So i when to the Mazda dealer to look at the new 8s which i do at least every 3 months. the salesman talked me it driving a 2010 speed3. it had lots of power and was roomy handled good. but i could feel the talked about torque steer when passing. and it can get 30mpg if i drove it right. however i love in love with mazda after i bought my 87 RX-7. which i refused to sell after the motor blew and it sat for a year. there is now a JDM motor in there. I love the rotary engine and rwd. but the rotary head in me is fighting with the guy who says that having a turbo and lots of storage space is good. I was wondering if anybody here has owned a mazdaspeed3 or has tried to compare the two?

 

IMO If you already have an Rx7 get the MS3.

 

I think the general consensus here would be to buy the RX8. It's a flagship model for a reason.

 

Rx8 R3 FTW

 

This should help you out.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/mazdaspeed3-vs-rx8-comparison-review-179928/

 

it did help a bit. i wish i drove the 8 again. i can remenber if the 8 has a driver info panel that tells you your gas mileage.

 

you just answered your own question - get the ms3

 

but i loves the rotary

 

^

If you have to ask, you cant afford it

And no, it doesnt come with one

 

if you're buying it new, get the ms3. i love the ms3, especially the new one. it's a real tough choice, but if you already have an fc, the ms3 would be a nice and wild daily driver

 

Depends if you over 25 or not.

 

i will be 24 in nov.

 

IMO they are totally different cars.

torquey hatchback = get the MS3
smooth sports car = get the 8

 

get both

 

New: 2010 MS3
Used: Previous MS3 or RX-8

Try driving both.

 

get the 8 fast fwds are a dime a dozen unless you cant afford $30 a week extra for gas or need fwd for snow

 

Get the MS3

 

Insurance purposes?

Or that whole Aussie talk going on?

 

Love all the mazda speeds, already turbocharged and easier to work on

 

Gee, they are two entirely different cars...front wheel drive against the 8's Rear Wheel Drive.

From a comfort and room factor IMO the 8 would win hands down..

If you are after a 0-60 weapon then the MS3 comes out in front.

Personally if I was going to buy either one brand new today I would still chose the Series 2 RX-8...there is nothing like the ownership of a Rotary, but you already know this...

Even though I really like the MS3 looks, the RX-8 is by far the better looker...

And do you like hatchbacks???

 

hatch backs are alright. IMHO i think i have to drive them back to back. sit them right next to each other crawl under them, push all the buttons. if the RX-8 had the power of the MS3 and was the same price i would go that way. if the MS3 had a Wankel and was RWD or AWD i would go that way. To me the main benefits the MS3 has is fuel economy, 4 full size doors. cheaper and cheap to insure. however it has FWD which i haven't driven as a daily driver in about 3 years. The 8 is a rotary which makes me smile all day. I love popping the hood and getting those confused looks followed by how many cylinders does it have. and replying with none, just to see there confused looks. well here the next question is the R3 worth it? i was going to go with a sport. i am not going to get a GT because for like $50 more i can get a R3

 

Im gonna go out on a limb and say in 20 yrs the 8 will still look good and be a cult classic like all RX7s are now. The MS3 will have its following like GTis or 323GTXs, but to my eye you can only make a hatchback attractive to a certain extent. Sounds like youve decided on an R3.

 

the one problem i have been seeing with the 8 is CAI and exhaust don't seem to get that much gain. other then car is louder because mazda made it so damn quiet. I also been wanting an RX8 since 04 when the TV ad 1st came out, then I got my FC fell in love with the engine and chassis. throttle responds

 

If you're comparing the two, then the speed3 is for you.

 

I have owned an RX8 for 3 years. I bought it new after owning a Saab 9-3, another turbo hatchback.

One thing that jumped at me when I made the switch was the lack of turbo kick more than compensated by what I expressed to myself as "precision". The car feels precise in so many different ways: steering, handling, shifting, throttle response, etc.

IMO, the lack of power compared to the MS3 is not a big deal but poor gas mileage is. I was finally able to hit 20 mpg after a trip involving 99% highway driving. If your commute is short, like mine, or you are OK paying more for gas get an RX8, otherwise get an MS3.