Hercules

Well folks, I drove it. Crystal Auto Mall in New Jersey was kind enough to cater to my needs to see and drive the car. My salesperson was kind enough to be a good sport as I played with the car. I drove a fully loaded RX-8 with the 6 speed.

I had previously mentioned that I was considering an S2000 if the RX-8 didn't live up to the hype, or didn't deliver on what I felt was necessary in a great handling RWD sports car. If you read nothing else from this little review, read this... the S2000 has been put out of contention.

Now there are reasons for this... but this is of course, a review, so we'll start at the top.

The S2000 has in its favor OVER the RX-8 is a better gearbox (was more slick, but not much better) and I think at limits... a handling edge. However given that my limits are mediocre, the RX-8 and S2000 driving at 9/10ths to me, would be near identical. Aside from this... the S2000 has no benefit, and actually has things that detract from it over the RX-8.

First and foremost, practicality. My father sat in the back seat as I revved the engine and toyed with the car on Route 22. He said it was claustrophobic (as I had prior mentioned), but not terrible. I have 34" legs and he sat behind me, so you can just imagine how it feels

Quietness is another factor. It's true about the engine.. it's silent. But the exhaust is another animal. It's a zing-zing instead of a throaty sound that I'm used to... and it's so damn cool. But even with the windows down, cabin noise is at a minimum whereas the S2000 feels very uncomfortable with the noise levels. This detracts from listening to the radio, a pastime I cannot let go of for the slight benefits the S2000 provides in handling. Speaking of which, the RX-8's stereo is crisp and clean, and leaving all equalizer settings flat (bass=0, treble=0,etc), it was very impressive even from the normal radio stations. A CD would merely make this system come alive.

Quality? The doors give you a good thud when you close them. It's not Germanic in nature... though it's not entirely Japanese. The seats were leather and to me, not too bad. I only say this because I must admit... I wasn't paying much attention to them!

The RX-8 has often been touted for the low torque figures, and slow acceleration. Well folks, revving it without any clutch 'drops' was a very comfortable launch right into traffic, with three people in the car. I admit freely, the G35C felt quicker off the line, as did the S2000. However I noticed as I revved higher, I just gained more and more power. By the time I shifted at 6000, I swear I thought no more power could come from it. Reading other reviews though... it's apparent I will be in for a treat when my car passes its break in period. Fact of the matter is, if the RX-8 isn't fast enough for you, the G35C won't be either. It's a damn fast car and I found myself being waved at by a Camaro (with a throaty V8) and had no problem keeping up with him off the line (and his wheelspin). Granted though, I only indulged the once.. it won't be my primary fun.

Which brings me lastly, to the handling. I got to jump at two jughandles (one of which had a pothole at the base of the merge) and this car well... it's solid as a rock. I flew right around the corner and made the U-turn with great confidence, something in the S2000 I was a bit more apprehensive about doing out of fear. The RX-8 led me along (with the DSC turned on mind you!) and showed me its limits. The DSC didn't cut in once. Yes, the car is that good.

If there's a thing I could change about the RX-8, it wouldn't be the speed, the handling, the looks, etc... It would be the steering. It's got good feedback but with the electric assist it's just TOO easy to move around.. I suppose it's nitpicking at small details, but I like a more sturdy steering wheel, something that gives some resistance when turning. I am not sure if it's what is better.. but it's what I'm accustomed to in sports cars.

Overall folks... The RX-8 is the package I had always hoped it would be. It's fast enough for my tastes; I've always said I am not a stoplight racer and as such... additional power is nice but ot required by my standards. The car is excellent in interior layout and quality, one of my prerequisites I mentioned when I was suggested the WRX or Evo as other choices in automobiles. And it handles like a dream. At limits I do think that the slight weight advantage the S2000 has over the RX-8 will enable it to shave lap times but to be honest, I'm not going to race this car unless it's against myself, just to see what kind of times I pull and to improve my own driving skills.

If you like the idea of high-revving, great handling, good looking, and well built automobiles, the RX-8 has triangulated on success. It doesn't dissapoint in any area, and while improvements can always be made; I'm glad the price I'm paying is only $31,100.

Hope you found this educational, as much as I found it fun!

Puppy1

I don't know why anybody even had a doubt that you would buy it. All it would take was one drive and I knew you'd be hooked. Congrats on selecting an excellent car.

Now our next worry will be "What will go wrong with it?"

CERAMICSEAL

Excellent review! Glad to see the 8 pulled through and impressed a person of your impeccable taste.

Hercules

I think the biggest key to my wanting the S2000, is because there was no car that I found as enjoyable to drive that I took out the lot, including the G35C, 350Z, 330Ci, Z4, A4 Quattro, Acura TSX and Lexus IS300.

I think when you toss this thing into a corner.. it's where you realize where weight savings are key. It's evident in both cars and the difference is so scarce, I'd really have to drive them back to back a few times to tell you the nuances. On a daily basis, the slight edge the S2000 may have in handling I will give up because first, I don't drive at 10/10ths often (though I'm known to hit 8 or 9 hehe), and because the RX-8 offers almost all the fun of the S2000 in a quieter, more refined, and practical package.

What's not to love!

SPDFRK

Thank God, it would have been a shame to see all 5000 posts (or whatever your at now) go to waste. Anyways congratulations on your soon to be new car. I'm hoping to enjoy my first dance tomorrow. I'll be sure to let you guys know what I think, but from what you have said I'm sure I will not be disappointed.

RX-8 Zoomster

Very informative review.

A couple questions about the interior. I believe at one time you were interested in the G35 coupe. What is your opinion of the RX-8's interior quality, fit & finish? Also the ergonomics to the driver? I also was looking at the G35 coupe at one time, and that was one of the negatives I found with the G35. Although it's classified as a luxury coupe, I found the interior quality very subpar for a car at that price. Too much plastic, and to me was not very ergonomic to the driver (maybe except for the instrument panel that moves with the steering wheel).

Hercules

To be frank... the G35C's interior is one that irked me at first, but I've gotten over. The RX-8's, when sitting inside, never once bothered me.

Now I think you can give that some credence... whichever way you'd like to. I can't really say it was Audi quality (which is to me, the top end of this price range), though it's not Infiniti quality either. I think the lacquered plastics and tasteful aluminum trimmings were done in good taste and since they didn't bother me at all.. It's a good sign

cueball

Thanks for the great review and I'm really glad your still in our camp.

PoLaK

iTrader: (1)

Herc and I drove the same car my shorter less informative review is in the tread below. My one is the two tone interior whatever the colors doesn't look great to me and the ribs on the leather make it look very economical.

P00Man

GEE WHAT A SURPRISE! lol

we all knew wed never lose you, Herc!
________
Girlfriend deepthroat

rxeightr

Welcome fully to the fold.

And excellent comparison of all the vehicles in contention. If the RX-8 is that close a driver to the S2000, this will make me a VERY happy camper.

ggreen29

This is probably what caused me to overslalom my slalom, as there was no muscle required to move the car (relatively speaking).

dunny1

Herc, you mentioned the steering... Man, I was thoroughly impressed. I've never driven a car with such responsive steering. It's awesome! I would say this is one of the strong points of the RX-8.

And the interior -- it's simply sublime. While I haven't driven a lot of cars, I've certainly sat in a lot, and the the RX-8 has the best interior I've ever seen. No kidding!

Kap

Does the gearbox on the RX-8 shift more smoothly when the car is running versus when the car is off? I tried shifting the vehicle without the ignition and while 1st and 2nd were easy enough to shift into, 3rd took a lot more effort. I was expecting buttery smooth shifts and what I felt was somewhat of a shock to me. I'm hoping the gearbox in the RX-8 feels much better when the ignition is on.

Good Duck

Right .

BillK

Although admittedly the very things that make the S2000 what it is is that it is loud, raucous, unrefined and utterly impractical. It's a purpose-built sports car and doesn't water it down one bit.

OtoH the RX-8 is a sports car built to be somewhat practical; I still can't help but wonder about a future RX-7 where Mazda dumps the rear seats which are useless for me because I will never drive more than two people in my car (that's one reason why my wife has an A4.)

It is, however, great to know that the RX-8 is as good as it is, and in my mind one of its more redeeming qualities over the S2000 is that it's not a roadster; no matter how good it is the ragtop will always result in less body stability and more rattles than you find in a car with a permanent roof. Also the DSC and heated doodads are very much appreciated by those of us who actually have a winter season... :D

Good Duck

A manual shifter's feels should not be judged while its parts are not moving. How easily it move between gears depend on where the gears stop. It could be easy, it could be hard. I noticed this on my manual. And also note, while the gears are not moving, the triple-cones synchromesh is not doing its job. However. I doubt that any other cars will match the one finger flicking smoothness of the Miata's manual shifter.

eclps0

when were u at the dealer i was ther at like 5;30 to 7:30 tha car is great and just see it now with speeding tickets up the ***. the car is fast and u cant fell how fast ur going. well hey maybe i saw u. well i know ull love the car when u bye and break it in.

roachman

Now I do not have to wast my time driving all those other cars. I can just pick up my 8 when it arrives in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for all the drives and reviews.

Roachman

Hercules

I got there around 10 to 8pm with my dad.. i stood outside looking at the thing for a little bit first and then went inside.

Strider

Congrats Herc and go have fun with your car, I'm sure (positive) you'll be out with a big 'ol smile on your face for a good while now.

Strider-

oilman

Thanks Herc,

A frank and informative review. Wish we didn't have to wait until October to give ours.

Good luck with your car and don't forget the pics!

Cheers
Oilman

pgill

Hercules -

Can you compare the road noise and vibration between RX-8 and other cars you drove? Obviously it's quieter than S2000, but what about G35C or A4 or TSX?

I'm waiting for the initial frenzy to die down before test driving a RX-8 and since this is going to be my daily driver, noise and vibration is a key concern...along with performance, handling, reliability, etc.

TIA

Hercules

Windows down, it buffets a bit because I didn't pop the rear windows. I wish honestly, that they had electric motors on them because it's difficult to reach around and open them up. I'm sure it would have added a bit of weight, but it would have been a very good idea.

The Audi is the quietest car I've driven though, the engine noise is pretty up there. The RX-8 I'd say.. if you had the windows closed.. very quiet inside. The doors aren't cheap and shoddy and everything is put together quite well, so the deadening of outside sounds is quite good to my taste. It's probably quieter than your G35Cs or 350Zs because the engine makes no sound, and with the windows closed, the exhaust's 'zing zing' isn't obscenely intruding either.

To be quite honest.. it is, for a sports car, very quiet even in comparison to many luxury sedans. I think when you drive it and realize that you aren't hearing any noise from the engine, nor any vibration telling you to shift... you'll be in heaven for your daily driver :

Buger

Hi Herc,

Glad to hear that you liked your test drive.

Brian