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Last thursday I bought a 2005 Mazda RX-8 Shinka 6 speed manual with 34,000 miles for $12,500.00.

Ever since, I have been trying to figure out if it is a better all around vehicle than my
aunt's 2008 BMW 328xi. She, of course, does not believe that my new driving machine is
superior to her luxury sedan. From what I have researched, I have her beat in every
category other than top speed and torque. Plus, the BMW is AWD and automatic/
Steptronic, and will thus be further limited by a shorter first gear. My question is: Other
than the obvious price differential between the two ($12,500.00 vs. $30,000.00), which
is the better vehicle?

I know I am comparing two cars of very different purpose, but I would like to hear peoples' opinions on the subject.

(BTW: I am 18 and this is my first car )

rx8r3mike

i have a 2011 328ix. and i must say i love the car. i think the BMW has a better "name" but the rx8 is a funner and more sporty car. they are not really good comparisons. me personally, i would take a 328ix over a 2005 rx8. and yes the rx8 is probably faster. but i like the looks of the bmw better.

jasonrxeight

tell her shes old.

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I like your methods.

New Yorker

Superior? That's like asking which is superior, an apple or an orange?

They're both driver's cars highly regarded by automotive journalists and enthusiasts. Not so much a question of "numbers" as much as "feel". There's no correct answer — it's subjective.

rx 8speciale

iTrader: (3)

both are good cars, the 328 lack of power compared to 335, so i say that the 8 is a better car for track, 328 bettter car for daily driving.

monchie

Your comparing a Mazda RX-8 Shinka to a BMW 328xi?!

There is absolutely no comparison between those two. The rx8 is like no other car, and the BMW is just a regular car. If i have to choose between those two, it will be the rx8... no doubt.

dezau

iTrader: (3)

do keep in mind the bimmer ur talking abt is 600 lbs heavier. 600 heavier carrying through acceleration, braking and corner. think about it

rx8r3mike

its not a sports car though

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I do greatly prefer the uniqueness of the RX-8 over the commonality of the BMW.
Hmmm I had not thought of that, thank you! That is a HUGE difference, can't believe I
didn't think to look at weight.

dezau

iTrader: (3)

but since ur in alaska, 4wd is probably a better idea

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AWD is handy in Alaska, but not completely necessary. My uncle drove an old Pontiac
when he was in High school, it had a 350 engine and all seasons and he would drive it in
the winter, no safety features whatsoever. Additionally, the first vehicle I drove regularly
was a 1999 F-150 with a very touchy accelerator, (which lead me to discover the
enjoyment of drifting on snow...) so with a bit of caution and a healthy dose of common
sense, I should be able to make it through the winter.




Studded Blizzaks ftw...

RufusVonStorm

+1

If you need to demonstrate just have her follow behind you on a curvy road one day.

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I might have to do that. ty

dezau

iTrader: (3)

Well guess what, I drove a E92 335i today. And... didn't really like it THAT much, i mean at least it isn't what I expected. Yes the power is plentiful, and the interior's plush and what not. BUT. the car felt REALLY heavy, even with 300hp under the hood. and then there's this lag in the throttle input.
Also it seems as if the throttle gets harder as you push more input, as if there's a nanny telling you to "heyyyyyyyyy there, slow downnnn... What's the hurry?" as if there's a string connected to the throttle resisting you to floor it. Brakes are fantastic though, friction wise that is.

yiksing

The fact that you have to justify your 8 being more superior to her car shows how inferior you feel the 8 is...

Bigbacon

iTrader: (4)

get neither so when you smash the car into a tree cause you are showing off, you don't ruin a perfectly awesome car.

get a civic

dynamho

Don't worry about things like that.

If you're asking for a personal opinion, I like the way RWD BMW's drive a lot. I've never driven their X-drive, so I can't comment on that. However, I do not like the way the late 3-series sedans look, due to the 'leafy' headlamps.

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HEH, you are just jealous you had to wait so long to get your RX-8

and $30k was a bit out of my price range