Test drove a European RX8!!!
10-06-2011, 02:23 AM
#1
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Test drove a European RX8!!!
Hey guys,
Currently I am studying in Europe. One of my friends wants to get an Rx8. So we found a a few.... LOL ....well two to be exact. One was really warn out and probably needed a new engine with only 75km on it.
The other had 50km and was like a dream. To be honest the suspension felt much more stiffer and the transmission was very tight. The Cutch was much harder too . The gear box did not grind at all in any gear. The car felt over all like a better built then what we get here in Canada. The real wheel fenders had extra molding for rust protection like the new mazda 3 get. Mind you this was a 2005 model too
..As for the power felt the same.
The car was from germany wonder if the germans had anyting to do with servicing this car to their liking. The car felt more solid over all and not so rattly and delicate as the 8's here ...I just wonder why????
btw was selling for 10 grand if I were to convert
Currently I am studying in Europe. One of my friends wants to get an Rx8. So we found a a few.... LOL ....well two to be exact. One was really warn out and probably needed a new engine with only 75km on it.
The other had 50km and was like a dream. To be honest the suspension felt much more stiffer and the transmission was very tight. The Cutch was much harder too . The gear box did not grind at all in any gear. The car felt over all like a better built then what we get here in Canada. The real wheel fenders had extra molding for rust protection like the new mazda 3 get. Mind you this was a 2005 model too
..As for the power felt the same.The car was from germany wonder if the germans had anyting to do with servicing this car to their liking. The car felt more solid over all and not so rattly and delicate as the 8's here ...I just wonder why????
btw was selling for 10 grand if I were to convert
10-06-2011, 04:29 AM
#2
Super Moderator
In your mind mate...plus the owners care/maintenance.
All RX-8's come out of the same Ujina Plant (Hiroshima).
All S1 Manual 6 speeds have the same Clutch and Transmission as does the S2 (changed Tranny).
As I said, all subjective and perhaps conditions??..
Perhaps Europe has better roads than Canada so it does not rattle to pieces.
Perhaps the owner is a fussy one, like avoids pot holes in the road (avoids hard shocks through suspension).
Even here in Australia at a Mazda dealer when you work in one you get to drive all sorts of Mazda's and owners cars, you can tell the fussy owners and those who use their car without the same degree or care.
Apart from Left or Right hand drive models and some difference in features/accessories, every other component or part or body panel (steel) and suspension parts are the same.
All RX-8's come out of the same Ujina Plant (Hiroshima).
All S1 Manual 6 speeds have the same Clutch and Transmission as does the S2 (changed Tranny).
As I said, all subjective and perhaps conditions??..
Perhaps Europe has better roads than Canada so it does not rattle to pieces.
Perhaps the owner is a fussy one, like avoids pot holes in the road (avoids hard shocks through suspension).
Even here in Australia at a Mazda dealer when you work in one you get to drive all sorts of Mazda's and owners cars, you can tell the fussy owners and those who use their car without the same degree or care.
Apart from Left or Right hand drive models and some difference in features/accessories, every other component or part or body panel (steel) and suspension parts are the same.
10-06-2011, 06:16 AM
#3
I think they might be set up differently for the American market, eg. Softer ride. Ok ow on top gear the did not like the 350z when they drove the American one but loved it when they got into the uk spec version. Also the hp ratings are different in the uk I believe they say it is 228 compared to the us 232. So maybe they are different?
10-06-2011, 06:28 AM
#4
I think they might be set up differently for the American market, eg. Softer ride. Ok ow on top gear the did not like the 350z when they drove the American one but loved it when they got into the uk spec version. Also the hp ratings are different in the uk I believe they say it is 228 compared to the us 232. So maybe they are different?
10-06-2011, 10:06 AM
#5
Couple of things -
The European spring rates are higher and the ride height is different.
The crash protection is different as well (making the car a tad lighter).
Most importantly - the tuning is actually waaaay different. Now, that isn't saying that it automatically has "X" more power, but it can play into the different driving experience if the motor is stout.
The European spring rates are higher and the ride height is different.
The crash protection is different as well (making the car a tad lighter).
Most importantly - the tuning is actually waaaay different. Now, that isn't saying that it automatically has "X" more power, but it can play into the different driving experience if the motor is stout.
10-06-2011, 01:56 PM
#6
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10-06-2011, 02:52 PM
#7
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Just a couple of myths...
The European and USA and Australian and Germany in fact ALL S1 RX-8's does not use any different Spring rates/shocks ...front or rear...or in any country.
The only changes are Normal or Sport Suspensions, so one has to really know the difference in the model RX-8 you are driving.. or supplying parts for.
The European RX-8 does not use any different Steel Panels than any other Series 1 apart from Bulk Head or Fire Wall for RH and or LH Drive.
See Mazda US Parts Dealer List for ALL S1 RX-8 Suspension Springs for Front and Rear RX-8's SOLD IN THE USA....exact same Part Numbers as Australia, UK, Germany, Spain....."Europe"...Left or Right Hand Drive.
BTW, the ONLY difference in weight are the "options" available for each country, more options more weight.
The European and USA and Australian and Germany in fact ALL S1 RX-8's does not use any different Spring rates/shocks ...front or rear...or in any country.
The only changes are Normal or Sport Suspensions, so one has to really know the difference in the model RX-8 you are driving.. or supplying parts for.
The European RX-8 does not use any different Steel Panels than any other Series 1 apart from Bulk Head or Fire Wall for RH and or LH Drive.
See Mazda US Parts Dealer List for ALL S1 RX-8 Suspension Springs for Front and Rear RX-8's SOLD IN THE USA....exact same Part Numbers as Australia, UK, Germany, Spain....."Europe"...Left or Right Hand Drive.
BTW, the ONLY difference in weight are the "options" available for each country, more options more weight.
Last edited by ASH8; 10-06-2011 at 02:55 PM.
10-06-2011, 03:00 PM
#8
I know for an absolute fact that the 2003/4 EUDM and USDM spring rates, suspension height and alignment specs are different.
I also know for a fact that the front and rear crash bars are different between the EUDM and the USDM vehicles.
I have had the opportunity to see/touch/measure/etc several totally stock EUDM vehicles.
Now, I am sure that there exists the possibility that there has been some rather intriguing hi-jinx with regards to parts numbers as I have also watched quite a bit of homologation going on over the last 4 years that has all been subverted in the catalogs.
I also know for a fact that the front and rear crash bars are different between the EUDM and the USDM vehicles.
I have had the opportunity to see/touch/measure/etc several totally stock EUDM vehicles.
Now, I am sure that there exists the possibility that there has been some rather intriguing hi-jinx with regards to parts numbers as I have also watched quite a bit of homologation going on over the last 4 years that has all been subverted in the catalogs.
10-06-2011, 03:13 PM
#9
Super Moderator
I don't CARE what you believe are..FACTs in regard to SPRINGS or SHOCKS they are the same, I am not going to bother to even post the PART NUMBERS of the Springs and shocks, exact same part numbers WORLD WIDE...see the US listing.
Yes front and rear Crash Bar is not the same,so, bumper cover is the same...yes, and so?
NO Hi-jinx at all, YOU have to have access to ALL Vin Numbers to actually correctly correspond what parts are fitted to what spec model of car, going by a MY YEAR does not always work.
Yes front and rear Crash Bar is not the same,so, bumper cover is the same...yes, and so?
NO Hi-jinx at all, YOU have to have access to ALL Vin Numbers to actually correctly correspond what parts are fitted to what spec model of car, going by a MY YEAR does not always work.
10-06-2011, 03:17 PM
#10
You aren't understanding what I said.
The parts numbers may certainly be the same - that is part of homologation.
The fact is that the first year cars in the markets that I have examined have different spring and dampening rates. This is not an arms-length assessment or based on Mazda figures or parts numbers.
The parts numbers may certainly be the same - that is part of homologation.
The fact is that the first year cars in the markets that I have examined have different spring and dampening rates. This is not an arms-length assessment or based on Mazda figures or parts numbers.
10-06-2011, 03:49 PM
#11
Super Moderator
And as I said, did you know what model RX-8's, ie, normal or sports or with or without sunroof..
As I said you don't get it..the OEM parts are the EXACT same from the same suppliers to the Japan FACTORY...for line production or parts distribution..to Country Distributor/Dealer/Buyer...THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE... provided you have the correct # (part) for the correct VIN (Car).
What an owner "may" have fitted after the event of manufacturer is another matter and subjected to too many variables.
WTF has homologation (motor-sport) got to do with this subject, if you are trying to say that a production quantity of a part may change/alter then yes, but again it also changes in car and for all regions depending on the production run for that region/country.
Any parts change has been documented and known by the factory well before car production and for parts / service reference (EPC, Manuals) info.
Just because a USA MY 05 has one OEM part at that time does not mean the Europe model has that same part at that exact time..but it will do when the next production run is done for that country...can be up to 9 month difference.
There is no ARMS length assessment, the different 'iterations' for all Series 1's are shown above.
This is a FACTUAL interpretation, not one of memory or history.
Can show you thousands of examples..complexities of cars made over the past 20 years means you have to use VIN numbers otherwise you are just guessing.
As I said you don't get it..the OEM parts are the EXACT same from the same suppliers to the Japan FACTORY...for line production or parts distribution..to Country Distributor/Dealer/Buyer...THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE... provided you have the correct # (part) for the correct VIN (Car).
What an owner "may" have fitted after the event of manufacturer is another matter and subjected to too many variables.
WTF has homologation (motor-sport) got to do with this subject, if you are trying to say that a production quantity of a part may change/alter then yes, but again it also changes in car and for all regions depending on the production run for that region/country.
Any parts change has been documented and known by the factory well before car production and for parts / service reference (EPC, Manuals) info.
Just because a USA MY 05 has one OEM part at that time does not mean the Europe model has that same part at that exact time..but it will do when the next production run is done for that country...can be up to 9 month difference.
There is no ARMS length assessment, the different 'iterations' for all Series 1's are shown above.
This is a FACTUAL interpretation, not one of memory or history.
Can show you thousands of examples..complexities of cars made over the past 20 years means you have to use VIN numbers otherwise you are just guessing.
10-06-2011, 04:32 PM
#12
Two in Denmark: 6-port, 6-speed with leather and a sunroof. Both completely stock (one was right off of the dealer floor). Both tested on a shock dyno as the suspension was being swapped for Bilsteins.
One in Germany: 6-port, 6-speed with cloth and no sunroof. Almost completely stock (exhaust and intake only). Tested on a different shock dyno as it was also swapped to MazdaSpeed.
I also have two other examples from Spain that I was not physically present to observe the testing that were the same as the German example.
In all five cases, the spring rates were 1.5k and .75k (F/R) higher than their counterpart in the USA. Dampener valving was also higher.
Measured ride height was 5mm lower.
One in Germany: 6-port, 6-speed with cloth and no sunroof. Almost completely stock (exhaust and intake only). Tested on a different shock dyno as it was also swapped to MazdaSpeed.
I also have two other examples from Spain that I was not physically present to observe the testing that were the same as the German example.
In all five cases, the spring rates were 1.5k and .75k (F/R) higher than their counterpart in the USA. Dampener valving was also higher.
Measured ride height was 5mm lower.
10-06-2011, 06:06 PM
#13
Super Moderator
There are 6 (SIX) different factory front and rear Shock only combinations for ALL Series 1 from 2003 start to end of 2005 prod, then no further production changes and includes the OE Bilsteins, plus a combination of 3 (Three) different front and rear Shock Springs for the above 6.
Or to simplify, 3 different Spring rates over 6 different Shock Absorber combinations for ALL Series 1 RX-8's made in the first 2.8 years of the 5 year Series 1 production cycle...for ALL Regions and Countries.
The PART NUMBERS are the same, so the PART IS THE SAME...
This is for OE, not aftermarket changes an owner may of performed.
UNLESS you have VINS to do a direct one on one comparison/cross match or even a matrix with the Struts and Springs (as an example), between any country (Germany, Denmark, Spain, Australia, USA, where-ever) to compare what part was installed on A particular VIN or RX-8.
Or to simplify, 3 different Spring rates over 6 different Shock Absorber combinations for ALL Series 1 RX-8's made in the first 2.8 years of the 5 year Series 1 production cycle...for ALL Regions and Countries.
The PART NUMBERS are the same, so the PART IS THE SAME...
This is for OE, not aftermarket changes an owner may of performed.
UNLESS you have VINS to do a direct one on one comparison/cross match or even a matrix with the Struts and Springs (as an example), between any country (Germany, Denmark, Spain, Australia, USA, where-ever) to compare what part was installed on A particular VIN or RX-8.
10-06-2011, 07:40 PM
#14
I think you guys are getting a little serious over this issue.
With absolutely no proof whatsoever I am going to side with MazdaManiac. I am a Brit that moved to the US I have noticed that all the care are built for comfort not for speed. In Endland we have corners and very winding roads with 60 MPH speed limit, most cars are setup with firmer suspension.
With absolutely no proof whatsoever I am going to side with MazdaManiac. I am a Brit that moved to the US I have noticed that all the care are built for comfort not for speed. In Endland we have corners and very winding roads with 60 MPH speed limit, most cars are setup with firmer suspension.
10-06-2011, 08:57 PM
#15
Super Moderator
Well my Brit mate a 'wild statement with no proof' as you said, and you are incorrect...
As I have said it ALL depends on which production period of RX-8 you are talking about..?
Otherwise you are really comparing ...say a green apple with a red one.
And as I have also said there are six OE Shock Absorber and 3 Spring combo's for Series 1 front -rear, up to end of 2005 production all were used at various production changes, only the later 3 sets of shock "iterations" were used from the start of 2006 up until the end of Series 1 production of April 2008...for all Countries*.
Unless you have access to and then experience to decipher this information you can not interpret this change and when...it is all guess work.
OP, perhaps you can notice some difference and perhaps I did not explain myself precisely enough, see later posts will explain more.
USA, Australia and Europe (UK) use the same Suspension Parts...in fact around 90% of all parts are shared with every other continent...just depends when and what date of manufacture to the changes which sometimes are subtle and other times more so, and LHD or RHD.
* Depends on exact production date run of manufacture which sometimes can be different between countries.
As I have said it ALL depends on which production period of RX-8 you are talking about..?
Otherwise you are really comparing ...say a green apple with a red one.
And as I have also said there are six OE Shock Absorber and 3 Spring combo's for Series 1 front -rear, up to end of 2005 production all were used at various production changes, only the later 3 sets of shock "iterations" were used from the start of 2006 up until the end of Series 1 production of April 2008...for all Countries*.
Unless you have access to and then experience to decipher this information you can not interpret this change and when...it is all guess work.
OP, perhaps you can notice some difference and perhaps I did not explain myself precisely enough, see later posts will explain more.
USA, Australia and Europe (UK) use the same Suspension Parts...in fact around 90% of all parts are shared with every other continent...just depends when and what date of manufacture to the changes which sometimes are subtle and other times more so, and LHD or RHD.
* Depends on exact production date run of manufacture which sometimes can be different between countries.
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