If anyone on the forum has switched to an R3 from one of the earlier RX-8 versions I'd appreciate your feedback.

I am considering trading my 66k mile 04 RX-8 GT for a 2009 R3. Am pretty happy with the 04; especially since I upgraded the suspension to the Mazdaspeed (nonadjustable) shocks and springs. This plus some mild alignment changes, 245/45/18 tires, and a little negative camber noticeably improved the car's responsiveness and cornering. However, the R3 styling changes, Recaros, sunroof delete, new transmission, nicer rims, new rear end ratio, and other aspects of the R3 are pretty enticing.

I'm wondering if the R3 in stock form would handle as well as my 04 does now. I understand there are minor changes to the rear suspension in the R3, but I guess it could still accept the Mazdaspeed shocks and springs if I wasn't satisfied with the Bilstein factory package.

Can anyone comment who's actually bought an R3 and had plenty of seat time in earlier RX-8's? I tried the search function and it doesn't turn up much R3 discussion at all, or else R3 is too short of a search term.

Thanks much,

 

im not sure the r3 would handle as well as your car with the mazdaspeed suspension.

but you could always swap out your mazdaspeed suspension into the r3.

only 1 way to find out..