2005 G35/350z HP increase and what it means for the RX8/RX7: putting it all together - Page 4

Jul 28, 2004 | 10:58 PM

#76

T.T.

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From: No. VA

Why is everyone concerned about horsepower? Handling is this car's strong point. I've always thought of horsepower as a crutch for poor driving skills (unless you're drag racing). The fact that this car can keep up with, and beat in some circumstances, the Z and G35 means that Mazda's doing the right thing. I would be happy with more chassis tuning. In my opinion, horsepower is one of the last things they should be worrying about. I guess the average consumer doesn't care about all of this, oh well.

Jul 28, 2004 | 11:42 PM

#77

Skyline Maniac

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That's very true, especially since the Integra Type R beat the RX-8 in the Best Motoring video with less horsepower. A Lotus Elise would handily beat any of these cars with only 180hp, and a motorcycle with puny horsepower can beat some auto monsters.

Jul 29, 2004 | 01:18 AM

#78

shelleys_man_06

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From: NorCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyline Maniac

It's called power-to-weight ratio

Jul 29, 2004 | 11:27 PM

#79

T.T.

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From: No. VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyline Maniac

I think you missed the point. All the things you mention are examples of good power-to-weight ratios. I do think decreasing the weight of the 8 should be a priority though.

Jul 29, 2004 | 11:43 PM

#80

shelleys_man_06

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From: NorCal

An effective way to reduce the weight of the car is to turn the RX-8 into a coupe (4th gen. RX-7?). That may not happen for a long time. I believe the RX-8 fared quite well against these powerful, lightweight cars. If there were a modern version of the FD3S in the mix, I believe it would've at least achieved 2nd place

Jul 30, 2004 | 10:51 AM

#81

doubleohsmurf

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From: Hurlburt Air Field FL, Richland WA, Spokane WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by murix

In terms of power compared to competitors, every RX-7 made has been underpowered including the 3rd gen. The 3G was 255 when its competitors were pushing 320. What makes this any different. HP has never been the selling point of a rotary. Again, if hp is your thing, this is the wrong car. I do not really think Mazda is too concerned. Did you see them too concerned with the Miata when all the new more powerful competitors appeared? Not too much. Mazda has never been a company to compete on hp alone.

no not really. the last rx-7s reliably made from 280 up, and the STOCK competitors coming out were at the same level. the rx always weighed the least though, so it always had the better power to weight ratio. horsepower (not torque) has always been a rotary highlight because it offers high hp for low displacement and size. look at the rx-2,3, repu. they were ahead of competitors all along. rx-7 wasnt underpowered, it was at the same level of performance with less power, meaning the rx-7 was more advanced.