SVgamer72

I currently own and love a 2007 MX-5 Miata Touring. It's been a great car for a single guy, but now that I am seriously dating a woman+1, I find myself wanting more room (eg a back seat) and more power.

My MX-5 does not have DSC/Traction. What I love most about my MX-5 is chirping the tires and kicking the rear out and steering with the throttle while zipping around town and on twisty roads. Nothing too crazy, just a little here and there to remind me how much fun it is to own a sports car. I am not looking to drag race anyone, but I do want to drive a car that has enough grunt to put a smile on my face.

So yesterday on our way back from a trip to Knott's we popped into a Galpin Mazda in Santa Clarita. I drove an '08 40th anniversary RX-8 and an 08.5 Speed3, and I found myself less than impressed with the performance of both cars.

MS3- I have read over and over again how much of a beast the MS3 is, but it sure didn't feel like it to me. It had great power, but didn't come across as eye popping. Even if it had come across as a "beast", I was really turned off by the FWD. I guess I am too spoiled by my MX-5.

RX-8 - The RX-8 felt almost as good as my MX-5 in the handling department, sounded like pure sex at high RPMs, but felt like it has less HP/Torque than my MX-5. Everything else about the car was a huge step up in terms of fit finish and feel.

After we left the dealership I realized that I drove both cars with DSC/Traction on. So now I am thinking that I screwed up and came away with the wrong impression.

I really wanted to love the RX-8, and I was hoping it would be almost as fun to toss around as my MX-5. Did I miss something? Should I take the time to drive them both again with DSC/Traction off?

jjc3925

iTrader: (1)

i would drive the rx8 again.....i liked driving the MX5 too but....i came out with the 8 :-)

my boss owns a mx5 and he absolutely loves my 8...cept the gas mileage difference has him keeping his mx5

REsuperD

you drive a miata, so pretty much any car you drive will feel fat and sluggish and removed. leaving the dsc on should allow you to chirp the tires a little bit, but it will interfere. the 8 is a light car with excellent handling, but compared to the miata it still is bigger and heavier. but just know that the 8 is pretty much the closest thing to a big miata with 4-seats that you can get

btw how did you like the galpin people?

Haze

The one thing that a rotary engine does that the four banger in your Miata definitely won't do is be smooth to a degree that you have probably never experienced before. It won't give you the power feedbacks of vibration and noise that you get from a standard reciprocating engine.

In the end smoothness is a good thing, but it might not be the experience that you are looking for. However, it doesn't mean that the RX8 isn't fast and powerful, and it handles very well with great steering and brakes. A lot of what people take to believe is "underpowered" in the RX 8 is the lack of toque at take off. The car is not prone to spinning tires at any speed. It launches gaining power as you head up the rev band.

As for power steer, the 8 does that in spades without traction control. I have an '04 base model that did not come with traction control, and I often push the rear out a little while accelerating. In the 70+ thousand miles that I have driven the car, it only tried to come around once on me, and I thought that it was because of an asphalt patch on the road that made the road slick.

I'd test drive it again, and try to think about what you want from the car. It might not be for you. You might want more toque compared to horse power, and you might want more feedback from the powerplant than a rotary will give you.

Also be aware, that you will be taking a major MPG hit compared to the MX 5.

Have fun with whatever you get.

Rhawb

The 8 is deceptively smooth, so the feeling you get on you "butt dyno" belies how quickly you're actually accelerating. Though, I'd say they're likely somewhat similar in their feel, but I'd guess that the 8 may be a touch faster. As far as the Speed 3, it's got stupendous power for its class, that's what the fuss is about. Other than that, I agree. FWD drives me nuts and I'm looking forward to my next (RWD) car.

RX10000RPM

If your looking for way more power, insane handling & a nice size back seat you may want to consider the "Dark Side" that being the EVO X, I had many of the same concerns & don't regret the change one bit. A simple tune alone gave me over 60hp on the stock engine & driveability is great.

SideOfBacon

its a shame the evo is so subaru WRX/honda CRX/boxy looking that I vomit a bit each time I see it. to each his own though.

2tone

iTrader: (3)

ditto to most of what ppl said. the "butt dyno" on the 8 is no good - it's such a smooth power delivery you don't feel like your flying, but you are. and seriously, you drive a go-cart. i mean, you're saying you want a bigger car, but then you're complaining that it's too big feeling. haha, you're spoiled w/ a go-cart, that's it. 8's don't get rave reviews in the handling department for nothing, they handle stock-for-stock better than most cars, you just drive one of about 5 cars that might out-handle it - or better said, miata's FEEL like they are the quickest/best handling b/c they're go-carts. i went go-carting for real and felt like i was flying, turned out i never broke 30mph, but it sure FELT faster...anyway, good luck. be careful driving the 8 w/ the dsc off ... it WILL break loose in the back.

Shinka_MJR

gas mileage and sports car do not belong in the same sentence.

buying a sports car with fuel efficiency in mind = fail.

delhi

Yeah if he is still in high skool, hangs out at the local Burger King and looks is not a factor. hehehehe.... sorry can't resist.

To the OP, I think I saw your post in miata.net at least something similar. On of the car for me to test drive was the NC MX5 SE. It was very nice car. However the rx-8 just felt more composed at higher speeds and it looks better. Also the interior of the NC was a few rungs down too. If you are looking to graduate from an MX-5 to a car that has similar driving dynamics, the RX-8 is a natural choice. Especially if you need passenger space. Otherwise an S2000 is nice too. Try again without the DSC/TCS on.

psonoda

I happen to have both. A 99 10AE Miata and an 04 RX8. Stock for stock, the RX8 is faster, has a higher level of grip and HAS A BACK SEAT. The Miata feels lighter, is more tossable and it is easier to hang the rear out and bring it back in. But the Miata is much slower. It only feels like is has lower end power because it has less top end. At 6k, the Miata is running out of steam. At 6k in the RX8, you are in the beginning of the real power band (for 6SP only)

Since I upgraded my wheels and tires, the grip limit is so high that the speeds that it breaks away are starting to get a little scarry.

To be fair, the Miata is a little easier to learn to drive fast.

To do a fair test. Plan a route near the dealership where you can drive both cars back to back. Drive the Miata first. Note exit speeds in the corners. If you drive the RX8 just as spirited (remember the redline is 9k+), you will notice a higher exit speed. It may not feel faster, but it is.

dhill1921

Like you I owned a MX-5 (2006) and needed extra space. I hated to trade in my roadster for a fwd sedan. I started doing my research and six months later , I found a low mileage 05 RX-8 for the same price as my MX-5. At first it felt heavy, but then every car felt heavy after driving the MX-5. The more I drove the RX-8, the more I loved it. It is a step up from the MX-5 in almost every category, except for being a daily driver. If I did not have a child, I don't think I would have traded it in. Go back and test drive it again. If you are worried about gas mileage, then maybe a sports car is not for you. I could have gotten my next choice, an Inifinity G35 Sedan, but I wanted a sports car!!!!!

ATL-GP

+1 on that

SVgamer72

Yeah that was me on miata.net...

To answer some of the other posts in this thread..

Galpin: I was treated great at Galpin. We got there around 11am on Sunday morning, and the place was dead. I think we were the only people there and when I mentioned interest in the MS3 and RX-8 the salesmen jumped a the chance to show them too me. I am sure I can work a great deal with the current gas/economy situation. I have a local Mazda dealer here in Bakersfield, but they don't have the MS3. I will take my second RX-8 drive there this week after work sometime.

Evo/WRX: I will give them a test drive before making a final decision, but overall I an not a fan of the "boy-racer-ricer" image they have on the street. If I could get one with all the goodies and no wing/scoop/etc, I might be more interested. I have also heard that they are not as well balanced as the RX-8/MX-5.

Gas Mileage: I am not concerned. I want a sports car. I only get 20 in town with my MX-5, because I drive it hard all the time.

Other than too many sunburns and only holding 2 passengers I would rate the MX-5 as the perfect car.

Thanks for all the responses. I think I owe it to myself to drive the RX-8 again.

Socket7

I followed an MX5 down some twisty roads a couple of weekends ago as part of an auto clinic. While we were on public roads and couldn't go too wild (nor would I want to because I know next to nothing about race driving), I had no trouble keeping up with the MX5. I kept up so well that at the stop for lunch he said he was surprised I was able to keep up with a heavier car. I told him that it's a very quick car and well balanced (It certainly wasn't my awesome driving skills keeping up with him).

jzief128

iTrader: (1)

I just switched from an RX-8 to and MX-5, so I did the opposite of you. I find the manuverability and handling of the MX-5 to be better, but not that much better. Both handle extremly well, but the extra 500 lbs of the RX-8 can show at times (compared to the MX-5). The RX-8 is more composed over bumps/rough roads and is a far better in the "grand touring" department.

Around town, the MX-5 will feel quicker in lower gears, because of a better torque/HP to weight ratio. However, once you get on the highway or in high revs, the RX-8 is definitely faster. The DCS/TCS will limit your "fun" but cutting throttle at wheel slip or sliding, but it shouldn't make the car any slower on the street (on the track definitely).

The interior of the RX-8 is a step up, but many things are the same. One nice feature of the RX-8 over the MX-5 is that the radio display doesn't wash out in hot weather (LED vs. LCD). I know you state gas mileage isn't a factor, but mine increased from 18 overall to 28 with the MX-5. If you are only getting 20 with the MX-5. prepare for mid teens with the RX.

Overall, they are very similar cars (same suspension/platform) with very different engines and different goals (drop top roadster vs. 4 dr sports/gt car). I like them both.

delhi

There;s always the MINI S route. Just as tossable as the Miata despite FWD and has rear seats. OK, the rear seats are lame. Gas mileage is even better than the miata.

One thing you will miss is the open-top feeling. Cruising down a set of country road on a cool summer morning is bliss.

REsuperD

i'm rocking the mini cooper s right now. i've been wanting an rx-8 since i first saw the rx-evolv and i've recently seriously gotten into (again) thinking about replacing the mini w/ an 8 (i used to drive an fd) but every time i go out and see the mini i just couldn't get rid of it. i have an '04 w/ the john cooper works tuning kit that puts out 200hp at the front wheels. it really is an awesome little car and i've gotten as much as 35mpg on the highway on long trips! the rear seats are for occasional use only. small kids can sit back there but getting a baby in and out of the back would be painful. the car does handle exceptionally, especially for a fwd. there's also the clubman now that's slightly longer with more rear seat room and with a suicide door that'll help the kids getting in the back. and supposedly the clubman s handles pretty much as well as a regular s. would you consider those?

thanks for answering my question about galpin. they have an '08 sport that i may be interested in and they kept emailing me to come in

ShottsCruisers

I'm puzzled by this.

Yes, the Miata feels lighter (because it is) and that can give the driver the "feeling" of better handling.

True hot-shot handling though goes to the Rx8. You just "think" where you want it to go and what you want it to do and it does it.

I think you're "used to your Miata". If you drove an Rx8 for a few days and came across several situations where you could "drive/handle it" you'd update your post.

REsuperD

miatas are known to do that as well. it's definitely one of the best handling and funnest driving cars we have. and don't forget that 3rd gen miatas basically have a modified rx-8 chassis

delhi

that's the keywords. The chassis was designed around the Renesis for the RX-8. It was then as you say adapted for the MX-5.
The miata due to it's "small-sizedness" makes you feel faster than you are. The open-top atmosphere makes it more visceral.

I believe the JCW kit provides up to 206hp to the crank.
My buddy has an 08 Cooper S with turbo. It feels zippy. Parking is easy. It felt lower than my 8. And noisier.

ShottsCruisers

Very true........I cannot give a nod to the MX5 though. No way. That lighter rotary that gets tucked even more behind the front axle line sure improves the turn-in and turn-out of the car.

superglue

I can tell you first hand that the WRX will be a step backwards, especially if you go for an 08 model. They are powerful and fun, but they are no sports car. The boxer engine is great for internal balance and a lower center of gravity, but it also sits entirely in front of the front axles making it nose heavy. It's sporty enough for daily driving, but when pushed hard it will punish you with lots of understeer and some un-assuring body roll. It also has a "floaty" feeling in the suspension which is non-existent in the RX-8. However, that is in the WRX's nature. With it's long suspension travel and awkward rear suspension, it was designed to be punished on uneven road surfaces. It truley is a rally car for the road. The WRX can be modified to feel much more neutral, but an RX-8 feel more stable right off the show room floor.

The Evo.... never been in one but I have yet to hear anyone complain about how they handle when they're pushed to the limit. Although, with an Evo you're looking at forking out some more money for a new one. The RS starts at about $33K brand new, but a used one is another story.

Never been in an STI either, but it's pretty common to hear about how they also understeer at the limit. Again, these can be modified to feel more neutral, but it all depends on if you want to spend more money on an already pricey car. I also hear the 08 models have a slightly more numb steering feel and are harder to rotate when compared to the 04-07 years.


Just thought I'd throw that out there.

dynamho

I personally think the MX-5 is more fun to drive than the RX-8 on the street. My feeling is that you need a bit more room to stretch RX-8's legs.

ShottsCruisers

Did the MX5 owner not know that the Rx8 is Mazda's #1 performing sports car overall...the flagship? Why would an MX5 owner not expect to get passed by, by an Rx8. He's got it backwards.