What did you drive before you got the RX-8?
Shifty Bastard.
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,835
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From: Melbourne, Australia.
Originally posted by takahashi
I better not say anything what you and Stevie Gomez drove before :D
I better not say anything what you and Stevie Gomez drove before :D
Gomez.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 212
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From: Sydney
An E46 BMW 325i with factory sport suspension, and before that a Golf VR6. The Bimmer still has to be the most complete sports SEDAN on the planet. An incredibly thoroughly developed car with essentially no serious flaws. The RX-8 is punchier, more agile, more characterful and much more involving. It steers and brakes better, and has better calibrated DSC. Interestingly the 8 rides better on really demanding roads. However its low speed ride refinement ( over road slab joints etc) is worse, as is the road noise. I also still have a suspicion that the Bimmer's handling of transitional body roll eg under dynamic left right cornering is superior. There's something about the way the Bimmer comes on and off roll that is pretty damn clever IMHO.
Build quality in the Bimmer was also, unsurprisingly, much better - particularly the interior build. BMW sells around 500,000 3 series every year, at a price premium of several thousand $$ relative to virtually any other car in the segment. So it's hardly surprising that they can afford more development time on things like interior fittings. A good example is the dashboard- in the Bimmer the entire dash, from windscreen through to the rear end of the centre console behind the gearshift, is cast in one, rattle-free, high quality foam backed piece. A truly amazing piece of production engineering. Compare this with the 8's dash which must consist of over twenty bits of plastic in various qualities fron very good to ...er...pretty dismal. Which do you think will be tighter after 100,000km?
Mazda quite rightly concentrated the available development funds for a 75,000 units per year vehicle on the core sports car virtues of suspension, steering, body weight, centre of gravity, and engine. The 8 packs a lot of pretty leading edge technology into a relatively inexpensive vehicle. It's also utterly unique ( something you coyuld never say about the E46!) and a wonderful drive. Four months down the track I'm seriously happy with my purchase decision, but I still have huge respect for the sheer breadth and quality of engineering that is today's E46 six cylinder...
Build quality in the Bimmer was also, unsurprisingly, much better - particularly the interior build. BMW sells around 500,000 3 series every year, at a price premium of several thousand $$ relative to virtually any other car in the segment. So it's hardly surprising that they can afford more development time on things like interior fittings. A good example is the dashboard- in the Bimmer the entire dash, from windscreen through to the rear end of the centre console behind the gearshift, is cast in one, rattle-free, high quality foam backed piece. A truly amazing piece of production engineering. Compare this with the 8's dash which must consist of over twenty bits of plastic in various qualities fron very good to ...er...pretty dismal. Which do you think will be tighter after 100,000km?
Mazda quite rightly concentrated the available development funds for a 75,000 units per year vehicle on the core sports car virtues of suspension, steering, body weight, centre of gravity, and engine. The 8 packs a lot of pretty leading edge technology into a relatively inexpensive vehicle. It's also utterly unique ( something you coyuld never say about the E46!) and a wonderful drive. Four months down the track I'm seriously happy with my purchase decision, but I still have huge respect for the sheer breadth and quality of engineering that is today's E46 six cylinder...
DSC Disabling Officer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 468
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From: Adelaide, Australia
1978 Toyota Cressida
1980 5 speed Madza 323
1979 5 speed Toyota Celica Liftback (this car
was indestructible - I ran it a year without oil. Simply
amazing what you could put is through)
1978 Honda Prelude
2000 Toyota Celica 6 speed (big jump)
2003 Mazda Rx8 6 speed
1980 5 speed Madza 323
1979 5 speed Toyota Celica Liftback (this car
was indestructible - I ran it a year without oil. Simply
amazing what you could put is through)
1978 Honda Prelude
2000 Toyota Celica 6 speed (big jump)
2003 Mazda Rx8 6 speed
Registered
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 89
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From: Victoria, Australia
Where are all you guys who drove the classics like my first car, 1977 Datsun 120Y, 3sp auto with kickdown switch, massive 13 inch rims, 3 inch exhaust system (custom made and fitted). Paid $500 for it!! Then I installed a $7500 stereo system in it including one of the first Alpine SatNav systems. (oh the intelligence we had when we were young!) 7 accidents later, $2000 cheque from insurance company - then got it repaired for $500 at another repairer, and then sold it three weeks later for $2200(and it was 1997) minus the stereo.
rock-->o<--hard place
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,242
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From: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Oh all right. The mention of classics has got me going
First car -- 1955 Hillman Minx -- brakes failed a couple of times and passenger floor fell out. It really was a ***** car!
Next car -- woo hoooo! -- Mk2 Cooper S which I worked on, including a rebore to 1,310 cc, hot cam, big Weber and extractors. The most fun car I have ever had (and I shudder to recall some of the things I did in it)
Then followed with a Golf GTI -- not underwhelming, but it never met my expectations after the Cooper. But girls would at least ride in it.
Around the same time I decided to do a bit of rallying, so bought an ex-Arthur Jackson Datsun 1600 -- again bored and stroked to 2.2L, 5 speed 240Z box and 240K diff. It was fun, but only on dirt and I don't recall it ever travelling in a straight line! :p :p :p No women would travel in it (that I ever found)
So, given the above, it is obvious about this time that a young man's thoughts turn to marriage and family, which is what happened, leading to a string of 626's from 1980 on.
With the arrival of third son, space became a serious issue. Wait for it -- I bought a Volvo but not just any Volvo -- the 740 Turbo (same as BVD, I hope). Much maligned, but one of the great (and seemingly invisible) point to point cars, especially with Bilstein shocks.
A foray into 4wd saw a Range Rover -- the least reliable car I have ever owned, and with a serious fuel drinking problem to boot -- I'd prefer a Hillman Minx
. Followed by a diesel Landcruiser. Several 323s in there, too.
Then 4 years living in Europe where I managed to borrow a range of cars whenever needed -- favourites includes VW Golf GTDi diesel and a BMW 320 diesel.
Arrived back, family empty nesting, so bought a 96 323 Astina hardtop (2L V6) -- a great car, which I sold when I bought the 8.
The 8 is a great car, which continues to exceed my expectations, but the Cooper S was just a constant ball of fun at the time. No, I will not buy another, even as a classic. You had to be young and very, very foolish
:p :D
First car -- 1955 Hillman Minx -- brakes failed a couple of times and passenger floor fell out. It really was a ***** car!
Next car -- woo hoooo! -- Mk2 Cooper S which I worked on, including a rebore to 1,310 cc, hot cam, big Weber and extractors. The most fun car I have ever had (and I shudder to recall some of the things I did in it)
Then followed with a Golf GTI -- not underwhelming, but it never met my expectations after the Cooper. But girls would at least ride in it.
Around the same time I decided to do a bit of rallying, so bought an ex-Arthur Jackson Datsun 1600 -- again bored and stroked to 2.2L, 5 speed 240Z box and 240K diff. It was fun, but only on dirt and I don't recall it ever travelling in a straight line! :p :p :p No women would travel in it (that I ever found)
So, given the above, it is obvious about this time that a young man's thoughts turn to marriage and family, which is what happened, leading to a string of 626's from 1980 on.
With the arrival of third son, space became a serious issue. Wait for it -- I bought a Volvo but not just any Volvo -- the 740 Turbo (same as BVD, I hope). Much maligned, but one of the great (and seemingly invisible) point to point cars, especially with Bilstein shocks.
A foray into 4wd saw a Range Rover -- the least reliable car I have ever owned, and with a serious fuel drinking problem to boot -- I'd prefer a Hillman Minx
. Followed by a diesel Landcruiser. Several 323s in there, too.Then 4 years living in Europe where I managed to borrow a range of cars whenever needed -- favourites includes VW Golf GTDi diesel and a BMW 320 diesel.
Arrived back, family empty nesting, so bought a 96 323 Astina hardtop (2L V6) -- a great car, which I sold when I bought the 8.
The 8 is a great car, which continues to exceed my expectations, but the Cooper S was just a constant ball of fun at the time. No, I will not buy another, even as a classic. You had to be young and very, very foolish
:p :D
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 221
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From: between Sydney and Brisbane
Starting on the bottom, 1977, and hopefully progressing...
MG Magnette
VW 1500, which I metamorphosed into a
Beach Buggy
Lagonda 3 litre drophead (still have)
Peugeot 404
Triumph 2000
Lancia Beta coupe
BMW 3.0 cs (still have)
Range Rover
Fiat 130 coupe
BMW 635 csi
Range Rover (some people never learn)
de Tomaso Longchamp
Mazda 929
BMW 735i
Citroen BX 16valve
Subaru svx
Subaru wrx (first-ever new car)
Alfa 156 new
WRX new
WRX sti new
rx8 (still have)
plus numerous ute and 4wd workhorses.
Glancing back over the list, I realise that the early 80's Mazda 929 was the only one without personality and for which I hold no fondness.
(Over the long week-end we had friends up, in the building industry, who have owned and lived in 25 houses in their 28 years of marriage !)
MG Magnette
VW 1500, which I metamorphosed into a
Beach Buggy
Lagonda 3 litre drophead (still have)
Peugeot 404
Triumph 2000
Lancia Beta coupe
BMW 3.0 cs (still have)
Range Rover
Fiat 130 coupe
BMW 635 csi
Range Rover (some people never learn)
de Tomaso Longchamp
Mazda 929
BMW 735i
Citroen BX 16valve
Subaru svx
Subaru wrx (first-ever new car)
Alfa 156 new
WRX new
WRX sti new
rx8 (still have)
plus numerous ute and 4wd workhorses.
Glancing back over the list, I realise that the early 80's Mazda 929 was the only one without personality and for which I hold no fondness.
(Over the long week-end we had friends up, in the building industry, who have owned and lived in 25 houses in their 28 years of marriage !)
Thread Starter
RX-8 wannabe no more
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 233
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From: Brisbane, Sunny Queensland, Australia
Very interesting replys - thanks all.
I was surprised to see quite a few people moving up from fairly "ordinary" cars, with fewer sports/performance trade-ins than I imagined.
I was surprised to see quite a few people moving up from fairly "ordinary" cars, with fewer sports/performance trade-ins than I imagined.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 112
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2001 sep-------->honda prelude------->2001 oct Lexus IS200------>
2001 nov-------->Lexus IS300------->2002 sep Nissan Silvia S15 JDM(full mod to 400hp.....216kw)--------->2003 sep Mazda RX8..RED......have mod....(hlaf way) sooner reace 300hp.....looking forward to!!!
2001 nov-------->Lexus IS300------->2002 sep Nissan Silvia S15 JDM(full mod to 400hp.....216kw)--------->2003 sep Mazda RX8..RED......have mod....(hlaf way) sooner reace 300hp.....looking forward to!!!
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 782
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From: Sydney, Australia
88 - S12 RX-3............. (74 model)
93 - FA RX-323w..........(85 model)
97 - JC Cosmo.............(91 model)
98 - HC Luce...............(87 model)
01 - FD RX-7...............(00 model)
02 - JC Cosmo.............(95 model)
03 - FE RX-8...............(03 model, order cancelled)
Every car I have ever bought (for personal driving) has been rotary powered. Even the little 12A EFI powered RX-323 wagon........
93 - FA RX-323w..........(85 model)
97 - JC Cosmo.............(91 model)
98 - HC Luce...............(87 model)
01 - FD RX-7...............(00 model)
02 - JC Cosmo.............(95 model)
03 - FE RX-8...............(03 model, order cancelled)
Every car I have ever bought (for personal driving) has been rotary powered. Even the little 12A EFI powered RX-323 wagon........
Registered
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 326
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From: Auckland, New Zealand
My Cars
79' SA22 13B PP RX-7 (SOLD)
87' FC3S 13B-RE Turbo RX-7 GTR (CRASHED AT PUKEKOHE)
91' FC3S 13B-RE Stage 2 Extended Port Turbo RX-7 LM Edition (SOLD)
92' FD3S 13B-REW Stage 2 Extended Port Twin Turbo RX-7 Type R
74' RX-4 Sedan 13B (FOR SALE)
90' BG 323 GTX 1800 Turbo 4WD (FOR SALE)
Currently in stock
02' Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type B (7,000km)
00' Mazda RX-7 RZ Limited
00' Mazda RX-7 RS
99' Mazda RX-7 RS ( NZ's Best FD RX-7 03')
03' Mazda RX-8 6-Speed Yellow(9,000km)
03' Mazda RX-8 Auto Titanium(4,000km w/ Bodykit)
04' Mazda RX-8 6-Speed Titanium w/ Red Leather (Brand New)
79' SA22 13B PP RX-7 (SOLD)
87' FC3S 13B-RE Turbo RX-7 GTR (CRASHED AT PUKEKOHE)
91' FC3S 13B-RE Stage 2 Extended Port Turbo RX-7 LM Edition (SOLD)
92' FD3S 13B-REW Stage 2 Extended Port Twin Turbo RX-7 Type R
74' RX-4 Sedan 13B (FOR SALE)
90' BG 323 GTX 1800 Turbo 4WD (FOR SALE)
Currently in stock
02' Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type B (7,000km)
00' Mazda RX-7 RZ Limited
00' Mazda RX-7 RS
99' Mazda RX-7 RS ( NZ's Best FD RX-7 03')
03' Mazda RX-8 6-Speed Yellow(9,000km)
03' Mazda RX-8 Auto Titanium(4,000km w/ Bodykit)
04' Mazda RX-8 6-Speed Titanium w/ Red Leather (Brand New)
- Senior Menber -
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 556
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From: Melbourne,AU
FD RX-7
http://www.turtle.net.au/rx7/
http://www.turtle.net.au/rx7/
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 50
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From: Melbourne
1998 - '85 Mitsubishi Magna
1999 - '99 Honda Civic Black
2001 - '01 Honda S2000
2004 - '04 Mazda RX8
$1,650 for my insurance (business) with GIO, 26 y/o rating 1, lifetime protection, agreed $63k value.
1999 - '99 Honda Civic Black
2001 - '01 Honda S2000
2004 - '04 Mazda RX8
$1,650 for my insurance (business) with GIO, 26 y/o rating 1, lifetime protection, agreed $63k value.