rx-8 or honda accord coupe?
 

OK I test drove both cars today. I was amazed by the looks of the rx-8. I was afraid that the cockpit would be too small, but when I got in, I was surprised at the room inside. I loved the feel of the car and how it "hugs the turns." I loved the overall "feel" of the car and how smooth it was. The navi system was awesome.

The accord coupe v-6 ex with leather and navi was a more luxorious car than the rx-8 and alot more comfortable to drive. The audio and nav system was awesome and had unbelievable power (240hp!). The automatic climate control was a definate plus and I felt a lot more in control with this car, but this ar definately doesn't compare to the unbelievable looks of the 8. The rear leg and headroom was also a little tight.

I am stumped. I can't decide what car to get. I know everyone here will tell me to get the 8, but what are the advantages of the 8 (besides looks)? I am kind of leaning towards the accord coupe becaus it is about $6k less with the navi and leather in both cars. If some of you were deciding between these two cars, what made you decide to get the 8 (or vice versa)?

I wanted to be different; not just one of the crowd.

Re: rx-8 or honda accord coupe?
 

- RX-8 designed from the ground up as a sports car with 4 seats. Accord Coupe designed from a family sedan as a 4 seater with sporty aspirations.

- RX-8 is rear wheel drive; Accord is FWD. That's a huge factor as far as sporty handling goes.

- Rotary engine vs. just another V6.

- RX-8 is lighter weight (contributes to better responsiveness and handling).

- Unique exterior and interior styling of RX-8 vs. just another Coupe.

If I were trying to decide between the RX-8 and a Coupe version of a sedan, I'd have considered the G35 Coupe - at least it's RWD!

Regards,
Gordon

i dunno, i mean i can see your dilemma and the accord coupe is a sharp looking car too. not to mention the resale value at least is predictable. but on the other hand the cars are so different i really don't see the contest, or how it would be THAT difficult to decide.

seems to me that it comes down to what you think about driving. do you live to drive or drive to live? :P that would be the rx-8 as the former and the accord as the latter ,)

If you really think that these cars are comparable then you probably need to get the accord. It is such a SAFE choice that you will never regret it. The RX-8 is far superior in exotic, esoteric ways that are hard to put into words. If these differences are not readily apparent to you then you probably need to stick with plain vanilla. Don't get me wrong, the accord is a fine car. Honda makes some of the finest vanilla in the world. But most of us here were looking for something a little spicier.

esoteric, yes

Both are great cars, you really just need to figure out what you want in a car. Honda makes wonderful cars and it certainly wouldn't be a wrong choice no matter what anyone says. Get whichever you felt the best in while you were driving them, if you liked them about the same get the Accord and save some money.

If you haven't already fallen in love with the 8 - get the honda. A drive of the 8 should be enough to sell you on the car. Rear wheel drive, handling, rotary mill all add to the driving pleasure of the car ... if this didn't bite you hard ,you and the 8 aren't meant for each other.

Consider the baby lexus - in fact, consider everything in your price bracket based on features and resale.

Sometimes you reach a fork in the road that determines how the rest of your (motoring) life is going to go.

Even though you're not sure which to choose, just the fact that you've selected the RX-8 as a candidate to counter the me-too Accord (even the name is a dead giveaway of its purpose) you are looking for an excuse to choose the road less traveled.

Uncounciously, almost 30 years ago, I chose a Fiat 128 over a Chevy Nova (lousy choice by any contemporary standard).

That choice forced me to learn to drive a stick (often w/o a clutch - thanks to Fiat's remarkble engineering ;-). It also forced me to find pleasure in twisty roads, since even a slant 6 Dodge Dart running on three cylinders could outrun me at a light.

If I'd have choosen the Nova, I'd be drag racing a Grand Prix GTP today - totally oblivious to what makes some cars wonderful and without knowing the joys of just driving.

The choice is between novocain and adrenalin. Choose wisely...

I had a 2000 Accord coupe V6 before trading it in for the RX-8. I realize the new Accords are an improvement, particularly in HP, but here is my opinion on the two - for whatever it's worth.

Obviously, I felt the 8 was vastly superior (for me) since I traded the Accord in for it. Why?

The Accord's handling cannot compare in any way, shape or form to the 8. The Accord feels heavy, the 8 feels light and nimble. And the Renesis' rotary, which I'd never experienced before, was something else, completely different and unique.

I had tired of the Accord coupe's styling - and seeing them all over the place. I'd also tired of the color - silver. There's just so much silver on the road today that when you combine that with the Accord's decent but pedestrian looks, it just was getting very old.

The Accord was a good car, no doubt. I drove it 76000 miles in those three years and never had one problem with it. Gas mileage was better than the 8. Obviously, you have more room in the Accord, though I would argue that access to the rear seats is MUCH easier in the RX-8. The Accord's V6 is a rock solid, wonderful, smooth engine. I'm sure it's improved in the new models.

I guess the choice comes down to how "daring" you are. You can go with the certainty and blandness of the Accord Coupe. Or you can choose to take the path less followed and get the unproven, yet amazing RX-8.

To me, it wouldn't be about the quality of uniqueness. If I was that conscious of my image to other drivers, I'd probably shell out the extra $$ and get a BMW... j/k, but.. :)

To me it would be if you want more performance or comfort in your mix. If you rarely intend to take advantage of the nimble, well-handling nature of the 8, even down to only taking a hard turn every once in a while, the comfort & $ sacrifice might not be worth it for you (although I would call the 8 pretty comfortable for a sporty car). The main advantages of the Accord to me would probably be gas mileage, and more comfort in make/model (as in reliability & service).

But if you are excited about the performance that a RWD 50/50 3000lb ~0.91g tight-chassis car can give, + the 9k redline of a smooth-revving rotary engine, then the answer is simple. And to me, better interior and exterior styling.

Thanks everyone for the input. I really like the "fee" of the rx-8 a lot better than the accord. I guess i liked the accord because of the 240hp but didn't take in the fact that the accord is a lot heavier than the 8. I think i'm gunna go with the 8 because I was overall a lot more impressed with the handling of it and i basically fell in love with it when i first saw it, i guess i just wanted to make sure i was making the right choice. The style of the accord is a little more 'generic' than the 8. the 8's syle is definately unique. I figure that i may not like the 8 in when i get older, but i may still like cars like the accord coupe. Once again...thanks for your input.

I meant "feel", not "fee" I like the fee of the accord better, but i'm still going with the 8.

My dad has a V6 EX coupe...that shit i quick. But, i would prefer an RX8.

The Accord is very comfortable and luxurious. Its your decision, but I can assure you the Accord is nice, you will not be dissapointed. Plus, you will save $$$.

But then again, RX8 is one of a kind.......

Comparing my wife's Acura CL Type S (similar to the new Accord coupe in a number of ways) and a friend's RX8:

Similarities of both cars
Great engines and six speed transmissions
Similar performance numbers

Acura has better seats (subjective), much better mileage, much more torque

RX8 is much more fun to drive overall. Perfect pedal placement, great brakes, divine chassis tuning.

For me, if comfort and good gas mileage are your "thing" then get the Accord. If you're a hard core driving enthusiast who loves to wring the car out, even if only ocassionally (and gas mileage doesn't bother you), get the RX8. The RX8 is a truly fantastic car.

if you have extra money get the 8. from a financial POV the 8 is alot more expensive then the Accord, not just in PRICE. gas is more, and repairs will be more. Any mechanic can fix an accord. I have a civic and I have seen i usually get things done correctly the first time it goes to a mechanic.

Also the accord is a better daily driver then the 8. how often will the car be driven. there is alot to take into account.

Accord = More Rational
RX-8 = More Enthusiasts Car

personally i would like an accord as a daily driver and rx-8 for weekends ;-)

Might I add...Rotor powered. I mean, on the one hand, this car is by far, the best I've driven' yet! Handling, suspension, looks inside and out, and just the uniqueness of its value. I mean, how often do you see these cars too. I know that in a few years, it'll still be as exotic and "esoteric" as it was today. No doubt about it! In my opinion, the RX-8 isn't what it seems from looking at it through pictures, or just hearing stories about how good or how bad it may be. You've got to experience the car for yourself in order to actually realize the beauty and defined features of the car. And not just that, you've gotta get inside, turn the ignition key on and drive it away to actually know that it's a car worth waiting and a car worth buying. I know there are a lot of ups and downs about the 8, but I mean, "to each his own." So if those that debate between an 8 or another car, then I might suggest you test drive both. To me, if there are more pros to a car other than the 8 and you're comparing the 8 and the other car, say for example, the Accord Coupe with more positive remarks, then, there's not doubt that in the back of your mind you'd rather drive the Honda than the Mazda.

Ron

In my 30's I had (3) Hondas. Now I'm 45, and lovin' my RX-8.


My RX-8 works very well as my daily driver. Heck, I don't want to only drive it on the weekends:eek:

what's the point ini having a car, such as an 8, and not driving it, i mean only on weekends, but that just isn't gonna cut it

Re: rx-8 or honda accord coupe?
 

Wait, which car are you complimenting for these characteristics? ;)
If you loved the Accord for the 240HP, then you really didn't drive the RX-8 - you parked it.
Same goes for the stereo.

I've got a backlog of friends waiting to come for a ride in my 8. Never had that with a TTQ. In fact, never had that with any of my previous 20+ cars. Wouldn't get that with a new Honda either.

The RX8 will go down in automotive history as a brave and exciting new car. The Honda will be ... ho hum ...

Notice!!! I'm not Honda bashing, I could say the same about any other car that follows "the old formula".

Re: Re: rx-8 or honda accord coupe?
 

Well, seat of the pants the Accord probably feels much faster off of the line. From what I've heard (I don't have an RX8) the engine doesn't come into its own until the middle RPM range.

Obviously the 8 will blow the Accord away on a track or just fooling around, but then people generally don't push the car too hard during a test drive because they don't have a feel for it yet.

Buy the Accord. The two aren't even comparable.

ndsind1, i think i can answer this question for you. i just recently purchased my rx-8 last week and haven't look back at my 03 v6 AT accord coupe since. just the looks alone that i get in this car makes me wonder why i even purchased the accord in the first place. although i lost all the $$ that was put towards the accord ($4k down + 11 months of payments) to get the rx-8, my happiness has been worth every penny. let me run down some things between the 2 cars.

HONDA
great overall car
sporty but not a sports car
nicer interior, climate control is money! seat heaters work fast!!!
better resale, cheaper maintenance?, more gas milage
bland styling
great engine even w/my AT, 240 HORSES!!!!:D
everyone and their mom drives an accord:mad:
too much body roll on corners

MAZDA
sports car, most fun car i've owned, one of the better driving cars i've driven
nice interior, not as good as the accord but i find it nice enough
no climate control, seat heaters take a while to warm up
IMO, hottest/sexiest car out there at a reasonable price
rotary engine!! F the lack of low end torque, that's not what this car is about people!!!
4 seats, rears are a little tight but who cares? you're the driver...

like i said, since trading in the honda, i don't regret one thing. only thing i regret is not sticking to my guns and waiting for this car to come out. i guess you live and ya learn right? just the looks alone that i get from this car is worth it.....

Thanks dankgummy for the info. I've made up my mind. I'm definately getting the 8. another thing to point out...I just took another test drive in another town (more of a rural town about an hour away) and this salesman let me drive on a really curvy road...i didn't even notice how this car takes turns on the first test drive. I could never go that fast on that road with ANY other car i've seen.

Anyway thanks everyone for info...now i'm trying to find my where my dream rx-8 is and getting the deal!!! i think i'm gunna go with the nortic green with GT. I'll prob own a 8 in a couple of weeks!!!