Just because a car is faster than the RX-8 in a straight line doesn't mean it handles poorly. The way some people talk on here you'd think cars like the Evo, STi/WRX, Z/G35, GTO, SRT-4, etc. are freaking drag cars.

Well things have gotten infinitely more complicted since my original post (the whole day period of time). And I thank everyone for the responses, alot to think over and absorb. but i did go for a test drive today.

Didn't get nearly close to getting a good drive (behind a schoolbus for one lap and behind some old fart in a freakin buick goin 5under the speed limit for the other lap. But I was lookin at a shinka 2005, not the best deal, going to do some haggling to see if they can get it reduced. What's peoples thoughts on new vs used for the Rx-8? seems like depreciation is a major kick in the butt, should I stick with a used one? the shinka is a pretty sweet color though honestly i don't like the interior quite as much.. Overall it did feel different than the S2K, much more practical feeling, much more of a DD with some oomph. Oh and if anyone was curious I did fit MUCH better in the 8 than the S2K. I was completely and totally comfortable in the 8. At first I was loving the heated seats, then I'm not sure if my butt got used to it or what, but they didn't seem to be nearly as nice as I was expecting.. They basically were giving me a quote of a 33k for a demo, plus a tradein and stuff (realistically they were asking about 30k a little more before trade-in, personally I feel that's too much? for a 2.5k mileage demo?) Gotta say I liked the interior better too but the radio cluster did seem rather cluttered.

Oh and maybe you guys can say otherwise, but are the back seats even REMOTELY practical? With me and the SEMI tall salesman in the car, there was NO room int he back for anyones legs. Are they even remotely plausible back seats for anyone near 6 foot tall?

Oh and I found out as well, didnt' realize they haven't made an 06 yet, Im going to do a search now, but if anyone wants to chime in of where I could find some info about what's happening with it. I'd appreciate it. But I'm going to do a search anyways in the meantime ;)

Some people on this site seem to forget, don't realize, or choose to ignore the fact that there are plenty of other cars that are very capable handlers. Just because a car is faster than the RX-8 in a straight line doesn't mean it handles poorly. Ouuch. Damn. You know, the truth hurts. Gonna leave a mark.

Alright well from what I found while searching, the 2006 is supposed to be the same.

The salesman seemed to be completely out of the loop, and not in the typical idiotic salesman thing I've seen in the past that don't know anything about the cars. He was saying Mazda was being completely hush about what was happening with the 06 MY, and they wouldn't be able to order it or have it in stock regardless for a couple months even if they got the info now. He was saying it seemed like they were doing some sorta relatively major revamp with it, reducing to 2 seats or a style change or something.

True I'm only taking that at face value, but it seemed rather weird that we're now officially in 2006 and the salesmen don't seem to have a clue what's going on with the 06 models.

They basically were giving me a quote of a 33k for a demo, That is very serious rip-off. You should get $200-300 over invoice on these cars.

Oh and maybe you guys can say otherwise, but are the back seats even REMOTELY practical? With me and the SEMI tall salesman in the car, there was NO room int he back for anyones legs. Are they even remotely plausible back seats for anyone near 6 foot tall?IMHO, they are very practical for normal sized people (not that you arent normal, just on the outer edge of the bell curve). Try them out. Very roomy. Read the C&D write up. Forget dogs, forget hauling large items.

Buy used, unless you really want a new car.

Alright well from what I found while searching, the 2006 is supposed to be the same.

The salesman seemed to be completely out of the loop, and not in the typical idiotic salesman thing I've seen in the past that don't know anything about the cars. He was saying Mazda was being completely hush about what was happening with the 06 MY, and they wouldn't be able to order it or have it in stock regardless for a couple months even if they got the info now. He was saying it seemed like they were doing some sorta relatively major revamp with it, reducing to 2 seats or a style change or something.

True I'm only taking that at face value, but it seemed rather weird that we're now officially in 2006 and the salesmen don't seem to have a clue what's going on with the 06 models. theere are threads in here on this. Search "2006". Fires, backlogs, killer whales, and other stuff seems to have delayed shippment

and forget about the 2 seat thing. That is a "believe it when I see it thing." and it would be an RX7.

You can't expect the back seats to be just as spacious as a sedan's. But to me they're just fine. I'm 6 feet and I don't have trouble sitting, you just have to crunch your knee up a little higher. My friend at 6'2 also didn't have trouble.

I went used and found a very good deal. Red GT, 8000 miles (so fully broken-in), car looked like new (no scratches/chips), it even smelled like new. The guy really only put highway miles on it, so I got lucky. Try checking out the market in your area.

There's a sticky thread about the '06 model and its updates.

back seats are great. unless a 6'6" person is sitting in front of you...


as to price..... the internet is you friend.... go to edmunds an request a quote and bicker with email.....

i think 2k right now below invoice could happen, maybe not for shinka. supply and demand...

beers

back seats are great. unless a 6'6" person is sitting in front of you...


as to price..... the internet is you friend.... go to edmunds an request a quote and bicker with email.....

i think 2k right now below invoice could happen, maybe not for shinka. supply and demand...

beers2k below invoice? That usually only happens to cars you cant give away. I am not doubting you, if you know what you are talking about. Just....Da-yam. I paid about $100 over invoice back in early 04. I feel cheated.

2k below invoice? That usually only happens to cars you cant give away. I am not doubting you, if you know what you are talking about. Just....Da-yam. I paid about $100 over invoice back in early 04. I feel cheated.

i got mine in jan 04 for 500 under invoice.... no dealer fees just ttl......

depending on were you live it can happen.... am i happy about it, no. yes.

it is what it is ... right now in the car world it is a buyers market. enjoy...

fking realestate in fla..

beers

Dealers are pushing Shinka's like they're painted with 24ct gold, as in, highly over-priced. My local Mazda dealerships are trying hard to get rid of they're current '05 stock, so you definitely should be looking at invoice for pricing, not MSRP. And the back seat is very functional, most adult can fit in the back comfortably. (Honestly)

And as for that BMI video, I honestly have to question the honesty in BMI's test drivers. They acted as if the RX8 was the worst handling car this side of a Pontiac Grand-Am. All I have to say is..which car is winning in real life races?
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/706
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/704 - (Not an RX8, but use Renesis motors)
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/690
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/685 - (Didn't win, but took fastest lap and pole)
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/684

Also, finding someone to work on a rotary isn't that big a deal and most maintenance work is pretty much the same as any other motor. And ofcourse you can always take it back to you Mazda dealership.

As for reliability, it's not uncommon for non-turbo rotaries to go well over 200k miles without a rebuild. Rotaries got a bad rap from 3rd gen RX-7's which were blowing motors from the factory due to improper cooling.

Both are light RWD cars that cost relatively the same.While a loaded RX8 costs as much as (or more than) an S2k, a base RX8 6-speed can be had for $24k. Any options you add (other than the $1k sports package) will give you stuff unavailable on the S2k.

I've driven the 2.0L S2k a few times. Both it and the RX8 are lightweight, neutral, balanced, and responsive. Both have excellent shifters, steering feedback, and road feel. But the S2k is edgier: it handles better and is faster while the RX8 is more comfortable and forgiving (though now that the S2k has TCS, that's less of an issue). If the price and practicality differences didn't matter to me, I'd get an S2k over an RX8.
In the 1960's Ralph Nader had a film made of how the Chevrolet Corvair was a handling disaster waiting to happen. The film showed a Corvair going out of control and flipping. Fifteen or so years later the driver of that Corvair admitted he was paid to help it lose control.
I searched around for this and didn't find anything. Can you provide more info?

2k below invoice? That usually only happens to cars you cant give away. I am not doubting you, if you know what you are talking about. Just....Da-yam. I paid about $100 over invoice back in early 04. I feel cheated.We got our '04 RX-8 a year ago, brand new, fully loaded, for $2000 under invoice. This is a great time of year to get the "left over" '05s for well below invoice.

But the S2k is edgier: it handles better and is faster while the RX8 is more comfortable and forgiving (though now that the S2k has TCS, that's less of an issue). If the price and practicality differences didn't matter to me, I'd get an S2k over an RX8.


15-20 more Horses can make a car feel like it has more edge. :) I think an RX8 with +/- the same power as the average stock S2000 would be pretty neat. :D

I still dont get why these two cars are compared. Generally speaking, the demographic of each car's target market is different...

How do you go from 4 to 2 seats and a 10G bump up? or similarly, If your looking for a 2 seater vert performance car and the S2k is in your budget why would you look at an RX8? Yeah these cars are similar in some respects but from a consumer stand point I see them as more different than anything else

...I searched around for this and didn't find anything. Can you provide more info?How about I just tell you that I owned a '65 and then a '66 corvair (neither were spyders, darn). I scared the heck out of many people, in the way I could handle those cars better than they thought a car like that could handle. The Corvair had a major chassis/body change starting '65. The Nader thing was concerning the earlier model, from what I've been told. It was all just a political thing, which he accomplished long after the car was fixed.

Oh, and btw, if you want a stook, get one! I wish I could afford both, but for practicality, the 8 was first. Maybe I'll snag me a stook some way some day...

since you have a beater, id go with s2000 over the rx8. Otherwise it depends on how hardcore you are and how much comfort are you willing to sacrafice for better performance.
s2000 is a highly regarded car no matter what forum you are on. Easily outcorners the RX8 and if launched correctly it can even give a 350z a run for its money on the straight line.

Man, this thread is tailor-made for Ike The RX-8 Basher who says he's only here to "speak the truth"

But, Ike has a cool disco-dancing banana avatar though. <LOL> :)

Hey the S2K does NOT come with TCS. We've got an 05 and I know for a fact it doesn't.

Man, this thread is tailor-made for Ike The RX-8 Basher who says he's only here to "speak the truth"

Great Stew, now show me one time in this entire thread where I bashed the RX-8.

Why do people feel threatened, on a personal level, if somebody points out where another car may be faster/better/whatever in different contexts?

I can say without hesitation an STI would out-perform my RX8 in every measurable test with the right driver. Does that mean I'm an rx8 hata? Does that mean I am 'trashing' the rx8?

The Rx8 is what it is...Reasonably Attractive/stylish...Handles Reasonably well...Goes straight Reasonably quick...seats four in Reasonable comfort.

And as for that BMI video, I honestly have to question the honesty in BMI's test drivers. They acted as if the RX8 was the worst handling car this side of a Pontiac Grand-Am. All I have to say is..which car is winning in real life races?
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/706
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/704 - (Not an RX8, but use Renesis motors)
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/690
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/685 - (Didn't win, but took fastest lap and pole)
http://rotarynews.com/node/view/684

Sorry bud, you're not driving the race car around the streets.

Good post, dmp

So it's the Reasonablex-8. I can dig it.

Why do people feel threatened, on a personal level, if somebody points out where another car may be faster/better/whatever in different contexts?

I can say without hesitation an STI would out-perform my RX8 in every measurable test with the right driver. Does that mean I'm an rx8 hata? Does that mean I am 'trashing' the rx8?

The Rx8 is what it is...Reasonably Attractive/stylish...Handles Reasonably well...Goes straight Reasonably quick...seats four in Reasonable comfort.
:iwstupid:
you shouldn't hafta justify your purchase to anyone but yourself.

i was also got down to both of those cars it just came down to 2 things the rx8 car was more fun to drive and s2k was not built for a 6 foot, 225 pound guy kinda tight in that thing

well at cal speed way i raced a stock s2k when i was stock we both ran 14.5 i was at 96mph he was at 97 mph so both car are very close the rx8 gets off the line better but the s2k got a little more on top both cars u have to lunch at 6000k plus

oh yeah the reason why this cars r compared is because claim hp is close 238 rx8 240 s2k tq is close also 159 for rx8 150 s2k both wieght from 2700 to 2900 both r rwd both have 6 speed, both cars r from japan and both dont cost that much off of each other with the s2k being a little more

oh yeah the reason why this cars r compared is because claim hp is close 238 rx8 240 s2k tq is close also 159 for rx8 150 s2k both wieght from 2700 to 2900 both r rwd both have 6 speed, both cars r from japan and both dont cost that much off of each other with the s2k being a little more


except stock 2.2L S2000s have a SOLID 30 more wheel HP than RX8s. :)

except stock 2.2L S2000s have a SOLID 30 more wheel HP than RX8s. :)How would you know that? ;)

Hey the S2K does NOT come with TCS. We've got an 05 and I know for a fact it doesn't.It's new in the '06 S2000.

124... u seem educated... as do others... isn't the 2007 S2K going to be completely redesigned??? If so I would have a hard time buying one now...

124... u seem educated... as do others... isn't the 2007 S2K going to be completely redesigned??? If so I would have a hard time buying one now...

There has been talk of it being discontinued, haven't heard much about a redesign.

Why do people feel threatened, on a personal level, if somebody points out where another car may be faster/better/whatever in different contexts?

I can say without hesitation an STI would out-perform my RX8 in every measurable test with the right driver. Does that mean I'm an rx8 hata? Does that mean I am 'trashing' the rx8?

The Rx8 is what it is...Reasonably Attractive/stylish...Handles Reasonably well...Goes straight Reasonably quick...seats four in Reasonable comfort.


Because those people arent secure in their purchase/decision

Ah, that would be a shame, Ike. I think a lot of them. Shades of when I bought a '73 Fiat 124 sport spider right off the showroom floor. Why? Because I was single and it was a two seater convertible sports car. It suited my needs as well as my wants. Now, I'm going empty nest and the Stook looks very attractive to me.

btw, y'all know that it's affectionately called the "Stook" in some circles, cuz Stook is how S2K sounds, like if it was on a license plate? ("sss.two.kkk")

124... u seem educated... as do others... isn't the 2007 S2K going to be completely redesigned??? If so I would have a hard time buying one now...Owning an RX-8 and an S2000, I have a modicum of interest in both cars. :) Each year since it was introduced, the S2000 has been rumored to be on the chopping block at Honda. One of these years, those rumors will be correct, but it's not because those starting the rumor know anything. They usually heard it from the Honda salesman trying to convince them that this is the last year of production, so they'd better grab one while they can.

Similarly, we have no idea when there will be a revamped S2000. Lord knows, it's due, but Honda doesn't make any money from the S2000, and seems uninclined to keep it up with its nominal competition, specifically the Boxster; the base Boxster now is clearly superior to the new S2000 (of course, it costs 50% more, so it should be).

The S2000 was introduced in late 1999, as a 2000 model year car, for the 50th anniversary of Honda. It was little changed until the 2004 model year, when they stroked the engine, making it more powerful, with more torque (and a flatter torque curve), but with an 8k redline instead of a 9k redline. By the same pattern, one might expect a significantly revamped S2000 in 2008. But it's all conjecture, not based on any actual knowledge.

Ah, that would be a shame, Ike. I think a lot of them. Shades of when I bought a '73 Fiat 124 sport spider right off the showroom floor. Why? Because I was single and it was a two seater convertible sports car. It suited my needs as well as my wants. Now, I'm going empty nest and the Stook looks very attractive to me.Wow, that's familiar. My first car was a well-used '69 Fiat 124 Spider, with which I fell very much in love (when it would start, at least). I had to stop driving roadsters when child #3 was on the way, but when the four-seat convertible I bought in 1989 kind of died in 2004, and we were within sight of being empty-nesters, it was time for the S2000. And it's a wonderful, wonderful car.

well at cal speed way i raced a stock s2k when i was stock we both ran 14.5 i was at 96mph he was at 97 mph so both car are very close the rx8 gets off the line better but the s2k got a little more on top both cars u have to lunch at 6000k plus

:Wconfused

I am guessing that you are a very good driver and the S2000 dude is not... It is hard to imagine that the RX8 takes-off better than the honda. If launched properly, the honda can run neck-and-neck with the 350Z.

nothing out of the ordinary, in the real world 2 drivers hardly ever have equal skills, so a good driver with a slower car always has a chance to beat a faster car. better driver is the best mod :)

Wow, that's familiar. My first car was a well-used '69 Fiat 124 Spider, with which I fell very much in love (when it would start, at least). I had to stop driving roadsters when child #3 was on the way, but when the four-seat convertible I bought in 1989 kind of died in 2004, and we were within sight of being empty-nesters, it was time for the S2000. And it's a wonderful, wonderful car.

What year is your S2000 and what do you think about the complaints on its suspension (rear suspension?)? Everyone knows the RX8 is a little soft and has quite a bit of body roll coming out of the factory, but those issues are easily fixed with bigger swaybars, stiffer springs and shocks (or coilovers). Regardless, the fundamental design of the RX8 suspension is supposed to be superior. I test drove a 2005 S2000, in which Honda addressed some of the earlier suspension concerns, e.g., its unpredictability coming out of tight corners, and I still felt something weird was going on with the rear suspension coming out of a tight corner at high speed. I am not sure it is something that can be easily fixed with coilovers. I'm thinking Honda did what they could to improve the suspension without having to do a complete redesign of the chassis (which they couldn't unless they created an all-new S2000).

What do the S2000 AND RX8 experts think? I'd rather hear from the real S2000 drivers rather than all these other people who just jumped on the S2000 bandwagon tricking themselves psychologically that the S2000 has better handling rather than by real analysis.

Negra Modelo

well at cal speed way i raced a stock s2k when i was stock we both ran 14.5 i was at 96mph he was at 97 mph so both car are very close the rx8 gets off the line better but the s2k got a little more on top both cars u have to lunch at 6000k plusI always love it when, based on a sample size of one race, between amateur drivers of unknown skill, one makes conclusions about the relative speed of cars in the quarter mile. Especially when the two cars in question are anything but drag-racing cars.

The RX-8 is a very fine car; it dominated B-Stock in autocross last year. The S2000, for pure performance, was kicked up to A-Stock last year (where it was highly competitive with the C-4 Corvette), after totally dominating B-Stock in previous years. The S2000 is faster, quicker, and corners better than the RX-8. Its transmission is a bit better; its brakes are not quite as good, I think. If you're only looking for performance, and you're ignoring the fact that one is a four-seat coupe, while the other is a roadster, you'll go with the S2000. If you're actually interested in comfort and the ability to carry more than a lacrosse stick with you, you'll go with the RX-8.

Or you could get both. :)

What year is your S2000 and what do you think about the complaints on its suspension (rear suspension?)? Everyone knows the RX8 is a little soft and has quite a bit of body roll coming out of the factory, but those issues are easily fixed with bigger swaybars, stiffer springs and shocks (or coilovers). Regardless, the fundamental design of the RX8 suspension is supposed to be superior. I test drove a 2005 S2000, in which Honda addressed some of the earlier suspension concerns, e.g., its unpredictability coming out of tight corners, and I still felt something weird was going on with the rear suspension coming out of a tight corner at high speed. I am not sure it is something that can be easily fixed with coilovers. I'm thinking Honda did what they could to improve the suspension without having to do a complete redesign of the chassis (which they couldn't unless they created an all-new S2000).Well, if you don't make any mistakes, the rear suspension isn't a problem. :) Seriously, the problem is that a bunch of yahoos drive S2000s, and drive them like idiots. It is twitchy; it has to be driven judiciously. It is predictable, what it isn't is forgiving of mistakes (that's a big difference, actually). I've made mistakes on the track, and in autocross, and gone on some interesting rides (the best, perhaps, was a 180 at 80mph, heading straight for a tire wall with power assist on the cofused brakes refusing to function; adrenaline becomes helpful in such circumstances). But as I've gotten more skilled, these excursions are rarer. Well, on the track, at least; it's still pretty easy to go sideways at autocross, but that's true of any car--brake into a turn, and you're in trouble. I have a very stiff aftermarket front bar, and that helps a lot (my 2004 is identical to the 2005 model). To stay stock for autocross, you have to spend a lot of money on shocks to get any improvement over stock, so I haven't done anything. Fundamentally, the S2000 is a hard car to drive at the limit, but only an idiot, IMO, drives a car at the limit on public roads.

What do the S2000 AND RX8 experts think? I'd rather hear from the real S2000 drivers rather than all these other people who just jumped on the S2000 bandwagon tricking themselves psychologically that the S2000 has better handling rather than by real analysis.Well, my garage contains both a 2004 S2000, and a 2004 RX-8; do I qualify?

For my taste, the S2000 is the clear winner. I don't mind the stiffer ride at all; I love convertibles; the S2000 corners a bit better than the RX-8; I love convertibles; the S2000 is noticeably more powerful, and has a lot more low-end grunt, and did I mention that I love convertibles? Objectively, the S2000 has better handling, hence its higher placement in autocross.

But, the RX-8 is actually quite close in all categories, and it has four seats. And if you don't like convertibles, that's a plus for the RX-8. Tall people (I'm 6'2" tall) actually will fit better in the S2000 than in an RX-8 with a sunroof.

The two cars, to me, have a completely different feel, and that should be the deciding factor if you're getting the car for real-world use, rather than the track. It is, in the end, an emotional decision between the two (ignoring the utility vs. convertible differences). One will speak much more loudly to each person than the other; that doesn't make either a better car, just a car that's more attractive to a particular person.

pretty funny u r so quick to call me a begining driver ive been racing cars since i was 4 years old racing go karts so ive been racing for 18 years hes a pic of the car i raceed last season new car being buit for this year

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3690/racing0017gd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

That was a great comparison post 124. thank you.

and toca, dont take offence; it is the internet btw. and I think most reasonable people would agree with 124 given the data at hand. We are sure you are a great diver, so drop it.

pretty funny u r so quick to call me a begining driver ive been racing cars since i was 4 years old racing go karts so ive been racing for 18 years hes a pic of the car i raceed last season new car being buit for this year

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3690/racing0017gd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I didn't call you a beginner. I just want to make sure we hear from the experts rather than the dumbasses. If you're an expert who happens to be a dumbass, that's fine too.

Hey, you bought that car at Toys R Us. That's a fricking toy car.

That was a great comparison post 124. thank you.

and toca, dont take offence; it is the internet btw. and I think most reasonable people would agree with 124 given the data at hand. We are sure you are a great diver, so drop it.

Yeah, Spider's account is what we want to hear.

widmer

lol i woundt call car 800hp with a 1200 pound car a toy car it has a 410 ci v8 in it if thats a toy thats 1 powerful toy

I didn't call you a beginner. I just want to make sure we hear from the experts rather than the dumbasses. If you're an expert who happens to be a dumbass, that's fine too.

Hey, you bought that car at Toys R Us. That's a fricking toy car.

wtf, you cant be for real???

beers

nope im am for rear the motor dyno at on the engine dyno at 792hp 668tq the car with me in is 1200 pounds

whao there must be some extra-dimensional portal in that little car where you can put a 410ci V8 in there connected to that tiny little exhaust thats smaller than most motorcylce exhausts. and the frame must be made of some future material that hasnt been invented yet that can withstand the torque of a 800hp v8.... I want one. :)

the exhasut is 4in piping

the frame is 3/8 steel the motor is all alum. plus we dont need all the wireing that a car needs plus we have a lot of titaum and cf on the car the cost of that car is 50k

whao there must be some extra-dimensional portal in that little car where you can put a 410ci V8 in there connected to that tiny little exhaust thats smaller than most motorcylce exhausts. and the frame must be made of some future material that hasnt been invented yet that can withstand the torque of a 800hp v8.... I want one. :)

Either that or toca is a fricking midget.

old milwaukee

and for the frame yes r team as well as other top team replace r frames every 7 to 10 races

wtf, you cant be for real???

beers

beers...no, champagne.

I wore out a 124 spider from brand new, ran and totally rebuilt my '67 MGB and my '70 911E. I also own an RX-8. And all along, I thought I knew how to evaluate a sports car. There are opinions and then there are assholes I guess.

and for the frame yes r team as well as other top team replace r frames every 7 to 10 races

whao an all aluminum engine! since aluminum has no chance at withstanding 668lb ft of torque without losing its structural integrity, there must also be a nuclear fusion reactor in the mystery dimension generating a yet to be invented force field around the engine keeping it from collapsing... now i want one even more.

Are you guys calling BS on him?

Asahi

124, you brought back memories. My first car was a used-up '67 FIAT 850 Spyder for $600. Rust through and through. Would vapor lock after driving on the freeway longer than 20 minutes. How nice to be able to have both the S2K and the RX8. Would've been a hard choice for me except I've got 5 kids (put 3 in the trunk). Some day I may go back to a convertible and the Honda would be my choice or maybe my little brother would sell me his MB SL65. Now that is a CAR!!

Hey, cool! My best friend had an 850 back then. A '72 I think. That car would do anything you wanted. Then I got my '73 124, then another buddy had to get the '74 X1/9 the first year it came out.

man you guys are old heads :p:

Are you guys calling BS on him?

Asahi
ohh no, not at all, i just want to learn more about toca's physics defying engineering :mdrmed:

oops...

looks like a mini sprint... usually have a 1300 yamaha fjr motor in them..

still a cool ride.... but i dont think i would be calling anyone out with you 10 posts..

beers

The '65 Corvair was my first car, none before that one, I promise... well, except for the go-cart...

I want my brother's old Triumph TR4

wow...what were we talking about?

Oh yeah -

"Better"



Better IS as Better does.

And Body Roll? I don't care so much about body roll if the car STICKS. :) I'd bet dollars to donuts some ethusiasts have spent THOUSANDS of dollars eliminating body roll - just to have their cars handle WORSE w/o them knowing/admitting it.

:D

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62044&stc=1

Hey, cool! My best friend had an 850 back then. A '72 I think. That car would do anything you wanted. Then I got my '73 124, then another buddy had to get the '74 X1/9 the first year it came out. My best friend in those days had an 850 Spider, which is why I felt comfortable getting my 124 Spider. The 850 was amazing; no power, but so light it would do anything. I still see X1/9s at autocrosses quite frequently.

I like to think of the S2000 as a car with all of the charm of the 124 Spider, without any of the headaches.

ok sorry im such a young buck, but whats up with posting some pics of these cars that ive never heard of? 124, and 850 and x1/9 and all that good stuff? share your wealth of knowledge please?

ok sorry im such a young buck, but whats up with posting some pics of these cars that ive never heard of? 124, and 850 and x1/9 and all that good stuff? share your wealth of knowledge please?Ask and it shall be answered; seek, and ye shall find.

First, The 124 Spider, still one of the purest designs around.

Second, the 850 Spider, also a very nice design.

Third, the X1/9.

whao these roadsters are beautiful. now i remember seeing them quite often on the autoweek actions section. thanks for the pics

My brother had an X19, was a cool little car but damn what a piece of shit. Maybe it was because it was poop brown ;)

My brother had an X19, was a cool little car but damn what a piece of shit. Maybe it was because it was poop brown ;)The poop brown was to hide the rust.

They were all POS--why do you think FIAT no longer sells cars in the US? But they were beautiful (especially the 124 Spider; that picture is a '69, the same year as my first car), and when they ran, they were very fine performance cars for their day.

and my brother's TR-4, except it was dark blue...

http://www.motorbase.com/uploads/2003/10/31/fs_triumph_rojo18.jpg

and my 124 sport spider was sky blue...
http://www.fiatlanciaunlimited.com/gallery/ffo2004/Pict015.jpg

that's one yukky white top there though...

I'm late chiming in on this, but I sold my RX8 to buy an S2000. There were only three reasons why I made the change. 1) Better fun summer/weekend car (convertible factor) More reliable with less headaches 3) Considerably better at maintaining it's value. Other then that, I absolutely loved my RX8. The S2000 is definitely tamer looking in stock form, the RX8 is much more comfortable/quieter but it is a bit slower, and not as nimble. I tried using the RX8 as a daily driver, but it just didn't fit in for my lifestyle, and with bad winters here, it was just not feasable. The reality of it is I didn't need the extra seats, all the amenities for just a weekend car, and I really wanted a convertible. I just didn't realize it at the time I chose the RX8 over the S2K initially, as I chose looks and the rotary engine, not realizing my heart was truly set on a fun summer convertible. With whatever car you choose, you are going to have to compromise, but each car is truly a wonderful machine, in it's own unique way.

i have both.

I like the S2000 better but I do love the RX8 for pactical applications of the car.

I agree with the above most.

Maintance is easy, top down is great and the car feels more of a go-kart fun to drive and easy to handle.

The gas milage on the rx8 is a little worse then the S2000 on the Freeways. RX is a slower and when the Vtec kicks in at 6500... it moves you. On the other hand, the smooth RX8 engine gets you up to and exceeding crusing speed in no time and with out your knowledge.

Personally, i like the S2K more, but not by much!

When my family comes to town, the RX8 is very handy.

^^ fact is the RX-8 wasnt meant to compete with the S2K.. if the 8 was more like the S2K in the sense of 2 drs and simplicity in design and features;only engine and chasis with seats like the S2000, im almost 100% sure that the 8 would out perform the S2K.

The gas milage on the rx8 is a little worse then the S2000 on the Freeways. RX is a slower and when the Vtec kicks in at 6500... it moves you. On the other hand, the smooth RX8 engine gets you up to and exceeding crusing speed in no time and with out your knowledge.

You are right. I miss the rotary engine for the reason of it's smoothness. The S2K engine cannot compare in that regard. I noticed a major improvement on overall gas mileage. I even pulled off 30mpg on a tank cruising on a country road at 60mph. Overall I get about 25mpg. I wanted a convertible, and that meant I'd have to choose between my RX8 and my STI as a daily. I wish I could have kept the RX8, and owned all three. I definitely miss that car. :( Make a convertible RX8 and bye bye S2000.

Make a convertible RX8 and bye bye S2000.

really? All other things equal? I thought you preferred S2K performance?

^^ fact is the RX-8 wasnt meant to compete with the S2K.. if the 8 was more like the S2K in the sense of 2 drs and simplicity in design and features;only engine and chasis with seats like the S2000, im almost 100% sure that the 8 would out perform the S2K.Yeah, and it's called the RX-7. hehe We're still waiting... :mad:

really? All other things equal? I thought you preferred S2K performance?

The S2K performing better then the RX8 is a bonus, but no way a necessity for me. I get plenty of performance out of my daily driver. I wanted a convertible badly enough to where I was willing to part with a car I totally loved, because that's what a fun summer car is all about IMO. The S2000 is my favorite roadster, but not my favorite car. :)

The S2K performing better then the RX8 is a bonus, but no way a necessity for me. I get plenty of performance out of my daily driver. I wanted a convertible badly enough to where I was willing to part with a car I totally loved, because that's what a fun summer car is all about IMO. The S2000 is my favorite roadster, but not my favorite car. :)


ic

but if all you wanted was a vert and you get you're performance fix from your STi... why not just go for a miata... sure its slow, but its a well made vert and much cheaper to buy and maintain which will save yourself substantial cash

ic

but if all you wanted was a vert and you get you're performance fix from your STi... why not just go for a miata... sure its slow, but its a well made vert and much cheaper to buy and maintain which will save yourself substantial cash

Because the S2000 is a better car, and it's nice to have that high revving power when I want it. If I can give myself a bonus fun car to match my bonus daily driver, then why the hell not. Who cares about saving substantial cash, If you got it, SPEND IT. Life is too short. If I had gotten a used Miata, the downgrade would have been major. I also wanted a power top, and why Mazda still makes the Miata manual is beyond me. I just like the S2000 better then the Miata all the way across boards, not just because it's a lot more powerful.

Because the S2000 is a better car, and it's nice to have that high revving power when I want it. If I can give myself a bonus fun car to match my bonus daily driver, then why the hell not. Who cares about saving substantial cash, If you got it, SPEND IT. Life is too short. If I had gotten a used Miata, the downgrade would have been major. I also wanted a power top, and why Mazda still makes the Miata manual is beyond me. I just like the S2000 better then the Miata all the way across boards, not just because it's a lot more powerful.

ok...cool.


The reason why Mazda still makes a manual top on the miata is the same reason why people question why the S2k has a power operated top.... many beleive that a simple manual top is more fitting for small light wieght roadsters such as these..

Probably been beaten to death on this thread (as is this comparison on every car forum), but performance-wise, S2000 trumphs RX-8. The S2K is a sports car for purists. Beautifully made car bred for motorsports, and Honda did an excellent job to achieve that. Practicality, well, that's another story.

I think Mazda did an excellent job to combine real world practicality, with all around performance. My goal is to keep my 8 as a daily driver, and an S for weekend autoX!!! ;)

ok...cool.


The reason why Mazda still makes a manual top on the miata is the same reason why people question why the S2k has a power operated top.... many beleive that a simple manual top is more fitting for small light wieght roadsters such as these..


You are right. it certainly adds weight, but I can't imagine not having a power top now. The Miata is in a lower price class, so naturally, it does not need a power top. The S2K is geared in a higher price range, so not having one would not be good for that car. It's a cheaper alternative to cars like the z4, ect ect, whereas the Miata didn't really have any competition until now with the Solstice, and soon to be Sky. I could end up trading in this car for a New Miata down the road, since likely a new S2K will be out of my price range, unless I keep the STI for many years as a beater. I'd like to see Mazda compete with the S2K, by either spicing up the Miata, or coming out with a rotary convertible. Both makers seem afraid of each other, so there's no way Honda would dare make a convertible to compete with the Miata. I do think Mazda could succeed with a competitor though. :)

You are right. it certainly adds weight, but I can't imagine not having a power top now. The Miata is in a lower price class, so naturally, it does not need a power top. The S2K is geared in a higher price range, so not having one would not be good for that car. It's a cheaper alternative to cars like the z4, ect ect, whereas the Miata didn't really have any competition until now with the Solstice, and soon to be Sky. I could end up trading in this car for a New Miata down the road, since likely a new S2K will be out of my price range, unless I keep the STI for many years as a beater. I'd like to see Mazda compete with the S2K, by either spicing up the Miata, or coming out with a rotary convertible. Both makers seem afraid of each other, so there's no way Honda would dare make a convertible to compete with the Miata. I do think Mazda could succeed with a competitor though. :)

I'd like to see an S2K competitive miata as well...


But I really dont think Honda is affraid of Mazda at all...maybe the other way around. If Honda wanted to make a car to compete with the miata they could easily do it, but why would they? It'll canabalize the S2K as the market is not big enough for that type of car to warrant two roadsters under one make... the demand just isnt there.... they'd have to choose between the two and you know which one will get the "heave-ho" right?

I'd like to see an S2K competitive miata as well...


But I really dont think Honda is affraid of Mazda at all...maybe the other way around. If Honda wanted to make a car to compete with the miata they could easily do it, but why would they? It'll canabalize the S2K as the market is not big enough for that type of car to warrant two roadsters under one make... the demand just isnt there.... they'd have to choose between the two and you know which one will get the "heave-ho" right?


Yeah. Not afraid of Mazda, just that they don't have to, and wouldn't dare to, since it would be a very bad decision. No matter how good their Miata competitor would be, it would likely fail against the Miata, especially if the S2k was still out. I'd imagine the S2K will be done soon, and be called something different. It's best to stay out of the competition, unless the demand is there, which is likely why we may never see an S2K competitor from Mazda. IF we do, it will be years form now, and it will be competing against a different car.

i dont think theres really a big power discrepency between the 2 cars like some of you guys believe. I dont think the s2k engine is underated or anything. They are what they are... The s2k has better power to weight ratio thus should be faster. I think if mazda ever do a rx7 even with the same renesis engine as in the rx8, but with agressive sports suspension tune, it would then be pretty even with the s2k.

I can't figure out how, at 6'6", you can fit in the S2K. I'm 6'3", and there's no way I can drive the thing off the dealer's lot....

... The s2k has better power to weight ratio thus should be faster..

not only that but it puts more power to the grond as well.

I realize that, how much more though? i have a feeling its not a significant amount, like 30whp.
maybe 5-10 at most. just a guess.

I realize that, how much more though? i have a feeling its not a significant amount, like 30whp.
maybe 5-10 at most. just a guess.Well, dmp organized a dyno day a year ago in these parts. A bunch of RX-8s came, and I brought my S2000 (our RX-8 was too new). All but one of the RX-8s put down between 180 and 185 rwhp, corrected, on the dynojet. My entirely stock 2004 S2000 put down 209.5. These are all pretty standard numbers. So there certainly is a 25 rwhp difference in the two cars. That's a lot, even if they weighed the same.

Well, dmp organized a dyno day a year ago in these parts. A bunch of RX-8s came, and I brought my S2000 (our RX-8 was too new). All but one of the RX-8s put down between 180 and 185 rwhp, corrected, on the dynojet. My entirely stock 2004 S2000 put down 209.5. These are all pretty standard numbers. So there certainly is a 25 rwhp difference in the two cars. That's a lot, even if they weighed the same.

Yeah. That is about right. the S2K's specs are simply more accurate is my guess. RX8 owners can also say the S2K is just underrated in power, or dynos are not accurate, if it makes them feel better. I feel the difference, all in the high end, but mine is an 01. I have read that the 04+ S2000s put about 5-10more whp then the previous models. Not sure if that's right or not. It does have more displacement, and more torque though, so it would make sense. The car just pulls harder from 6K on. It's certainly not a night and day feeling, because both cars lack torque, but it is there. The RX8 could be at the S2K level if it was tuned properly, and there's really no reason why it shouldn't be. That should change soon hopefully, and the RX8 will be just as fast.

hmm, honda underating an engine? yeah right LOL :p honda only overates engines!
neways, thats quite a big difference... im pretty suprised the difference is this big.
On BMI i was miffed when the RX8 seems to get slightly out accerleated by the Integra Type R and Civic type R on the straight section of Tsukuba. I guess its not really that big of a suprise.

did you know Best Motoring Int. are said to be often biased.. they are sponsored by Honda after all :Eyecrazy:

I'm sure u guys have seen it already, but there is a dvd video made by one of the magazines (japanese with english subtitles) that compares the rx8 to the skyline, s2k, z, rsx type-s, miata, wrx, bmw 3-series, rx7 fd etc.- all driven on a track (& other tests) by professional race car drivers.

Overall, the s2k performed exceptionally well- almost the best, if i recall correctly. (I have the DVD at work and will look up the title.)

Unfortunately, the video was very painful to watch- namely because every car- even the rsx beat the 8 like it was a yugo next to a pack of ferraris. Sadly, the only car in the bunch that the 8 could out-pace on the track was the miata.

However, the 8 performed really well on the slip differential & cone tests. And, the drivers said ovearll the 8 was one of the funnest cars of the bunch to drive- despite it's lacking in the torque area.

Still, I think most of us who own 8's are still very much in love w/ are cars, as said many times again- speed isn't all a car is about.

hmm, honda underating an engine? yeah right LOL :p honda only overates engines!


Well if they do overrate engines, then I don't even know what to call the rating of Mazda's vehicles. ;) Dynos are almost always in the 200-210whp range on S2KS, and I have seen many of them. The S2K is rated at 240, the RX8 238hp. Personally I think the S2K is right on cue with it's rating, and the RX8 is just way off. 200lbs less weight and 15-20 more whp makes sense why the S2K is faster, even though it's rated the same. If the numbers were accurate on both ends, the 200lbs would only make the S2K very slightly faster, and the difference would not be this much. This stuff is confusing, because the RX8 should be almost as fast as the S2K, and it's not. I never felt like I ever bought a 238hp car, now that I own an S2K, but it never bothered me. That car was about so much more. :)

i dont think they are honda baised, of all the races ive seen, the s2000 seemed to always loose to the 350z coupe, except for the most recent one where it beat the 350z convertable. Ive seen the RX-7 win a couple of races also. Tsuchia especially is a big RX-7 fan. Even though the RX8 havnt been winning, the RX7 has represented Mazda quite well. They also did couple of episodes themed on rotary cars.
IMO just because they are sponsored by Honda dosnt mean their races results are fixed.

Does anybody know exactly WHY the RX8 loses power like that? it should dyno at like the stook

Does anybody know exactly WHY the RX8 loses power like that? it should dyno at like the stookI don't think it's a question of "loses power." I think that Mazda simply is being optimistic about the power of the Renesis in the RX-8 (heck, they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar when the car first came out; my guess is that they now use the largest number they can without having legal liability). And the newer S2000 dynos at 10-15rwhp greater than the earlier ones, but Honda did not increase the nominal rating of the cars.

So you get a 25 rwhp difference in the cars.

I don't think it's a question of "loses power." I think that Mazda simply is being optimistic about the power of the Renesis in the RX-8 (heck, they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar when the car first came out; my guess is that they now use the largest number they can without having legal liability). And the newer S2000 dynos at 10-15rwhp greater than the earlier ones, but Honda did not increase the nominal rating of the cars.

So you get a 25 rwhp difference in the cars.


I think it happend like this:

Mazda dyno'd the Renesis at 247hp on an Engine Dyno. Mazda then Found trouble with the Cat-Converters. Rather than re-dyno, Mazda just f'd up the ECU enough to save the cat, and 'guesstimated' the losses. An Engineer probably sent a Memo saying they'd lose 4% of the engine's power...thus 238. I believe the re-flash could have equaled at 10-15% reduction in power, in the real world...as evidenced by RacingBeat's 216 HP number when they put the renesis on their engine dyno. At the risk of MORE HP controversy, Mazda decided NOT to re-issue a HP rating of about 220-225hp hoping most people wouldn't notice, or care enough to push the issue.

That's my guess.

A few things...

First, insurance. When I priced insurance on various cars, the S2000 was by far the most expensive. Compared to the RX-8 it would have cost me $400 more a year, $1400 vs. $1000. A large percentage difference.

People who own both or have gone from one to the other, have you seen a similar difference?

Second, dynos. Is the RPM peak on a dyno the same as in the engine spec. I vaguely recall noting that the peak is lower on a dyno. So even if two cars have same peak HP at the crank, if one has stronger midrange power it might come out better on the dyno. Just a hypothesis.

will the reason why honda did not increase the number because if they clamed it around 260 and compare more to a z which the z going to will the power war plus s2kis marketed to compete with the bmw z4 use to be z3 no made to compete with the z even though i think its a better car then a z

i dont think they are honda baised, of all the races ive seen, the s2000 seemed to always loose to the 350z coupe, except for the most recent one where it beat the 350z convertable. Ive seen the RX-7 win a couple of races also. Tsuchia especially is a big RX-7 fan. Even though the RX8 havnt been winning, the RX7 has represented Mazda quite well. They also did couple of episodes themed on rotary cars.
IMO just because they are sponsored by Honda dosnt mean their races results are fixed.

i wouldn't dare to say the results are fixed but you can't overlook the sponsors ;)
and sometimes, it does show favourbly.
Tsuchiya is also a big fan of Honda, Toyota, Nissan and what else~
and most of the time, he's the one driving non mazda cars in the show..

A few things...

First, insurance. When I priced insurance on various cars, the S2000 was by far the most expensive. Compared to the RX-8 it would have cost me $400 more a year, $1400 vs. $1000. A large percentage difference.

People who own both or have gone from one to the other, have you seen a similar difference?


When I sold my RX8, and bought an S2K, my insurance did not change one single bit with the same exact coverage. Some insurance companies clasify the S2000 as a higher risk, when others don't. Geico is one of those insurance companies that does not classify that car in a high range. State Farm does however, which is why I made the switch. If I still had State Farm, I'd be seeing about $3-400 a year increase. Now the STI on the other hand, that's the car that is really expensive compared to RX8 and S2K :)

Alright as a disclaimer, I tried doing a search for this, didn't come up with anything. Whether through the search function or scanning through the forums. So I'm sorry if there are previous threads out there that cover this, I'm not used to this board system so I haven't learned all the intricacies (like doing an advanced search type thing?). So that's my disclaimer, please don't flame on that .

Through my searches I did come up with some basics, some ideas, but not quite specific for what I'm looking at/for.

Anyways to the title to start off with.

I've limited my selection down to 2 cars. A RX-8 or a S2K. This car would be my summer/fun car while I would keep my beater for winters/bad weather. As a preface, I'm tall (6'6" with extremely long legs ). I fit in a s2k rather snugly, but courtesy of the sensitive steering/steering wheel I don't have to make revolutions with the steering wheel so it doesn't hamper my driving (taken 3 test drives so far, eventually going to try to pay someone to let me test drive it for a longer period of time to make sure). Have yet to get into a rx-8 but I'd imagine it's probably nearly the same length. But I dont' want that to completely affect my decision, I want a car that's fun, etc.
I'm looking at probably getting either used, but that laguna blue is looking DAMN nice, as is the Shinka RX-8.

Both are pretty high revving engines, both have pretty low torque numbers. Both are aimed more for tracks and turns rather than straight line drag strip performance. Both are light RWD cars that cost relatively the same. (Surprised I haven't been able to find this comparison anywhere else).

The first big difference is the whole convertible/coupe comparison. Which, I guess, is the reason why nobody really compares these 2. Obviously the convertible thing automatically gives the S2K an advantage for me (love the convertibles). But as for the rest of the differences. Big thing I've noticed is the RX-8 has alot more amenities (be it good or bad). Heated seats, navigation system, better sound system etc etc. Be that a good thing or a bad thing, it depends on how you look at it.
Rotary engine could be a kicker for me, because I'd ideally want to be keeping whatever car I get for a 100k miles, hopefully over that . I know finding people to do work on Rotary engines can be a massive pain, so that's a drawback. Both seem to have random quirks, none really defining for either one.

Thoughts on this comparison?


Also anything I should particularly know from model year to model year of the 8? Any year in particular I should try to avoid/ should favor?


Thanks guys!

i had 350z the s2k then rx8..... let me tell you about the s2000. Its POWERFUL it FAAAAAST alot fasterthan the 8. the way it handeles is just crazy i loved it so much. But then the cold came and i had to put my top UP. Suddenly i realised after having the car for 4-5 months that the car is LOUD. the engine is sooooo loud that you cant even have a pece of mind.

Dont get me wrong i love noise.... LOVE NOISE, but the s2000 was a little too noisy and plain. nothing is in it. NAV no, glove box, you barly fit your cell, radio/cd you wont hear well.

when i sat in rx8, i really missed the classenes, driving smooth and feel you actually own a car not a motrbike on four wheels. I would only recommend the s2k only when you have another car. That car is really REALLY FUN when you are in the mood of racing and having fun. But when its traffic, cold and 2 seater you will regret it BIG TIME.

MAKE SURE YOU DRIVE THAT CAR TOP UP, SERIOUSELY you well notice what i am talking about.

Choose WISELY

oooooh, a seriously put comment on its lack of creature comforts, interesting...

Now the STI on the other hand, that's the car that is really expensive compared to RX8 and S2K :)

My STi = $760/year
My wife's RX-8 (6-speed w/GT package) = $740/year

Same policy, same coverage

When I sold my RX8, and bought an S2K, my insurance did not change one single bit with the same exact coverage. Some insurance companies clasify the S2000 as a higher risk, when others don't. Geico is one of those insurance companies that does not classify that car in a high range. State Farm does however, which is why I made the switch. If I still had State Farm, I'd be seeing about $3-400 a year increase. Now the STI on the other hand, that's the car that is really expensive compared to RX8 and S2K :)


I concur... I got a quote on both... Identical!!!

my jaw hit the floor

A few things...

First, insurance. When I priced insurance on various cars, the S2000 was by far the most expensive. Compared to the RX-8 it would have cost me $400 more a year, $1400 vs. $1000. A large percentage difference.

People who own both or have gone from one to the other, have you seen a similar difference?Yes

Second, dynos. Is the RPM peak on a dyno the same as in the engine spec. I vaguely recall noting that the peak is lower on a dyno. So even if two cars have same peak HP at the crank, if one has stronger midrange power it might come out better on the dyno. Just a hypothesis.The power curves of the two cars are somewhat different., but the power in the AP2 S2000 is always above the power of the RX-8, with the difference becoming greater as the RPMs increase.

My STi = $760/year
My wife's RX-8 (6-speed w/GT package) = $740/year

Same policy, same coverage


Yep, it all depends on the area. Some of us are just plain lucky, some of us are not. The STI is a high insurance risk car in NJ and parts of PA. Collision and Comp ahot up like mad when I made this purchase. I tried to fight it, but after getting quotes from 4 different companies, the same result took place. I pay $1020 a year on my STI and $560 a year on the S2000, same coverage. I even put the S2000 as my daily driver, and STi as fun car, and they didn't fall for it. I still pay about the same amount as you overall, but I have taken a nice hit since purchasing this car. ;) If you live in NJ, and eastern PA, you will know what I talking about. As soon as the STI is fully paid off, which will be in a about a year or so, I am dropping collision, which is where I am taking the big hit in this area. :)

i owned the 8 for more than a year, and drove the s2k for a weekend. The s2k is faster and handles corners better, no doubt about that. People have to learn to admit it.

But recently aquired GTO would spank both of them :)

Actually on different days the M3 and RX-8 did that, on the same day with the same driver the G35 was faster than the RX-8 in the C&D comparo. My only real point is that just because that RX-8 handles a little better than cars like the Z and G35 doesn't mean it will be able to overcome what it's giving up in the horsepower department.

Some people on this site seem to forget, don't realize, or choose to ignore the fact that there are plenty of other cars that are very capable handlers. Just because a car is faster than the RX-8 in a straight line doesn't mean it handles poorly. The way some people talk on here you'd think cars like the Evo, STi/WRX, Z/G35, GTO, SRT-4, etc. are freaking drag cars.

It is much easier to drive consistently fast on the track in the RX-8, it takes considerably more effort to do those "better times" in a G35 or 350Z (loss of control and tail swings out, brakes fade real quick on these b/c weight, more 2-3-2 shifting involved). Same goes with the STi, this is a rally tuned car. The EVO is the exception. You can drive in 3rd gear the whole time around the track in the RX-8.

The RX-8 suspension was tuned for ride/handling/feel/balance and very much on the conservative side. Add sway bars to the RX-8 and THERE WILL BE NO COMPETITION, no matter what suspension bits you add to the other cars.

Add sway bars to the RX-8 and THERE WILL BE NO COMPETITION, no matter what suspension bits you add to the other cars.
Ugh, if you say so.

Anyone ever thought the S2000 beats the 8 in acceleration because of gear ratio in addition to less weight?!?!

It is much easier to drive consistently fast on the track in the RX-8, it takes considerably more effort to do those "better times" in a G35 or 350Z (loss of control and tail swings out, brakes fade real quick on these b/c weight, more 2-3-2 shifting involved). Same goes with the STi, this is a rally tuned car. The EVO is the exception. You can drive in 3rd gear the whole time around the track in the RX-8.

The RX-8 suspension was tuned for ride/handling/feel/balance and very much on the conservative side. Add sway bars to the RX-8 and THERE WILL BE NO COMPETITION, no matter what suspension bits you add to the other cars.

Why do I get the feeling you've never driven a 350Z/G35C, or STI? You're so delusional about the capabilities of the RX-8 over these other cars that it's pointless to argue with you.

Anyone ever thought the S2000 beats the 8 in acceleration because of gear ratio in addition to less weight?!?!

That helps, but the 20+whp edge it has over the RX-8 doesn't hurt either...

How about I just tell you that I owned a '65 and then a '66 corvair (neither were spyders, darn). I scared the heck out of many people, in the way I could handle those cars better than they thought a car like that could handle. The Corvair had a major chassis/body change starting '65. The Nader thing was concerning the earlier model, from what I've been told. It was all just a political thing, which he accomplished long after the car was fixed.


My neighbor belongs to the Corvair Club of America. He usually has 2 or 3 Corvairs at his house at any point in time....but the nicest was a Bright Yellow Yenko converted car with a 350 V8 mid-engine mount. He never really drove it hard because he said the torque of the 350 would cause the gearbox to scatter. Cool car though.

My neighbor belongs to the Corvair Club of America. He usually has 2 or 3 Corvairs at his house at any point in time....but the nicest was a Bright Yellow Yenko converted car with a 350 V8 mid-engine mount. He never really drove it hard because he said the torque of the 350 would cause the gearbox to scatter. Cool car though.:rock: :ylsuper: :rock:


Wait. There's STILL a Corvair Club of America?!? :mdrmed: haha it's been WELL OVER 30 YEARS since I was inside a Corvair. Wow... lol, right on!

:rock: :ylsuper: :rock:


Wait. There's STILL a Corvair Club of America?!? :mdrmed: haha it's been WELL OVER 30 YEARS since I was inside a Corvair. Wow... lol, right on!


The guy is a total geek and a serious Nadar hater. He has a giant poster of Ralph in his garage that he has shot his bb gun at about a billion times......you can barely tell who is in the poster anymore. Not sure how many people are in the CCA, I really only talked to him when he had that Yellow Yenko in his garage.

i owned the 8 for more than a year, and drove the s2k for a weekend. The s2k is faster and handles corners better, no doubt about that. People have to learn to admit it.

But recently aquired GTO would spank both of them :)http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_rofl.gif

As long as you're going in a straight line, sure. But it'd be extremely amusing to see a stock GTO in an autocross, or on a road course, against either a stock RX-8 or a stock S2000. http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_rofl.gif

I don't know how much of a difference there is between the Vauxhall Monaro VXR and the GTO, but the Monaro lapped the Top Gear track a second faster than the 8. I'm not one to propose this means anything, but since many people here find it to be gospel, they can eat it.

The guy is a total geek and a serious Nadar hater. He has a giant poster of Ralph in his garage that he has shot his bb gun at about a billion times......you can barely tell who is in the poster anymore. Not sure how many people are in the CCA, I really only talked to him when he had that Yellow Yenko in his garage.

The guy who writes the weekly automotive reviews for the San Antonio Express-Nes, G. Chambers Williams III, is a passionate Corvair enthusiast who regularly writes about their clubs, show events, etc. I don't understand it, myself; I've always thought it was a crappy car, ugly design. But in matters of taste, there is no argument.

I don't know how much of a difference there is between the Vauxhall Monaro VXR and the GTO, but the Monaro lapped the Top Gear track a second faster than the 8. I'm not one to propose this means anything, but since many people here find it to be gospel, they can eat it.They put the steering wheel on the wrong side! Shoot. Nice cars though. That VXR 220 looks like it'll be a blast. :rock:

You compare the Pontiac GTO with these? That seems to be quite a stretch, from the surface, that being I'm not learned in Vauxhall. What basis is there in your comparison?

... I don't understand it, myself; I've always thought it was a crappy car, ugly design. But in matters of taste, there is no argument.You refer to the closest thing out of USA to the Porsche 911. :mad: Haha, I don't care, my first was a hand-me-down and my other was a steal, bought from my brother's friend who decided he would rather ride a bicycle than own a car. After a kid punted that second one up over the curb by rear-ending it with his mommy's Pontiac tank-car, that was it for me. The insurance co. gave me jack squat to replace it and I ended up with a olds F85 p.o.s. that couldn't hold it's water. Add insult to injury - going from air/oil cooled - to - water cooled, and the p.o.s. kept overheating! :mad: Who ever decided to use WATER to cool an engine?

They put the steering wheel on the wrong side! Shoot. Nice cars though. That VXR 220 looks like it'll be a blast. :rock:

You compare the Pontiac GTO with these? That seems to be quite a stretch, from the surface, that being I'm not learned in Vauxhall. What basis is there in your comparison?
It's a Vauhall badged Holden Monaro, which is a Pontiac GTO, more or less. I'm not really sure what they changed when they brought it stateside.

http://www.rsportscars.com/slo/avto/vauxhall_monaro_vxr.asp

Ahhhh...because GM owns both Vauxhall and Pontiac...that makes sense now.

http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_rofl.gif

As long as you're going in a straight line, sure. But it'd be extremely amusing to see a stock GTO in an autocross, or on a road course, against either a stock RX-8 or a stock S2000. http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_rofl.gif

You underestimate the abilities of the GTO, on a proper roadcourse it would be probably be damn close and maybe even favor the GTO. The S2K and RX-8 certainly handle better but not so much so to eliminate the power advantage of the GTO.

You underestimate my power...

*WARGHIAWFHKAMIKAZEFLIPWFUIAFHW*

life support suit plzthx

You underestimate the abilities of the GTO, on a proper roadcourse it would be probably be damn close and maybe even favor the GTO. The S2K and RX-8 certainly handle better but not so much so to eliminate the power advantage of the GTO. I am under the impression that a GTO would at least have some slight braking problems after a few laps on a road course. But... :hahano: that's just me.

I am under the impression that a GTO would at least have some slight braking problems after a few laps on a road course. But... :hahano: that's just me.

The '05+ has improved brakes and they're supposed to be pretty good. What have you heard that would lead you to believe otherwise, other than the GTO being pretty hefty?

The '05+ has improved brakes and they're supposed to be pretty good. What have you heard that would lead you to believe otherwise, other than the GTO being pretty hefty?Other than 3,700+lbs curb weight, skinny shoes & front heavy? I don't have any specs on brakes, discs, etc...do you have any?

Edit: Jeebuz! I just realize this is an RX-8 vs S2K thread!!! Is this thread originally from 2002-2003? :spank:

Yeah, it's 3,725 pounds. It has 400 horsies to get it going and 12" vented discs to stop it. The suspension looks pretty plain to me. 55/45 front/rear ratio, probably a significant increase in CG height and polar moment of inertia.

Those 400 horsies should get things off nicely for it, but on a tight course, it's just a matter of time till the RX-8 and the stook real her in. It happens all the time in races - the brakes fade after a while - lap times go to the crapper. The RX-7 in my avatar is ahead of that yellow muscle car, isn't it?

RX8-TX beat me in that race, hehe :o

dnt get me wrong. The s2k and the rx8 have a much more precise and accurate suspension, steering colum, shifter, brakes etc. You feel much more confident in the imports. But people seem to underetimate the GTO. It is not as refined as the imports, but push the gas on the curves and you will be surprised at how it handles. And the hp and torque dsnt hurt either :). BTW, the GTO/monaro got the same track times as the STi in the Top Gear track.

A good driver would definately be able to keep up with the s2k or the rx8 in the twisties anyday. And not the mention the straights :)

Yeah, it's 3,725 pounds. It has 400 horsies to get it going and 12" vented discs to stop it. The suspension looks pretty plain to me. 55/45 front/rear ratio, probably a significant increase in CG height and polar moment of inertia.

Those 400 horsies should get things off nicely for it, but on a tight course, it's just a matter of time till the RX-8 and the stook real her in. It happens all the time in races - the brakes fade after a while - lap times go to the crapper. The RX-7 in my avatar is ahead of that yellow muscle car, isn't it?

yes it is, which means of course that your rx7 would always beat any muscle car in a track, right?

dnt get me wrong. The s2k and the rx8 have a much more precise and accurate suspension, steering colum, shifter, brakes etc. You feel much more confident in the imports. But people seem to underetimate the GTO. It is not as refined as the imports, but push the gas on the curves and you will be surprised at how it handles. And the hp and torque dsnt hurt either :). BTW, the GTO/monaro got the same track times as the STi in the Top Gear track.

A good driver would definately be able to keep up with the s2k or the rx8 in the twisties anyday. And not the mention the straights :)


GTO is imported from Australia. manufactured by Holden.

yes it is, which means of course that your rx7 would always beat any muscle car in a track, right?Horsepower is everything in the acceleration sections of a track (from the last part of a turn to the braking zone of the next). Those secitons are certainly significant parts of a track. So are the braking zones and the turns themselves, where horsepower doesn't help at all. It all depends on track geometry and, maybe moreso, the duration of the race.

Entering the main straight on lap one, that yellow car will pull away from that "RX-7" like it's graggin' anchor. At the end of the straight, that new lead is cut to nothing in the braking zone, but, the yellow car is in the lead.

It's hard as heck to get around that yellow car in the curvy parts because it takes up all of the track. You're potentially faster than the yellow car, but you can't get around that fat ass. So, in the beginning, if the yellow car is pretty fast for a muscle car, you just wait for a while.

Later on, it's tires get greasy and it's brakes go to the shitcan. It's like being held-up in rush hour traffic. Finally you get around it, usually in that same braking zone at the end of the main straight. Then it's asta la vista, baby!

Of course, it all depends on the pairings. We're not talking here about racing Mark Martin in his Watkins Glen - prepped Roush car. Then again, we're not talking about a formula 1 car either.

Horsepower is everything in the acceleration sections of a track (from the last part of a turn to the braking zone of the next). Those secitons are certainly significant parts of a track. So are the braking zones and the turns themselves, where horsepower doesn't help at all. It all depends on track geometry and, maybe moreso, the duration of the race.

Entering the main straight on lap one, that yellow car will pull away from that "RX-7" like it's graggin' anchor. At the end of the straight, that new lead is cut to nothing in the braking zone, but, the yellow car is in the lead.

It's hard as heck to get around that yellow car in the curvy parts because it takes up all of the track. You're potentially faster than the yellow car, but you can't get around that fat ass. So, in the beginning, if the yellow car is pretty fast for a muscle car, you just wait for a while.

Later on, it's tires get greasy and it's brakes go to the shitcan. It's like being held-up in rush hour traffic. Finally you get around it, usually in that same braking zone at the end of the main straight. Then it's asta la vista, baby!

Of course, it all depends on the pairings. We're not talking here about racing Mark Martin in his Watkins Glen - prepped Roush car. Then again, we're not talking about a formula 1 car either.


Nope, we're talking about a GTO which would more than hold its own on mosr road courses against a RX-8 or S2K.

No IKE, we're talking about"MY RX-7" and "ANY MUSCLE CAR". I was replying to rx8gurl. yes it is, which means of course that your rx7 would always beat any muscle car in a track, right?I suppose if I wanted to buy a car for showroom stock racing, I would have to consider a GTO, nomatter how UGLY I think it looks.

its it not ugly at all. I guess you have to have a taste for it. Everyone thinks a car is ugly, I had pleanty of friends tell me the 8 looked like fag&% car, but I didint care.

I personally think the 8 looks better than the GTO, but I love the solid muscular curves of the goat, and the ls1 in front of it helps just a little.

People have to not get so caught up with their rides and think its master of all cars. I tought of that like the 8, until I was introduced with f0body's and american muscle

No IKE, we're talking about"MY RX-7" and "ANY MUSCLE CAR". I was replying to rx8gurl. I suppose if I wanted to buy a car for showroom stock racing, I would have to consider a GTO, nomatter how UGLY I think it looks.

I don't think anyone in this thread wants to talk about your RX-7 vs. a muscle car (save for you) considering it's about the RX-8 and the S2K, and now the GTO compared to those two cars. ;)

...I had pleanty of friends tell me the 8 looked like fag&% car...No, if the 8 was a fag&% car, IKE would own one. :boid:

No, if the 8 was a fag&% car, IKE would own one. :boid:

Awwww is someone upset? Also, you might want to read the forum rules.

Now who's upset? You like to destroy things, don't you? Do you have any friends?

Now who's upset? You like to destroy things, don't you? Do you have any friends?

Still you it would seem. No. Yes.

Yeah, I'm upset. I thought you were a friend of mine here. We had a lot of fun in the past here. I got you out of a lot of situations you got yourself into. The crap you posted here on me shows you're not a friend of mine. I've noticed you acting coldly before. You've had me wondering before. You leave no doubt here. So be it.

The funny thing is that I read this whole thread looking for the post that started this mess and it stems from this page only. In any event you 2 should just kiss and make up. No need to get all hissy over what seems to be a misunderstanding.

Yeah, I'm upset. I thought you were a friend of mine here. We had a lot of fun in the past here. I got you out of a lot of situations you got yourself into. The crap you posted here on me shows you're not a friend of mine. I've noticed you acting coldly before. You've had me wondering before. You leave no doubt here. So be it.

Chill man, I wasn't taking a shot at you, it was a comment made in jest. I guess I should have used more smilies in my first post and cleared it up sooner, but you shot back pretty hard with your capital letters :lol: and by calling me a fag. I don't know about you getting me out of a lot of situations, I'm usually pretty good at that on my own. I certainly appreciate the friends I have here, yourself included.

The funny thing is that I read this whole thread looking for the post that started this mess and it stems from this page only. In any event you 2 should just kiss and make up. No need to get all hissy over what seems to be a misunderstanding.

Bleh, now that I read this I take back everything I just said :bootyshak :mdrmed:

If we have to kiss, we're enemies forever. :crying:

I guess the reason we weren't enemies long ago is that we didn't have cool smilies like these back then. :balls: :fight:

(I take it ":boid:" works quite nicely too?)

We all know it's just a front....you guys don't fool me.

IKE---"Awwww is someone upset?"

RACER X-8---"Yeah, I'm upset. I thought you were a "friend" of mine. We had a lot of "fun" in the past. I got you out of a lot of "situations" you got yourself into. I've noticed you acting coldly before. You've had me wondering before. You leave no doubt here. So be it."


Ike-----------> :cuddle: <-----------Racer x-8

Now kiss and make up already :aroused:

yeah, so on topic, i think you should get the s2k, it outperforms the rx8 and is a convertable(your preference) and since its gonna be a fun car for you the practicality and luxury of the 8 is null meaning you should go for the s2k since its fun you're looking for, not utility and fun.

I have an AP1 S2000 for fun and an E46 M3 for daily I'm now looking to sell my S2000 and pick up a Rx8. I really like the S2000 and I feel that it handles better than the rx8. I believe with drivers of the same skill the S2000 will be better on track and in a straight line but it rattles, lots of road noise when the top is up, hard to see the back unless the top is down, if you lean the chair too far back it squeeks from rubbing againts the rear, passenger seat belt always makes noise when no one is using it because it hits the door or plastic around the door area, 2nd gear grind (I hate that and its not just mine its a lot of S2k's) Also constantly worrying if someone slashed your top or not.
If you get an AP2 S2000 (2004+) they redline at 8k not 9k.

*Edit*

I forgot to mention, I LOVE the sound of the renesis engine inside the cabin!!

a catback exhaust makes a WORLD of difference, it changes the car completely. the car is too quiet stock but it sounds so great with any catback and the engine sound is so much clearer.

The S2000 never became an all time favorite in Europe. CAR magazine said it was too tail happy for them. Mags in Spain like it, but say it is far too uncompromised.

Mags in spain dynoed it at 220 flywheel HP, the 8 has been dynoed at 226.

0-62.5 Mph the 8 was marginally faster.

0-62.5 Mph the 8 was marginally faster.
http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_rofl.gif

http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_rofl.gif


:dunno: :scratchhe wuz so funny bout that????


226whp 8.... :Eyecrazy:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:dunno: :scratchhe wuz so funny bout that????


226whp 8.... :Eyecrazy:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Learn to read I was comparing FLYWHEEL HP between both cars.

how do you dyno flywheel hp?

http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_rofl.gif

If you understand spanish go to www.autopista.es, look in pruebas and search for S2000. Read and laugh some more.

In that test the S2000 did even better that in the previous one I saw (233 FLYWHEEL HP VS 220) but only managed a 7,27 sec 0-100 Km/h or 62,5 Mph. The car is advertised at 240 Hp here.

Guess you get the supersonic S2K in the US :mdrmed:

naw we dont get supersonic s2k in the us, the mag that tested 7.27 0-100km probably sucks at launching the s2k.

both great cars...

how do you dyno flywheel hp?

They use a Bosh FLA dyno. After the pull, they put the car in neutral and determine the resistance the tranny is putting thru the deceleration rate detected in the drums. The machine is prepared for it and shows you wheel hp, flywheel hp and power lost thru the tranny.

You may find it accurate or not, but most (if not all) magazines in Europe publish (estimated) flywheel dyno figures.

For example, someone I know Dynoed his Rx8 in Spain, he got 170 Whp. According to the dyno calculations it was 200 Flywheel HP.

naw we dont get supersonic s2k in the us, the mag that tested 7.27 0-100km probably sucks at launching the s2k.

The mag must have sucked at launching the rx8 too, it got 7.18 sec.

The best I've seen so far in Europe is autobild, they pulled a 7.0 sec for the 8

BTW, what would be a ballpark figure for 0-60 times (rx8 and s2K)?

It's always amusing when someone looks at one magazine's numbers, and concludes much of anything from them.

I typically see mid-5 second range for 0-60 for the S2000, high fives for the RX-8. We've all seen much higher numbers, also. It kind of depends on the skill of the tester, and the particular car that person has.

And I typically see 185rwhp for the RX-8, corrected, on a dynojet dyno, and my stock S2000 dyon'd at 210rwhp, corrected, on the same day, same machine, as a bunch of RX-8s put down 185.

Gee, that's a lot of drivetrain loss for the RX-8, and almonst none for the S2000. I wonder how that happened?

This might be the first time anyone, anywhere, has accused Honda of overstating the power of the S2000. That's pretty funny on an RX-8 site. http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12607

Why do we have these ridiculous comparisons between these two cars. Both are great cars, for what they are intended to be. But the simple fact is that the S2000 will beat the RX-8 at any sort of competition you care to try, assuming equal drivers. Drag strip numbers are silly for both cars, since neither has a clutch which will take many 8k drops, but the S2000 has higher torque, higher power, lower weight, and excellent gear ratios.

There's a reason the S2000 utterly dominated B-Stock autocross, and was put up to A-Stock. It's a better performance car. But it's not a very practical car, while the RX-8 is a very good perfromance car, and quite practical. But let's not pretend that the RX-8 is a better perfromance car than the S2000.

but it does perform better then the s2k from 0-78.1111118mph.....the s2k would have the lead till 62.5mph at which point the 8 explodes and keeps the lead till 78.1111118mph when the s2k comes back and wins the quarter mile buy a nose.

I got this info from a reputable source in the middle east. I think the magazine was call camel & driver :mdrmed:

The mag must have sucked at launching the rx8 too, it got 7.18 sec.

The best I've seen so far in Europe is autobild, they pulled a 7.0 sec for the 8

BTW, what would be a ballpark figure for 0-60 times (rx8 and s2K)?

a good driver should be able to get high 5 and low/mid 6 second 0-60 out of the s2k and rx8. most of us wont be able to do that :p:

with a really really skilled launch the S2k can actually keep up with a 350z... so i guess mid 5 sec is possible on the s2k, again 90% of us dosnt have the skill to pull that off. but on avreage US mags have high 5 and low 6 sec 0-60 times for the s2k and high 5 to mid 6 sec for rx8. i think the fastest mag time for rx8 is 5.8 sec, thats when all the planets are aligned and everything went right.

in real life i think even if you want to get at least a low 6 second 0-60 time, you have to do a clutch burning high rpm launch thats bad for the clutch and tranny. if you just launch it regularly from idle, then you are looking at high 6 to 7 seconds+

but it does perform better then the s2k from 0-78.1111118mph.....the s2k would have the lead till 62.5mph at which point the 8 explodes and keeps the lead till 78.1111118mph when the s2k comes back and wins the quarter mile buy a nose.

I got this info from a reputable source in the middle east. I think the magazine was call camel & driver :mdrmed:

You can mock and laugh at will. I just gave you the web page and can look at it yourself. I'm not judging, just stating what i read.

I'm giving you other figures other testers obtained. I know this mag has been around for decades and, even if it is owned by germans, and therefore a "little" biased, it deserves to be taken into account.

It's always amusing when someone looks at one magazine's numbers, and concludes much of anything from them.

I totally agree, but i'd rather base comparison between cars on data obtained in a test than owner perception or data stated in forums.

I typically see mid-5 second range for 0-60 for the S2000, high fives for the RX-8. We've all seen much higher numbers, also. It kind of depends on the skill of the tester, and the particular car that person has.

I believe you have. Not taken into question, but I've seen other data.

And I typically see 185rwhp for the RX-8, corrected, on a dynojet dyno, and my stock S2000 dyon'd at 210rwhp, corrected, on the same day, same machine, as a bunch of RX-8s put down 185.

Good for you, not questioning your dyno results.

Gee, that's a lot of drivetrain loss for the RX-8, and almonst none for the S2000. I wonder how that happened?

Your car seems to be more powerful than the rx8s tested that day. Good for you again.

This might be the first time anyone, anywhere, has accused Honda of overstating the power of the S2000. That's pretty funny on an RX-8 site. http://www.alltrac.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12607

Just stating what those guys measured that day

Why do we have these ridiculous comparisons between these two cars. Both are great cars, for what they are intended to be. But the simple fact is that the S2000 will beat the RX-8 at any sort of competition you care to try, assuming equal drivers. Drag strip numbers are silly for both cars, since neither has a clutch which will take many 8k drops, but the S2000 has higher torque, higher power, lower weight, and excellent gear ratios.

I do not compare, just state test results. Don't get me wrong, the s2k is an amazing car and I considered it when I bought my 8. Two seater lay out kept me from buying it.


There's a reason the S2000 utterly dominated B-Stock autocross, and was put up to A-Stock. It's a better performance car. But it's not a very practical car, while the RX-8 is a very good perfromance car, and quite practical. But let's not pretend that the RX-8 is a better perfromance car than the S2000.

I don't doubt it. Probably is.

Hey doods.

Im a 00 s2k and 00 civic sir owner.
My brother is a 03 Z owner.
My mom has a 05 g35 coupe.
My dad owns both the 05 8 and the 05 911c.

I love them all. this would be my ranking starting with my personal preference.
911c - There is no point in even explaining why i would pick this first.

Z - Has a very nice balance between torque and hp. Very fast if you get used to launching it properly. Better then my s2k at drags but loses on the track all the time.

s2k - The best trany i've ever used. quick shifts between gears and comes with the honda quality engine. I redline the crap out of this car everyday and it takes it.
capable of taking a shit load of abuse. Redline is at 9k. 6500 rpm - 9000 rpm on 3rd and 4th gear is just exilarating. The best track car out of all of them.

8 - I dont get to drive this car as much as i want to, but every time i do, its been a very nice gentle, soft ride. you have to understand that im going from driving a s2k which is loud and sounds like a damn drone to the 8. I love all the extras that come with it. smooth ride unlike the S or the Z.

g35 - Not a big fan of this car. Im not sure why, but i think it has something to with jealousy cause most chicks pick my moms car over my S.

I launch my S at 5000rpm. best possible launch with good rubber is at that rpm.
My brother is also good at launching his Z so even with a good launch i cant beat him.
For the most part im right there behind him. I dont realy care about the one car length victory he gets since its top down baby for me when summer hits.

I heard how the 350z roadster is not as fast as the coupe because they have less hp. not sure on the details though.

I launch my S at 5000rpm. best possible launch with good rubber is at that rpm.
My brother is also good at launching his Z so even with a good launch i cant beat him.
For the most part im right there behind him. I dont realy care about the one car length victory he gets since its top down baby for me when summer hits.

I heard how the 350z roadster is not as fast as the coupe because they have less hp. not sure on the details though.

The coupe and roadster come with the same engines (287hp/274lbft for autos, 300hp/260lbft for 6MTs) but the convertible weighs a good 200lbs more than the coupe because of extra stiffening. The added weight is what keeps it a few ticks behind the fixed roof Z.

Wow, 6 cars, the oldest being '00, the newest being '05 911c, G35C & RX-8. That's 3 really really really nice brand new cars for mom and dad, three pretty darn nice cars for the two sons. Y'all own the brewery? :)

yeah thats a nice lineup of cars

Ive thought about this topic for many months since the two cars have similar specs.

I am single and therfore dont need the two extra seats so thats not a factor.

Considering rotaries dont like the winter cold, i would nonetheless be able to use the RX-8 a bit longer than the S2000 since it wouldnt be a convertible.

Also, I hear that even though there is a hartop available for the S, it is quite noisy in the cabin and cruising would become tiresome.

Thirdly, I'm a bit of an introvert so i think the convertible would be tiresome to me in the longrun, in the sense that id have the top up alot of the time, therfore rendering the convertible aspect of the car useless.

For thosed reasons, id go for the 8.

I actually test drove a Honda S2K here in Michigan before I bought my 8.

The ride was one of the harshest I've ever experienced in a production vehicle. Filling rattling.

I can't imagine driving such a car on these roads.

It was quite the easy choice to dismiss it from consideration as a daily driver.

You must have some terribly shitty roads in Michigan.

You must have some terribly shitty roads in Michigan.

Michigan has the worst roads of any place I've ever experienced.

The 350Z I test drove also caused me physical pain.

Damn, that sucks.

once you crossed the bridge to canada... it's like heaven... from 405 all the way to toronto, you won't feel a bump

once you crossed the bridge to canada... it's like heaven... from 405 all the way to toronto, you won't feel a bump

That's true.

Hey Jeff - Old El Paso Texas is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited in my life.

But I digress.

That's true.

Hey Jeff - Old El Paso Texas is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited in my life.

But I digress.

:eek: Dont get out much, huh?

Cleveland is moonscape too. I rented a brand new Camaro once out of the airport. I swear, the rear end was just about detatched.

Of course, it was a Camaro. PA roads suk too. I know, I grew up in PA.

OT but do you really have a rotary powered 'slade? ...that would be sick

is s2k noisy with hard top?

Michigan has the worst roads of any place I've ever experienced.

The 350Z I test drove also caused me physical pain.


I can vouch for that. U got speed bumps on the highways.