takahashi

..... GS-R?

I used to own a Honda Integra Type R (JDM 96 spec DC2) which has 198 bhp, and it was light 1080kg.

I think the 8 is very similar to the DC2 in striaght line performance, since the VTEC does not kick in until 5800 rpm. Cornering speed is comparable, but it will be more confident to drive the DC2 then the 8 since much harder stock suspension. There is still a natural understeer.

I think a better mod DC2R will be much faster than the RX-8. I am still struggling to clock 1'37" in my rx-8 on a particular track but my mate with his DC2R is doing 1'34". IT is probably due to the thing behind the steering wheel i know

Mitch Strickler

The GS-R, the car that started this thread, was the highest-performance version of a mass-production daily driver line of 2 and 4-door cars. In its first year, there was just a 2-door; after that GS-Rs were available in both 2 and 4-door versions. (I tried the first version, and told the dealer I'd like a 4-door, like my 1987 Integra. When it came out, I bought it.) Interestingly, GS-R sales in the U.S. were about the same as Mazda's goal for the RX8 -- 30,000.

The R Series came years later, when the GS-R was getting pretty old in the market and Honda (Acura) was looking for some freshening up and excitement. It was a small-production 2-door niche car, essentially a limited-production factory hopup. The basic car wasn't changed, but fairly simple steps were taken to dump comfort for performance. Out went went sound insulation and normal muffling, out went compliant ride, in came better hp/weight ratio, stirring exhaust noises and stiff, quick-reaction handling. Even the AC came out (you could option it back). And on came bright red badging and stuff to set hotshots apart from ordinary folks.

A stock RX8 is much more like the GS-R. The Type R would compare with a Mazdaspeed RX8 with only modest engine tweaks.

Mitch

rx-cars_rock

You should win. Barely.

Mitch Strickler

I just dug out the specs on the US version of the Type R. HP is 195, weight 1170 kg. The VTEC crossover is complicated: 5700/5400 at full throttle, 5900/5600 at anything less.

All the specs reinforce my recollection that this car, unlike a stock RX8, would not be what most people, even most people on this forum, consider a daily driver. Torque peak 7500, power peak 8,000 (redline 8400) compared with torque 5500 and power 8500 (redline 9000) for the MT RX8. Suspension was lowered, stiffened and braced compared with the GS-R, but interestingly Honda stuck with the same 195-55 (15") size for the Potenzas.

Mitch

RevTo9K

My chiropractor would concur with you. Drove the R as a daily driver for four years, and my back got so bad I couldn't stand to drive the 20 minutes to/from work. Got a 95 Prelude VTEC as a daily driver and voila - no more back problems.

dmp

I wonder why some of you believe a 130-145-hp, 100? lbs-ft-at the wheels, 2600-2700lbs Integra would have a chance against 175hp, 120?lbs-ft-at the wheels 2900lbs RX8? Especially from a rolling start, I'd bet a competent driver in the RX8 every time.

takahashi

Really? That is interesting... I guess there is no chance in the world you will change the suspension and strut bars on your RX-8?

RevTo9K

Hehe... nope. The 8 will stay stock. I really like the stock suspension - firm, yet comfortable. I don't spend any time at the track though.

Red Devil

When I had my FC Turbo, and it was still completely stock, I pulled on my friend's GSR that had an intake and a cat back. I'm not saying I won by several car lengths, it was maybe a little more than one but less than two. We started at a roll around 10mph in second gear and floored it, first one to 70. The next week I had power pulleys, an intake and a downpipe installed, and it wasn't even close.

Based on that, a MT RX-8 I don't think should have any trouble.

CypressRX8

Who cares. His car is still a front wheel drive car. RX-8 is rear wheel. I'd rather have a rear wheel drive Hyundai than a front wheel drive Integra. Once you get used to driving a rear wheel drive car you can never go back to a front wheel drive car. The feeling is just too different. I personally like the feel of a RWD than a AWD....basically I like to do things in the rear.

CypressRX8

Kart Racer

Obviously everyone here agrees the 8 is far better......And i cant believe anyone is even arguing in favor of the Type R being "better handling" i mean, .if you were to compare the a factory modded mazdaspeed RX-8 to the factory modded type R.....hahahaha, no chance......Also, fopr anyone who hasnt read...this is a race of an AT RX-8 vs. a stick GSR

Deca Auto

GSR will win hands down. My Hyundai Elantra will walk a RX8.

Ike

Uhhh there is no Mazdaspeed 8 yet. If you don't find the Teg Type R impressive you haven't driven one yet, it's a pretty remarkable car on a track. Lastly if this is in fact a race between an AT RX-8 and a GSR the GSR wins hands down.

IZoomZoomI

agreed, the type r is a menace at the track being ff too, its quite an impressive ride overall especially for the price. Can't say much for the gsr or the styling tho.