Even if the MS6 is "faster"... that doesn't affect what kind of a deal the RX-8 is. A new Honda Civic Si or a base RX-8... which would you rather buy? A V6 Mustang or a base RX-8?

 

All those cars are aimed towards different groups of buyers. WHY people keep comparing the MS6 and the RX8 is beyond me. That's like me comparing a MX-5 to a Honda Odyssey.

 

map,

There are threads over at mazda6club (in the mazdaspeed section) and at msprotege.com (in the mazdaspeed 6 threads/section).

Looks like the owners are getting similar mileage scores to the 8 right now, with about 275-280 miles per tank. (Tank is only 15 gallons vs the standard 6's 18) so that means the light is probably coming on with 12-13 gallons used. Thats about 17-20 mpg I'd guess.

Another fellow also had his sport model weighed (no moonroof, cloth, no options) and it came in at 3441. Still heavy, but not as bad as 3589 lbs.

And ya this isn't a car to be compared to an 8. A properly setup 8 would slaughter this thing on a technical course. The 8's basically a slightly heavier miata coupe with a kickass engine and 2 extra seats!

 

^^ That was my point. The 8 is a great car and serves a different market. There will be some cross-shopping, but probably not so much.

 

An all wheel drive version would be very nice though. Wouldn't trade the 8 for it, but it would be nice.

 

It is AWD...

 

it is awd!

 

AWD with a default 100:0 split, that can shift up to 50% to the rear wheels. The rear differential also has an LSD, and the center differential is water cooled.

In terms of acceleration, you'd get the grip of an AWD launch, followed by the drivetrain loss of a FWD system. Best of both worlds.

 

Doesn't quite work that way, even with the fwd based AWD systems there is more drivetrain loss than your typical FWD car. Are you sure that's the system they're using, because Autoweek seems to think it's alltime AWD.

 

Ya I'm sure. Its basically the same type of system on the volvo R's, except the center differential is water cooled on the mps 6, to prevent it overheating and throwing the car into FWD mode.

Aye there is still more then normal, but its less then if it was driving all 4 wheels. Honestly I still don't like the system myself, and would rather have something like the G35x or Subaru setup instead, but we can't have everything can we?

 

You're right! I just read an advertisement about it and I don't know why I missed that earlier. Dammit! I hate making a fool of myself

I'll have to drive it at my dealership soon if they have one.