RX-8 vs Civic SI
 

Has there been a comparison tests done on the Honda Civic Si vs the RX-8?

Just wanted some thoughts on this.

I compared them in my mind just now.......the RX8 pissed all over the Civic Si :D:

the Si is no slouch

My question is why? They aren't in the same class. May as well compare the RX-8 to an M3. There isn't much to compare. Alot of the differences are obvious.

The new Civic SI is a pretty impressive little car. I don't think there has been a comparison between the two yet but which is better will be detrmined by what you're looking for in a car.

The Civic handles well, is close to as fast as the RX-8, gets better gas mileage, and in all likelyhood will be more reliable.

The RX-8 handles better, has the fun of RWD, has more of a sportscar feel and look, is a bit thirsty and will be a little more high maintenance as well as more expensive to purchase. There's also the rotary, which depending on how you look at it is a blessing or a curse.

Well put, Ike!

They are also about the same length.

There is only a 100 lb or so difference in weight.

They both have 4 seats.

The SI you can use all year long - front wheel drive.


Can anyone add anything more?

Apples to oranges.....

They can both be used all year round, but most people will feel more comfortable in snow with FWD. The RX-8 with snow tires will be fine in most areas where the streets are plowed regularly. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall (think Colorado) you're better off not chosing either car and getting something AWD.

...price... lol

They're both fun to drive sporty cars, I don't see it as such a stretch. The S2K and 350Z are compared to the RX-8 a lot, I don't see this as being any worse of a comparison.

I drove the Civic Si at the Chevrolet Drive Center event last Sunday. It is decently quick, but not as fast as the 8. Not too much torque in the lower rpms, but the power builds as rpms increase and there is a noticable kick in power when it hits VTEC. No noticeable torque steer like I experienced in the previous generation Si. There is plenty of body roll in the corners, and overall handling/grip is decent.

The interior is too futuristic and wierd for my taste. The gas pedal is attached to the floor instead of where it is normally attached to, didn't make much difference to me in driving. One thing I really liked was the shifter. It was very similar to the 8 with its short throw and precise feel. The shift knob felt light and the shifts felt a little more soft/cushioned than those in the 8.

I have an in-car video at home of me driving the course, I'll post it when I get home from work.

I also drove the Cobalt SS (which is Chevy's competition for the Si) and that thing is FUN. Noticeably more torque, car is more grippy and tossable (probably due to the Pirelli tires that I saw on them, do they come stock?). Interior feels cheap though other than the leather.

Why would anyone compare Honda's cheapest nameplate to Mazda's most expensive one? Compare the Mazda 3 to the Civic Si......not the RX8. The similarities between the Si and the RX8 are few and the differences are a million little things that an extra $10K buys you.

True....but then i guess you can compare the RSX, Neon Srt-4, then to the RX-8. Those are sporty cars too...

Even the overated Wrx.... which is a joke on top end.

Yeah, Ike has behaved himself, so far.

Actually sat in one at the Toronto show, beauty seat and steering wheel, looks ok. I even liked the weird interior. Way nicer than an Evo! :)

Pick up the lastest Car & Driver for a test against the new GTI, finished 2nd but I'd pick it 1st. Nearly identical in performance to the RSX type S.

Otherwise, different class than the 8, in price, drive configuration, finish, features, etc. And yes, in all around performance. I'd say Honda's overall are most reliable, but RX8's are fine too. You can drive it year round with snow tires, no probs.

The WRX is a joke on the topend yet will stay right with an RX-8 from a roll, plus the '06 WRX will pull away from the RX-8 at any speed. What does that make the RX-8 on topend, a bigger joke?

Here we go....

I'm sorry facts bother you so much.

A WRX comment...."Fire in the hole!"

Ike = + 1, DailyDriver2k5 = 0

Overrated ? Hmm

I think u're trying to say the STi model ?

Im not saying 8 is bad, I have one and I love it.

STi is not overrated. I guess u underestimate what a STi can do (and Spec C model in Japan)

I think, sorry to say but. if driver's skills are equal. Any Stock STi can take ANY Stock RX8 anytime, any day.

Modified ? Not sure. 8 still early. and new STi just came out. so...

I agree with Ike except about maintenance and reliability. I think an NA rotary is just as, or more, reliable than a Honda piston engine. Maintenace on the rotary is primarily fluids and plugs. And one timing belt replacment buys a lot of oil changes. :) I would expect both engines to last upwards of 200K miles without major problems. As a long time rotary owner as well as a Honda owner, I'm impressed by both when it comes to reliability.

Honda makes great cars and there's no reason to think the Si won't be one as well.

With Honda's history it's pretty tough to not think the Civic will be more reliable than most cars on the road. Plus adding and checking those fluids more often is still maintenance that other cars don't really need.

No i was comparing it to my slow :mdrmed: 2k2 Maxima with I/E and no precats, tuning.... everyday this guy would always meet at the same place on the highway and it never failed we would always get into it, sad to say the guy always saw my Maxima's tailights, always would put 5-6 car legnths on the poor chap with no intention of him catching up. Months past he added a exhaust , intake, etc and the gap closen by a car or two, but he still never had it to pull on my Maxima. Finally he traded up to a STI, much better but still lagging a half of a car on the upper end.

Hey Rx-8 's were nothing for my Max too.... embarressed them daily, but look , now i drive a Rx-8. I didn't buy the 8 for speed, more because of its look, feel, and all around performance. The 8 is still more car than my Max will ever be, despite the fact that my Max would leave it silly in a strait line. People think i am crazy, but i traded my wifes 99 Gt stang for the 8, the Max for the Titan. Speed isn't everything.....

I like the Wrx and Sti's alot, but there overated, explosive off the line(and thats if the driver can launch it correctly) power is so- so from mid level to top end. AWD is cool for fast getaways, but rears its ugly head on top end, unless the AWD car of choice is built to the gills A.kA. AMS Evo.

TROLL!