RX8 vs. BMW 330i
#27
325i's have poorer quality because they are made in S Africa. 325ci 330i, 330ci are made in Munich. Z cars and the X5 are made in Spartanburg SC.
Without the SP an 8 is hands down better than a 330i. Your 330i would be a very good trade-in moneywise, though.
Good luck again.
Without the SP an 8 is hands down better than a 330i. Your 330i would be a very good trade-in moneywise, though.
Good luck again.
#28
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Originally Posted by Paul_in_DC
You own a BMW.
You drive an RX-8.
You drive an RX-8.
BTW, not all BMW owners are yuppies who hang out at coffee joints.
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#29
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Originally Posted by RX8SpdDmn
Maybe you're not familiar with BMW's rich racing heritage.
BTW, not all BMW owners are yuppies who hang out at coffee joints.
BTW, not all BMW owners are yuppies who hang out at coffee joints.
#30
Originally Posted by Machan
I test drove the 8 and was very impressed with the ride and handling. Last year I began autocrossing and I think the 8 would be a blast on the autocross course. I also plan to do some DEs this year and again I think the 8 would be a lot more fun on a road course than the BMW.
I have S plan with my company so I can get the car at invoice minus any incentives. Right now there are $3500 cash incentives on leases which is a pretty sweet deal. I guess S plan is not such a great deal because from reading the board it looks like most people can get the car at invoice without S plan.
I have S plan with my company so I can get the car at invoice minus any incentives. Right now there are $3500 cash incentives on leases which is a pretty sweet deal. I guess S plan is not such a great deal because from reading the board it looks like most people can get the car at invoice without S plan.
For reference, before buying my RX-8, I drove a 2002 325xiT for two years (my wife's car now).
Which is the better car to own/drive on a daily basis depends on what you want. The BMW is a lot more isolated. The steering is relatively numb and almost imprecise (2002-2005, 2001 is worse). It's also a bit more comfortable, IMO. The 330i doesn't make you work for the power like the RX-8 does. Depending on your point of view and what you want from your daily driving experience, those could be plusses or minuses. I'd much rather have a 330i to commute in and take trips with than an RX-8, but I'd take the RX-8 for driving fun every time...and that's why I bought it.
#32
Alright i am the ultimate source for this question...
I own an rx-8 my dad drives a 330ci
both manual
if ur looking for a straight up fun to drive sports car the rx8 is the best of the two
comfort styling status level that is what you get with the bmw. Also a BMW is a BMW not technically a Ford.
overall the BMW is fast luxurious and easy and fun to drive around in, on the downside long throws and not really race inspired.
Rx8 save money you get a fun car and you get some heads turning.
one more thing most people think an rx8 costs a lot more than it does this is always a plus!
Hope this helps
I own an rx-8 my dad drives a 330ci
both manual
if ur looking for a straight up fun to drive sports car the rx8 is the best of the two
comfort styling status level that is what you get with the bmw. Also a BMW is a BMW not technically a Ford.
overall the BMW is fast luxurious and easy and fun to drive around in, on the downside long throws and not really race inspired.
Rx8 save money you get a fun car and you get some heads turning.
one more thing most people think an rx8 costs a lot more than it does this is always a plus!
Hope this helps
#33
Originally Posted by Noob_for_life
Also a BMW is a BMW not technically a Ford.
I'd buy that if this was an example where a car was built by the parent company and rebadged, but that's not the case with the 8.
#34
Originally Posted by Noob_for_life
Also a BMW is a BMW not technically a Ford.
Further IMHO, a "bmw" is not a "bmw"...not if its a 3 series (not counting M3 and I'm not knocking the 3 series its a good car).... the luxury/class/status that BMW is supposed to deliver doesnt come out at the 3 series level.
so you drive a 330i ... big deal, so does everybody and his brother... wheres the status in that?
come down off that pony.. it aint no high horse
Last edited by TODreamer; 01-12-2005 at 06:01 PM.
#35
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Interestingly, I am currently struggling whether to buy a brand new RX8, keep my 330i, or buy a new 330i with performance package,xenons,cold weather, leather. There are current incentives right now on 330i sedans where they are offering 3800 cash back and I was able to get the dealer down another $1000 and I can also get another $ 500 due to BMW club rebate so I could basically get the car at $5300 below invoice (or about 38 K).
for those that don't know the performance package is a nice $3900 option. It has a more agressive diff, it's lower, more camber, stiff suspension, short throw shifter, tighter steering ratio. basically it's a really fun car to drive. Insurance for me is also $200/cheaper than an 8.
Or I could get an 2005 RX8 6speed with Sports Package for S plan at 26455 minus the rebates which are now 3000 if you finance through Mazda Credit. I wouldn't get sunroof or leather because I can't fit in the RX8 with my helmet.
The Mazda wouldn't be as loaded as the BMW but it would be just as fun to drive and that's what it's all about isn't it. Plus it's about 15,000 cheaper.
Now the BMW will hold it's value longer, but maybe not so good as the new model is coming out (E90).
for those that don't know the performance package is a nice $3900 option. It has a more agressive diff, it's lower, more camber, stiff suspension, short throw shifter, tighter steering ratio. basically it's a really fun car to drive. Insurance for me is also $200/cheaper than an 8.
Or I could get an 2005 RX8 6speed with Sports Package for S plan at 26455 minus the rebates which are now 3000 if you finance through Mazda Credit. I wouldn't get sunroof or leather because I can't fit in the RX8 with my helmet.
The Mazda wouldn't be as loaded as the BMW but it would be just as fun to drive and that's what it's all about isn't it. Plus it's about 15,000 cheaper.
Now the BMW will hold it's value longer, but maybe not so good as the new model is coming out (E90).
#36
Originally Posted by TODreamer
Further IMHO, a "bmw" is not a "bmw"...not if its a 3 series (not counting M3 and I'm not knocking the 3 series its a good car).... the luxury/class/status that BMW is supposed to deliver doesnt come out at the 3 series level.
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Originally Posted by Riggs
With all due respect, this is one of the most ridiculous statements I think I have ever read
This weekend I will buy either an RX-8, 2005 330i with performance package, or a new 2004 M3.
#39
Originally Posted by Riggs
With all due respect, this is one of the most ridiculous statements I think I have ever read
maybe the new 3 series will be different,
But thus far... thats my opinion.. is that ok with you?
Last edited by TODreamer; 01-14-2005 at 05:58 PM.
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I just got finished test driving a 2005 BMW M3 6 speed and I can say that is not the car for me. Granted it was a brand new car with less than 25 miles when we started so we had to keep it under 4500 RPMs (strict break-in period on an S54 engine) but I felt the suspension was incredibly brutal and not something I cared for at all (and my wife and I both currently drive BMWs). I like the RX8 much better. Oh, and you can almost buy two 8s for the price of the M3
Tomorrow, I'm back to the same dealership to totally abuse a used M3 that has already been broken it just to make sure.
Tomorrow, I'm also driving the BMW 330i with performance package (ZHP). It has the short shift kit, another 10 hp, stiffer suspension and some other goodies. With current incentives, it's about 8K more than the 8. I suspect the 330i ZHP will be an autocross beast.
I really like the 8 but the wife just isn't feeling it. She's all about the Munich thing even though she was born in the shadows of Mt. Fuji. WTF?
Tomorrow, I'm back to the same dealership to totally abuse a used M3 that has already been broken it just to make sure.
Tomorrow, I'm also driving the BMW 330i with performance package (ZHP). It has the short shift kit, another 10 hp, stiffer suspension and some other goodies. With current incentives, it's about 8K more than the 8. I suspect the 330i ZHP will be an autocross beast.
I really like the 8 but the wife just isn't feeling it. She's all about the Munich thing even though she was born in the shadows of Mt. Fuji. WTF?
#41
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Originally Posted by TODreamer
Well you can think what you want but a BMW is more or less supposed to stand for luxury no? (they do performance quite well but their meat and potatoes is luxury and status)...... I've driven many different Bimmers and I'm sorry but I'm just not all that impressed from a luxury stand point in a 3 series and I dont see the status in it either. Its a nice car mind you (decent performance.. not counting the M3) so dont get your panties all up in a bunch...I just think its a little over priced simply because of a badge.
maybe the new 3 series will be different,
But thus far... thats my opinion.. is that ok with you?
maybe the new 3 series will be different,
But thus far... thats my opinion.. is that ok with you?
#42
^^^ Couldn't agree anymore. Not everyone has the money for a 7 or even a 5 series, but with the advent of the 3 series, the average guy could manage it. You can guarantee that over half of BMW sales are 3 series.
#43
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Yeah... that's why their catch phrase is "the ultimate driving machine". BMW has always been about status, but to call the 3 series any less of a BMW just doesn't make sense because without it BMW probably wouldn't exist.
there, you happy?
man, you guys take things a little too literally....thats why I used "quotations" when I wrote that....gawd
Last edited by TODreamer; 01-15-2005 at 08:02 AM.
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So I test drove the 330 with performance package and the E46 M3. I liked the 330 but it is not very different at all from my current 330i. And since it costs 10-13K more than the RX8 I figure it's not worth it. The E46 M3 is way to much money in my opinion and I did not enjoy the driving experience.
So now I'm left to the decision of keep my 2001 330i or buy the RX8.
So now I'm left to the decision of keep my 2001 330i or buy the RX8.
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RX-8 is a 330i with a little more imagination...
RX-8 is a more creative version of the same concept as the 330. Lighter, quicker reflexes, slightly more cubic feet of interior space, the RX-8 is a 330 with a little more imagination...
#46
Easy guys, I didn't mean to start a ruckus - I'm no flamer.
TODreamer - please don't take my comment personally. I stated that I thought that "one comment" was ridiculous and was not calling you ridiculous by any means.
The 3 series is the benchmark to which all sport sedans are compared and to which all other companies are trying to reach. I know that the G35 is a great car and has been placed just behind, or in some cases, just in front of the 3 but anyone who has driven both and is being truly objective knows that the G35 just doesn't have that "feel" or "connection" between driver and machine. (This is one of the reasons I love my RX8)
And if what I am hearing from word/friends back in Europe is true, the new 3 is going to push that envelope even further. Like IkeWRX and shaolin said, the 3 is the backbone of BMW and they cannot afford to screw up the new 3.
"the RX-8 is a 330 with a little more imagination..."
That's a good way to put it viggen. I drove a 2004 330 Coupe 6-spd for about 4 months and the RX8 is about the same speed, but the RX8 "feels" much faster and is alot more involving to drive (which I love). The BMW does everything so effortlessly where the RX8 makes you work for your fun
Picked up a 2005 STi on Saturday = yikes!
I grew up on WRC so I can appreciate the look and concept behind the design. It may be ugly but it sure moves :D
TODreamer - please don't take my comment personally. I stated that I thought that "one comment" was ridiculous and was not calling you ridiculous by any means.
The 3 series is the benchmark to which all sport sedans are compared and to which all other companies are trying to reach. I know that the G35 is a great car and has been placed just behind, or in some cases, just in front of the 3 but anyone who has driven both and is being truly objective knows that the G35 just doesn't have that "feel" or "connection" between driver and machine. (This is one of the reasons I love my RX8)
And if what I am hearing from word/friends back in Europe is true, the new 3 is going to push that envelope even further. Like IkeWRX and shaolin said, the 3 is the backbone of BMW and they cannot afford to screw up the new 3.
"the RX-8 is a 330 with a little more imagination..."
That's a good way to put it viggen. I drove a 2004 330 Coupe 6-spd for about 4 months and the RX8 is about the same speed, but the RX8 "feels" much faster and is alot more involving to drive (which I love). The BMW does everything so effortlessly where the RX8 makes you work for your fun
Picked up a 2005 STi on Saturday = yikes!
I grew up on WRC so I can appreciate the look and concept behind the design. It may be ugly but it sure moves :D
#47
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Originally Posted by Riggs
The BMW does everything so effortlessly where the RX8 makes you work for your fun
#48
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Originally Posted by Riggs
The 3 series is the benchmark to which all sport sedans are compared and to which all other companies are trying to reach.
And daggumit, Riggs, that's one helluva garage you've got there! I'm jealous!
#49
Originally Posted by Riggs
The 3 series is the benchmark to which all sport sedans are compared and to which all other companies are trying to reach. I know that the G35 is a great car and has been placed just behind, or in some cases, just in front of the 3 but anyone who has driven both and is being truly objective knows that the G35 just doesn't have that "feel" or "connection" between driver and machine. (This is one of the reasons I love my RX8)
#50
Originally Posted by Genesis
I'd go with the fun factor that makes you work for it wherever possible and the 8 demands that over any BMW IMO....it's the prime igredient that gives you pride and a big smile when you can drive the 8 to its limits.
And that first impression stayed with me for about a year until I purchased one.
The 8 needs constant input from the driver. You get out, what you put in. But the satisfaction for all that "hard work" is immense.