Allow me to drive the RX-8 vicariously through your experience
11-25-2008, 07:47 PM
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Allow me to drive the RX-8 vicariously through your experience
Hey everyone,
First time poster. I feel a bit silly being here without actually owning, yet alone having sat in an RX-8. Let me tell you a little background story (I'll try to keep it brief).
I'm looking to get my second car, the first being a 1999 Mazda Protege that was recently the victim of a hit and run. Ever since I got my license a few years back, I have been very interested in cars and the experience of driving (and this came from driving a 122hp automatic sedan!) Which brings me here. I've wanted a different car for ages, and suddenly the opportunity has arisen. I will be taking out a loan, most likely for 4 or 5 years, and so I want something that will last me through my college years. I am well aware of the RX-8's "short-comings", such as low fuel mileage, a chance of engine flooding, and a lack of low-end torque. With gas prices the way they are right now, 18mpg doesn't sound as bad
. Also, I will hopefully be buying from a private seller so I can ask about previous problems, how they treated the car, etc. The only problem is, I won't be able to test drive one until January, as I am currently in Japan. I was just wondering if you guys could give me an idea of what to expect with this car. I'd like to hear some things that aren't usually covered in the reviews I've read online. For instance, regarding the power of the car, I'm not expecting nor do I have the desire to race people at stoplights. However, sometimes I would like to make the occassional quick pass on the freeway, and maybe once in a while put a Honda Civic in its place. Would that be possible? I haven't driven many cars to reference to, so just looking at 0-60 and 1/4 mile times doesn't tell me a whole lot. I'm hoping this car drives as nice as it seems from reviews and videos on the internet. Also, I'll be getting a manual transmission, and I am looking forward to having a RWD car so I can perhaps do some kicking out of the tail from time to time. Do many of you get the chance to do this?
Anyways, thanks in advance for any advice/comments you can give me regarding the car. I have always thought that the RX-8 has one of the most unique and attractive designs on any modern car, and after hearing so much about its handling and practicality as a daily driver, I'm itching to come back home and try one out.
First time poster. I feel a bit silly being here without actually owning, yet alone having sat in an RX-8. Let me tell you a little background story (I'll try to keep it brief).
I'm looking to get my second car, the first being a 1999 Mazda Protege that was recently the victim of a hit and run. Ever since I got my license a few years back, I have been very interested in cars and the experience of driving (and this came from driving a 122hp automatic sedan!) Which brings me here. I've wanted a different car for ages, and suddenly the opportunity has arisen. I will be taking out a loan, most likely for 4 or 5 years, and so I want something that will last me through my college years. I am well aware of the RX-8's "short-comings", such as low fuel mileage, a chance of engine flooding, and a lack of low-end torque. With gas prices the way they are right now, 18mpg doesn't sound as bad
. Also, I will hopefully be buying from a private seller so I can ask about previous problems, how they treated the car, etc. The only problem is, I won't be able to test drive one until January, as I am currently in Japan. I was just wondering if you guys could give me an idea of what to expect with this car. I'd like to hear some things that aren't usually covered in the reviews I've read online. For instance, regarding the power of the car, I'm not expecting nor do I have the desire to race people at stoplights. However, sometimes I would like to make the occassional quick pass on the freeway, and maybe once in a while put a Honda Civic in its place. Would that be possible? I haven't driven many cars to reference to, so just looking at 0-60 and 1/4 mile times doesn't tell me a whole lot. I'm hoping this car drives as nice as it seems from reviews and videos on the internet. Also, I'll be getting a manual transmission, and I am looking forward to having a RWD car so I can perhaps do some kicking out of the tail from time to time. Do many of you get the chance to do this? Anyways, thanks in advance for any advice/comments you can give me regarding the car. I have always thought that the RX-8 has one of the most unique and attractive designs on any modern car, and after hearing so much about its handling and practicality as a daily driver, I'm itching to come back home and try one out.
11-25-2008, 08:07 PM
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It's a fabulous car that balances power with on road poise and precision. It will put a smile on your face every time. Civilised at low speeds but will wail like a banshee if you redline the rotary, and you should, it's good for your health. It will seat four in comfort and not just children or midgets in the back but full sized adults, too, remarkably enough. The relative lack of torque (compared to its class rivals, remember) means that you actually have to drive it. What a revelation, in the sense that you must change gear like we used to do in the old days before fancy autoboxes took over.
Suggestions that it is slow are absurd as it has more than enough poke to book you a place in your local jail cell. Power is relative anyway as realistically, where can you use such performance potential at legal speeds? You can't!
It's bespoke,too. Built from the ground up as sports car, not a warmed over family car or hatchback. Revel in the joy of knowing that you have the only production car in the world with a rotary engine, with a unique style to boot. In a world of boring identikit looking cars, the RX-8 really stands out from the crowd. Marvel over its near perfect weight spread, and the fact that the engine is mounted front mid engine, like a Ferrari 612 a Aston Martin Vanquish or even a Nissan GT-R. And said engine is mated to a a smooth, six speed manual gearbox, like all sports cars should be, or used to be.
It won't weigh you down with gadgets and gizmos. It's not a Playstation on wheels, that's for sure. The only input variables are the five most
important. Steering, gears and the three pedals beneath your feet. What else do you need? From a driver's perspective, the cabin layout is simplicity itself. One big dial for revs and speed, and smaller ancillary dials for the rest. No fancy trip computer needed, unless you really care about economy but then you wouldn't be thinking about a sports car if you did (I hope). Less really is more with the RX-8.
Anyway, you may have noticed that I really love my 8, and I wouldn't swap it for the world.
Suggestions that it is slow are absurd as it has more than enough poke to book you a place in your local jail cell. Power is relative anyway as realistically, where can you use such performance potential at legal speeds? You can't!
It's bespoke,too. Built from the ground up as sports car, not a warmed over family car or hatchback. Revel in the joy of knowing that you have the only production car in the world with a rotary engine, with a unique style to boot. In a world of boring identikit looking cars, the RX-8 really stands out from the crowd. Marvel over its near perfect weight spread, and the fact that the engine is mounted front mid engine, like a Ferrari 612 a Aston Martin Vanquish or even a Nissan GT-R. And said engine is mated to a a smooth, six speed manual gearbox, like all sports cars should be, or used to be.
It won't weigh you down with gadgets and gizmos. It's not a Playstation on wheels, that's for sure. The only input variables are the five most
important. Steering, gears and the three pedals beneath your feet. What else do you need? From a driver's perspective, the cabin layout is simplicity itself. One big dial for revs and speed, and smaller ancillary dials for the rest. No fancy trip computer needed, unless you really care about economy but then you wouldn't be thinking about a sports car if you did (I hope). Less really is more with the RX-8.
Anyway, you may have noticed that I really love my 8, and I wouldn't swap it for the world.
Last edited by Richard.John; 11-25-2008 at 08:44 PM.
11-25-2008, 08:19 PM
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It's not fast off the line, but once moving it's got lots of poke, especially in the lower gears. No problem squirting past other cars on the freeway. In fact, the problem is keeping the speed down. Think sport bike.
Why would you want to put a Civic in its place? They already have a place. And it's different from ours.
Driving an RX-8 is kind of like having sex, only better.
Ken
Why would you want to put a Civic in its place? They already have a place. And it's different from ours.
Driving an RX-8 is kind of like having sex, only better.
Ken
11-25-2008, 08:33 PM
#5
I went from a '97 Protege to an 8. The biggest surprise was the fact that the 8 didn't have that much less space than the Protege, and yet it feels like a true sports car. It feels like driving a Miata, not like driving a 6.
It has plenty of power for a sporty daily driver. It does not feel in the least bit slow. Punch it on a clear freeway on-ramp in second gear and keep it on the floor to redline, and see if that feels slow to you.
Coming from a Protege, you are giving up gas mileage and reliability, but the 8 is still a fairly practical car for daily driving. And you are gaining one of the most fun-to-drive cars on the road.
Post pics when you get one. But don't put an Civics "in their place," I've known two people who have been killed by this kind of casual street racing. When you're driving an 8, you have nothing to prove to a Civic.
It has plenty of power for a sporty daily driver. It does not feel in the least bit slow. Punch it on a clear freeway on-ramp in second gear and keep it on the floor to redline, and see if that feels slow to you.
Coming from a Protege, you are giving up gas mileage and reliability, but the 8 is still a fairly practical car for daily driving. And you are gaining one of the most fun-to-drive cars on the road.
Post pics when you get one. But don't put an Civics "in their place," I've known two people who have been killed by this kind of casual street racing. When you're driving an 8, you have nothing to prove to a Civic.
11-25-2008, 09:23 PM
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Wow, Richard.john, Mazda should be paying you to work in their marketing division. Thank you for your in-depth response. It seems like many of us here are very passionate about the car. It only makes me want to get it more. And I always have a hard time gauging what people mean when they say something like "this car is slow", as I know it all must be relative. Relative to some other cars it's often compared to, like the 350Z, it may be a tad slower on straight runs, but then again, you don't get four seats and the fun I'm sure you all must be having with this car. And relative to my previous car, this thing should be pretty damn quick. Also, it's quite interesting how different people take to different cars. For instance, if I have half as much fun as this guy while driving the car, I'll be pleased: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA. The Top Gear review of the 350Z on the other hand is quite different, and is really quite humurous.
As for putting Civics in their place, I said that mostly as a joke. I don't intend to drive stupidly, especially if I've got a long term loan that I'll be paying off. I know people who have had bad accidents as well, and it's taught me the value of smart driving, and where and when to use your toys. If I can manage to mod some stuff, I will probably look into doing some autocross.
Anyways, thank you all for your opinions, and please feel free to share more.
^No reason for that guy, just enjoying the many emoticons available on this fine forum.
As for putting Civics in their place, I said that mostly as a joke. I don't intend to drive stupidly, especially if I've got a long term loan that I'll be paying off. I know people who have had bad accidents as well, and it's taught me the value of smart driving, and where and when to use your toys. If I can manage to mod some stuff, I will probably look into doing some autocross.
Anyways, thank you all for your opinions, and please feel free to share more.
^No reason for that guy, just enjoying the many emoticons available on this fine forum.
11-25-2008, 09:29 PM
#8
Like this - only a smidge slower.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07UqU9K-cww
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTn50V6ovr8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07UqU9K-cww
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTn50V6ovr8
11-25-2008, 10:57 PM
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I think that the slow comments largely stem from the extraordinarily smooth power delivery and that it does not have any real grunt until you broach 4K RPMs, but from 4 - 9,200 RPMs it has plenty of go power.
It handles like a skate board. Whatever input you put into the steering wheel comes straight out through the drive wheels. The car brakes better than any other car that I have ever driven and it is perfectly composed at all speeds, which can make it a little hard to judge speed when at speed. On the highway, it is smooth. Smoother than anything other than a V12. In short, there is a lot of car for the money.
On the down side, you might not find 18MPG to be too expensive now, but when I was in college, it would have buried me. I had a car that got around 32 MPG, and it was all I could afford on the jobs that I had. It also could have more storage space even though for the size of the exterior it has a lot of room inside with those huge doors to load anything into. Still, when I went to college, I had to move all of my stuff back and forth every year, and I don't think that it would work for that.
Think about it. It is a very fun car for a person your age. Just make sure that you don't stick yourself with something that won't fit your needs. If it fits your needs, then you'll love the handling and the feel .
It handles like a skate board. Whatever input you put into the steering wheel comes straight out through the drive wheels. The car brakes better than any other car that I have ever driven and it is perfectly composed at all speeds, which can make it a little hard to judge speed when at speed. On the highway, it is smooth. Smoother than anything other than a V12. In short, there is a lot of car for the money.
On the down side, you might not find 18MPG to be too expensive now, but when I was in college, it would have buried me. I had a car that got around 32 MPG, and it was all I could afford on the jobs that I had. It also could have more storage space even though for the size of the exterior it has a lot of room inside with those huge doors to load anything into. Still, when I went to college, I had to move all of my stuff back and forth every year, and I don't think that it would work for that.
Think about it. It is a very fun car for a person your age. Just make sure that you don't stick yourself with something that won't fit your needs. If it fits your needs, then you'll love the handling and the feel
.
11-25-2008, 11:10 PM
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Before I bought this car, commuting was the most boring part of my daily routine. Now....I always try to take the longest route....
Car has more than enough power to make fast passes on the highway. Don't worry about the torque...just wait for the on/off ramp and see if they can keep up with you in the turns...I swear you won't regret it for a second.
You just have to take care of it, which is not hard. As long as you are aware of the minimum maintenance required (oil, redlining, and not flooding it), you will be good.
Go for it
Car has more than enough power to make fast passes on the highway. Don't worry about the torque...just wait for the on/off ramp and see if they can keep up with you in the turns...I swear you won't regret it for a second.
You just have to take care of it, which is not hard. As long as you are aware of the minimum maintenance required (oil, redlining, and not flooding it), you will be good.
Go for it
11-25-2008, 11:32 PM
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Great reviews all! I know the OP mentioned he was aware of the various short comings of the RX8 but I prefer to scare people before telling them the great stuff.
The RX8 is very demanding. It has needs which must be met in order to maintain it's abilities and performance as well as long life. This means using good oil, maintaining the brakes, tires and ensuring that it's driven not just idled around town. Because the rotary is unique you need to ensure you know a few things about the car and find someone locally you TRUST to work on the car for you if need be. The key is to know more about the car than the dealership should something happen.
However, I have to admit I bought the RX8 with little understanding of what it was I was getting but it was the best purchase decision I've made in my life. The rotary is different, unusual and mysterious to the average person. I love telling people it's a 1.3L motor and watching their reaction as they try to understand how the car does so much with so little. I enjoy the reactions of lookers as much as I do driving the car itself.
The driving exerience is pure fun. I love this car as my daily driver because going to and from work is the most exciting part of my day. I don't go nuts on the road, but I love hitting the banks of on/off ramps and apexing various turns around the city. The car takes every input you make and translates it into motion on the road. The suspension isn't sloppy and indeed it can be misleading. Stock, the car will induce some moderate body roll but you'll notice the wheels never leave the ground.
The car communicates much to the driver and all you have to do is listen. The motor itself is like listening to sweet music. I'll turn off my radio and just listen to the drone of the exhaust and the hum of the rotary. There's even this interesting flutter the motor makes at idle...you'll know that sound anywhere.
Below 6,000 RPM's the car is quiet and proper. It's a nice cruiser and behaves as though it's out for a sunday drive. Above 6,000 RPM's it turns into a screaming monster ready to inhale the road before it and anything in it's path.
The lack of torque means having to keep the RPM's up and plan ahead for your power needs. This means rowing gears. No lazy stuff...but the clutch is light so shifting isn't a chore. The shifter is much shorter than any mazda so it's almost with a flick of your wrist and away you go!
Beyond the car however, the RX8 has been my link into the Mazda community of which I have met many wonderful people from all walks of life. I truely cannot imagine my life without this car, my AZ Mazda Club friends, BHR or anybody else who I have met in the past 3 years.
And all cause I signed on the dotted line saying "I'll take it!"
The RX8 is very demanding. It has needs which must be met in order to maintain it's abilities and performance as well as long life. This means using good oil, maintaining the brakes, tires and ensuring that it's driven not just idled around town. Because the rotary is unique you need to ensure you know a few things about the car and find someone locally you TRUST to work on the car for you if need be. The key is to know more about the car than the dealership should something happen.
However, I have to admit I bought the RX8 with little understanding of what it was I was getting but it was the best purchase decision I've made in my life. The rotary is different, unusual and mysterious to the average person. I love telling people it's a 1.3L motor and watching their reaction as they try to understand how the car does so much with so little. I enjoy the reactions of lookers as much as I do driving the car itself.
The driving exerience is pure fun. I love this car as my daily driver because going to and from work is the most exciting part of my day. I don't go nuts on the road, but I love hitting the banks of on/off ramps and apexing various turns around the city. The car takes every input you make and translates it into motion on the road. The suspension isn't sloppy and indeed it can be misleading. Stock, the car will induce some moderate body roll but you'll notice the wheels never leave the ground.
The car communicates much to the driver and all you have to do is listen. The motor itself is like listening to sweet music. I'll turn off my radio and just listen to the drone of the exhaust and the hum of the rotary. There's even this interesting flutter the motor makes at idle...you'll know that sound anywhere.
Below 6,000 RPM's the car is quiet and proper. It's a nice cruiser and behaves as though it's out for a sunday drive. Above 6,000 RPM's it turns into a screaming monster ready to inhale the road before it and anything in it's path.
The lack of torque means having to keep the RPM's up and plan ahead for your power needs. This means rowing gears. No lazy stuff...but the clutch is light so shifting isn't a chore. The shifter is much shorter than any mazda so it's almost with a flick of your wrist and away you go!
Beyond the car however, the RX8 has been my link into the Mazda community of which I have met many wonderful people from all walks of life. I truely cannot imagine my life without this car, my AZ Mazda Club friends, BHR or anybody else who I have met in the past 3 years.
And all cause I signed on the dotted line saying "I'll take it!"
11-26-2008, 02:55 AM
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Hey everyone,
First time poster. I feel a bit silly being here without actually owning, yet alone having sat in an RX-8. Let me tell you a little background story (I'll try to keep it brief).
I'm looking to get my second car, the first being a 1999 Mazda Protege that was recently the victim of a hit and run. Ever since I got my license a few years back, I have been very interested in cars and the experience of driving (and this came from driving a 122hp automatic sedan!) Which brings me here. I've wanted a different car for ages, and suddenly the opportunity has arisen. I will be taking out a loan, most likely for 4 or 5 years, and so I want something that will last me through my college years. I am well aware of the RX-8's "short-comings", such as low fuel mileage, a chance of engine flooding, and a lack of low-end torque. With gas prices the way they are right now, 18mpg doesn't sound as bad . Also, I will hopefully be buying from a private seller so I can ask about previous problems, how they treated the car, etc. The only problem is, I won't be able to test drive one until January, as I am currently in Japan. I was just wondering if you guys could give me an idea of what to expect with this car. I'd like to hear some things that aren't usually covered in the reviews I've read online. For instance, regarding the power of the car, I'm not expecting nor do I have the desire to race people at stoplights. However, sometimes I would like to make the occassional quick pass on the freeway, and maybe once in a while put a Honda Civic in its place. Would that be possible? I haven't driven many cars to reference to, so just looking at 0-60 and 1/4 mile times doesn't tell me a whole lot. I'm hoping this car drives as nice as it seems from reviews and videos on the internet. Also, I'll be getting a manual transmission, and I am looking forward to having a RWD car so I can perhaps do some kicking out of the tail from time to time. Do many of you get the chance to do this?
Anyways, thanks in advance for any advice/comments you can give me regarding the car. I have always thought that the RX-8 has one of the most unique and attractive designs on any modern car, and after hearing so much about its handling and practicality as a daily driver, I'm itching to come back home and try one out.
First time poster. I feel a bit silly being here without actually owning, yet alone having sat in an RX-8. Let me tell you a little background story (I'll try to keep it brief).
I'm looking to get my second car, the first being a 1999 Mazda Protege that was recently the victim of a hit and run. Ever since I got my license a few years back, I have been very interested in cars and the experience of driving (and this came from driving a 122hp automatic sedan!) Which brings me here. I've wanted a different car for ages, and suddenly the opportunity has arisen. I will be taking out a loan, most likely for 4 or 5 years, and so I want something that will last me through my college years. I am well aware of the RX-8's "short-comings", such as low fuel mileage, a chance of engine flooding, and a lack of low-end torque. With gas prices the way they are right now, 18mpg doesn't sound as bad
. Also, I will hopefully be buying from a private seller so I can ask about previous problems, how they treated the car, etc. The only problem is, I won't be able to test drive one until January, as I am currently in Japan. I was just wondering if you guys could give me an idea of what to expect with this car. I'd like to hear some things that aren't usually covered in the reviews I've read online. For instance, regarding the power of the car, I'm not expecting nor do I have the desire to race people at stoplights. However, sometimes I would like to make the occassional quick pass on the freeway, and maybe once in a while put a Honda Civic in its place. Would that be possible? I haven't driven many cars to reference to, so just looking at 0-60 and 1/4 mile times doesn't tell me a whole lot. I'm hoping this car drives as nice as it seems from reviews and videos on the internet. Also, I'll be getting a manual transmission, and I am looking forward to having a RWD car so I can perhaps do some kicking out of the tail from time to time. Do many of you get the chance to do this? Anyways, thanks in advance for any advice/comments you can give me regarding the car. I have always thought that the RX-8 has one of the most unique and attractive designs on any modern car, and after hearing so much about its handling and practicality as a daily driver, I'm itching to come back home and try one out.
Look at the name and the ridiculously pretentious thread title. I'm going to guess that this is Jaggerbomb's new ID.
11-26-2008, 04:06 AM
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Look this guy calls himself chronic, which can mean addictive or compulsive, which is exactly what Jaggerbomb is. The OP is the asshat known as Jaggerbomb.
Last edited by Potentiated; 11-26-2008 at 04:23 AM.
11-26-2008, 05:09 AM
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Oh well, I guess there are people who actually do things and people who pretend to do them.
If the OP is serious about wanting experiences then that's cool. If it's another game then so be it...I'll be laughing on my way to the race track.
11-26-2008, 05:28 AM
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And I have no idea who Jaggerbomb is, but I'm going to take a guess and say he wasn't too popular around here? You know, I'm lucky to have some free time during the days now, but not enough to where I'll register, post a lengthy thread on here, and somehow annoy the general community just for ***** and giggles. This is a genuine new poster. I previously used to post on a Protege forum, and thought this seemed like the best one for RX-8 owners.Sorry for the over dramatic thread title, but hey, it caught your attention didn't it?
Anyways, I know this car wouldn't be as practical as a truck for moving things, or a sedan for great gas mileage, but I'm willing to accept that. I think it strikes a good balance between meeting the needs of day to day commuter life, and also the need to zoom, zoom, zoom once in a while. Even with my old Protege, I didn't have a whole lot of room to move things. It didn't help that I made a ported box for my subwoofer which ate up half of my trunk space.
Some other cars I was looking at, some of which are probably a bit out of my price range, were the Infiniti G35, Audi TT, Volkswagen GTI, and the Supra. But for one reason or another, they all don't appeal to me as much as this car.
11-26-2008, 10:21 AM
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Do yourself a favor- once you get it, get new, better tires.
When you do, this car will corner like you didn't think was physically possible. It feels very light on its feet and eager to change direction. You'll be looking forward to exit ramps so you can pull lateral G's. Also, revving the snot out of it is a great time, if not great for your gas mileage. Careful, or you'll get addicted to the rotary's high-pitched F1 wail.
When you do, this car will corner like you didn't think was physically possible. It feels very light on its feet and eager to change direction. You'll be looking forward to exit ramps so you can pull lateral G's. Also, revving the snot out of it is a great time, if not great for your gas mileage. Careful, or you'll get addicted to the rotary's high-pitched F1 wail.
11-26-2008, 11:52 AM
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Love the car, hate the complaints
Picked up an 08 Anniversary Edition about two months ago and have been blessed with a late snowfall, enough to get through engine break-in and drive a little.
As others have commented, the low torque complaint is relevant to other cars in the class. As a an overall conclusion from soaking in this club for a couple of months, the 8 is really the only car in its class. It is possible to stretch comparisons, but you wind up looking at cars that aren't really comparable, or cost at least 20k more.
On the other hand, I moved to the 8 from a 93 MX-6. I loved the MX6, and the move wasn't planned, but my stepson need a car and this seemed like a great win-win. From this upgrade path, the 8 has plenty of torque, and it takes almost no time to get into the powerband.
When I went to bed last night it was a couple of degrees about freezing and raining. When I woke up the rain had stopped, but it was a couple of degrees below freezing. There is enough torque in the 8 that at certain times I am looking for measures to reduce it.
A few things that I particularly love about it is my daily redline with a friend in the car. The speed limits around here are 90 to 100 kph. By the time I've redlined in 2nd I have exceeded these speed limits and I still have four gears in the chamber. As others have commented passing is no problem with proper gear use. As Alexi Sayle said, "drop down a cog, give 'er an handfull, and come round the round about."
Finally, I have found the best way to put the ricers in place is to laugh, give them a three second head start to clear the speed traps and then pull away from the light like you're driving a soccer mom's mini-van. It is far more insulting to not to be considered a worthy opponent than it is to fight and lose.
Cheers,
t
As others have commented, the low torque complaint is relevant to other cars in the class. As a an overall conclusion from soaking in this club for a couple of months, the 8 is really the only car in its class. It is possible to stretch comparisons, but you wind up looking at cars that aren't really comparable, or cost at least 20k more.
On the other hand, I moved to the 8 from a 93 MX-6. I loved the MX6, and the move wasn't planned, but my stepson need a car and this seemed like a great win-win. From this upgrade path, the 8 has plenty of torque, and it takes almost no time to get into the powerband.
When I went to bed last night it was a couple of degrees about freezing and raining. When I woke up the rain had stopped, but it was a couple of degrees below freezing. There is enough torque in the 8 that at certain times I am looking for measures to reduce it.
A few things that I particularly love about it is my daily redline with a friend in the car. The speed limits around here are 90 to 100 kph. By the time I've redlined in 2nd I have exceeded these speed limits and I still have four gears in the chamber. As others have commented passing is no problem with proper gear use. As Alexi Sayle said, "drop down a cog, give 'er an handfull, and come round the round about."
Finally, I have found the best way to put the ricers in place is to laugh, give them a three second head start to clear the speed traps and then pull away from the light like you're driving a soccer mom's mini-van. It is far more insulting to not to be considered a worthy opponent than it is to fight and lose.
Cheers,
t
11-26-2008, 12:23 PM
#20
I think one of the most amazing things about this car is how EFFICIENT the engine is.
If all engines delivered the same power/displacement ratio, then take this for example.
A 300C with the 5.7 hemi would kick out over 850 WHP.
So I'm sure it explains why the RX-8 drinks so much fuel. They're pushing the engine to churn out a ton of power for the size. Imagine how much fuel the hemi would guzzle?
If all engines delivered the same power/displacement ratio, then take this for example.
A 300C with the 5.7 hemi would kick out over 850 WHP.
So I'm sure it explains why the RX-8 drinks so much fuel. They're pushing the engine to churn out a ton of power for the size. Imagine how much fuel the hemi would guzzle?
11-26-2008, 12:46 PM
#22
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And as for my admonishments to be practical, I just don't want the OP to be swept away into something that they can't afford or can't use. It would be bad to be swept away.
11-26-2008, 12:59 PM
#23
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...The RX8 is very demanding. It has needs which must be met in order to maintain it's abilities and performance as well as long life. This means using good oil, maintaining the brakes, tires and ensuring that it's driven not just idled around town...
...The car communicates much to the driver and all you have to do is listen. The motor itself is like listening to sweet music. I'll turn off my radio and just listen to the drone of the exhaust and the hum of the rotary. There's even this interesting flutter the motor makes at idle...you'll know that sound anywhere...
...The car communicates much to the driver and all you have to do is listen. The motor itself is like listening to sweet music. I'll turn off my radio and just listen to the drone of the exhaust and the hum of the rotary. There's even this interesting flutter the motor makes at idle...you'll know that sound anywhere...
Having to check the oil every now and then is no big deal. Nothing compared to how often it would need to be checked on all cars back when I started driving.
The only unique things are that you can't turn it off cold, and that it has to be revved often. But revving often is not an onerous demand. It's more like a reward.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one who likes to turn the radio off and listen. FWIW, I've only used the CD player once. Why drown out the hum?
Ken
11-26-2008, 01:32 PM
#24
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I've had my 8 for a month now, and it's far and away the best driving experience of any car I've ever owned. It's a true sports car with incredible handling. I also turn the radio down or off to listen to the engine. I always drive with the windows and the sunroof open, so I can get the feel of the rushing air. Luckily, I'm in Florida, so it doesn't get too cold here.
I highly recommend this car. There's nothing else like it on the road - nothing.
I highly recommend this car. There's nothing else like it on the road - nothing.
11-26-2008, 04:43 PM
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I just got my RX8 Saturday. Today was the first full day I got to drive it so I took a cruise down to Miami to show my bud the car.
As a past RX7 owner I was really shocked by how much I really enjoy driving this car. It is so smooth yet rigid at the same time. It really does feel like the you are connected to the car and in turn the road. I never drove a car with such responsive handling, I mean you point the way and the car is almost intuitive. Power is fine you just have to get the RPM's up like a rotary should be driven anyway.
My only real complaint would be that at least with my last car (a Civic which I beat the **** out of) I could care less if someone kicked up something on the road way and it dinged my car. Now I am so protective of my 8 that I am constantly scanning the road way for debris and all these nut jobs down here. With that I wish the horn was placed at 10 and 2 so I can access it faster... or if Mazda really wanted to get hi-tech the horn would be voice activated for when I say "what's this F'n douche doing?"
Really the only way to put it is this car rocks and it rolls!
As a past RX7 owner I was really shocked by how much I really enjoy driving this car. It is so smooth yet rigid at the same time. It really does feel like the you are connected to the car and in turn the road. I never drove a car with such responsive handling, I mean you point the way and the car is almost intuitive. Power is fine you just have to get the RPM's up like a rotary should be driven anyway.
My only real complaint would be that at least with my last car (a Civic which I beat the **** out of) I could care less if someone kicked up something on the road way and it dinged my car. Now I am so protective of my 8 that I am constantly scanning the road way for debris and all these nut jobs down here.
With that I wish the horn was placed at 10 and 2 so I can access it faster... or if Mazda really wanted to get hi-tech the horn would be voice activated for when I say "what's this F'n douche doing?" Really the only way to put it is this car rocks and it rolls!