Ok So i'm planning on getting an RX8 as my next car but I'm in a quandry. I know nothing's really been released about the 2012 RX8. So putting aside questions like "Will it have a next gen rotary?" here's my conundrum:

What it want is an RX8 That performs like the R3 but has the features of the GT. I like things like power seats, moon roofs and Blue Tooth Stereos. BUUUUT I'm Going to get a manual (no if's ands or buts about it) So since I also like the R3's suspension, its Torque sensing limited slip dif and hell, even its side sills and "sporty front bumper" So, The 64thousand dollar question is, do I get the GT, the R3 OR would it be worth getting a GT and putting the Limited Slip Dif, Suspension and the body parts from the R3 on it?

Let me also point out this, I'm not a street racer but I am thinking about Auto Cross. And I plan on keeping this car til the day I die. When its paid off I'm seriously thinking about turboing it and some other things so I'm not terribly afraid of Modding.

 

all manuals come with limited slip diffs both GT and R3.
what R3 is a sport touring with bumper, skirts, spoiler, 19 in wheels, and Recaro seats.
you can get a GT then put R3 bumper and skirts on.
also you can upgrade the shocks just like the ones on the R3, tho if you are bit old, you might find the ride is a bit harsh.

 

Test drive both. You may find that you don't care so much about the sunroof... Or you may find the Recaro seats unacceptable compared to the GT seats... Or you may find that you can't live without the R3's upgraded shocks... Etc.

I'm sure you'll have your answer after a few miles behind the wheel of each. These kind of personal preferences aren't really going to be answered by others.

 

Ok, That's true. I hadn't thought of that. I guess my question now is, would a GT perform enough better to warrant putting the R3 Suspension and wheels on it for the cost?

 

get coil overs and wider wheels if you want to put 245 tires on.
R3's 19x8.5 is a bit too narrow also you cant get many good tires in that size.
the upgraded shocks are better than standard but not much better. you want better shocks if you serious about handling.

 

One thing to remember is that if you are thinking of using your potential RX8 on a track, then its a MUST for you to bring a helmet with you to the dealer to see if you can fit in the car with a helmet on.

I couldn't fit in the GT or the R3 with a helmet on, but I could in the Sport.

BC.

 

R3 has no sunroof and you still couldnt fit?

 

WOW. When I test drove the GT I never thought of that. I'm 6'3" and used to driving my civic. The sunroof in that folds into the roof so my hair is constantly brushing the ceiling. Good thing to consider. Thanks. If i'm remembering correctly, doesn't the rx8's sunroof go out over the roof instead of into it?

 

Actually, I couldn't, not with the two helmets I brought with me.
The biggest problem is that the Recaro seats don't have any height adjustment to them to assist in any way of making my driving position more comfortable.

One big bump on the track, and my neck gets squished in the R3.

BC.