RX8 VS Mazdaspeed 3
05-20-2007, 06:48 PM
#51
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ok dude..i'm telling you from experience of actually owning both cars...as did someone else on this post.. so take it for what you will... and as always..beauty is objective.. i happen to like the way the hatch looks..that's me..i don't care if you do or not.. i also loved the way the 8 looked..which is why i gave it the nod over the 3.. as far as braking..handing..and "handling mods" it's obvious to me you don't really know the speed 3... i don't know where you got your braking bit..but it stops rather well.. in fact it's 60-0 is one foot shy of a brembo equipped EVO...so u tell me if that's bad or not.. and here are direct figures from car and driver for reference.
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Mazdaspeed 3
Zero to 60 mph: 5.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 14.8 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 21.9 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.4 sec @ 99 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Roadholding, 200-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g
RX-8
.92g skidpad (like i said..handling is excellent..as it should be on this car)
Zero to 60 mph: 6.5 sec (not even close to the 3)
Zero to 100 in 18.0 sec (arriving here almost 4 seconds after the 3..are you kidding??)
Braking, 70-0 mph: 163ft (not much diff here i would say..esp. for a car that weighs about 200 lbs less than a speed 3)
1/4 mile in 15 @ 93mph
get my point? i'm not mad at ya! it's just people should be a little more informed when they just start ripping a car...****..it's a mazda! be proud of the sucker!
and as already stated..2 of us that have owned both..spoke up and say the 3 is more performance than 8..period..
even around most tracks..the 3 will still win..no flaming going on as i love the 8..it's just fact. point is..just enjoy your ride..there are always faster cars than you..
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Mazdaspeed 3
Zero to 60 mph: 5.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 14.8 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 21.9 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.4 sec @ 99 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Roadholding, 200-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g
RX-8
.92g skidpad (like i said..handling is excellent..as it should be on this car)
Zero to 60 mph: 6.5 sec (not even close to the 3)
Zero to 100 in 18.0 sec (arriving here almost 4 seconds after the 3..are you kidding??)
Braking, 70-0 mph: 163ft (not much diff here i would say..esp. for a car that weighs about 200 lbs less than a speed 3)
1/4 mile in 15 @ 93mph
get my point? i'm not mad at ya! it's just people should be a little more informed when they just start ripping a car...****..it's a mazda! be proud of the sucker!
and as already stated..2 of us that have owned both..spoke up and say the 3 is more performance than 8..period..
even around most tracks..the 3 will still win..no flaming going on as i love the 8..it's just fact. point is..just enjoy your ride..there are always faster cars than you..
haha, I love this thread. New C&D tests from the may edition puts the ms3 at
5.4 0-60 and 14 flat in the quarter at 101 mph with a 0-100 in the high 13s. The numbers above were from their initial tests when they had issues with traction and launching. Looked like they found someone who could actually drive the car to get the new numbers. I'll admit pulling a 5.4 is not easy in this car as the wheels want to break loose so easily.
Here's the link:
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...peed-3-gt.html
Download the test sheet to get all the numbers.
Personally I think both these cars are fine cars in their own right and the RX-8 is more of a true sports car than the ms3. But don't put down or underestimate the performance and handling of the ms3 just because it's FWD and looks somewhat like a wagon. You might be surprised.
05-20-2007, 07:00 PM
#52
Was talking to a guy that is racing an RX8 in our production series here in NZ . He is having real trouble keeping up with Honda Integra type R 's & a BMW 130i & I gave him a few tips I've learned off this site (not that it will help him much) . He has to run at 1300 kgs while the Integras I think are allowed 1200kg & are more powerfull.
The STI's & Evos race with him but in a different class (luckily)
Next year Mazda NZ will enter a MS3 in the series & it will be a real contender . Man that will break my heart seeing a little box going right past an 8 .
He was talking about selling the car & I toyed with the idea of buying it for a moment - but I just can't see how it could become competitive.
The STI's & Evos race with him but in a different class (luckily)
Next year Mazda NZ will enter a MS3 in the series & it will be a real contender . Man that will break my heart seeing a little box going right past an 8 .
He was talking about selling the car & I toyed with the idea of buying it for a moment - but I just can't see how it could become competitive.
05-20-2007, 07:57 PM
#53
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http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/re...04/2007.WIN.P1
No one really see my lap times!
I have driven both cars on the track, in the wet! I can tell you RX-8 is much faster on the track.
Power is not everything. I drove a turbo RX-8 recently with 200kW atw and I cannot beat my own times set by my car. And my car's engine is basically stock.
No one really see my lap times!
I have driven both cars on the track, in the wet! I can tell you RX-8 is much faster on the track.
Power is not everything. I drove a turbo RX-8 recently with 200kW atw and I cannot beat my own times set by my car. And my car's engine is basically stock.
05-20-2007, 08:01 PM
#54
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lol..thanks for finding that..i knew i had seen it but just couldn't find it..anywho..the first figures were still enough to end this debate..the 2nd ones just embarass the 8..it's sad but true. i still love the 8 though and will eventually own one again..or the new version that comes out in the future..be it a revamped 8 or new 7
05-20-2007, 08:45 PM
#55
RX-8
0-60 mph : 5.8 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.49
As far as magazine racing goes... there are sources reporting the RX-8 at 5.8 to 5.9. It's not to say that average joe is going to pull those times, but the average Joe MS3 driver will not pull a 5.4 sec. 0-60 either.
Yeah, the MS3 is a bit faster in 0-60 and depending on the driver, but its still a box.
Put a good FI kit on the RX-8 and nobody looking at the FI RX-8 would be thinking about a MS3.
How many people do you think would prefer an 300HP FI RX-8 to a 300HP MS3? I think the vast majority would vote RX-8.
MS3 and other competitors in that cash range, needs to be faster in the 0-60. Its their selling point. Without it, they would not get a 2nd look by many, when compared to the RX-8.
A co-worker has a Mazda 3 (not the MS3) and just by the interior, body, design, etc... I was not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda 3/MS3 body at least looks better than the butt ugly older EVO or STI, but still... a box is a box.
0-60 mph : 5.8 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.49
As far as magazine racing goes... there are sources reporting the RX-8 at 5.8 to 5.9. It's not to say that average joe is going to pull those times, but the average Joe MS3 driver will not pull a 5.4 sec. 0-60 either.
Yeah, the MS3 is a bit faster in 0-60 and depending on the driver, but its still a box.
Put a good FI kit on the RX-8 and nobody looking at the FI RX-8 would be thinking about a MS3.
How many people do you think would prefer an 300HP FI RX-8 to a 300HP MS3? I think the vast majority would vote RX-8.
MS3 and other competitors in that cash range, needs to be faster in the 0-60. Its their selling point. Without it, they would not get a 2nd look by many, when compared to the RX-8.
A co-worker has a Mazda 3 (not the MS3) and just by the interior, body, design, etc... I was not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda 3/MS3 body at least looks better than the butt ugly older EVO or STI, but still... a box is a box.
05-20-2007, 09:12 PM
#58
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RX-8
0-60 mph : 5.8 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.49
As far as magazine racing goes... there are sources reporting the RX-8 at 5.8 to 5.9. It's not to say that average joe is going to pull those times, but the average Joe MS3 driver will not pull a 5.4 sec. 0-60 either.
Yeah, the MS3 is a bit faster in 0-60 and depending on the driver, but its still a box.
Put a good FI kit on the RX-8 and nobody looking at the FI RX-8 would be thinking about a MS3.
How many people do you think would prefer an 300HP FI RX-8 to a 300HP MS3? I think the vast majority would vote RX-8.
MS3 and other competitors in that cash range, needs to be faster in the 0-60. Its their selling point. Without it, they would not get a 2nd look by many, when compared to the RX-8.
A co-worker has a Mazda 3 (not the MS3) and just by the interior, body, design, etc... I was not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda 3/MS3 body at least looks better than the butt ugly older EVO or STI, but still... a box is a box.
0-60 mph : 5.8 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.49
As far as magazine racing goes... there are sources reporting the RX-8 at 5.8 to 5.9. It's not to say that average joe is going to pull those times, but the average Joe MS3 driver will not pull a 5.4 sec. 0-60 either.
Yeah, the MS3 is a bit faster in 0-60 and depending on the driver, but its still a box.
Put a good FI kit on the RX-8 and nobody looking at the FI RX-8 would be thinking about a MS3.
How many people do you think would prefer an 300HP FI RX-8 to a 300HP MS3? I think the vast majority would vote RX-8.
MS3 and other competitors in that cash range, needs to be faster in the 0-60. Its their selling point. Without it, they would not get a 2nd look by many, when compared to the RX-8.
A co-worker has a Mazda 3 (not the MS3) and just by the interior, body, design, etc... I was not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda 3/MS3 body at least looks better than the butt ugly older EVO or STI, but still... a box is a box.
sorry man..but ur logic is not all there on this one.. anyone can make anything go fast with money.. we're talking stock to stock....u proved the point with ur own stats..3 is faster..we're not asking what looks nicer..it's what is faster.. got it?
and btw..if you wanna play the mod game..there are already full engine component upgrades for the speed 3..upgraded turbo..and a cobb access port on the way..as well as many other things...the MS coilovers and some stickier tires alone but the skidpad numbers above the 8...and the fact that it takes a hell of alot more money to get horsepower on the 8 as compared to the 3... you'd spend about twice on the 8 to get the same hp gains.. so deal with it. don't get your panties in a bunch thinkin about it.. you won't have to look at the "box" that long because it will be out of sight in a few..child seat in the back and all
don't you worry. /end rant
05-20-2007, 09:30 PM
#59
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RX-8
0-60 mph : 5.8 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.49
As far as magazine racing goes... there are sources reporting the RX-8 at 5.8 to 5.9. It's not to say that average joe is going to pull those times, but the average Joe MS3 driver will not pull a 5.4 sec. 0-60 either.
Yeah, the MS3 is a bit faster in 0-60 and depending on the driver, but its still a box.
Put a good FI kit on the RX-8 and nobody looking at the FI RX-8 would be thinking about a MS3.
How many people do you think would prefer an 300HP FI RX-8 to a 300HP MS3? I think the vast majority would vote RX-8.
MS3 and other competitors in that cash range, needs to be faster in the 0-60. Its their selling point. Without it, they would not get a 2nd look by many, when compared to the RX-8.
A co-worker has a Mazda 3 (not the MS3) and just by the interior, body, design, etc... I was not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda 3/MS3 body at least looks better than the butt ugly older EVO or STI, but still... a box is a box.
0-60 mph : 5.8 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.49
As far as magazine racing goes... there are sources reporting the RX-8 at 5.8 to 5.9. It's not to say that average joe is going to pull those times, but the average Joe MS3 driver will not pull a 5.4 sec. 0-60 either.
Yeah, the MS3 is a bit faster in 0-60 and depending on the driver, but its still a box.
Put a good FI kit on the RX-8 and nobody looking at the FI RX-8 would be thinking about a MS3.
How many people do you think would prefer an 300HP FI RX-8 to a 300HP MS3? I think the vast majority would vote RX-8.
MS3 and other competitors in that cash range, needs to be faster in the 0-60. Its their selling point. Without it, they would not get a 2nd look by many, when compared to the RX-8.
A co-worker has a Mazda 3 (not the MS3) and just by the interior, body, design, etc... I was not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda 3/MS3 body at least looks better than the butt ugly older EVO or STI, but still... a box is a box.
As far as it being a box, IMO it's far from it. A scion XB or a honda element is a box. The ms3 is simply a sports compact with an attitude. It doesn't have to have a top-notch interior or all the luxuries so that's a moot point.
05-20-2007, 09:39 PM
#60
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RX-8
0-60 mph : 5.8 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.49
As far as magazine racing goes... there are sources reporting the RX-8 at 5.8 to 5.9. It's not to say that average joe is going to pull those times, but the average Joe MS3 driver will not pull a 5.4 sec. 0-60 either.
Yeah, the MS3 is a bit faster in 0-60 and depending on the driver, but its still a box.
Put a good FI kit on the RX-8 and nobody looking at the FI RX-8 would be thinking about a MS3.
How many people do you think would prefer an 300HP FI RX-8 to a 300HP MS3? I think the vast majority would vote RX-8.
MS3 and other competitors in that cash range, needs to be faster in the 0-60. Its their selling point. Without it, they would not get a 2nd look by many, when compared to the RX-8.
A co-worker has a Mazda 3 (not the MS3) and just by the interior, body, design, etc... I was not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda 3/MS3 body at least looks better than the butt ugly older EVO or STI, but still... a box is a box.
0-60 mph : 5.8 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.49
As far as magazine racing goes... there are sources reporting the RX-8 at 5.8 to 5.9. It's not to say that average joe is going to pull those times, but the average Joe MS3 driver will not pull a 5.4 sec. 0-60 either.
Yeah, the MS3 is a bit faster in 0-60 and depending on the driver, but its still a box.
Put a good FI kit on the RX-8 and nobody looking at the FI RX-8 would be thinking about a MS3.
How many people do you think would prefer an 300HP FI RX-8 to a 300HP MS3? I think the vast majority would vote RX-8.
MS3 and other competitors in that cash range, needs to be faster in the 0-60. Its their selling point. Without it, they would not get a 2nd look by many, when compared to the RX-8.
A co-worker has a Mazda 3 (not the MS3) and just by the interior, body, design, etc... I was not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda 3/MS3 body at least looks better than the butt ugly older EVO or STI, but still... a box is a box.
05-20-2007, 09:47 PM
#61
New Member
Talking stock to stock... there are many posts in ozmazdaclub.com that the Mazdaspeed 3 is having durability problem on the track. This little engine is not happy in heat.
Bathhurst 24 hours is not fun for the 3, however they have won Tasmania Targa Rally in their class....
Tracking NA 8 is not a problem to us... many of us track continuously and so far the weakest link is the coolant, clutch and gearbox...
Bathhurst 24 hours is not fun for the 3, however they have won Tasmania Targa Rally in their class....
Tracking NA 8 is not a problem to us... many of us track continuously and so far the weakest link is the coolant, clutch and gearbox...
05-20-2007, 10:03 PM
#62
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or one that will be having kids in the near future? lol get over it dude..in all reality..most women don't give a rats ***..they just know that put you back in your seat feeling when IN the car..rx-8 doesn't quite do it. and if you do get someone that picks the 8 and you 2 get married down the road..she's the same one that's gonna make you trade it in on a real 4-door or suv...and btw..u can seat 4 fine women in the 3..only 3 in the 8
..and those 2 in the back better be tiny little things...lol
Last edited by rx8pilot; 05-20-2007 at 10:08 PM.
05-22-2007, 07:55 AM
#63
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Are people that insecure here? That some factory tuned econobox will outrun our precious rx8 that owners have to post all sorts of "if" situations? Geez... when I had my old MZ3, it never bothered me one bit that a Dodge Neon turbo or an EVO will out sprint me. I feel secure about what I purchased then and now with the 8 so what if some souped up hatchback will toast me at the hwy or whatnot.
I bought the 8 after much shopping around and discover overtime that Mazda put heckuva thought into designing this car around the Renesis. Just look at the details put in on the RX-8 vs. the rest of the Mazda lineup and you can easily see why to this date the RX-8 is still Mazda's flagship.
I like the fact that the other day when I pulled into the Mazda dealership that the sales guys or the technician all stopped whatever be it wiping a MSP6 or a mazda3 to look at the 8 and its driver.
Likewise I am sure the 3series coupe owners would be pwned by these crop of hot-boxes, but I doubt any one of 'em would want to trade their 330ci or whatnot for one of those. There's more to life....mmmkay.
I bought the 8 after much shopping around and discover overtime that Mazda put heckuva thought into designing this car around the Renesis. Just look at the details put in on the RX-8 vs. the rest of the Mazda lineup and you can easily see why to this date the RX-8 is still Mazda's flagship.
I like the fact that the other day when I pulled into the Mazda dealership that the sales guys or the technician all stopped whatever be it wiping a MSP6 or a mazda3 to look at the 8 and its driver.
Likewise I am sure the 3series coupe owners would be pwned by these crop of hot-boxes, but I doubt any one of 'em would want to trade their 330ci or whatnot for one of those. There's more to life....mmmkay.
Yes, people have insecurities regarding the RX8, so they need to create If situations. See it all the time. Everyone wants to do it. Hell, even the guys on the Speed 3 and 6 forums do that when comparing the car to the STI. Anything to try and make the car better in something. I don't understand it either. People should just admit it, and respect it. It's a more affordable, more practicle car, that happens to go like stink, and is Mazda's fastest car. Faster doesn't mean better, some people can't handle it. Which is ashame. You're right too. a BMW owner wouldn't give two craps that the the Mazda is faster, because he'd know he has a better car.
The RX8 is in a different league overall, costs more money, is originally built, is a sports car. Both are great cars, but they have different purposes. The mere fact that RX8 owners flame on the Speed 3 when there is no other arguing to make the RX8 as fast only proves insecurity. Get over it, and be happy with your purchase for cryin out loud. A Speed 3 can likely beat my S2000. Do you think I give a crap? Sheesh. hehe
05-22-2007, 08:51 AM
#64
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Just two weeks ago with my 8's lease coming up, I went car hunting and ended up buying a Speed 3. I can tell you right now that the Speed is MUCH easier to drive fast, and corners damn near as well as the 8, despite being an FWD car. For the first time ever, I'm not constantly thinking to myself "man, FWD sucks" every time I get on the throttle or take a corner. This car hides it flaw very VERY well.
All the nay-sayers should go try one out. Even if it's not something you could see yourself purchasing, it's still a hell of a car.
All the nay-sayers should go try one out. Even if it's not something you could see yourself purchasing, it's still a hell of a car.
05-22-2007, 10:24 AM
#66
Meh...
Yeah they are fast...and after driving one that had a FMIC and EMU work done to boost power...I came away thinking that it felt..."peppy"...too heavy and I could feel it...
The only one that I could say was decent was at TWS...a heavily modded red one...
Still doesnt do it for me...
Yeah they are fast...and after driving one that had a FMIC and EMU work done to boost power...I came away thinking that it felt..."peppy"...too heavy and I could feel it...
The only one that I could say was decent was at TWS...a heavily modded red one...
Still doesnt do it for me...
05-22-2007, 11:14 AM
#67
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Not yet, I'm still working on getting myself out to an autox. Though, pushing it on freeway on-ramps and whipping through my favorite twisties that I ran with the 8, the car is remarkably well behaved. I've only once experienced a tiny bit of understeer, and I was really standing on the throttle while carrying a pretty good g-load. My old Sentra (145hp) and Protege 5 (130hp) would understeer all day long, I couldn't believe how well this car behaved when I took it out for a test drive.
05-23-2007, 02:47 AM
#69
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damn, must be deflating to see mazda turbo'ing a maz3 wagon over an rx8, whassup w/ that. Someone smack their r&d leads and get their priorities straight. the maz3 was intended to be an sporty fwd econobox .. its like passing the throne to the 2nd/3rd son.
05-23-2007, 03:39 PM
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Anyone who thinks FWD can't handle or has to bown down to RWD on track hasn't ever been to the track. With the right skillset and setup (IE alignment & tire pressures) a FWD can be quite a weapon on nearly any track out there. I am coming from an SVT Focus, and with just a change in the PSIs of my daily-driver Azenis and no other mods would typically take top-10 raw times at the autocross and in the top 25% at our local small roadcourse with the Mustang club. The SVT was a phenomenal little car and handled exceptionally, and was in many ways easier to drive fast than the RX8.
So there are some faster FWDs. Who the hell cares. If you bought the RX-8 thinking it was the fastest car around then you didn't do very much research. If you bought the RX8 because it was one of the most enjoyable cars around, like I did, and like it despite the fact that somewhere/somehow somebody else is faster then good for you.
There is always something out there going faster for less $$$. Look at the Grassroots Motorsport $2006 challenge. 10-12 second daily drivers that can annhilate an autocross for less than $2006. Just enjoy the fact that you have a great car and have fun.
edit:
Also, don't forget that the devleopment of the turbo 2.3 is supported by 3 vehicles currently, (MS3, MS6, CX-7) and could easily have more. Not to mention that it gives them and parent ford even more knowledge about how to maximize an engine that they make by the millions. That makes it a MUCH better candidate for research dollars than the complex and low production rotary.
So there are some faster FWDs. Who the hell cares. If you bought the RX-8 thinking it was the fastest car around then you didn't do very much research. If you bought the RX8 because it was one of the most enjoyable cars around, like I did, and like it despite the fact that somewhere/somehow somebody else is faster then good for you.
There is always something out there going faster for less $$$. Look at the Grassroots Motorsport $2006 challenge. 10-12 second daily drivers that can annhilate an autocross for less than $2006. Just enjoy the fact that you have a great car and have fun.
edit:
Also, don't forget that the devleopment of the turbo 2.3 is supported by 3 vehicles currently, (MS3, MS6, CX-7) and could easily have more. Not to mention that it gives them and parent ford even more knowledge about how to maximize an engine that they make by the millions. That makes it a MUCH better candidate for research dollars than the complex and low production rotary.
Last edited by Carrera26; 05-23-2007 at 03:50 PM.
05-23-2007, 11:24 PM
#71
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I own both. If you wanna know which one is the faster of the two, The MS3 is the faster one hands down. The RX8 looks better. The MS3 is a waay better price. The RX8 is more fun to drive, but not by much. They are both very fun, but the MS3 is way faster, way cheaper and is why more gas efficient and alot less maintenence. IMHO the I like the MS3 better than the RX8 overall. Think of it this way. The RX8 is a good fu** for a cool minute, but I would marry the MS3.
05-24-2007, 12:10 AM
#72
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I don't know. I found something distinctly more enjoyable about driving the 8. Something about driving the 3 leaves me a bit disconcerted. I think it's in the shifting - real short gears that run out real fast don't suit this car real well - I feel like as soon as I'm done shifting, it's time to shift again. This car also seems to view downshifting as a chore, every time I heel-toe into a corner, it seems like the car is fighting with me.
That said, though, it sure is fast, fun to drive and practical. No doubt my only choice out of the $20k-ish crowd. Drove a Civic Si minutes before driving the Speed 3 and I kept thinking to myself "eh...the Si is a nice car, but that drive was really underwhelming." Then, when I drove the Speed 3 I didn't stop thinking about the test drive for a week.
That said, though, it sure is fast, fun to drive and practical. No doubt my only choice out of the $20k-ish crowd. Drove a Civic Si minutes before driving the Speed 3 and I kept thinking to myself "eh...the Si is a nice car, but that drive was really underwhelming." Then, when I drove the Speed 3 I didn't stop thinking about the test drive for a week.
05-24-2007, 12:19 AM
#73
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I own both. If you wanna know which one is the faster of the two, The MS3 is the faster one hands down. The RX8 looks better. The MS3 is a waay better price. The RX8 is more fun to drive, but not by much. They are both very fun, but the MS3 is way faster, way cheaper and is why more gas efficient and alot less maintenence. IMHO the I like the MS3 better than the RX8 overall. Think of it this way. The RX8 is a good fu** for a cool minute, but I would marry the MS3.
05-24-2007, 01:29 AM
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Went to an AutoX event last weekend in Cupertino, CA to watch a buddy run his WRX with a JDM EJ20. It was mostly 2nd and 3rd gears for the field...unless there were S2000's or RX8's - they went into 1st gear occasionally and went into 3rd gear less. I don't remember all the different classes but there were two MS3's out there running right with WRX wagons and SRT-4 ACR's. In as much as an AutoX event reveals a car's handling tendencies, I thought the MS3 was damn close to the RX-8 and Fox Body Mustangs in the field. I'd give the nod to the RX-8 with equal drivers, but it's not the landslide victory some people on here are making it out to be.
05-24-2007, 03:08 PM
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I can't imagine anyone with actual racing experience thinking that there would be a landslide victory either way. Especially in autocross, with identical drivers it would likely come down to course design and whether it favored power/FWD or RWD...