RodsterinFL

Okay, I, after reading so many posts regarding this car known as an STI, decided to try one out. I drove a white one. Basically the RX8 shifts MUCH better and stops more quickly- at least compared to the one I drove. My driving impression was that the Subaru was lightning fast for sure and cornered very well. As far as the in-town ride though it was jarring and at my first 60+ mph to 0 mph braking I was really surprised. The car traveled quite a distance and I really had to put pressure on the peddle when I came up on the rear of the car at the light. I cannot explain that but several other stops were the same - long traveling. The shifter was great but wow the RX8 since day one was silky (except for reverse in mine anyway) The RX8 seems much tighter and agile per se. I know the STI has excellent specs but in my expressway and town drive, it seemed more top-heavy and stiff. Overall - I see what many of you like about the STI - THE SPEED - but the RX8 is overall my choice still. I wish it had that a little more "take-off"power though. Then it would be perfect.

On another note

Several people on here discussed radar detectors and brands, etc. well here is some first-hand testing info. on the Passport X50 and the Beltronics Vector 995. I spent a great amount of time researching detetors and these two were at the top of the pack. I e-mailed testing sites and got e-mails back about their recommendations and also spoke with Beltronics directly. I bought both an X50 and a Vector 995 and tried them out. Beltronics said that there was little to no difference in the Passport and the Beltronics - they are the same company now. The Passport x50 made little buzzing sounds similar to the old fuzzbusters and quite often in town. The Vector makes two buzzes then voice announces the band and then adjusts its volume down automatically. Long story short - I kept the vector and would strongly recommend it over the passport. The sound of the alert alone was convincing enough. Performance is identical according to the manufacturer. Hope this helps others looking.

Rxdriftingaction

where are u man? they got the white 8 now?? the 05 one?? if yes i got to check it out.

VikingDJ

As the owner of both the rx8 and sti, I can agree with a lot of what you are saying. The STI is for pure performance. Naturally the shifting will not be as smooth because of the stronger clutch in the STI. The jarring effect of the STI is expected, because after all it's a performance car. Expect similiar feel for the mazdaspeed rx8 if they make it pure performer. For your everyday driver, the rx8 is by far a better choice. As for handling, it's very subjective. I feel more in control with the STI, and I do believe it handles a little better. I also believe the STI is more agile then rx8, with a lot less body roll, and to me the car does not feel any heavier. Power is not even close. They really aren't even fair to compare though because they are two completely different cars. The rx8 will naturally appeal to more drivers then the STI, because of it's better looks, refinement, and smoother, quieter ride. Subaru built the STI with one goal. PERFORMANCE. Mazda built the rx8 to be more of an everyday car that would appeal to the wide masses. I personally do not mind the STI for it's around town driving. I love getting in STI and admiring it for it's performance, then the next day hop in rx8, and love the smooth ride, the beautiful interior, and the true feel it has. If mazdaspeed can somehow make this car as powerful as the STI, yet not take away too much of it's daily drivability, the rx8 will reign supreme in my mind as the best sports car. The only two things that bother me about rx8 is it's lack of power, and it's gas mileage. I got 25mpg on last tank with STI with 80% highway. I have yet to reach 20mpg in rx8 on the exact commute. I do a lot of driving, so both cars will get equal miles. Time will tell which car holds up better. So far, not a single glitch with STI. The rx8 has seen dealer twice, and needs a third trip for a/c and the m flash. They are two different cars, for two different kinds of people, so comparing them really serves no purpose. They drive as differently as they look, but each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I give the nod to rx8 as the better car, but if you like pure performance, the STI is just a wonderful machine.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

He is referring to a white Sti.

Speed-ER doc

Only the Valentine 1 has directional arrows to tell you where is the bogey. Only the Valentine 1 has a bogey counter to tell you how many bogeys there are. Both features have saved me several times. It is also the most sensitive unit made.

Might as well buy the best, another $100 means nothing compared to a ticket.

If you don't have the V1, all you get is a "beep." Sometimes that is not enough....

AbusiveWombat

Couldn't agree more.

FONZIE

Amen to that.