Came in the post this am, and they've tested the RX8 against the VW Golf R32.

Good comparison and good thinking, it's certainly a better idea to compare these two as they are both 4 seaters of similar performance. GOOD ON YOU EVO!!

Will post the full report on main forum tonight but for those of you in the UK, here's the summary:

Quote.
"In the end it's a close call. The sophisticated face of superhatchdom as represented by the golf R32 is a potent force at just over 22k. Too good for Audi's S3, too good for Fords hardcore Focus RS and too good for Alfa's charismatic 147GTA.

It has real breadth of talent and convincing answers for every road, all weather conditions and a driver's fickle moods. It's powered by a truly muscular powerplant with a musical exhaust note and heavy-hitting delivery. You'd buy this car for the noise it's engine makes, the grip and cut of it's chasis, the tactile pleasures of its build and finish. It's still the most capable and desirable fast hatch on the planet.

BUT THE RX8 IS SEXIER. BETTER LOOKING. QUIETER, SMOOTHER AND MORE COMFORTABLE. Almost as fast. Better Balanced. More fun to drive down a truly demanding road. And, perhaps because of all of that, more interesting. No, it doesn't have the Golf's macho bark. Nor it's grip and instantly accessible grunt. If you're in a hot hatch frame of mind, it just won't do. But if you believe that the best drivers' cars are not necessarily the quickest, but those that blend dynamics and performance so seamlessly and cohesively that the driving experience is a powerful singularity rather than a collection of dazzling party tricks, the RX8 hits the sweet spot with uncanny accuracy"
UNQUOTE.

It's a good article and they reckon that the RX8 is better than the Golf when both's traction controls are switched off.

Good comparison of very similar cars IMHO, my problem with the Golf is that its dated to look at.

There is also a comparo in CAR which arrived today between the CROSSFIRE and NISSAN 350Z. They merely offer the RX8 as an alternative. I presume they're no ready to do a comparo yet. Next months issue maybe? WILL POST THIS TONIGHT AS WELL.

Cheers
Oilman

I would be happier if they compared it with with the TTC not Golf, A3, Focus and 147 which are all smaller hot hatch cars. I like the fact that it comes out on top but would be surprised if it did not as I believe it to be a class superior.

rael

yep - always thought that was one of the strongest comparisons - i even used the R32 to estimate my insurance quotes back in Jan.

good review - love to see it all, and of course, probably the right answer.

I'm told the RX-8 and Golf were awarded 5 stars but the 350Z only got 4.5. Hmmm... ;)

Here it is!

Cheers
Oilman

Page 1

page 2

page 3

page 4

last page

0-62 = 6.2???

I must say the ride height on the pictures, particularly on page 3 seems to be much lower than the japanese models.

Much better IMHO

Chris

Thanks for posting these Oilman, I think I will have to go out and buy it tomorrow

Thanks for this Oilman.

This is very relevent to me as I've got an R32 at the moment, although I won't strain my eyes on reading the article here so I'll get a copy of Evo tomorrow.

My main concerns from going from the Golf to the RX8 are the engine noise which is massively impressive in the R32, the lack of torque in the RX8 and the quality of the interior.

Your comment regarding the Golfs aged looks is the main reason I'm having the RX8. I know the RX8 has a lot going for it but its not until you actually start using a car can you really say if its the right car for you or not.

I think that is a great review and full of superlatives for the RX-8.

I respect the views of Evo more than any other Magazine, and remember the R32 beat the Focus, WRX, 147GTA, S3, Cupra R and Cooper S to be there favourite hot hatch.

That the RX-8 gets 5 stars, and beats the golf in several areas is praise indeed.

Cant wait....

Mark

Hi All
Agree thats a great article. I will try to overcome my obvious bias but I like it not just because it praises the 8 but because it seems the testers have taken the time to really drive the cars, spend time in them and try them in a variety of road conditions. No other test I have seen to date seems to have gone to any sort of trouble. Congratulations to Evo on that one. I hear that CAR doesnt even test it properly this month, I respect their views even more so wait with anticipation for their contribution. And PLEASE not another H2H with the 350Z, its been done to death!

Quick change of subject, anyone know what the service interval is?

JH

Great posting Oilman
Great quality scans - I could read it all here on screen
Great review - probably my fave to date as it really seems to go into more depth so I will still buy the mag...
Great car to compare against - 325Ci next?

Si

5 EVO stars. Praise indeed.

And a sensible compare too (i.e. against a similar priced 4 seater car as opposed to a 20%more expensive 2 seater).

Spot on EVO.

I think Autocar may well become a minority view... :)

Morgan.

PS - Anyone read Clarksons 'Born to be Riled' ? Well one of the articles in there talks about Autocar and it makes quite enlightening reading... The basic premise is that the articles are 'sponsored' by manufacturers. It would explain the snide comments style of prose , certainly.
Will try and type it in sometime.

Nice review. I'm just popping out to get the mag.
Also, watch out for the new series of Pulling Power on ITV tonight at 10:30pm. It may not be today, but they do a road test on the 8 in the new series. Its a case of Pulling Power or Driven who get their road test on air first.


AnilS.

Bugger, it appears that down here in the West Country we are to be treated to some programme about local WWII veterans.

Interesting as this may be it cannot compare to a possible first TV reveiw of the RX-8.

Chris

Originally posted by oilman
last page

0-62 = 6.2???

I think they have extrapolated this from the fact that 0-62 is 6.4 and taken 0.2 sec off.

Where do they get the 1394kg weight from though? The quoted weight is something like 1425kg including a 75kg driver, which makes the car 1350kg?

Did anybody notice the evoactive trackday calendar in the same issue ?

At the Aug 27th trackday at Silverstone they will be giving demo rides in Ferraris, Maseratis and the RX-8.

Cheers

Rob

And only £275 to £345 each, what a bargin.

You can get fast laps only for 60 quid I think. Not sure if that includes all the cars they are bringing or just one.

Maybe you pre-order folks can convince Mazda to let you have a go for nothing ?

Maybe Rob, but I don't fancy my chances.....give it a go and then we'll all be after you when you pull it off :D