Looking to get another RX8
 

Hey guys, I used to have a 2005 6 port RX8 that I bought with low compression (didnt know much about rotaries at that point) and long story short the engine failed a couple months ago. Now the RX8 has always been my dream car, I loved it since first seeing it on NFS Carbon. I loved the sound, the handling and the great acceleration (sure it wasnt a supercar but it was pretty quick, fast even)

Now my only complaint was the gas mileage, gas here is VERY expensive and my 8 used to drink up about 30€ of fuel a day. That kinda killed the fun so I was wondering if I should get a GT86 or another RX8 again. I dont like the 86 nearly as much but if its similar enough at least I'll be able to drive it more often than the 8. Has anyone got any experience with the 86 compared to the RX8? Mileage, handling, power? Or should I get a dead 8, rebuild and streetport the engine and generally go nuts on performance and reliability mods? Is the mileage a LOT better on the 86?

You can easily google fuel economy numbers for the 86. They're very capable cars, and a good driver can squeeze a lot out of them. There's really nothing wrong with them except the back seat is useless. Good alternative to the 8 and you don't need to rebuild anything.

Go test drive some?
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I test drove one and it felt noticeably slower, although the handling felt very similar to the RX8

IMO, the performance thing is a wash. In autocross, the two cars are so close that I doubt a street driver would be able to tell the difference (all biases inherent in being human notwithstanding).

Which one is more "rewarding" will depend entirely on your subjective experience owning it.

Honestly, I think the 86 will be much easier to own assuming you don't need to put baby seats in the back.

86 will give you better gas mileage for sure.

But if you buy new, I have had a discussion with some car people and I was actually convinced it's not a good value anymore. The platform is getting old and tired. Interior sucks(RX-8 is actually better in this regard). And at least in the US, the starting price for one is very close to a GTI or an Ecoboost Mustang. Sure, they may not handle as well, but the straight-line acceleration will make up for it.

It all depends on the particular mix you are looking for. If you want the best handling then yeah, 86 or RX-8 for sure, but if you want more straight-line, I don't see problems with an Ecoboost Mustang or a hot hatch of some kind.