had a chat with a mate of mine not long ago... while I was driving the 8. i was asked what's the difference between the 8 and my last car (ie. chipped & zorsted Audi TT Coupe) & is the 8 a better car overall?

i thought for awhile and here's the answer:

Where 8 is better:
- relatively a new car on the market
- exterior appearance
- has 4 doors
- better/newer engine (i think...)
- engine sound
- drives well
- will probably have more aftermarket items for it

Where the TT is better:
- the built quality (the sound of door close - solid!)
- prestige name brand
- lighter
- small enough to be able to get around quick in busy traffic
- user interface: gives more info ie. outside temp/average fuel per 100km/distance to fuel empty etc.
- slight better interior layout.
- better fuel economy (even after chip & zorst)

On Par:
- comfort: seating position & steering feel
- sporty
- attention

Conclusion:
Even though sometimes I do miss driving the TT (had to 15 months), but the 8 feels like a better car overall (ie. both sporty & practical). I like the 8 more because it drives well, sounds great and it is still relatively rare on the street.

So..... how about you guys?

eric

 

Well my 1st & last car was a 1984 Red Laser.

The Downs on the laser:

* **** Interior
* Heap Of **** Engine
* Crap Steering
* I could name a 1000 other things.

The Ups on the laser:

Scratch proof ( i mean when some1 scratched it, or bumped into it, they damaged their car not mine)


Driving both shows me that the RX-8 is slighty better.

 

Well I am comparing my Honda Integra Type R (99') DC2 to the RX-8

The downs of the ITR DC2:
Uncomfortable bumps. Hard suspension.
Noisy as hell.
You can hear everything outside (no noise damper).
No cruise control.
Less torque at lower end
195 x 15" wheel.
No point modding this car
Boring Dash Panel

Up on the ITR DC2:
Less body roll.
Much lighter car.
Better feeling steering wheel (leather MOMO - stock).
No need to warm up
I never check the dipstick


The same/On par:
Handling - I think the RX-8 will have a nudge better if the suspension is just a touch stiffer to reduce bodyroll... but when fanging the car it is not noticable.

I love my RX-8 although... especially my wife and mum

 

Old car - 1999 MX5 (now my wife's so I can still drive it):

MX5 better:
Gear shift - still a joy to get use
small - easier to throw around on narrow hills roads
convertible - ahh the beautiful autumn weather
air con - keeps inside cool when stinking hot outside

RX8 better:
super smooth engine
flat through bends
4 doors, 4 seats
cruise control
leather seats

(traded a 1992 commodore in on the RX8, it was not better anywhere)

 

No comparisons what so ever, my last ride was a 2002 Dakota Pick up. How could anyone compare these two vehicles?

 

Old car was a 2002 Honda Accord EX V6.

Honda was 100% reliable
Better gas mileage
Easier to get in/out
Bigger trunk
long lasting tires
better heat/air
Auto transmission leaves hands free for drinks
almost invisible to police
almost invisible to anybody

Rx-8 is just plain fun to drive. I drive rural country roads in my job and the RX-8 is quick and effortless. Exhilarating. I have averaged 20mpg in 3500 miles since I got it, the air is very adequate and it hasn't flooded. Though I always prefer to move about town as unobtrusively as possible, I will just have to live with the attention it attracts.

RX-8 is better. No comparison.

 

Battle of the "RX's". What to say?

Lexus RX-300

Baby carriage handling
Great outward visibility
$hit for tires (cheap balloons)
EXcellent stereo/CD
Long haul sofa seats (good for trips)
Truck-like ride on rough surfaces
Unsafe feeling at any speed (except straight ahead)
Good stoplight to 40mph acceleration
Loved by my wife

RX-8

292 less "RX's" (saves on weight!)
Bose stereo disappointing
Excellent handling, road and steering feel
No climate control, auto headlight control
Limited A/C capacity
Great cockpit
Has tons of class, but not snob appeal
Sound is intoxicating
Everything else is better that comes to mind
Not driven by my wife (6spd - heehee!)

 

My old car was a 3000gt

Turboed, modified, handles like a dream on koni's.
4 wheel drifter. Was my dream car growing up.
Becoming impractical with new modifications.

RX8
Has 4 doors
Can fit 3000GT block in boot
Great parts carrier
Great tow car

For me the RX8 was a nice sports car that I could drive anyway without getting nailed by the cops.

But not modifying it is hard

 

I had a Audi TTQ as a previous car also...

I'll give the Audi higher points for efficiency of design and quality of components, but it's fit and finish wasn't where it should have been.

I still felt like the Audi was an A3 with and new skin and interior... was the S3 really the better car ... probably was in all practical terms.

The RX8 has a unique engine, chassis, body format and character. It's handling and performance are very good, but not great (add aftermarket bits here).

I'd be interested to see what the specification of the RX8 would have been if it had been targeted at the same price point as a high spec TT in Oz. Would it have had more power?, sequential gearbox?, higher quality interior? integrated onboard computer and entertainment?


*** btw, why on earth doesn't the RX8 have the little roof rack mounts the mazda6 has??? Hmmm!!! ***