What Should I Buy to Replace My RX-8?
07-25-2019, 07:53 AM
#1
Water Foul
Thread Starter
What Should I Buy to Replace My RX-8?
Hypothetically speaking, should I decide to buy or lease something sporty, what should I be looking at?
I would describe exactly what I want, but I would spend a lot of time describing an RX-8, with a better power to weight ratio and more torque. This car most likely will not see track time. I have 2 other toys for that.
I need back seats (I have a 7 year-old), but it can be a 2 door. I prefer a manual transmission.
Right now, I think the closest to fitting the bill is a BMW M2, but a used one or a lease would be at the veeeeery tOp of my budget.
Very ironically, I just moved to a place where I can finally really enjoy something like the 8, and then I sold it.
What say you?
I would describe exactly what I want, but I would spend a lot of time describing an RX-8, with a better power to weight ratio and more torque. This car most likely will not see track time. I have 2 other toys for that.
I need back seats (I have a 7 year-old), but it can be a 2 door. I prefer a manual transmission.
Right now, I think the closest to fitting the bill is a BMW M2, but a used one or a lease would be at the veeeeery tOp of my budget.
Very ironically, I just moved to a place where I can finally really enjoy something like the 8, and then I sold it.
What say you?
07-25-2019, 02:22 PM
#3
Smoking turbo yay
Does it have to be RWD?
If not, that opens up a ton of options, like a good number of hot hatches, and even a Honda Accord.
If RWD, maybe a Chevy SS or Infiniti G?
Another random one: Shelby GT350 assuming no markup and it's in your budget. Had a discussion with a buddy last night and I personally can't see why you'd buy it over a C7 Corvette in terms of performance, but it has back seats so there you go. The flatplane 5.2 Voodoo engine revs super high to 8200 RPM while sounding exotic so that's also a plus. It's a pretty heavy car, though, so it's not gonna feel that nimble, but the handling is not too bad, either.
The running cost and reliability of a BMW will always keep me away from one. It's pretty much just an RX-8, but everything is overengineered and harder to work on, LOL. But in terms of being similar to the 8... I guess BMW 1M/M2 is gonna be the closest.
If not, that opens up a ton of options, like a good number of hot hatches, and even a Honda Accord.
If RWD, maybe a Chevy SS or Infiniti G?
Another random one: Shelby GT350 assuming no markup and it's in your budget. Had a discussion with a buddy last night and I personally can't see why you'd buy it over a C7 Corvette in terms of performance, but it has back seats so there you go. The flatplane 5.2 Voodoo engine revs super high to 8200 RPM while sounding exotic so that's also a plus. It's a pretty heavy car, though, so it's not gonna feel that nimble, but the handling is not too bad, either.
The running cost and reliability of a BMW will always keep me away from one. It's pretty much just an RX-8, but everything is overengineered and harder to work on, LOL. But in terms of being similar to the 8... I guess BMW 1M/M2 is gonna be the closest.
Last edited by UnknownJinX; 07-25-2019 at 02:32 PM.
07-25-2019, 02:54 PM
#4
Registered
What about the RX-8 made it incompatible to your recent life changes? It'd be important to know why it wasn't suitable, in order to filter out possible replacements.
The only car I've driven that drove like the RX-7/RX-8 was the Miata (surprise!). The RX-8 and NC/ND Miatas all handle better than the FD3S, they only lose on perceived cool factor, and visceral feel due to the lack of sound deadening, and engine design that was used in the last generation RX-7. The SE3P/NC/ND are better cars, improved greatly by time and engineering.
Porsche and BMW make fantastic cars, that handle well, are fast, and attractive; they tend to be heavier and more luxury driven though, and unless getting an M car or a 911, the Germans alienate their affordable options by removing the LSD and making it very difficult to add one back in.
The only car I've driven that drove like the RX-7/RX-8 was the Miata (surprise!). The RX-8 and NC/ND Miatas all handle better than the FD3S, they only lose on perceived cool factor, and visceral feel due to the lack of sound deadening, and engine design that was used in the last generation RX-7. The SE3P/NC/ND are better cars, improved greatly by time and engineering.
Porsche and BMW make fantastic cars, that handle well, are fast, and attractive; they tend to be heavier and more luxury driven though, and unless getting an M car or a 911, the Germans alienate their affordable options by removing the LSD and making it very difficult to add one back in.
07-25-2019, 07:53 PM
#5
Water Foul
Thread Starter
I need to test drive a GT86 again. I tested about 5 of them (both Subaru and Scion) before I bought my 8. The 8 won the handling department hands-down, and the Toybaru interior was garbage. They have come a long way since then, and I think you can even buy one without Prius tires now.
Does it have to be RWD?
If not, that opens up a ton of options, like a good number of hot hatches, and even a Honda Accord.
If RWD, maybe a Chevy SS or Infiniti G?
Another random one: Shelby GT350 assuming no markup and it's in your budget. Had a discussion with a buddy last night and I personally can't see why you'd buy it over a C7 Corvette in terms of performance, but it has back seats so there you go. The flatplane 5.2 Voodoo engine revs super high to 8200 RPM while sounding exotic so that's also a plus. It's a pretty heavy car, though, so it's not gonna feel that nimble, but the handling is not too bad, either.
The running cost and reliability of a BMW will always keep me away from one. It's pretty much just an RX-8, but everything is overengineered and harder to work on, LOL. But in terms of being similar to the 8... I guess BMW 1M/M2 is gonna be the closest.
If not, that opens up a ton of options, like a good number of hot hatches, and even a Honda Accord.
If RWD, maybe a Chevy SS or Infiniti G?
Another random one: Shelby GT350 assuming no markup and it's in your budget. Had a discussion with a buddy last night and I personally can't see why you'd buy it over a C7 Corvette in terms of performance, but it has back seats so there you go. The flatplane 5.2 Voodoo engine revs super high to 8200 RPM while sounding exotic so that's also a plus. It's a pretty heavy car, though, so it's not gonna feel that nimble, but the handling is not too bad, either.
The running cost and reliability of a BMW will always keep me away from one. It's pretty much just an RX-8, but everything is overengineered and harder to work on, LOL. But in terms of being similar to the 8... I guess BMW 1M/M2 is gonna be the closest.
I have pondered a Mustang. They don't suck anymore, and all you really need is the GT for a fun daily driver.
Infiniti Gs are nice, but see Nissan interiors above.
I hear you on BMW reliability. At least I would have the option of an extended warranty that would actually cover the engine, although the engine usually isn't the problem. What other car requires you to replace the front lower control arms every 2 to 3 years? (Side note: I have a friend with a new-ish X3 diesel, and its fuel pump disintegrated last week, filling the entire fuel system with metal fragments. It was a $13,000 repair under warranty.)
What about the RX-8 made it incompatible to your recent life changes? It'd be important to know why it wasn't suitable, in order to filter out possible replacements.
The only car I've driven that drove like the RX-7/RX-8 was the Miata (surprise!). The RX-8 and NC/ND Miatas all handle better than the FD3S, they only lose on perceived cool factor, and visceral feel due to the lack of sound deadening, and engine design that was used in the last generation RX-7. The SE3P/NC/ND are better cars, improved greatly by time and engineering.
Porsche and BMW make fantastic cars, that handle well, are fast, and attractive; they tend to be heavier and more luxury driven though, and unless getting an M car or a 911, the Germans alienate their affordable options by removing the LSD and making it very difficult to add one back in.
The only car I've driven that drove like the RX-7/RX-8 was the Miata (surprise!). The RX-8 and NC/ND Miatas all handle better than the FD3S, they only lose on perceived cool factor, and visceral feel due to the lack of sound deadening, and engine design that was used in the last generation RX-7. The SE3P/NC/ND are better cars, improved greatly by time and engineering.
Porsche and BMW make fantastic cars, that handle well, are fast, and attractive; they tend to be heavier and more luxury driven though, and unless getting an M car or a 911, the Germans alienate their affordable options by removing the LSD and making it very difficult to add one back in.
If not for the back seat requirement, I would already have the 2019.2 MX-5 on pre-order. That new chassis fantastic, and the HP bump makes it really fun to drive.
Hey, all the fancy-pants electronics are supposed to make up for the lack of LSD in Bimmers, dontchaknow!
So, yeah, I'm in that unhappy place, looking for a fun RWD family car. Any other ideas? Any cars I'm missing?
07-25-2019, 08:05 PM
#6
Registered
I have an M2. Its a freaking incredible car. I have an RX-8. Its a more freaking incredible car. If you Drive. Just Drive. you will understand. Its not about prestige, its not about HP, its all about the Smiles and Grins ----------the emotional feedback.
You will be looking for an 8 in less than 2 years. Bets ?
You will be looking for an 8 in less than 2 years. Bets ?
07-25-2019, 08:24 PM
#7
Smoking turbo yay
I forgot about the 135i-M! I'll look into used ones, but I think they were discontinued in 2011, so it will probably be difficult to find a nice one, and then there's the reliability question. I should look into newer 2-Series cars as well.
I need to test drive a GT86 again. I tested about 5 of them (both Subaru and Scion) before I bought my 8. The 8 won the handling department hands-down, and the Toybaru interior was garbage. They have come a long way since then, and I think you can even buy one without Prius tires now.Yeah, it pretty much has to be RWD. Otherwise, a Mazda 6 turbo would be the obvious choice (even comes in... Black Mica). Or, a used Nissan Maxima. Their first year depreciation is ridiculously bad, which makes them a huge bargain for what you get. The interiors fall apart, though.
I have pondered a Mustang. They don't suck anymore, and all you really need is the GT for a fun daily driver.
Infiniti Gs are nice, but see Nissan interiors above.
I hear you on BMW reliability. At least I would have the option of an extended warranty that would actually cover the engine, although the engine usually isn't the problem. What other car requires you to replace the front lower control arms every 2 to 3 years? (Side note: I have a friend with a new-ish X3 diesel, and its fuel pump disintegrated last week, filling the entire fuel system with metal fragments. It was a $13,000 repair under warranty.)It's a long story, and there were are lot of factors. And, I wonder if I haven't made a huge mistake, believe me. Anyway, the easy to explain factors are: 1. we have not found a suitable booster seat that fits the back seat properly; 2. the safety rating is unknown; 3. I moved to an area where it is necessary to drive long distances to get anywhere, so better gas mileage is desired; 4. getting stranded out here means being stranded for hours in the middle of nowhere; 5. It reaches 115F here in the summer, and the 8 does not exactly like heat; 6. I have an old Tacoma with a ton of miles on it that is not really suitable as a daily driver anymore (needs thousands of $$$ in work), but it could be the "farm truck" with little done to it; etc.
If not for the back seat requirement, I would already have the 2019.2 MX-5 on pre-order. That new chassis fantastic, and the HP bump makes it really fun to drive.
Hey, all the fancy-pants electronics are supposed to make up for the lack of LSD in Bimmers, dontchaknow!
So, yeah, I'm in that unhappy place, looking for a fun RWD family car. Any other ideas? Any cars I'm missing?
I need to test drive a GT86 again. I tested about 5 of them (both Subaru and Scion) before I bought my 8. The 8 won the handling department hands-down, and the Toybaru interior was garbage. They have come a long way since then, and I think you can even buy one without Prius tires now.Yeah, it pretty much has to be RWD. Otherwise, a Mazda 6 turbo would be the obvious choice (even comes in... Black Mica). Or, a used Nissan Maxima. Their first year depreciation is ridiculously bad, which makes them a huge bargain for what you get. The interiors fall apart, though.
I have pondered a Mustang. They don't suck anymore, and all you really need is the GT for a fun daily driver.
Infiniti Gs are nice, but see Nissan interiors above.
I hear you on BMW reliability. At least I would have the option of an extended warranty that would actually cover the engine, although the engine usually isn't the problem. What other car requires you to replace the front lower control arms every 2 to 3 years? (Side note: I have a friend with a new-ish X3 diesel, and its fuel pump disintegrated last week, filling the entire fuel system with metal fragments. It was a $13,000 repair under warranty.)It's a long story, and there were are lot of factors. And, I wonder if I haven't made a huge mistake, believe me. Anyway, the easy to explain factors are: 1. we have not found a suitable booster seat that fits the back seat properly; 2. the safety rating is unknown; 3. I moved to an area where it is necessary to drive long distances to get anywhere, so better gas mileage is desired; 4. getting stranded out here means being stranded for hours in the middle of nowhere; 5. It reaches 115F here in the summer, and the 8 does not exactly like heat; 6. I have an old Tacoma with a ton of miles on it that is not really suitable as a daily driver anymore (needs thousands of $$$ in work), but it could be the "farm truck" with little done to it; etc.
If not for the back seat requirement, I would already have the 2019.2 MX-5 on pre-order. That new chassis fantastic, and the HP bump makes it really fun to drive.
Hey, all the fancy-pants electronics are supposed to make up for the lack of LSD in Bimmers, dontchaknow!
So, yeah, I'm in that unhappy place, looking for a fun RWD family car. Any other ideas? Any cars I'm missing?
BRZ supposedly has nicer interior than the 86, but IMO this is a car for younger people who don't pay much attention to interior anyways.
Mazda 6 turbo is fine, but remember it's auto only. 2.5NA is pretty weak sauce. Honda Accord and hot hatches would have adequate power and a manual transmission option.
And since you mentioned better gas mileage than the 8, Mustang GT and Shelby should be off the list since they won't be better on the gas than the 8(especially the Shelby). Ecoboost is what you would be after, then. Last I checked, you can option it to have all the bells and whistles of a GT minus the engine.
07-25-2019, 08:38 PM
#8
Registered
I forgot about the 135i-M! I'll look into used ones, but I think they were discontinued in 2011, so it will probably be difficult to find a nice one, and then there's the reliability question. I should look into newer 2-Series cars as well.
I need to test drive a GT86 again. I tested about 5 of them (both Subaru and Scion) before I bought my 8. The 8 won the handling department hands-down, and the Toybaru interior was garbage. They have come a long way since then, and I think you can even buy one without Prius tires now.
Yeah, it pretty much has to be RWD. Otherwise, a Mazda 6 turbo would be the obvious choice (even comes in... Black Mica). Or, a used Nissan Maxima. Their first year depreciation is ridiculously bad, which makes them a huge bargain for what you get. The interiors fall apart, though.
I have pondered a Mustang. They don't suck anymore, and all you really need is the GT for a fun daily driver.
Infiniti Gs are nice, but see Nissan interiors above.
I hear you on BMW reliability. At least I would have the option of an extended warranty that would actually cover the engine, although the engine usually isn't the problem. What other car requires you to replace the front lower control arms every 2 to 3 years? (Side note: I have a friend with a new-ish X3 diesel, and its fuel pump disintegrated last week, filling the entire fuel system with metal fragments. It was a $13,000 repair under warranty.)
It's a long story, and there were are lot of factors. And, I wonder if I haven't made a huge mistake, believe me. Anyway, the easy to explain factors are: 1. we have not found a suitable booster seat that fits the back seat properly; 2. the safety rating is unknown; 3. I moved to an area where it is necessary to drive long distances to get anywhere, so better gas mileage is desired; 4. getting stranded out here means being stranded for hours in the middle of nowhere; 5. It reaches 115F here in the summer, and the 8 does not exactly like heat; 6. I have an old Tacoma with a ton of miles on it that is not really suitable as a daily driver anymore (needs thousands of $$$ in work), but it could be the "farm truck" with little done to it; etc.
If not for the back seat requirement, I would already have the 2019.2 MX-5 on pre-order. That new chassis fantastic, and the HP bump makes it really fun to drive.
Hey, all the fancy-pants electronics are supposed to make up for the lack of LSD in Bimmers, dontchaknow!
So, yeah, I'm in that unhappy place, looking for a fun RWD family car. Any other ideas? Any cars I'm missing?
I need to test drive a GT86 again. I tested about 5 of them (both Subaru and Scion) before I bought my 8. The 8 won the handling department hands-down, and the Toybaru interior was garbage. They have come a long way since then, and I think you can even buy one without Prius tires now.
Yeah, it pretty much has to be RWD. Otherwise, a Mazda 6 turbo would be the obvious choice (even comes in... Black Mica). Or, a used Nissan Maxima. Their first year depreciation is ridiculously bad, which makes them a huge bargain for what you get. The interiors fall apart, though.
I have pondered a Mustang. They don't suck anymore, and all you really need is the GT for a fun daily driver.
Infiniti Gs are nice, but see Nissan interiors above.
I hear you on BMW reliability. At least I would have the option of an extended warranty that would actually cover the engine, although the engine usually isn't the problem. What other car requires you to replace the front lower control arms every 2 to 3 years? (Side note: I have a friend with a new-ish X3 diesel, and its fuel pump disintegrated last week, filling the entire fuel system with metal fragments. It was a $13,000 repair under warranty.)
It's a long story, and there were are lot of factors. And, I wonder if I haven't made a huge mistake, believe me. Anyway, the easy to explain factors are: 1. we have not found a suitable booster seat that fits the back seat properly; 2. the safety rating is unknown; 3. I moved to an area where it is necessary to drive long distances to get anywhere, so better gas mileage is desired; 4. getting stranded out here means being stranded for hours in the middle of nowhere; 5. It reaches 115F here in the summer, and the 8 does not exactly like heat; 6. I have an old Tacoma with a ton of miles on it that is not really suitable as a daily driver anymore (needs thousands of $$$ in work), but it could be the "farm truck" with little done to it; etc.
If not for the back seat requirement, I would already have the 2019.2 MX-5 on pre-order. That new chassis fantastic, and the HP bump makes it really fun to drive.
Hey, all the fancy-pants electronics are supposed to make up for the lack of LSD in Bimmers, dontchaknow!
So, yeah, I'm in that unhappy place, looking for a fun RWD family car. Any other ideas? Any cars I'm missing?
I wouldn't put too much energy or compromise into fitting a baby seat (I made that mistake), especially if it is rear-facing; that is a temporary situation. If Mom has a suitable baby mobile you have a means of transit for when kiddo travels with you, and in time they will be able to fit (and self load) themselves into the car.
Give an EcoBoost Mustang a try. They are pretty capable, especially with the Performance Pack . The power band isn't hugely fun (early and strong torque for daily driving, but falls off fast above 4,500rpm). The good news is mild tuning opens them up and makes the top feel a little more lively while making significant gains down low. It takes an aftermarket turbocharger to size for high RPM power. It isn't quite as riotous fun as the Coyote, but it does offer a fun experience still, while returning 24-30mpg.
BMW reliability is a mixed bag, but not too awful. The powertrain is stout, it is just the cost-saving efforts all bolted on to the engine that are a risk (plastic water pump/thermostat housing, etc). I managed 24mpg while hooning my 335i, they are a solid option if willing to accept the reliability risks, they are heftier than the RX-8, bit a wholly satisfying drive. The risk comes in most being off lease cars that then went to uncaring second-hand owners. Not far divided from the RX-8. Finding a well cared for model can be a trick.
EDIT: Seems unknownjinx and I are of similar perspectives.
The 86/BRZ/FRS has a junky interior for sure and it feels like a car built to a price. They are fun and capable but not without spending some money to give it what was left off during design and engineering.
The new Miata is fantastic and a minor improvement on the RX-8 chassis. If only Mazda would build another RX-8 (in spirit, 2+2 Miata chassis), even if all it had was a SkyG 2.0/2.5, an Edelbrock supercharger would sort out the power disparity and make for a great, new, and fun sports car.
Last edited by furansu; 07-25-2019 at 08:48 PM.
07-25-2019, 08:42 PM
#9
FULLY SEMI AUTOMATIC
iTrader: (9)
rx9/vision 
07-25-2019, 09:33 PM
#11
Water Foul
Thread Starter
I know a guy who switched from an Integra Type R to a 1M recently. He is pretty happy with it, but weirdly, the first time he Autocrossed in it, he went into limp mode for one lap. It was odd, he said something about the traction or powertrain. And it never had a problem for the rest of the day. Oh well, BMW is gonna BMW.
BRZ supposedly has nicer interior than the 86, but IMO this is a car for younger people who don't pay much attention to interior anyways.
Mazda 6 turbo is fine, but remember it's auto only. 2.5NA is pretty weak sauce. Honda Accord and hot hatches would have adequate power and a manual transmission option.
And since you mentioned better gas mileage than the 8, Mustang GT and Shelby should be off the list since they won't be better on the gas than the 8(especially the Shelby). Ecoboost is what you would be after, then. Last I checked, you can option it to have all the bells and whistles of a GT minus the engine.
BRZ supposedly has nicer interior than the 86, but IMO this is a car for younger people who don't pay much attention to interior anyways.
Mazda 6 turbo is fine, but remember it's auto only. 2.5NA is pretty weak sauce. Honda Accord and hot hatches would have adequate power and a manual transmission option.
And since you mentioned better gas mileage than the 8, Mustang GT and Shelby should be off the list since they won't be better on the gas than the 8(especially the Shelby). Ecoboost is what you would be after, then. Last I checked, you can option it to have all the bells and whistles of a GT minus the engine.
Other than at the track, I have not driven an 86 platform car since early 2012. I need to give the twins another look. It is a very capable chassis when set up correctly, which takes about $3000 right out of the gate. But, I'm 46 years old, and I just don't see myself in one of those on a daily basis.
If fuel economy matters, that sort of couches V8's as they match a rotary for fuel economy. I know my kiddos baby seat fits in my RX-8 and in my Mustang, fits the 2015+ Mustang as well.
I wouldn't put too much energy or compromise into fitting a baby seat (I made that mistake), especially if it is rear-facing; that is a temporary situation. If Mom has a suitable baby mobile you have a means of transit for when kiddo travels with you, and in time they will be able to fit (and self load) themselves into the car.
Give an EcoBoost Mustang a try. They are pretty capable, especially with the Performance Pack . The power band isn't hugely fun (early and strong torque for daily driving, but falls off fast above 4,500rpm). The good news is mild tuning opens them up and makes the top feel a little more lively while making significant gains down low. It takes an aftermarket turbocharger to size for high RPM power. It isn't quite as riotous fun as the Coyote, but it does offer a fun experience still, while returning 24-30mpg.
BMW reliability is a mixed bag, but not too awful. The powertrain is stout, it is just the cost-saving efforts all bolted on to the engine that are a risk (plastic water pump/thermostat housing, etc). I managed 24mpg while hooning my 335i, they are a solid option if willing to accept the reliability risks, they are heftier than the RX-8, bit a wholly satisfying drive. The risk comes in most being off lease cars that then went to uncaring second-hand owners. Not far divided from the RX-8. Finding a well cared for model can be a trick.
EDIT: Seems unknownjinx and I are of similar perspectives.
The 86/BRZ/FRS has a junky interior for sure and it feels like a car built to a price. They are fun and capable but not without spending some money to give it what was left off during design and engineering.
The new Miata is fantastic and a minor improvement on the RX-8 chassis. If only Mazda would build another RX-8 (in spirit, 2+2 Miata chassis), even if all it had was a SkyG 2.0/2.5, an Edelbrock supercharger would sort out the power disparity and make for a great, new, and fun sports car.
I wouldn't put too much energy or compromise into fitting a baby seat (I made that mistake), especially if it is rear-facing; that is a temporary situation. If Mom has a suitable baby mobile you have a means of transit for when kiddo travels with you, and in time they will be able to fit (and self load) themselves into the car.
Give an EcoBoost Mustang a try. They are pretty capable, especially with the Performance Pack . The power band isn't hugely fun (early and strong torque for daily driving, but falls off fast above 4,500rpm). The good news is mild tuning opens them up and makes the top feel a little more lively while making significant gains down low. It takes an aftermarket turbocharger to size for high RPM power. It isn't quite as riotous fun as the Coyote, but it does offer a fun experience still, while returning 24-30mpg.
BMW reliability is a mixed bag, but not too awful. The powertrain is stout, it is just the cost-saving efforts all bolted on to the engine that are a risk (plastic water pump/thermostat housing, etc). I managed 24mpg while hooning my 335i, they are a solid option if willing to accept the reliability risks, they are heftier than the RX-8, bit a wholly satisfying drive. The risk comes in most being off lease cars that then went to uncaring second-hand owners. Not far divided from the RX-8. Finding a well cared for model can be a trick.
EDIT: Seems unknownjinx and I are of similar perspectives.
The 86/BRZ/FRS has a junky interior for sure and it feels like a car built to a price. They are fun and capable but not without spending some money to give it what was left off during design and engineering.
The new Miata is fantastic and a minor improvement on the RX-8 chassis. If only Mazda would build another RX-8 (in spirit, 2+2 Miata chassis), even if all it had was a SkyG 2.0/2.5, an Edelbrock supercharger would sort out the power disparity and make for a great, new, and fun sports car.
The new MX-5 is a very lightweight platform with better suspension geometry than the 8. It is very nimble, where the 8 is something like a more deliberate, more refined big brother (extra weight plus longer wheelbase minus bump travel). The NC MX-5 falls somewhere in between. The power to weight ratio of the new ND puts it in a whole other league, however. As I said, if not for the back seat requirement, I would already have one on order. There is faint hope that I can convince the wifey to let me carry the booster in the trunk and turn off the front air bag for short trips. Faint. Hope.
Agreed on the Mazda sports car. They really need something like the 8 with the 2.5T engine. Probably wouldn't sell many, but I would buy one!
So anyhoo, I drive around 36 sports cars on track every year, and other than the 8, I keep coming back to the Bimmer platform as being the next best handling, most fun to drive, in a practical package. And, I especially like the M2. An M240i could check most of the boxes, however.
In other news, how silly is this idea? My in-laws have a 2010 Porsche Cayenne in immaculate condition with 30K miles on the clock and a transferable 3 year warranty they want to sell. It's really a VW grocery getter, but maybe? Could I drive that and still show my face in public? How about that AND the new MX-5? I do have a large garage...
Just can't get into hot hatches. Not my thing.
Just go ahead and wander over to that stool in the corner, and put on this conical hat. Pay no attention to the letters on it, my little snowflake. Mommy doesn't have to know.
.
Last edited by Steve Dallas; 07-25-2019 at 09:38 PM.
07-25-2019, 10:38 PM
#13
Smoking turbo yay
Yeah. Those all factor into the dilemma. I have driven the Ecoboost Mustang. It is kinda lame in its response curve, and it has some ECU tricks that attempt to make it seem less lame, that actually make it more lame. Then, there's the Sound Symposer. Sorry, but it is NOT a real Mustang. If I Mustang, I must actually Mustang.
Other than at the track, I have not driven an 86 platform car since early 2012. I need to give the twins another look. It is a very capable chassis when set up correctly, which takes about $3000 right out of the gate. But, I'm 46 years old, and I just don't see myself in one of those on a daily basis.
The new MX-5 is a very lightweight platform with better suspension geometry than the 8. It is very nimble, where the 8 is something like a more deliberate, more refined big brother (extra weight plus longer wheelbase minus bump travel). The NC MX-5 falls somewhere in between. The power to weight ratio of the new ND puts it in a whole other league, however. As I said, if not for the back seat requirement, I would already have one on order. There is faint hope that I can convince the wifey to let me carry the booster in the trunk and turn off the front air bag for short trips. Faint. Hope.
Agreed on the Mazda sports car. They really need something like the 8 with the 2.5T engine. Probably wouldn't sell many, but I would buy one!
So anyhoo, I drive around 36 sports cars on track every year, and other than the 8, I keep coming back to the Bimmer platform as being the next best handling, most fun to drive, in a practical package. And, I especially like the M2. An M240i could check most of the boxes, however.
In other news, how silly is this idea? My in-laws have a 2010 Porsche Cayenne in immaculate condition with 30K miles on the clock and a transferable 3 year warranty they want to sell. It's really a VW grocery getter, but maybe? Could I drive that and still show my face in public? How about that AND the new MX-5? I do have a large garage...
Other than at the track, I have not driven an 86 platform car since early 2012. I need to give the twins another look. It is a very capable chassis when set up correctly, which takes about $3000 right out of the gate. But, I'm 46 years old, and I just don't see myself in one of those on a daily basis.
The new MX-5 is a very lightweight platform with better suspension geometry than the 8. It is very nimble, where the 8 is something like a more deliberate, more refined big brother (extra weight plus longer wheelbase minus bump travel). The NC MX-5 falls somewhere in between. The power to weight ratio of the new ND puts it in a whole other league, however. As I said, if not for the back seat requirement, I would already have one on order. There is faint hope that I can convince the wifey to let me carry the booster in the trunk and turn off the front air bag for short trips. Faint. Hope.
Agreed on the Mazda sports car. They really need something like the 8 with the 2.5T engine. Probably wouldn't sell many, but I would buy one!
So anyhoo, I drive around 36 sports cars on track every year, and other than the 8, I keep coming back to the Bimmer platform as being the next best handling, most fun to drive, in a practical package. And, I especially like the M2. An M240i could check most of the boxes, however.
In other news, how silly is this idea? My in-laws have a 2010 Porsche Cayenne in immaculate condition with 30K miles on the clock and a transferable 3 year warranty they want to sell. It's really a VW grocery getter, but maybe? Could I drive that and still show my face in public? How about that AND the new MX-5? I do have a large garage...
Yeah, I don't think you will really work with a GT86.
I do like the ND MX-5 every time when I head to the dealer, but ultimately, it does have that *cough*gay*cough* reputation. I can't see myself driving one, and I want to try something radically different from the 8. Something with actual torque(read: V8). That's me, though.
If you want an SUV, get a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 or something cheap. May as well save the money. I wouldn't get a Porsche Cayenne.
07-26-2019, 07:12 AM
#15
What am I doing here?
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: 2017 Miata RF Launch Edition
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I'm biased:
I'm partial to my Miata RF.
With header, midpipe, catback, and tune, some dynos put it at 180 whp/wtq. With a 2400-2500 lb car, it's pretty zippy.
If you must have a back seat, how about an Infiniti Q60?
I'm partial to my Miata RF.
With header, midpipe, catback, and tune, some dynos put it at 180 whp/wtq. With a 2400-2500 lb car, it's pretty zippy.
If you must have a back seat, how about an Infiniti Q60?
07-26-2019, 08:37 AM
#16
Water Foul
Thread Starter
I have an M2. Its a freaking incredible car. I have an RX-8. Its a more freaking incredible car. If you Drive. Just Drive. you will understand. Its not about prestige, its not about HP, its all about the Smiles and Grins ----------the emotional feedback.
You will be looking for an 8 in less than 2 years. Bets ?
You will be looking for an 8 in less than 2 years. Bets ?
07-26-2019, 08:48 AM
#17
Let me throw a few rando quirky cars that aren't a direct RX8 replacement, but still interesting for the usecase.
Audi A7. It's practically a limo, but if you're gonna 4-door, may as well go all the way.
Caddy ATS-V. It tried to be an M2.
Tesla Model S. I mean if you're going to drive long distance, paying no gas sounds like a clear advantage. And its a capable chassis.
Audi A7. It's practically a limo, but if you're gonna 4-door, may as well go all the way.
Caddy ATS-V. It tried to be an M2.
Tesla Model S. I mean if you're going to drive long distance, paying no gas sounds like a clear advantage. And its a capable chassis.
07-26-2019, 10:12 AM
#18
What am I doing here?
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: 2017 Miata RF Launch Edition
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If you finally realize that...
MX-5
Is
Always
The
Answer then I can't recommend the RF over the soft top strongly enough. With the top up, it's quieter inside than my CX-3 (which, I'll admit, isn't saying much), it's much better looking than the soft top, and it's not that much heavier. IMO, the only arguments against the RF are the price (extra ~$2000) and that it's the wrong car for national-level competition. It's about 100lbs heavier but you won't notice without instrumentation and back-to-back testing. There's only one company that makes a rollbar for it and you can't put the top down once it's installed (effectively, you have a coupe now).
MX-5
Is
Always
The
Answer then I can't recommend the RF over the soft top strongly enough. With the top up, it's quieter inside than my CX-3 (which, I'll admit, isn't saying much), it's much better looking than the soft top, and it's not that much heavier. IMO, the only arguments against the RF are the price (extra ~$2000) and that it's the wrong car for national-level competition. It's about 100lbs heavier but you won't notice without instrumentation and back-to-back testing. There's only one company that makes a rollbar for it and you can't put the top down once it's installed (effectively, you have a coupe now).
07-26-2019, 02:03 PM
#20
Smoking turbo yay
Let me throw a few rando quirky cars that aren't a direct RX8 replacement, but still interesting for the usecase.
Audi A7. It's practically a limo, but if you're gonna 4-door, may as well go all the way.
Caddy ATS-V. It tried to be an M2.
Tesla Model S. I mean if you're going to drive long distance, paying no gas sounds like a clear advantage. And its a capable chassis.
Audi A7. It's practically a limo, but if you're gonna 4-door, may as well go all the way.
Caddy ATS-V. It tried to be an M2.
Tesla Model S. I mean if you're going to drive long distance, paying no gas sounds like a clear advantage. And its a capable chassis.
As for a Tesla(or any EV), well if you have a set route you will stick to roughly daily then sure. If you want piece of mind, get a plug-in hybrid on something.
07-26-2019, 02:12 PM
#21
Smoking turbo yay
Since we talked about a Mustang before... What about a Camaro V6? Or even a V8 assuming if you are gonna do more highway than city?
Also a bit of a rant: one reason I can't see myself driving a Miata is that trucks are already dicks towards me in my RX-8(or even my friend's 6), I can't imagine driving a Miata and the kind of crap I have to put up with them. At least in a Mustang/Camaro/Corvette, I can comfortably give them the finger and feel like my car is backing me up. Silly, I know, but I assume all truck drivers are dicks for good reasons.
Also a bit of a rant: one reason I can't see myself driving a Miata is that trucks are already dicks towards me in my RX-8(or even my friend's 6), I can't imagine driving a Miata and the kind of crap I have to put up with them. At least in a Mustang/Camaro/Corvette, I can comfortably give them the finger and feel like my car is backing me up. Silly, I know, but I assume all truck drivers are dicks for good reasons.
07-26-2019, 05:38 PM
#22
Water Foul
Thread Starter
Well, I have driven one as well... I do agree that I can't see myself owning one, even when you put the whole "real ponies have 4 cylinders on both sides" mentality aside. Never a fan of turbocharged cars myself, just thought I'd throw the suggestion out there.
Yeah, I don't think you will really work with a GT86.
I do like the ND MX-5 every time when I head to the dealer, but ultimately, it does have that *cough*gay*cough* reputation. I can't see myself driving one, and I want to try something radically different from the 8. Something with actual torque(read: V8). That's me, though.
If you want an SUV, get a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 or something cheap. May as well save the money. I wouldn't get a Porsche Cayenne.
Yeah, I don't think you will really work with a GT86.
I do like the ND MX-5 every time when I head to the dealer, but ultimately, it does have that *cough*gay*cough* reputation. I can't see myself driving one, and I want to try something radically different from the 8. Something with actual torque(read: V8). That's me, though.
If you want an SUV, get a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 or something cheap. May as well save the money. I wouldn't get a Porsche Cayenne.
So, checking local prices on Nissan Maximas just for giggles. A new 2019 SR (that's the "sporty" one) costs $40K. A 2018 certified pre-owned SR with under 20K miles averages $24K. Damn!
.
Last edited by Steve Dallas; 07-26-2019 at 11:08 PM.
07-26-2019, 08:11 PM
#23
Smoking turbo yay
If you want something light and nimble, maybe a used Boxster/Cayman? As long as you avoid the years with the IMS they are fairly reliable. Parts are more pricey but it at least has some guts when compared to a Miata.
07-26-2019, 08:13 PM
#24
Registered
Oh, I more than get it. I had my 8 for 7 years. I streeted it, road tripped it, autocrossed it, tracked it, canyon carved it, worked on nearly every aspect of it. I know it very well. And, I probably will miss it. But I won't buy another one. If I decide to be selfish and buy myself a solo car, it will be the aforementioned ND2 MX-5. It is a shorter wheelbase version of everything the RX-8 could have been, without the whirring sound.
So...........do we have a bet ?
07-26-2019, 11:07 PM
#25
Water Foul
Thread Starter
Which means one more reason to try something different. I don't really have brand loyalty; I actually like taking the chance to try different cars.
If you want something light and nimble, maybe a used Boxster/Cayman? As long as you avoid the years with the IMS they are fairly reliable. Parts are more pricey but it at least has some guts when compared to a Miata.
If you want something light and nimble, maybe a used Boxster/Cayman? As long as you avoid the years with the IMS they are fairly reliable. Parts are more pricey but it at least has some guts when compared to a Miata.
That said, I do have a friend trying to sell me his Cayman. Trouble is, it has a new race spec engine worth $20K by itself, so you can imagine what he wants for it.
Sure. How would you like to send the money, and how much will you be losing?
Last edited by Steve Dallas; 07-26-2019 at 11:18 PM.