Cobra or RX-8

Josh · 04-04-2004, 04:34 PM

It's all about fun for me guys. I need a car I can use as a daily driver and Ive been tossing a bunch of ideas around. I drove an RX-8 when they were all still order only (dealer had 1 demo). I loved driving that thing. I also owned a 2000 V6(blah) Mustang and enjoyed that car as well. I guess my question is... These cars are both running about the same cost wise and gas is crappy on both of them. So which do you think would be more fun to own and keep in the family in years to come. I do hit the track occasionally and I do live up north for the next 2 years. So some snow driving involved.

I also looked at the STi and am considering that as well as the EVO, but those two have been beaten to death in comparisons here and i do use the "SEARCH" button. Thanks guys.

Josh

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Ike · 04-04-2004, 04:45 PM

God, they're such different cars... I think if nimble and quick is more you thing then the RX-8 would be a good choice. If you want something fast as hell and highly moddable with a less refined demeanor then go for the Stang. Neither will make for good vehicles in bad weather, and with all the HP and torque of the Cobra it's going to be worse than the RX-8. But both are doable with the proper tires.

Josh · 04-04-2004, 04:52 PM

I appreciate the speedy reply Ike... Anyway I understand that they are two different vehicles but you have to admit also that both of them can plant a smile on your face that just stays there all day long and makes you think about the drive home from work all day long. Different cars but same feeling. Im just curious about some opinions on styling and other such things. Personally, I like the WRX also since its AWD but the styling of the cobra is much nicer IMPO. But as its been stated in MANY threads here, it does grow on you. I still havent heard about releases for the new EVO yet, but the interior on that thing is HORRIBLE!!!

Ike · 04-04-2004, 06:22 PM

Well, I haven't liked the styling of a Mustang, well... ever. But clearly a lot of people do, the stigma that goes along with the Mustang will probably always keep me from buying one. Regardless, the 03+ Cobra is one hell of a car if you want shear speed, and like you said will put a smile on your face. I got to drive one for a bit once and I just remember it feeling kind of disconnected from the road. I hated the shifter, it is desperately in need of an aftermarket short throw. You say the interior of the EVO is horrible, but so is the interior on the stang.

bubble · 04-04-2004, 06:48 PM

I see Cobras, WS6s, & Z28s all the time. Drag cars are fun but they're played out. The new bodystyle isn't going to help with the overabundance of Mustangs. I'd get the EVO! Get the best of both worlds.

rev-2-9k · 04-04-2004, 07:06 PM

Buy the RX8. Any car can be fast, how often do you see one that has a balanced, nimble, feel and seats 4 for 25k.

Would you rather have your grins at the stop light or through the turns?

tschangrx7 · 04-04-2004, 07:38 PM

Car and Driver did a comparison between these two cars; the Mustang obliterated it as the track car but they liked the feel of the 8 better.

You can do a search for that article at www.caranddriver.com

Sea Ray · 04-04-2004, 07:53 PM

So you already know the difference in performance, now do you want just 'another' dime a dozen typical car, or a unique head turner? The 8 will attract as much attention sitting in the parking lot as it does on the road.

jonnyb · 04-04-2004, 10:07 PM

isnt the cobra like 5 grand more than the 8?

Josh · 04-04-2004, 11:30 PM

nope, they actually are running the same price for the options I want.

RX-8 33k
Cobra 35k

ZoomZoomH · 04-05-2004, 12:19 PM

are they discounting the cobra, seeing how this is the last year of the current gen Mustang

Ike · 04-05-2004, 12:43 PM

This is the last SVT for a while, so people might be snapping em up. So I doubt you're going to do much better than your average "deal".

jtimbck2 · 04-05-2004, 01:21 PM

Depends on which is more important to you -- straight line performance, or handling & "tossability". Those are extremely different cars, and very difficult to compare.

SL01 · 04-05-2004, 02:04 PM

Before the RX-8, I had a '94 GT, then a '99 Cobra (first Cobra with IRS), and finally an '01 Cobra--a long line of Mustangs. They were all fun cars, and I liked all of them (the '01 Cobra had engine problems, but, those aside, it was a fun car).

The big things I noticed were:

A) Weight - The Cobra is a lot heavier than the RX-8 and you feel it in acceleration and braking as well as cornering.

B) Acceleration - was surprised at how close the RX-8 was to the Cobra. I haven't driven one of the super-charged Cobras, mind you, but acceleration-wise the RX-8 isn't too far off of the '01 Cobra. Despite the big difference in performance specs, I think the high revs plus lower gearing of the RX-8 makes up for a lot of the difference.

C) Smoothness - the non-super charged 4.6L in the Cobra is very docile below 3250 RPM, above that it really takes off (and makes a lot of noise doing so). The RX-8 is smooth across the entire rev range and speed really sneaks up on you.

D) Feel - the RX-8 has an outstanding road feel. After driving the RX-8 for a while, the Cobra felt like driving a marshmellow--over damped. Oh, and that clutch... ugh, didn't realize how heavy it was until I drove the RX-8 for a while.

Again, this is all based on having owned an two non super-charged Cobras and an RX-8. (Ownership of the 01 and RX-8 overlapped by about two weeks, so I was, at one point, driving both).

I haven't driven the '03, but I would imagine it's a lot more powerful, especially on the low end where the '01 was quite weak. But I would also presume the feel and smoothness haven't changed much.

--SL01

Senseny · 04-05-2004, 06:17 PM

I would go with the 8 over all of the cars you mentioned. I also considered the STI and EVO, but I had the G35 coupe on my list instead of the Mustang. There were several reasons I bought an 8. Styling and the rotary engine being the largest. The interior is also a big point for me.

KC_Prelude · 04-06-2004, 06:23 PM

If you want a car that is a good daily driver, you can hit the track with, and is good in snow I think there are no better choices than the STI and the EVO. My personal rankings for your situation would be EVO, RX-8. STI. Cobra. Cobras may seen like a good deal but as a package they are very one dimensional. They go fast in a straight line and thats it; the steering has no feel, they are heavy, the styling is pretty bland, and the interiors are terrible as I am sure you can affirm since you said you had a V6 mustang. The EVO will be better on the track than any of those cars and the RX-8 will make the best daily driver. You simply need to decide what is more important to you; performance or style and comfort. You can' t go wrong choosing between an RX-8 and an EVO