blackenedwings

Well it wasn't a new 911 turbo or anything, it was a restored 944 turbo... but it had coilovers dialed in by a pro shop and corner balanced, and every moving part on the car is new pretty much including transmission, turbo, exhaust, and rebuilt engine. It is by far the nicest 944 I've seen... that being said it could probably turn tighter corners without body roll than my RX-8, but it didn't feel as responsive or connected as my 8. ...its hard to explain actually, but something about the 8 just makes me feel like it's connected to me. I know exactly where the car is going and I can feel the surface of the road without being pummelled to death by it. The Tein springs made a big difference for this actually.

Now one of the reasons the 944 I borrowed handled so well is the engine is a boxer 4-cylinder mounted in the front with a turbo, low curb weight, and it's short. I have not driven a 911 with the engine hanging off behind the rear axle. I hear it's a whole different beast that takes some getting used to and a lot of skill to master.

Minotavr

I see. Well, if you say that aftermarket springs make such a difference I may consider changing mine. But even with the stock ones, when I drive on a bumpy road the noises I hear make me feel like my 8 is going to break in two. And also my brains, kidneys, liver, you name it.

blackenedwings

If you think the OEM springs are harsh do not get aftermarket springs. The Tein S. Tech's I have took me (and my spine) a bit of getting used to because they are much stiffer.

Senna

Ya, keep the stockers or you'll likely be miserable!!

Minotavr

Damn, I wish I lived in a country where you don't encounter holes in the road every 100 m !

Speaking of witch, I think if I put on my girl's Fiesta some stiffer sprins along with a front strut bar I can help that poor thing to corner better...

wantan8

"Less Fast, More Furious"

Genius. That is exactly how I would describe an RX8.

wantan8

This should be on the website signature.

There are no other words to describe the 8 than that.

Tayninh

Had a 79 Fiesta and it was the best car I ever had. Cheap and great fwd little car that tracked well in the snow. It was basic no air, roll up windows just plain basic. One day going to work on Sunday and sunny a lady cut me off with her big Pontiac Grand Prix something. Looked like a Sherman tank and my Fiesta lost all its windows, my head tried to exit the metal top (big dent) and folded up which was a total lost. Damage to Pontiac? Scratch on the bumper. Took the insurance money and it would not even buy a used one and even an older one. It was a sound car, 4 speed on the floor and took me just about everywhere.

Had a 75 Volkswagon Rabbit and that was the worst car ever! It spent more time in the shop then driving it which was a risky venture. Long list of issues. After I traded it in only having it for 5 months, a total recall was called on the car. Go figure. That was my first and last Volkswagon ever.

Now pitting a Fiesta against an RX is kind of like putting a Chevette against a race car so its not comparison. Still the RX for what it cost should have been made better as far as quality craftsmanship. Door rattle should have been better made and not so great carpet fiber but otherwise its been good to me so far but I only have 14 K on it. My Fiesta could peel wheels at the front in first and second. The little thing was fast for a small car I thought. After it was wrecked I got a used 70 Chevy Impala. Now that was a fun family car that looked like a police car and folks would either slow down or pull over if I came up behind them. It was light and dark green. Typical 70s car.

Minotavr

Now that you've mentioned it, I can say in the first place I was rather dissapointed by the appearance of the RX-8 vs the older RX-7. Suicide doors are cool, but I prefer 2 doors instead of 4. At that time I didn't own my RX-8, all the knowledge I had was based on the Need For Speed Underground game