Schartz

iTrader: (6)

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RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

some have been in the same situation as you.
Some regret it, others don't.
Take an FD for a test drive, then come to a conclusion...

pistonhater

So, no chance you could have both? FDs are awesome, but the idea of getting rid off your 8 to replace it with an almost 20 y/o car is quite interesting.

Is this for a daily driver?

Polak Graphics

Ive been there done that. I don't regret it but i do want and rx-8 again. You can't get close to the feel and handling from the 8 in an FD.

If you do, get the best fd you can find. They make horrible project cars.

supermario680

Superior? Nice another wisconsinite.

I've only seen an FD like twice in my life...

Icemastr

I have both an RX-8 and an FD right now. Previously I have owned 5 RX-7s of various generations. My short answer is you will probably be disappointed if you have never owned an FD and you sell your RX-8 to get one. If you like fixing little things all the time doing mods to increase the HP, then you might like owning an FD more.

The RX-7 responds much better to mods. You can go from 220rwhp to 300rwhp by doing exhaust and an ECU. Throw in some fuel system upgrades, clutch, flywheel and a few other things and you can get to 350rwhp. Then you can go with upgrading the stock twin turbos or going single if you want more. I enjoy modding, so this is a big plus with the FD.

The FD is rare and looks unique, it definitely sparks more conversations and gets more looks than the RX-8. It also handles very well and is fun to drive.

If I were looking to buy a car to only drive once in awhile in the summer and speed, handling, and uniqueness are important, I would definitely get an FD (which is what I did).

There will be a lot of things that will disappoint you about the FD vs. the RX-8. The ride is definitely not as comfortable and the chassis is not as rigid. It feels more raw and beastly to drive and it is not as forgiving as the RX-8. In the curves or on the track, neither will disappoint but the RX-8 has a more refined and smooth feel that I slightly prefer for driving on curvy roads. I have not raced the RX-8 at the track yet so I am not sure whether I will like the RX-8 or RX-7 more. I am pretty sure I will like the RX-7 more because it is lighter and has a ton more power with great handling. Some people like the seats in the FD, but I hate them. My lower back hurts after about 45 minutes. For local trips to the track and meets the FD is a blast, for a long drive I prefer something else.

Also the interior and paint quality is a bit poor on the FD. Interior pieces such as the door handles tend to break easily. The original paint chipped in the front very easily and tended to fade. Repainting a car costs thousands of dollars, so I recommend buying one that has a nice paint job.

Being that the FD is an older car there will always be an issue that you want to fix. The FD I recently purchased would be considered on the mid-high end in quality. It has nice paint and is in pretty good condition. Still I have spent a lot of time fixing things and still have about 10 annoying issues that I am trying to fix right now. Here are a few of them:
1. Clunking noise in the rear
2. Part of the door handle is broken
3. The speakers need to be replaced - the sound is pretty poor
4. The moonroof sticks and doesn't open easily

After I bought my most recent FD, I have probably spent about 30 hours replacing parts and fixing annoying issues. If you enjoy a project, then this is a fun car. If fixing lots of little things annoys you and you want a car that just works, then look elsewhere.

If I had to pick between an RX-8 and an FD I might go with the RX-8 since the overall driving experience is more pleasant even though it is not as fast. Although today if I was asked to sell one of my cars, I would sell the RX-8 since I have another car for a daily driver and I think the FD will hold its value better.

I do like having a good bit of HP, so if the cost was the same to have a 3 rotor or V8 in an FD or in an RX-8, I would pick the RX-8.

IronTanuki

One thing to note is if you are pretty tall or have long legs the FD can be very uncomfortable since you can't adjust the steering wheel height and the position of it is very low (in your lap basically). I've never driven an FD but I've sat in a few and I basically have to straddle the steering wheel with a leg on either side. I couldn't imagine driving around like that for a long amount of time.

Supernaut6

If you decide to get an FD, have alot saved. I don't care how nice your car is initially. In most cases, you will want to put more money in the car. My FD has been one of the worst mistakes in my life so I did the only thing logically possible. I bought another one. It's very hard to regret any of it.

Are-Ex-Eight

iTrader: (1)

I've bought and sold two RX-8s so now I'm getting a third. There just no car as fun to drive that I can afford.

monchie

Hell yeah!

kjb

As much as I'd love to own an FD, I can't see parting with my RX-8. I could see owning one of each, but I wouldn't sell the RX-8. Of course, I've never driven an FD for fear that I'd have to explain to my wife why I need one