spork

I like wannahave's and Ike's break down.

Since most people have given good pros and cons to each car here, I'll just go thru the reason I got my 8. First off, I've always liked the way it looked and it was the car I wanted to get from the start. But...

I eliminated the Z, S2000 because they were 2 seaters.

I eliminated the EVO, STi, WRX because I think they're ugly. They're starting to grow a bit on me (I thought the EVO looked better, but now I'm starting to think the STi isn't that bad) but they're still not good looking IMO. I was totally willing to give up the performance for a little higher "class". I wanted something that people in general would say "this is a nice car" instead of having only racers and people who know cars saying "this is a nice car".

I eliminated the G35 because two of my friends had them. If you have different cars, you can trade for a while and it's kinda like having two cars.

The 8 was uncommon and unique (rotary plus suicide doors). Sadly though the 8 is pretty damn popular now. I see them all over where I live (which is pretty much close to where you live). Too many people with nice cars here.

cas2themoe

I dont know about that, even if the numbers show it. I live in Maryland and I see a hell lot more of EVO's and STI's than I see of the RX8. I may see 2-3 EVO's and STI's to every 1 RX8.

MI_FamilyMan

Ike, I guess I think you were pretty accurate in your assessment of all the vehicles although I question the "questionable reliability" of the 8. Is there any reason to think that the 8 is any less reliable than any of the other cars? I don't think that should come into play here.

If it were me, I would drop the S2K only because I couldn't own a convertible in Michigan. Otherwise it would be a tough choice between the rest. Probably drop the EVO because of Mitsubishi's woes, and if I took the 8 out of the equation, I would choose the STi because of the AWD unless the G35 comes with an AWD option (it would have to be the 298 hp version).

Ike

I said questionable reliability because it's a new platform, the history of the rotary, and also to a lesser degree because of the Consumer Reports rating (which I've always found to be pretty accurate). In this group you have 4 engines that have been around in one form or another and been rather reliable for over a decade, then you have the Renesis. I guess saying the reliability is a question mark would have conveyed the point I was trying to make better than questionable reliability.

The G35 does have an AWD option but only in the Sedan, and then I think it might only be available with the AT.

MI_FamilyMan

OK, Ike I can see where your coming from on that remark.. I sure hope I don't start seeing any "I just blew up my Renesis" threads any time soon. I am pretty confident that the car will hold up well.

And if the G35 coupe doesn't come with AWD, I guess the STi wins! I just am not a big fan of the styling.

Ike

There have been plenty of bad engines, in fact they ran out of their surplus in North America a few months after the car was released, but that discussion is for another thread :p

czr

iTrader: (3)

Get an 8 slap a turbo on it. It won't be "gutless" anymore (that was harsh Ike. you are on an 8 forum here :p ) and you'll have the best of all worlds; looks, power, handling, feel for under $35k.

rowteree

Greddy turbo out right now makes it compete with the rest of the bunch but wont necessarily pull away from them. You'll still be behind the Sti and be competing with the evo but no doubt you'll dust the g35 and s2k. Power isnt everything I just wanted to point this out.

SuPerHerO::tOnY

LOL damm thanks for input guys. my last question would be... WHICH IS BEST FOR INSURANCE?!

Rhawb

Hm, not sure about all the other cars, but the RX isn't classified as a sports car by a lot of companies, so it's probably going to be the cheapest (mine went up about $100 per 6mos from a Protege5).

SuPerHerO::tOnY

well i drive an audi a4 1996 quattro manual, how much would any of these cars higher it by?

rodrigo67

insurance depends on the state you live in, but my insurance classified my 8 as a four door sedan with a 1.3 liter eng. I pay less insurance then my wifes minivan...

SpeedSeraph

Why not consider the Legacy as well or the Acura RL... I mean I know they weren't on your consideration list but coming from the A4 Quattro it seems these cars might be ones you would look at. Both of them are quite refined, you don't see them EVERYWHERE, and AWD. Sure the prices are maybe not what you're looking at but I'd still take a test drive if I were you =) Good luck with it!

SuPerHerO::tOnY

-.- RL is like 50 thousand MORE. im only willing to spend 30,000 on my next car. and for legacy, it is alright but it doesnt make me go crazy and want to show off. legacy to me is just a sedan thats a bit tuned other thne that *vomit*

Gambit

Did you check out the inside of the legacy...I was lookin at one at the car show...they are damn nice inside

SpeedSeraph

the legacy is nice, and too bad we don't get the legacy STi over here... then you'd have a different view of it I'm sure

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/fe...cc_tengreat09/

Rhawb

Er, don't they actually call it the Legacy B4, or is that a whole different trim level?

KC_Prelude

EVO- Incredibly great car but its still an ugly econosedan and simply does not look right from the rear angles. Plus Mitsubishi is a much shittier company than most as far as dealer support and overall quality of the purchase experience and warranty work. Basically you dont want to buy a new mitsu especially now and there will never be rebates on an evo. At the end of the day its a debatably attractive (you look like a F&F wannabe everywhere you go) 4 door sedan with lots of turbo boost.

STI- This one is tougher because the STI is a better all around daily car than the evo but still its fairly ugly and you only want it cause its got turbo and its fast.

s2000 - convertible, nuff said.

g35 - generic and heavy, there are a billion of these on the road.

The only reason you are even interested in the first 2 (other than practicality) is they are horribly fast. You really want the 8 you just want it to be faster. So why not give it more power somewhere down the line in the form of a turbo or supercharger or nitrous or whatever you want? The point is the 8 has a beautiful body and interior that you enjoy everyday you drive it, superior seating position and cockpit feel, and better overall driving experience (fun of rwd vs awd) compared to all those other cars and its got a freakin ROTARY the purest street racing motor that exists.

SuPerHerO::tOnY

what is the highest power yu can tune the rx8 to? so far greddy turbo SUCKS and there are like no other turbos xcept re-ameniya but thats for auto. its so depressing to see rx8 lack parts. if the rx7 came out the same time, by now rx7 have lke 10 different turbos!!

KC_Prelude

The parts will come my son, you must be patient. I have no doubt that 300 rwhp turbo RX-8's will be fairly common in the near future. Enjoy the N/A reliability for a while and then when the time is right you can buy all the apex seals you want.

Gambit

When a car first comes out the market will not be flooded with parts because

1. They have to be designed, built, and tested
2. Not many people have the car yet and there will be less of a market to sell to


I know spelling and grammar are hard, but if you just put a little effort into it, it makes you look much more coherent and it's easier for everyone to read.

SpeedSeraph

No, the Impreza has and always will be known as an Impreza and under no other alias.

The Legacy was also released in it's own STi, skin... as you know STi is subaru's performance company much like Mugen is to Honda, SVT is to Ford, RalliArt is to Mitsubishi, Nismo is to Nissan, TRD is to Toyota etc. etc. etc... Subaru Technica International has released it's version of not only the Impreza WRX, but the Legacy and Forrester as well.

Take a look for yourself :

http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/parts.html

Here is the Legacy STi page:

http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/parts/bl...acy/index.html

AbusiveWombat

It's not that simple to throw a turbo/super charger on an engine that was originally designed to be NA. You're taking a very big gamble of destroying your engine and breaking your drivetrain by introducing 1.5-2x the power. Certainly not something I would want to deal with, especially with the sketchy background of prevously boosted rotories.

As an EVO owner I'll tell you my likes and dislikes:

Likes:
- power
- AWD
- One of the most tuner friendly cars with loads of reliable power waiting to be uncorked.
- Seats. Some of the best seats I've ever sat in.
- Steering. The steering really gives this car a light, go-kart feel.
- Great driver feedback.
- practical. I was able to easily fit my Dad (6'0") shotgun and my father-in-law (6'5") right behind him. You can't do that with any of the other cars listed. This car also has a nice big trunk.
- standard DIN stereo. The RX8 and G35 are stuck with OEM stereos...hope they're good.
- visability. Other than the obstruction out the rear due to the wing, there are very small blind spots in this car.
- AWD launch. Closest thing to an aircraft carrier launch I'll ever get.

Dislikes:
- cheap paint. The paint is very thin so if you do go with the EVO I would suggest white or silver as they will not show swirl marks as much. If you're a great detailer and used great products then this won't be a big problem at all.

I've had my EVO for 26k miles and haven't had a single problem. The car has been more reliable than my wife's Mazda 6 which was purchased at the same time. No clutch issues to everyone dismay.

If I had to do it again, it would probably come down to the STi and EVO. My only problem with the STi is the rear end. I hate the way you see all the junk under the car and it only looks worse when you add a 3" exhaust. But I love that boxer rumble.

Like someone said earlier, you can't go wrong with any one of these cars. Each has it's strengths and weaknesses. I picked the EVO because I put a lot more value on performance than looks or luxery.

KC_Prelude

I guess there is just something that appeals to me about driving such an exotic car no matter how fast it is.