I have had my RX-8 for about a week now and am very impressed. I moved from a 2000 Audi S4 which I was one of the best cars I have owned. Performance wise very similar acceleration. The Audi was a an easy 6 sec zero to 60 time. The 8 feels just as quick in everyday driving (still breaking it in). Handling wise the 8 wins (even with Bridgestone S3's on the S4 - which incidentally replaced RE040's - which IMHO stick great but have too soft of a firewall which reduces steering feel). Braking feel seems to be about equal though I havent had the need to test a emergency stop in the 8 - thankfully. Quality wise I am very impresssed with the 8 and would say its on par with the S4...except for maybe the interior (I still think Audi has the best interiors of any manufacturer).

BTW I test drove the new S4 which is truely a awesome car (340 HP) but could not justify $50K for it. Thats where the RX-* really shines in its value/performance ratio...its a lot of car for $32K!!