katmeho

Hi all,
Looking at the RX8 as a serious next car. Im looking for something that I can use on the track as well as a daily driver. Im looking at all the obvious choices, but Im starting to get concerned with headroom issue. Im 6 feet tall, heafty fat bastard at 250. In the showroom, I seem to have a decent amount of headroom when the seats are adjusted down, but if I helmet up, then there might be trouble....anyone have an similar experiences or comments? Also curious to see what else you guys would recommend my looking at.....weekend track star...



Thanks

Speed-ER doc

Depends what you need and what you can afford. Why not bring your helmet in to the dealership and try it out?

If you need 4 seats, the 8 is great. If you only need 2 seats, the 8 is still great, but there are more options.

eccles

You should have plenty of room in a Base or Sport package, but the Touring and GT packages have less headroom due to the electric seats and sunroof.

RossComer

It really depends on your build: how tall your upper body is vs. your legs. I too am 6" and have a GT (moonroof & heated seats) and barely have headroom without a helmet. However, I'm all upper-body: 30" pant leg.

If you really want to make sure you can race, try out the *exact* model you will be purchasing first.

rossc

katmeho

thanks guys...what other 2 seaters would you recommend, just for kicks? Not WRX Sti and No EVO's
Thanks

voon

Who wears a helmet in a car? I'm confused.

Nubo

Per the brochure, front seat headroom is 36.7 inches with the moonroof and 38.2 inches without the moonroof.

katmeho

helmet is for autocross, track driving. Not daily street.

mazdaexe

I am 5'8, I went down to autox and road courses with a helmet on. When driving on these courses, I need to pull the seat a little more further front, cuzing even less head room. I have just about less than an inch clearance and sometimes when going over some bumps, I could hit the top of the car. It could be a problem for taller people.

PUR NRG

Optimal driving seat position varies. I'm 5'6" and have to move the seat farther back and reclined more than usual when wearing a helmet. Kinda sucks. Even without the helmet my hair occasionally brushes against the roof in normal driving. If we didn't have a moonroof then I would be okay for clearance.

Always better to take a helmet and test-sit youself in whatever car you are interested in. It's such a trivial thing to do you shouldn't rely on anyone's word if it's a concern.
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BAG WHIP VAPORIZER COMPARISON

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

This is one of the main reasons I opted for the Sport package - with the GT package, my hair almost brushes the roof (I'm 6'-0") and with a helmet on it would be too compromised. I have not sat in my car with a helemt on yet, and I might have to recline the seat a bit, but I think it will be acceptable. Agree with others - you should try it out first.

VividRacing.com

I'm 5'11" and have no problem with a helmet at the track. I have the seat lowered all the way down and sitting somewhat upright and still have plenty of room. I had a 6'2" coworker riding with me and his helmet had about 2" to spare.

moto_monkey

I'm 5'11'' and didn't have any problems with the helmet that I thought I would. I do have longish arms, so I may be a little more reclined than most. Seat is at lowest setting. Agree with earlier post, bring helmet to dealer, sit in car, dream of speed.

noahprtlnd

At the last AutoX I participated in, I hit a bump, my helmet hit the sunroof, and I wound up with shattered glass all in the cabin. I'm 5'10"...