The Cobalt isn't coming close, it's actually a good bit faster than the RX-8. I think it's all relative to the time. When the WRX first came out in 2001 it was a remarkable performance value and no import on the market came close with maybe the RSX Type S the only exception. 5 years later if they were to introduce the same car it would just be average, and it's quicker than the RX-8.

The other thing about the RX-8 is besides it being a little down on horsepower it lacks torque and good grip from a standing start. So combine that it isn't all that fast to begin with and that it feels even slower than it is and it's understandable why some people are saying it's slow. It's also following up the FD, and despite what you guys say and Mazda says there are going to be comparisons followed by disappointment.

I've recently put my car back close to stock and it feels pretty damn slow some days, so what is quick/fast and what isn't is certainly going to depend on the individual. I was driving a car that ran 13s and trapped over 100mph almost 15 years ago, so it usually takes a pretty damn fast car to make me go wow. If someone trades in their Tercel for an RX-8 it's going to feel a lot faster to them than it does to me.

I agree with your post, i just think that its funny thats all- that people are always like (not you) "the 8 is so slow, my Accords just as fast".
it should read, my accord is as fast as my 8. or my accord is as slow as my 8.
but often the comparisons make the similar car seem fast, and the 8 seem slow-if they are running similar times, then they are the similar adjective, be it fast or slow pending personal experience.

I thought the Cobalt (correct me if im wrong) is (mag times) in the 6s 0-60, and about the same 1/4? I don't know if its a good bit faster as you say-. But of course, real life times without clutch destroyage, its is probably a good bit faster with everyday joe driving.


btw, why's your car back to stock?

who cares about the cobalt. it is a pice of crap FWD GM product . the freaking wing on that thing FLAPS when its going fast.

Not a problem if you have your cruise control set just like everyone else on the freeway. Once everyone gets to their cruising speed of 60 or 70mph it's all style and the RX-8 has far more style than all the boxy sedans. As a daily-driver my RX-8 would keep up with a Viper just fine anyway. When he pulled ahead he'd get no further than the next traffic light anyway and if he was too exhuberant in town he'd get to watch my tail-lights pull away while he received a ticket.

Dinhx8 makes a good point. A lot of the 'bad press' is conflicting vocabulary choices or perception colored by expectations on the part of some people. If the RX-8 is (even slightly) faster than a 'quick' sedan then the RX-8 cannot be "slow".

Be serious folks. I don't have any problem with the dozens of sedans and other cars having about the same 0-60 times as the RX-8 because they look boring. Would you have bought a tan Hyundai instead of your RX-8 if Car & Driver had published a report saying it was 0.1 seconds faster in the 0-60? How about 0.3 seconds faster? Of course not.

What if I was a juvinile idiot and I raced an Accord or a Subaru at a traffic light? What if he beat me slightly to the next light? He'd say, "Neener, neener, I beat your RX-8!" I'd say, "Neener, neener, you still drive a station-wagon/shoebox/boring-car (whatever's applicable)!"

Our cars are an attractive total package. There's always something faster or bigger or different no matter what you own, but if you did your research before you bought you should be really pleased with this car and if you want faster - buy a turbo.
;)

Reviving an old thread...

Here is some styling components for the MS6 from AutoExe. I'm not too hot on the spoiler, but the rest... not bad...

http://www.autoexe.co.jp/car/Atenza(GG)/gy02.html

I test drove the mazdaspeed6 today. The service and salespeople at my local dealer are really cool. The salesperson who rode with me took me to a windy back road with tight 15mph(speed limit) turns including elevation changes. I must say I was impressed. While I did not push the car to its limits(Its not mine), I pushed it harder than I would when normally cruising in the 8. The car only seemed to roll slightly more than the 8(probably due to more weight and a higher center of gravity), but I allways felt in control and the tires never even chirped. Yes the 8 handles better(its supposed to), but as others have allready said the only place an 8 could pass it is on a track. When it comes to acceleration forget about it. My butt dyno tells me the 8 would be at least 2 car lengths behind. Don't misunderstand me. I still love my 8, and nothing beats its looks and handling. But for someone who has a sore lower back(sometimes) and likes to take road trips, the MS6 has me thinking about a trade-in.