samurai_luu

Is it me or does the performance dyno of a Civic SI match or exceeds that of the RX-8? (Peaks at 180hp and 135ft-lbs) The parasitic losses of the RX-8 drive train puts these cars on par, however the difference is the Civic SI weighs less.

The new Civic SI puts up good numbers and it's light on it's feet. They both rev high, though the RX-8 has a slight advantage. I'm curious who would do better in an autox match?

I'm not saying that these cars drive the same, and I haven't tested the Civic SI myself but is the Rotary engine is showing its age. I personally prefer the styling of the RX-8, but I feel like Mazda has to up the ante. Bear in mind that te Civic is several thousands less in cost (+$10,000 in Canada), so Mazda has a lot of work to do in its next release.

Has any test driven the new Civic SI and had the urge to switch?

chickenwafer

iTrader: (9)

The rotary is showing it's age? You know that the RX-8 has the Renesis Wankel, right? It's an all-new rotary engine design. Not to mention the rotary is new technology compared to the piston engine.
The RX8 has a much smoother power delivery. The Si's power is all up top. Plus, the RX-8 is RWD and handles better.
I test drove the last generation Si hatchback (with the rally-mounted shifter) and I can say with confidense that it didn't feel nearly as fast (or fun) as my 8. Of course I know the new Si has more power.
I also don't think they dyno at 180-fwhp stock. Seems a bit high- only 17-hp lost? Well, it is FWD.....
Bottom line is the RX8 is a more capable chassis than the Si and I would put my money on the 8 (drivers being equal)

Oh yeah, interesting first post. You wouldn't be a troll, would you?

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

I drove in a female friends Civic SI and it has a very weird interior, strange dash and feels like the front wheel drive, oversteer dominant, econo box that it looks like.

playdoh43

while one of the better handling front wheel drive cars out there, i doubt it'd out handle the rx8 despite the weight difference

Transam kid 01

iTrader: (1)

Drove my friends new SI, it turns well for a FWD car...but felt sluggish

Skiptomylue

yesa.. they dyno that high... just becusae it says its 197hp.. they lied!
Just like the Fbodies.. you know the Ls1 Ta and maro were rated at like 320 hp but dynoed about 320.... and it was rwd... yea.. they lied too

dillsrotary

whats with all the rx8 vs. threads lately?

Transam kid 01

iTrader: (1)

they were rated 305 and dynoed at 285....unless you are talking about late 4th gen WS6/SS which were rated and 325 and dynoed at around 295

I have never heard of a stock F-Bod dynoing that high...

VikingDJ

Well, I agree in a way about the rotary engine showing it's age. It appears that way because of how advanced piston engines have become. It's not really true, but the rotary has not turned the corner yet regarding gas mileage and reliability, and the only way to make it really fast is to use forced induction, which will make it unreliable long term.

I don't really see why someone would switch from an RX8 to a Civic SI, unless reliability, and practicality were a factor. From an enthusiast standpoint, there really is no comparison. Yes, the Civic SI is competitive performance wise with the RX8, but it's just a totally different car. I think an S2000 would make more sense if you gonna compare the two. That car while being rated at nearly the same specs, puts out more hp, is lighter, handles better, and is more reliable. The only thing that give the RX8 an advantage is the room, comfort, and practicality. I also think the RX8 is sexier, but that's subjective. Honda could build an RX8 killer if they wanted to. However, it would cost a fortune.

Phantom Menace

The Civic Si is a nice car, no doubt. Fully modified, Si's are formidible cars. However, you cannot look at numbers and judge which would be better in any context, much less auto-x. A good driver in a Yugo would spank some others in a "better" car for auto-x'es. If you were talking quarters, then thats just basicall stomp and go--but auto-x takes much more skill than it does a "better" car.

I think the RWD of the 8 would prove better for an average guy or for the same driver. Also, the Renesis is far from old, it's new for the 8. If you fall back to "rotary engines, in general" then I'd say, piston engines are far older...

I'm not an Auto-X'er but have read that 8's, generally, dominate the sport. The Si while lithe in it's own right just isn't in the same class as an 8, performace or otherwise...

2 cents.

peterisurhero

8 > civic si

CarAndDriver

The Civic Si wasn't even included against the MS3 comparo they had in this month's Car And Driver--that should say everything.

Ike

Eaxcatly! It says they didn't get an SI for the test...

CarAndDriver

I'd get a GTI or a Mini Cooper S over a Civic Si anyday.

GULAMAN

well, the 8 doesn't dominate the sport, but it does dominate SCCA B-Stock, which is a pretty decent accomplishment in itself. the Si is in G-Stock, and it doesn't even dominate that...the Mini Cooper S does. C, D, E, and F-Stock are all intermediate classes between the two. that being said, the Si is still a pretty decent ride.

chickenwafer

iTrader: (9)

+1 on that.

Mini Cooper S' are the ****. Especially the new ones- turbo! And they handle pretty good. Plus, the aftermarket is finally starting to emerge for it some people have laid down some pretty impressive numbers from that little 1.6 4 banger.

termigni

I'll take VW GTI DSG. thankyouverymuch. haveaniceday

BlueEyes

integra type-r?

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

No matter what you call it, or how much power it makes, it is still a Civic. And for that reason alone, I'll pass.

No More Oldsmobiles

The b@st@rds!

CarAndDriver

Not even in production anymore. NEXT.

dmp

Oooh!! ooh!! I'd rather get a Veyron!! yeah!!

:-/

lesper4

iTrader: (3)

i just figured out what a troll is, lol

CarAndDriver

Took you long enuff!

samurai_luu

Interesting comments, I wish they do come out with a new Rx-8! For now, I think the only car that would tempt me within my budget is a MS3, but a last, it's not a RX-8.