Freakazoid

Alright as a disclaimer, I tried doing a search for this, didn't come up with anything. Whether through the search function or scanning through the forums. So I'm sorry if there are previous threads out there that cover this, I'm not used to this board system so I haven't learned all the intricacies (like doing an advanced search type thing?). So that's my disclaimer, please don't flame on that .

Through my searches I did come up with some basics, some ideas, but not quite specific for what I'm looking at/for.

Anyways to the title to start off with.

I've limited my selection down to 2 cars. A RX-8 or a S2K. This car would be my summer/fun car while I would keep my beater for winters/bad weather. As a preface, I'm tall (6'6" with extremely long legs ). I fit in a s2k rather snugly, but courtesy of the sensitive steering/steering wheel I don't have to make revolutions with the steering wheel so it doesn't hamper my driving (taken 3 test drives so far, eventually going to try to pay someone to let me test drive it for a longer period of time to make sure). Have yet to get into a rx-8 but I'd imagine it's probably nearly the same length. But I dont' want that to completely affect my decision, I want a car that's fun, etc.
I'm looking at probably getting either used, but that laguna blue is looking DAMN nice, as is the Shinka RX-8.

Both are pretty high revving engines, both have pretty low torque numbers. Both are aimed more for tracks and turns rather than straight line drag strip performance. Both are light RWD cars that cost relatively the same. (Surprised I haven't been able to find this comparison anywhere else).

The first big difference is the whole convertible/coupe comparison. Which, I guess, is the reason why nobody really compares these 2. Obviously the convertible thing automatically gives the S2K an advantage for me (love the convertibles). But as for the rest of the differences. Big thing I've noticed is the RX-8 has alot more amenities (be it good or bad). Heated seats, navigation system, better sound system etc etc. Be that a good thing or a bad thing, it depends on how you look at it.
Rotary engine could be a kicker for me, because I'd ideally want to be keeping whatever car I get for a 100k miles, hopefully over that . I know finding people to do work on Rotary engines can be a massive pain, so that's a drawback. Both seem to have random quirks, none really defining for either one.

Thoughts on this comparison?


Also anything I should particularly know from model year to model year of the 8? Any year in particular I should try to avoid/ should favor?


Thanks guys!

XDEEDUBBX

Ike

https://www.rx8club.com/search.php?searchid=1124850

Big_Mike_4488

8 looks a lot better IMO

Raptor2k

I also had it down to the rx8 and s2k. Personally, it came down to the 4 seats, practicality, uniqueness and better looks of the 8 in my opinion. I now have an '04 Red GT, no regrets. And yesterday, I 'toyed' around with an s2k, it was fun

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

"If this were an after-school special, ooh, you'd pay a bittersweet price for your little deceit, like getting big oily zits! Or eating off the same plate as David Lee Roth!"

Sorry. I can't contribute but I love Freakazoid!

REMillers

If you are only looking for a summer fun car then get the S2k.

Sorry guys, love the rx8 but if this person loves convertibles and will only be using it during the summer/good weather time then the S2k is the better choice.

However besides the extras you get in the 8, I feel the 8 has more room and surely has more cargo fun with other people room.

Personally I felt a bit cramp in the S2k, mostly cause it is a roadster and thats kinda of how you feel in them.

Bart!

Came down to the 4 seater for me as well, before I bought the RX-8 was confident I wouldn't need 4 seats, proved me wrong in about a week when I needed to pick up 2 of my friends.

belkjz

my dad is 6'6" and he fits in my car. its definetly not too comfy for him for a long period of time. you can add some space by not going with the heated seats and the sunroof though. it actually adds quite a bit.

Ike

translation: "Hey everyone, look at me, I'm a moron and am insecure with my sexuality!"

tiggerlee

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

I agree because you are looking for a summer/fun car, nothing beats a convertible in that category. I was looking between these two rides myself. For me the 8 was more practical, looks great, and performance was enough for me. And I don't really want a convertible even though I like the s2k. I'm pretty sure you'd have fun in both cars, but the s2k roadster is definitely enjoyable for all out fun. Just make sure you really feel comfortable with the space.

Hidehiko

...I, myself, have the RX-8 over the S2K because of its 4 doors / 4 seats...much more practical as a daily driver....but if you have a "beater car" to drive around...guess this isn't too big of a deal...

sunilseru

If the practicality of the RX-8 does not matter to you, go with the S2000. Heard the 06 has stability control now which, I think is very important. And VTEC rocks!!! No two ways about that. Can say that from first hand experience. Don't forget better gas mileage, if that matters to you. 23-24 mpg vs 15 mpg. RX-8 is cheaper to insure. And IMO, the miata is a chick car, not the S2000.

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

HAHA

swoope

iTrader: (5)

both great picks.

same ones i was looking at two years ago, +add the 350z...

you really have to drive the 8. it is not the same as the others, and i cant explain it...

also it is the 4 seat deal...

beers

Freakazoid

damn, my apologies guys, I did a quick search to get some info, and apparently did something stupid with th search or something and only ended up coming with crap, nothing that seemed relevant. Think I was searching the wrong specific forum or something. Thanks for the input so far from everybody, and ideally I would want the car to be as much as possible my DD, however come winter and whatnot, I'm not sure if I 'd want to drive the car in the snow. I'm going to check more into the other threads, if anyone else wants to chime in I'd appreciate it still .

And as for the S2K being a chicks car and a RX-8 being a chick magnet... a convertible that is as performance based as you can for the money is a chick car?? i.e. no amenities, space, etc?

Freakazoid

yea tomorrow I'm going to be taking the 8 for a test drive, seriously looking forward to it.

no 350z for meat least, because at least from my quick scanning and pricing, to get the basic options i'd want on the Z, it'd increase way too fast in price. (granted that was with a 350z vert, but still). Maybe it's different once you get to the dealer, or maybe I was just going gungho with what all I wanted lol.

GotZoom

RX8 for year round. For a summer fun car, get a Wrangler. That is our set up..along with work truck and wife's car.

allmotorRX8

whatever your choice ends up being, you'll still enjoy your new ride. gl making that decision

Freakazoid

heh thanks, it might be as simple as the test drive tomorrow to have me make my decision. I also want to see the shinka color in person, pictures it looks hella tight, wanna see if it's that way in person as well.. Hell the color alone might have me make my decision!

youpey

i personally was going to trade in my 8 for the s2000 because of the countless problems i was having with the 8. i put the top down and fell in love. the only reason i didnt trade was because i was going to lose too much money. about a week later i was walking towards my car with my ex (she wasnt my ex at the time) and i turned to her and said i cant trade this, look how beautiful this is.

i still have some problems, but the reason they arent fixed is because i dont feel like going to the dealership, being lazy

GyroFX

hello there, i am an s2k owner and just here to give my 2 cents.

I've been on this site every since the introduction of the RX-8 and i'm not here to "troll" or talk "shat"

The RX-8 is good, but it has more sway and feels heavier in the turns (out of the box)
more gas hungry
smoother revs
quieter
space for 4
more storage space
more amenities
probably less to insure as well

------------

The S2k has minimal sway and is tight in the corners (out of the box)
has decent mpg
definitely not quiet
is convert
seats 2, less trunk space
more to insure
--------------

My desicion was made based on what I needed. Something that has really good handling for those nice mountain curves, something with decent power, decent mpg, and a convertable (mind you, i do live in SoCal so weather's not really that big of an issue). I don't care about the extra seats space because if you buy something like this, you should have a 4 door laying around somewhere.

I looked at the RX8 for the longest time but when it came to what i really wanted, I chose the s2k. Different folks, different strokes...after all, what's a car good for in so cal if you can't see the sun.

For the guy who said "converts are homo", i guess everyone who drives their convert M3, SL55, Ferrairis, Astin Martins, are all "homo"

After all, it's just a car, it gets you from point A to point B, just make a decision on which car will get you from point A to B happier.

carbonRX8

iTrader: (1)

who dat? I want to hear what they have to say too.

Personal opinion: pluses on the s2k are obvious. It is a great car and stock for stock, if you drive hard and for fun and that is all you care about, then s2k>8.

The 8 has some obvious pluses that have been mentioned, but there are other pluses that are much harder to describe. The feel of the car in a corner is consuming, and while I had a dealer in the car at the test drive, I didnt quite get that "round, whole" feeling in the s2k. That is not to say that the 8 handles at stock better than the s2k. That is a little subjective and the numbers lean towards the honda. my $0.02

Ike

Hey, at least I got one out of two right!

Why do I have this funny feeling you're from NJ...

Oh, and in response to your PM, YOU'RE WELCOME!