RX8 VS 325i - rematch and conclusions
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RX8 VS 325i - rematch and conclusions
After my last post on the above I went back to the dealer and test drove a demo RX8 with 6000km ( about 4000miles) on the clock. The difference between this and the earlier, brand new demonstrator I drove was significant, especially at mid to high rpm. I also made sure I hit the redline buzzer quite a few times, so now have a better picture of the power at 7000rpm+. In this car there was in fact quite a pronounced extra surge from about 7000 rpm onwards. Very NICE indeed, and I can see that the car's gearing is well set up to minimise the torque deficiency, PROVIDED you are happy to extend the revs beyond 7000 before changing gear ( no chore for me I LURVE revs!).
I was also able to tackle some much more difficult roads, which extended the chassis further than my first drive . In some ways I reckon the RX8 chassis is remarkably similar to the Beemer. Like the Beemer, its strong suits are poise, balance and fluidity. Absorption of large bumps/dips is terrific, though small ridges etc are much more obvious than my 325i. The steering is just great, better than the Bimmer IMO - more precise, better feedback.
Importantly, this time around it was clear to me that the 8 is simply a more involving drive than my 325i.
My conclusion in a nutshell: the 325i is a desirable, impeccably built, wonderful sportSEDAN. The RX8 is a desirable, decently bulit, outstanding SPORTSCAR . I want one, and now it's just a matter of sorting the finances!
Postcript:
I think the choice between an RX8 and a 330ci would however be much more difficult. The 330ci's power is so incredibly accessible, and I reckon some 330ci owners could really struggle to come to terms with the torque deficit in the 8. For me here in Australia however, there is no real contest: the 330ci costs around A$30000 (US$22500) more than a fully laden RX8!! That's why BMW is now I think the second most profitable car company in the World! :p :
I was also able to tackle some much more difficult roads, which extended the chassis further than my first drive . In some ways I reckon the RX8 chassis is remarkably similar to the Beemer. Like the Beemer, its strong suits are poise, balance and fluidity. Absorption of large bumps/dips is terrific, though small ridges etc are much more obvious than my 325i. The steering is just great, better than the Bimmer IMO - more precise, better feedback.
Importantly, this time around it was clear to me that the 8 is simply a more involving drive than my 325i.
My conclusion in a nutshell: the 325i is a desirable, impeccably built, wonderful sportSEDAN. The RX8 is a desirable, decently bulit, outstanding SPORTSCAR . I want one, and now it's just a matter of sorting the finances!
Postcript:
I think the choice between an RX8 and a 330ci would however be much more difficult. The 330ci's power is so incredibly accessible, and I reckon some 330ci owners could really struggle to come to terms with the torque deficit in the 8. For me here in Australia however, there is no real contest: the 330ci costs around A$30000 (US$22500) more than a fully laden RX8!! That's why BMW is now I think the second most profitable car company in the World! :p :
#2
I think many people on test drives are not turning off the DSC, and that is so important in order to get a real feel of the acceleration. Flooring the car through first gear from a stop with the DSC on is a joke - turn it off, the tires chirp, the rear end slides a bit and then it takes off - it's a blast. I wish the DSC didn't automatically turn on, and I hope people are turning it off for test drives...
#3
My conclusion in a nutshell: the 325i is a desirable, impeccably built, wonderful sportSEDAN. The RX8 is a desirable, decently bulit, outstanding SPORTSCAR .
#4
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noahprtlnd:
Good point for test drives, I'll make sure the DSC is turned off. Do you generally need the DSC? I'm thinking of getting the base model and don't know if DSC is a must.
Good point for test drives, I'll make sure the DSC is turned off. Do you generally need the DSC? I'm thinking of getting the base model and don't know if DSC is a must.
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Good stuff Nick!
My 2 finalists are the RX-8 and 325i as well, and I think you nailed it.
Due to special pricing (S-Plan) by being employed by a Ford Partner here in the US, I can get a much better deal on the 8 than the 325. That wasn't a huge factor for me, but it was for my wife, who even at 5-1 felt the rear of the 8 was cramped due to the small windows.
But the additional savings made her reconsider... so it's full-steam ahead for the 8!
My 2 finalists are the RX-8 and 325i as well, and I think you nailed it.
Due to special pricing (S-Plan) by being employed by a Ford Partner here in the US, I can get a much better deal on the 8 than the 325. That wasn't a huge factor for me, but it was for my wife, who even at 5-1 felt the rear of the 8 was cramped due to the small windows.
But the additional savings made her reconsider... so it's full-steam ahead for the 8!
#6
Grand Chancellor
well the question comes then next is how often do you bounce off the redline on a day to day, traffic light to traffic light driving? I cannot imagine revving the car all the time to >7000rpm to stay in the torque band. cheers.
#7
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Originally posted by voon
I'ts much larger than a porsche etc. These i'd call sportscars.
I'ts much larger than a porsche etc. These i'd call sportscars.
Length: 911, 174.5 inches; RX-8, 174.3 in.
Width: 911, 69.7"; RX-8, 69.7"
(data from www.edmunds.com )
Whatta ya know, the RX-8 is identical in width and length to a 911! Guess that makes it a sports car after all!
Regards,
Gordon
#9
Originally posted by delhi
well the question comes then next is how often do you bounce off the redline on a day to day, traffic light to traffic light driving? I cannot imagine revving the car all the time to >7000rpm to stay in the torque band. cheers.
well the question comes then next is how often do you bounce off the redline on a day to day, traffic light to traffic light driving? I cannot imagine revving the car all the time to >7000rpm to stay in the torque band. cheers.
Obviously, if your bent is massive V8 style off-idle torque and power, and there is lots to recommend that, then the rotary style of power may not be yours. But if you have an open mind on these things, then you might be pleasantly surprised.
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I sometimes wonder what a 325 would be like with the older power steering system. I'd heard BMW made it a bit softer than it used to be. I've still got to drive an RX-8 though but everyone seems to agree it has better steering feel than almost anything. For me that would be the biggest selling point.
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Brandon,
The softer feel in newer BMW's has to do with the suspension and not the steering. BMW has a fantastic steering system just as the RX-8. The feeling will be different due to the feedback you feel in the suspension. How much of the road is dampened and how much can you feel? You can beef up the suspension on a 325 but expect a stiffer more jarring ride.
The softer feel in newer BMW's has to do with the suspension and not the steering. BMW has a fantastic steering system just as the RX-8. The feeling will be different due to the feedback you feel in the suspension. How much of the road is dampened and how much can you feel? You can beef up the suspension on a 325 but expect a stiffer more jarring ride.
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Originally posted by Brandon
I sometimes wonder what a 325 would be like with the older power steering system. I'd heard BMW made it a bit softer than it used to be. I've still got to drive an RX-8 though but everyone seems to agree it has better steering feel than almost anything. For me that would be the biggest selling point.
I sometimes wonder what a 325 would be like with the older power steering system. I'd heard BMW made it a bit softer than it used to be. I've still got to drive an RX-8 though but everyone seems to agree it has better steering feel than almost anything. For me that would be the biggest selling point.
I think i'm correct in saying that the RX8 steering was fine tuned with unput by Ford UK's Richard Parry Jones. The current European Ford Focus, in its top spec form, has oustanding steering and handling balance.
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Ah, I see. I can't compare the newer vs. older BMW, I've only driven a 2001 one, but I've heard people say the old "it ain't like it used to be" for whatever the reason (I think comparing to E36 ones). I didn't think it was like a Buick or anything though, haha. I'm just saying the thought of an even better steering feel is awful enticing (in the RX-8).
#14
Originally posted by fluque
noahprtlnd:
Good point for test drives, I'll make sure the DSC is turned off. Do you generally need the DSC? I'm thinking of getting the base model and don't know if DSC is a must.
noahprtlnd:
Good point for test drives, I'll make sure the DSC is turned off. Do you generally need the DSC? I'm thinking of getting the base model and don't know if DSC is a must.
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Originally posted by delhi
well the question comes then next is how often do you bounce off the redline on a day to day, traffic light to traffic light driving? I cannot imagine revving the car all the time to >7000rpm to stay in the torque band. cheers.
well the question comes then next is how often do you bounce off the redline on a day to day, traffic light to traffic light driving? I cannot imagine revving the car all the time to >7000rpm to stay in the torque band. cheers.
My 325i is also quite low geared - second tops out at about 85km/hr ( 55 mph) at 6250rpm , and I can tell you it spends a lot of its time being spun out to 6000.
Using high revs is not a problem in a car which is designed for it, and with an engine smooth enough to do so without excessive vibration and noise. Both the 325i and the RX8 fall into this category, although obvioulsy the RX8 has an extra 3000rpm to play with! :D
#16
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Originally posted by Brandon
Ah, I see. I can't compare the newer vs. older BMW, I've only driven a 2001 one, but I've heard people say the old "it ain't like it used to be" for whatever the reason (I think comparing to E36 ones). I didn't think it was like a Buick or anything though, haha. I'm just saying the thought of an even better steering feel is awful enticing (in the RX-8).
Ah, I see. I can't compare the newer vs. older BMW, I've only driven a 2001 one, but I've heard people say the old "it ain't like it used to be" for whatever the reason (I think comparing to E36 ones). I didn't think it was like a Buick or anything though, haha. I'm just saying the thought of an even better steering feel is awful enticing (in the RX-8).
Regards,
Gordon
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That's interesting about it being a one year change, too bad that was the one year I happened to sample, haha. Now I'm kind of curious what a newer one is like, though it's sort of academic because a 3-series is pushing the money part of the equation for me.
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