How would you RX-8 owners categorized your car?

I think it's a sports sedan...

Originally posted by Seks
How would you RX-8 owners categorized your car?

I think it's a sports sedan...
I disagree. I think it's a sports car with the practical features of a sedan. A BMW 3-series, now that's a sports sedan with some features of a sports car.

Just because it's not a Porsche doesn't mean it isn't a sports car. And just because there are other cars that will outrun it doesn't mean it isn't a sports car.

BUT, it was meant to be practical, moreso than most of the cars people compare it to, so it definitely has some features of a sedan without actually being one. And that's something I'm very glad for because it is what I require.

How would you S2000 owners categorized your car? Sports car or girly car

I think it's a girly car...

Originally posted by Seks
How would you RX-8 owners categorized your car?

I think it's a sports sedan...


Sports car.

The RX-8 has sports car handling and braking performance figures.

It also has the sports car look and feel.


"It's a sports car with four doors"

I think this suicide door trend could catch on. Most people on the street that I have talked to like the idea.

Originally posted by Seks
How would you RX-8 owners categorized your car?

I think it's a sports sedan...


I'm guessing you haven't driven it yet- it's definitely a sports car.

Originally posted by jmanolov
How would you S2000 owners categorized your car? Sports car or girly car

I think it's a girly car...

tsk tsk... did I manage to stir up a sensitive side of you just by asking all rx-8 owners a simple question which has no intention whatsoever on dissing the rx-8?

If you yourself want to start something, ok...

You do realize this "girly car" can beat your rx-8? I just hope one day, one of those "girly cars" will teach you a lesson :)

"Today, I got spanked [actually about even] by a Toyota Solara V6 AT. It's 225hp and 3241lbs. Without any technical explainations - the RX-8 should NOT trail behind a Solara!!!! It's 13hp less and 241lbs heavier with an auto tranny."

^^^^^^^^^ :D

DO I HEAR 250? DO I HEAR 238? DO I HEAR...?

A sports car with functionality.

I'm guessing you haven't driven it yet- it's definitely a sports car.

As far I know and heard, local Mazda dealerships here don't allow test drives :( Either you sign the papers and buy it or you don't :(
So, yes you're right, I haven't driven one yet.



I disagree. I think it's a sports car with the practical features of a sedan.

Reason I asked the question is because I've read some rx8 owners on this board regard to their cars as sports sedan while others a sports car. So it's a tossed up I guess...

Another proud owner chiming in.

Sports Car -- no question.

Thanks for asking.

It is a sports touring car.

Like g35 coupe, BMW z4.

It may not exactly be like the Z or S2000, but it is much more usefull and cheaper.

Sporty coupe (ala G35), but with more aggressive look. The Miata and RX7 is/will be Mazda's sports cars.

It's both.

A sedan is a car with 4 doors and 4 seats. A sports car is a car with excellent driving dynamics (good handling, good grip, fun to drive, good braking, etc). These are not mutually exclusive quantities -- they both describe characteristics of a car.

The RX-8 has 4 doors and 4 seats, which makes it a sedan. It also has excellent driving dynamics, which makes it a sports car. So the RX-8 is both a sports sedan and a sports car. A Sports sedan has both "sedan" and "sports car" qualities.

Umm.. "Sports Car Like No Other"?

All of you chiming in saying the RX8 is a sports car - if that's true - why isn't the Evo a sports car?

I went to MRIU and got all the RX8 propaganda... I am just trying to figure out what definition of sports car includes the 8 but not the Evo... seems kinda markety hypey.

Still think it's a cool car of course, hope to see some out autoxing, though the S2K is going to be tough to beat.

-bd

Originally posted by Butt Dyno
All of you chiming in saying the RX8 is a sports car - if that's true - why isn't the Evo a sports car?

I went to MRIU and got all the RX8 propaganda... I am just trying to figure out what definition of sports car includes the 8 but not the Evo... seems kinda markety hypey.

Still think it's a cool car of course, hope to see some out autoxing, though the S2K is going to be tough to beat.

-bd The EVO is a Lancer on steroids. The 8 is brand new everything - performance based from the ground-up, with a little twist added in when it comes to creature comforts. That little twist really seems to have gotten a whole lot of people quite twisted-up. Or maybe they have gotten twisted-up all by themselves.

You really need to do some research on the 8. Your answers lie in the facts. This forum can help, but the 101 course in RX-8 really should be self-taught in many different websites.

I agree with nk_Rx8 definately a sports coupe.

But if you want to "label" this either a sports car or sports sedan, it's more like a sports car.

It has the sexy looks, and performance characteristics (handling and braking) of a sports car. Most importantly, it's fun to drive. Isn't that what a sports car is supposed to be?

The RX8 is a sports coupe and a very good one.

It is too softly sprung, has too much roll, not enough feedback (steering, clutch, shifter, seat-of-the-pants) to be a sports car.

It is incredibly well done, pretty and fun. But it has too many compromises sacrificing performance for comfort and convenience to be a sports car.

And yes, I have driven one. My toy car is a modified Corvette Z06. The RX8 is my wife's who adores her new friend.

Then again, Audi A4 owners I know claim their car is a sports car. If so, the RX8 is easily a sports car.

Originally posted by Butt Dyno
All of you chiming in saying the RX8 is a sports car - if that's true - why isn't the Evo a sports car?

I went to MRIU and got all the RX8 propaganda... I am just trying to figure out what definition of sports car includes the 8 but not the Evo... seems kinda markety hypey.

Still think it's a cool car of course, hope to see some out autoxing, though the S2K is going to be tough to beat.

-bd

The Evo is not a sports car because it is a type of steet legal, "Rally" car sibling. At least, rally car inspired.

So your contention is that a car's heritage has something to do with whether or not it's a sports car?

Is the Cayenne a sports car because it comes from Porsche who previously only made sports cars?

No... probably not... soft suspension, 4 doors, not really a sports car, more of an SUV...

Hrm...

"RX8 101"... good one... I've been on the board for a year, how about yourself? I am merely trying to ascertain what the definition of "sports car" is. Something more specific than "I know it when I see it" would be nice.

If the 8 is a sports car, is the 330i a sports car?

-bd

Depends on your definition of SPORTS CAR. I think since this definition varies so much from person to person about the exact requirements, what type of performance etc... it's very difficult to say if the RX-8 is or is not a sports car.

That said, this is a stupid question to pose.

Originally posted by Hercules


That said, this is a stupid question to pose.

You're exactly right. However, since I wanted to play on this thread, I wanted to answer the question posed: "Was it a sports car or sports sedan". That's why I didn't pick either. I said sports coupe. That's the reason I cross shopped it with the G35c and the 330ci.

Originally posted by Butt Dyno
So your contention is that a car's heritage has something to do with whether or not it's a sports car?

Is the Cayenne a sports car because it comes from Porsche who previously only made sports cars?

No... probably not... soft suspension, 4 doors, not really a sports car, more of an SUV...

Hrm...

"RX8 101"... good one... I've been on the board for a year, how about yourself? I am merely trying to ascertain what the definition of "sports car" is. Something more specific than "I know it when I see it" would be nice.

If the 8 is a sports car, is the 330i a sports car?

-bd :D :D Har har har:D :D
;) ;)JK ;) ;)
OK, alright. The EVO is sportscar, through & through.
The RX-8 is a POS SUV.
But then, WTF do I know?
BTW, Happy anniversary! I'm anxiously awaiting your 15th post...

Originally posted by Racer X-8
OK, alright. The EVO is sportscar, through & through.
The RX-8 is a POS SUV.
But then, WTF do I know?
BTW, Happy anniversary! I'm anxiously awaiting your 15th post...
Just trying to illustrate how silly classifying a car based on its heritage is... when I think sports car I think "something that can kick ass on a track, stock"... seems like the # of doors shouldn't really matter...

Do I get confetti for the post?

*noisemaker*

-bd

The RX8 is a sporty car.

If the RX8 is a true 'sports' car, then so is the RSX-S and the previous gen Eclipse GSX.

[i]If the RX8 is a true 'sports' car, then so is the RSX-S and the previous gen Eclipse GSX. [/B]



Explain

Originally posted by Butt Dyno
Just trying to illustrate how silly classifying a car based on its heritage is... when I think sports car I think "something that can kick ass on a track, stock"... seems like the # of doors shouldn't really matter...

Do I get confetti for the post?

*noisemaker*

-bd

Well, here's an illustration. The $300k Maybach 57 can do 0-60mph in 5.2 sec. (link (http://www.fast-autos.net/maybach/maybach57.html)). It will definately kick the ass of over 95% of the cars out there in straight times. I don't consider this a sports car. Obviously you would since this car meets your criteria for a sports car.

http://www.fast-autos.net/maybach/576.jpg

I'm sorry no confetti for you, IMO.

The RX-8 is a Tweener. Mazda and some others promote it as roomy enough for 4 full sized adults. I tried it out and it simply doesn't have enough room for 4. However, the car has enough compromises away from a sports car that I find it impossible to classify as sports car like. Therefore I call it a tweener.

Unfortunately for me, I think the RX-8 is a bad concept. The rear seats are worthless for seating normal humans yet they create many performance compromises. What is the point? Make the seats real or don't make them at all!

I want an RX-8 with another 3" of cabin length and proper rear doors that are not cocoon like. I want this even at the expense of a tad of it's sports car like quality. I also want an RX-7 without the utilitarian compromise of the rear seat.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


Well, here's an illustration. The $300k Maybach 57 can do 0-60mph in 5.2 sec. (link (http://www.fast-autos.net/maybach/maybach57.html)). It will definately kick the ass of over 95% of the cars out there in straight times. I don't consider this a sports car. Obviously you would since this car meets your criteria for a sports car.
Why wouldn't it be a "sports car"? The number of doors? If it's not, how is the 8 one? Aesthetics?

-bd

Originally posted by Butt Dyno

Why wouldn't it be a "sports car"? The number of doors? If it's not, how is the 8 one? Aesthetics?

-bd

You missed my point. It's all subjective. You believe a sports car should be more defined as performance "kick-ass" speed criteria only. No matter of how many doors. That's OK. I consider a sports car more defined as things like looks (aesthetics) and handling, road connection, fun factor. So according to my criteria, the RX-8 is more a sports car than the Maybach (fast sedan) or the EVO. That's OK too. Before you "flame on", I did not just say that the EVO WAS NOT a sports car.

So if you reread my first post on this thread instead of being so defensive of your EVO, you will see that I did not classify the RX-8 as a sports car, just a sports coupe. That's why I agree with Hercules that this thread posts a stupid question. It's all subjective as how one would define a sports car in their mind.

Doesn't the term 'cross-over' mean anything? For example, what would you call a RX330? wagon? truck? SUV? Modern Minivan? RX8: sporty handling, suicide door quad-coupe design, sports car styling, coupe space with extra headroom. I think I'll say 'cross over'

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac
Doesn't the term 'cross-over' mean anything? For example, what would you call a RX330? wagon? truck? SUV? Modern Minivan? RX8: sporty handling, suicide door quad-coupe design, sports car styling, coupe space with extra headroom. I think I'll say 'cross over'

Crossover? Sports car, sports sedan, sports coupe... Fair enough.

Originally posted by babylou
Unfortunately for me, I think the RX-8 is a bad concept. The rear seats are worthless for seating normal humans yet they create many performance compromises. What is the point? Make the seats real or don't make them at all!
You obviously don't have kids.

Originally posted by Seks


tsk tsk... did I manage to stir up a sensitive side of you just by asking all rx-8 owners a simple question which has no intention whatsoever on dissing the rx-8?

If you yourself want to start something, ok...

You do realize this "girly car" can beat your rx-8? I just hope one day, one of those "girly cars" will teach you a lesson :)

"Today, I got spanked [actually about even] by a Toyota Solara V6 AT. It's 225hp and 3241lbs. Without any technical explainations - the RX-8 should NOT trail behind a Solara!!!! It's 13hp less and 241lbs heavier with an auto tranny."

^^^^^^^^^ :D

DO I HEAR 250? DO I HEAR 238? DO I HEAR...? :):):):):) This made me laugh (in a pained way). Not all of us are sensitive about the S2000 (or Solara;)) being considerably faster than the RX-8...

I would have to say I don't know if the RX-8 is a sports car - perhaps it is a new breed of vehicle. It has the performance, handling and design intent of a sports car, but with the practicality of a small sedan. I do not think it is a sports coupe (like the G35C or the BMW 330ci) as it is both more sporty and more sedan-like. I believe there will be a lot of other cars in this new class in the future.

Originally posted by babylou
The RX-8 is a Tweener. Mazda and some others promote it as roomy enough for 4 full sized adults. I tried it out and it simply doesn't have enough room for 4. However, the car has enough compromises away from a sports car that I find it impossible to classify as sports car like. Therefore I call it a tweener.

Unfortunately for me, I think the RX-8 is a bad concept. The rear seats are worthless for seating normal humans yet they create many performance compromises. What is the point? Make the seats real or don't make them at all!

I want an RX-8 with another 3" of cabin length and proper rear doors that are not cocoon like. I want this even at the expense of a tad of it's sports car like quality. I also want an RX-7 without the utilitarian compromise of the rear seat. That's odd - my RX-8 has more space for 4 adults than my IS300 (about the same as a BMW 3 series I would guess). I test drove an RX-8 with 4 adults in it and sat in the back while my wife drove - very comfortable. Of course the adults in question were all 5'9" or less - perhaps your test group are all over 6' tall.

THIS is why I got an RX-8 instead of the S2000 I wanted very badly:

Definitely not a sports car. Most of today's so called "sports cars" are really not sports cars.

Originally posted by Zaphod

I disagree. I think it's a sports car with the practical features of a sedan. A BMW 3-series, now that's a sports sedan with some features of a sports car.

Just because it's not a Porsche doesn't mean it isn't a sports car. And just because there are other cars that will outrun it doesn't mean it isn't a sports car.

BUT, it was meant to be practical, moreso than most of the cars people compare it to, so it definitely has some features of a sedan without actually being one. And that's something I'm very glad for because it is what I require.

4 doors + back seats = sedan or sports sedan.

Sports car = 2 seater.

Originally posted by vudoodoodoo


4 doors + back seats = sedan or sports sedan.

Sports car = 2 seater.
I think that's a very narrow-minded approach. The whole idea with this car is to shatter that exact thought. They might not have completely shattered it, but they've gotten closer than anyone else to date, IMO.

So then the porsche carrera 4 is not a sports car? It's a sports sedan ? ;)

It's not that simple unfortunately.

IMO: If it looks like a sports car and is RWD it is. :)

My (and most people's) definition of a sports car.

Powerful
Lightwieght
Good handling
2 door
2 seater

The only 2 current Japanese cars I can think of that can be called sports cars are the NSX and 350Z. Although the Z COULD lose a few pounds.

Originally posted by Zaphod

I think that's a very narrow-minded approach. The whole idea with this car is to shatter that exact thought. They might not have completely shattered it, but they've gotten closer than anyone else to date, IMO.

So we're creating our own car category now?

This is like saying. "It's a sports car, but with 4 doors." "It's a sports car, but is FWD!" "It's a sports car, but is really slow!"

It falls into the sporty sedan category. Like the M5 or G35 sedan. It's fast and has 4 doors and can seat 4 adults.

I'm not dissing the 8 or anything.

So the Carerra 4S isn't a sports car because it's AWD? (There's a 911 with 4 doors? news to me...)

-bd

Originally quoted by Butt Dyno
Still think it's a cool car of course, hope to see some out autoxing, though the S2K is going to be tough to beat.

Frankly, you can have the S2K... not a bad car but the RX8 is a great drive with super handling, road grip, and space (everyone who has been a passenger loves it) - neck pulling speed with a sports car feel. Try putting 3 or 4 in your S2K!:p

Hi people,

I remember reading from a magazine and it kindda defined whats a sports car...

1. rear-wheel drive.
2. manual transmission (I guess SMG counts..)
3. good balance (near 50:50)
4. lightweight
5. high reving

I think that was it.
Some people are saying 4 seaters or 2 + 2 are not sports car
How about supra or M3? Not saying people are wrong, just that Im confused whats the definition of a sports car too... :confused:

Originally posted by Butt Dyno
So the Carerra 4S isn't a sports car because it's AWD? (There's a 911 with 4 doors? news to me...)

-bd

Back seats = sporty coupe.
I never said anything about AWD. Some sports cars have AWD. The 911 turbo for instance.

Originally posted by bong



I think that was it.
Some people are saying 4 seaters or 2 + 2 are not sports car
How about supra or M3? Not saying people are wrong, just that Im confused whats the definition of a sports car too... :confused:


Sport coupe or GT car.

Originally posted by Wasy
Originally quoted by Butt Dyno


Frankly, you can have the S2K... not a bad car but the RX8 is a great drive with super handling, road grip, and space (everyone who has been a passenger loves it) - neck pulling speed with a sports car feel. Try putting 3 or 4 in your S2K!:p
I meant in autox... the S2K has a very solid grip in B stock (where the RX8 is) that I don't see it letting go...

-bd

Originally posted by vudoodoodoo


Back seats = sporty coupe.
I never said anything about AWD. Some sports cars have AWD. The 911 turbo for instance.
Sorry, was an inference from "if it looks like a sports car and it's RWD it is"

-bd

Does it try to be a sports car?
Yes (has the performance)

Does it try to be a sedan?
Yes (why else put 4 doors and 4 seats and make a fuss about how "roomy" it is?)

So it's a sports car...that's also a sedan?
Gee....I think those types of automobiles are called SPORTS SEDANS!


From what I know (granted, what I know is limited), a "coupe" means a 2 door car, so the RX-8 CAN'T be a "sports coupe".

The car is a sports sedan. I've driven it, I love it. I've also driven a few 3rd Gen RX7's. The 7 was a sports car, the 8 is not. (and yes, I know the 8 is not a replacement for the 7)

I have to agree with the previous post that the vast majority of people use the following criteria to define a 'sports car'

1. Manual Transmission
2. Two seats
3. Two doors
4. Light Weight
5. RWD
(and my personal addition, no power accessories)
The rest is debatable I guess, but that's the gist of it.


This said, I loved the 8 I test drove, and i'm currently planning on it being the replacement for my wife's 96 Altima. It will NOT, however, be a replacement for my desire to get an FD3S ;)

Id concider it a sports car and so far everyone who has sat in mine has called it so.

However it could be a grand touring car too but im thinking more sports car than grand touring.

Originally posted by vudoodoodoo
Back seats = sporty coupe.
Some sports cars have AWD. The 911 turbo for instance. The perfect contradiction - I expected you to say the 911 is a sporty coupe.

To steal an acronym from Nissan, the RX-8 is a 4DSC. That's "Four Door Sports Car."

-Dan

Originally posted by pelucidor
The perfect contradiction - I expected you to say the 911 is a sporty coupe.

Didn't I say sporty coupe for the Carrera 4S? Check my post again w/ the quote.

I said the 911 TURBO is a sports car. The TURBO is a 2 seater as far as I remember.

Originally posted by Butt Dyno
All of you chiming in saying the RX8 is a sports car - if that's true - why isn't the Evo a sports car?

I went to MRIU and got all the RX8 propaganda... I am just trying to figure out what definition of sports car includes the 8 but not the Evo... seems kinda markety hypey.

S2000, RX-8, NSX, and 350Z are sports cars...

Evo and Impreza are not...

why? very simple...cuz chicks dig it...chicks can smell sports cars from a mile away and if they say so, who am i to argue? (momma always told me not to argue with women)...

now ask them if an Evo or Impreza is a sports car...Evo and Impreza owners will say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" but it seems the only beholders are the owners themselves...definitely not chicks

all joking aside, i think it's a sports coupe...dunno if i can call it a Grand Touring Sports Car since i'm accustomed to GT's as being much larger so i think a coupe would suffice...

Originally posted by vudoodoodoo
So we're creating our own car category now?
You finally get it! Congrats.

Originally posted by vudoodoodoo
My (and most people's) definition of a sports car.

Powerful
Lightwieght
Good handling
2 door
2 seater

The only 2 current Japanese cars I can think of that can be called sports cars are the NSX and 350Z. Although the Z COULD lose a few pounds.

How do you know what "most people's" definition is? You're making an assumption, which means that your comment is an opinion, which is perfectly fine because that's what forums are for.

I don't know why a "sports car" has to have just 2 seats. It's already been established that the RX-8 has practically the same dimensions as the 911. I do think a sports car should have rear-wheel drive. But put an engine as powerful as the 911's in this car and would you still say it's not a sports car? If so, your last two criteria are incorrect. If not, I'd like to hear how you defend that.

That only leaves engine performance, which is highly subjective. I've never owned an NSX so I'm not going to compare it to that. But it feels like a sports car to me, and therefore it is. To me. And that's all that matters. To me. :)

I liked this...

-----

From: http://www.davewin.com/articles/sports-car.shtml

Definition of A Sports Car

A true sports car is a performance car whose primary function is to provide driving pleasure, and to allow the driver to immerse himself in that experience and communicate with the road as directly as possible. Its purpose is pure and singleminded.

The idea of a sports car has always been the same and it will never change. The designs will change as times change. But the concept will always remain.

A true sports car is light, direct and does without the things that more pedestrian vehicles possess. It is often derived from a race car in some fashion. The car may be a direct variation of a race car. It may feature technology and design from a race car. Or the people who designed and developed it have a competition background. It has heritage.

The car rewards drivers who are skilled and able. All drivers are not created equal. Those who can best feel and understand the subtle messages of the machine are rewarded with the greatest satisfaction. A sports car is meant to be driven well quickly.


What do sports cars look like?

They turn your head, they get you interested. You know just from looking at them that they offer performance and excitement. They are not ordinary cars. Even when parked, a sports car gives the impression that it is in forward motion.


What A Sports Car Is Not

Heavy cars are not sports cars. Sedans, wagons, SUVs, and the like are not sports cars. No matter how much power they make, how well they corner, how quickly they can accelerate or stop, or how much they've been modified, they are not sports cars. They may be performance cars. They may have very impressive performance. But they can never be sports cars. Thoroughbreds are horses. But not all horses are thoroughbreds.

-----

-Dan

I agree with you Zaphod. Who really cares what category it is in? It's the car you wanted for whatever reasons and thats it. Saying it's a sports sedan and not a sports car doesnt make sense. The whole sport car elitism that a lot of people have here is about as logical as the superpriced luxury car people. They think what the have is the best cause it costs an unreasonable amount of money.

You all need to stop letting other peoples opinion matter to you over something so personally subjective as this. For me the RX-8 is the best car. I have had it for almost 3 weeks and enjoy it inmensely. I dont care in the least if someone thinks it's a POS. It's pretty damn obvious I disagree, so why argue over it?

Originally posted by babylou
Unfortunately for me, I think the RX-8 is a bad concept. The rear seats are worthless for seating normal humans yet they create many performance compromises. What is the point? Make the seats real or don't make them at all!

Originally posted by Zaphod

You obviously don't have kids.

Or he obviously hasn't sat in the back himself. I see he has a RX-8 on order, but did he sit in it, before he made his statement?

Normal human beings? If babylou considers a normal human being 6'2, weighing 350 lbs or more, then I can see his point. But jeez, the rear seating is not worthless.

My brother-in-law is 5'10, heavy built and weighs 240. He is definately above average in height and weight. He didn't have one problem sitting in the back, or getting in or out of the car.

its a SPORT CAR

who gives a rats arse.. if some think it's a sedan and others think it's a sportscar..

sports car?? = uh it's too weak to be a real sports car..

sedan? But but but it looks like a sports car it must be one..

gimme a break.

GREAT TASTE or LESS FILLING argument would be just as relevant here...

DanThMan's post about the definition of a sports car seems to fit the RX-8 pretty well...

Therefore my vote is that the RX-8 is a sports car! ;)

Tastes Great!!!

There's enough old farts here to remember the old Certs commercials: "It's a breath mint! It's a candy mint! It's two, two, two mints in one!" So there's your answer: "It's two, two, two cars in one!"

The '8 designers and marketeers gotta be grinnin' ear to ear as they read this thread. This was exactly the kind of debate they hoped to stir up. Go back and read from page 3 on if you haven't already; comments like "It's both" or "We're creating our own category." They gotta be loving it.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


Originally posted by Zaphod

You obviously don't have kids.

Or he obviously hasn't sat in the back himself. I see he has a RX-8 on order, but did he sit in it, before he made his statement?

Normal human beings? If babylou considers a normal human being 6'2, weighing 350 lbs or more, then I can see his point. But jeez, the rear seating is not worthless.

My brother-in-law is 5'10, heavy built and weighs 240. He is definately above average in height and weight. He didn't have one problem sitting in the back, or getting in or out of the car. [/QUOTE]

Well I've got some news for you. I did sit in the back with a 6 footer in the front. My knees were crushed by the seat back. I am 5"-7". I don't consider that enough room for "normal" adults of say 5'-10" average height.

Also, I didn't know I have an RX-8 on order. I wanted one...badly. However, I waited to until there were cars at the dealership because I thought Mazda's claim of rear seat room was exagerrated. It is. Kinda like some other claims.:eek:

Originally posted by DanThMan
I liked this...

-----


What A Sports Car Is Not

Heavy cars are not sports cars. Sedans, wagons, SUVs, and the like are not sports cars. No matter how much power they make, how well they corner, how quickly they can accelerate or stop, or how much they've been modified, they are not sports cars. They may be performance cars. They may have very impressive performance. But they can never be sports cars. Thoroughbreds are horses. But not all horses are thoroughbreds.

-----

-Dan

:D

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ELK
[B]The RX8 is a sports coupe and a very good one.

It is too softly sprung, has too much roll, not enough feedback (steering, clutch, shifter, seat-of-the-pants) to be a sports car.

It is incredibly well done, pretty and fun. But it has too many compromises sacrificing performance for comfort and convenience to be a sports car.

And yes, I have driven one.

And I think it is a great car for everyday use.

Well I've got some news for you. I did sit in the back with a 6 footer in the front. My knees were crushed by the seat back. I am 5"-7". I don't consider that enough room for "normal" adults of say 5'-10" average height.

Also, I didn't know I have an RX-8 on order. I wanted one...badly. However, I waited to until there were cars at the dealership because I thought Mazda's claim of rear seat room was exagerrated. It is. Kinda like some other claims.:eek: [/B]

Remember that everybody has a different body shape. I am 5'11" and setting the drivers seat to my liking I still fit immediatly behind it very well. My legs are not "crushed", although they do touch the back of the seat. However I have sat in that seat like that for 1 1/2 hour drive and it felt fine to me.

Dont assume it will be custom made to you is all.

Originally posted by Genom
Dont assume it will be custom made to you is all.

It appears to me that I am not the one making assumptions. Earlier it was assumed that I do not have kids or am not married. It was also assumed that I had not actually sat in the rear seat of the car. Now you assume I want the car to be custom made to me.

The fact is the rear seat room is very limited. All of the magazine tests have confirmed this. The rear seat room is nearly the exact same as an IS300 and one of the big knocks on that vehicle is lack of rear seat room.

Originally posted by babylou

Well I've got some news for you. I did sit in the back with a 6 footer in the front. My knees were crushed by the seat back. I am 5"-7". I don't consider that enough room for "normal" adults of say 5'-10" average height.

Also, I didn't know I have an RX-8 on order. I wanted one...badly. However, I waited to until there were cars at the dealership because I thought Mazda's claim of rear seat room was exagerrated. It is. Kinda like some other claims.:eek:

Obviously the RX-8 is not the right car for you. Go buy a 4-door sedan which you feel is a better car for you.

'Nuf said.

quad cab coupe

:D

it's a luxury sport car

overrated sports sedan/coupe but i like ZoomZoomH's idea of quad cab coupe. :p

Here's another one for the Mazda Engineers...

Duck Season!
Rabbit Season!
Duck Season!
Rabbit Season!

Tha, the, tha, the, tha... that's all folks!!!!!
:D

Peace

Is is a sports car? A sporty car? A sports sedan? A sports coupe?

Tobey...Tobey....Tobey....

It's a freaking RX-8. Period.

Those who don't own one can ponder the question. The rest of us know and don't need any external validation.

I think in order to determine what is the RX-8s ultimate function or you need to know its original intent. I definitely do not know what was on the minds of the original engineers who designed it, but I speculate it like the following::confused:

1) We want to target drivers who had to give up their two-seater sports cars in the late 1990s, to have a practical car for their families.

2) These families most likely now have teenagers who need to sit comfortably in the back seats.

3) The drivers should have the sport driving experiences they remember in the sport car but the practicality of daily family driving.

4) Take the best elements from the Miata and the 626 sedans and blend them together.

5) Goal was to get these sports car loving drivers to buy this a now, instead of waiting for a two-seater later, when all the kids have gone.

This is only a speculation and I fit into this category. I wanted to buy a two-seater sport car like the M - series Miata I had to give up when I got hitched. I looked at many sedans and I said if I was going to spend good money on a car I wish it were a sports car. I commute a ways to work on bad highways (L.A.) so the car cannot be tuned to firmly. The end product is simply outstanding.:cool:

I've seen that some of you require that a sports car have lots of power. But what about cars like the Lotus Elise with a 118 bhp 4 cylinder that will destroy many more powerful cars? Or older cars like the original RX-7? I think the 0-60 times for a 1981 RX-7 are like 8.6 seconds. Not bad for the time but not near what sports cars get today. Does this mean that the old RX-7 isn't a sports car anymore? I still think it is.