rotarynews.com

I'd like to throw this out there for those of you that like to compare the RX-8 to the WRX, including the STI, or the Lancer EVO. Those cars are enhanced versions of base model cars. The RX-8 is the base model car, so maybe a more accurate comparison would be to the Impreza base model ot the Lancer.

Wait until the official production version of the Mazdaspeed RX-8 comes out to compare, to be a little more fair to Mazda

RotorGeek

Yeah I agree but the base model for the Evo is the plain Lancer with the 14in OZ rims, Front wheel drive and around 120HP.

rotarynews.com

Exactly. Base RX-8 = 250, so imagine the Mazdaspeed RX-8...

RotorGeek

The base WRX has 227hp 4 wheel drive. I think it is a better to put these two guys together. The lancer (GIRL CAR) would not have a chance

AbusiveWombat

That's an aweful idea...sorry. Comparisons are made based off of price range and car catagory. You don't compare the base model RX-8 to the encono box the EVO is based upon. No one in their right mind would compare a 25k RX-8 to the 14k Mitsu Lancer or cross shop the two.

The EVO and RX-8 comparison is valid because both cars are very close in price range (25k base RX-8 == 28k EVO) and performance. So I would imagine that many people may cross shop the two.

pmacwill

it is a bit absurd. Thats like saying don't compare the lancer evo to a 325 cause thats a base model, compare it to the M3. Comparisons should be primarily price and class based, both of which are completely independent of their position in a manufacturers lineup

wakeech

precisely... but cost as well should come into it a little...

but this, the "compare like with like" is why i picked the BMW 3 Series (whatever trim levels compete), RSX Type-S, Celica GT-S, and Scooby Doo WRX as its closest competitors... although you get lots of performance for the price in the Evo and STi, you make big comprimizes with options and amenities, so that's more down to personal taste.
anyhoo, compared with these cars (especially the FWD Japanese sport coupes Type-S and GT-S) it fairs pretty darned well...

GotGrip

The base RX-8 is for somebody who really wants a RSX-S, but wants an automatic tranny.

Much better comparison in terms of $$ and performance.

wakeech

...that's true GotGrip, but a base model RX-8 with the highpower motor (like a $2-3k(usd) difference???) is for someone who likes the RSX Type-S, but has a little more money to spend for a lot more room and performance.

fishsauce

i dont think that a base rx8 vs the sti and the evo would be a good comparison. they have awd, are priced higher (sti is rumored be over $31k) and are made for rallying (plus the evo does .97g on the skid pad). just wait for the mazdaspeed version to come out. it would stand a better chance and would probably cost about the same. but still, not the ideal comparison. the closest we come to that is the g35.

i'm not saying the rx8 is a bad car, i'm saying its like comparing apples to oranges.

RX-Nut

How about the 8 vs the WRX..... seems like a good matchup. I've ridden in the WRX and I must say it's a very smooth punchy car. That little thing could pick up.

Wish I could test drive/ride an 8. That what I can make comparisons. But since I haven't, all I can say is that the WRX can kick some booty.

RotaryXTypeSH

I don't think it's fair to compare our cars to thos cars, they are both AWD cars, and we're RWD. For my reason to get this car is because of it's characteristic of it. DRIFT is the main reason i'm getting one, but also it is cool.......just look at EVO, and Impreza do u guy really like the style of it? or u like it because it's fast?

KAuss

The RWD aspect of the RX8 is one of the main reasons why it's still in the battle for "cars to buy" for many, there isn't a car in it's price range that can perform as it does with such a drive train.

Since we're comparing cars and not drive train, you should really look at price range and performance, those are the two characteristics that makes cars competition with each other. I would say the

- BMW 3 series
- Audi A4
- WRX
- 350 Z
- Benz C-Class
- RSX S
- GTS Celica
- Ford Mustang
- Eclipse
- Accord V6 Coupe
- Solaris V6 Coupe
- Couper S?
- IS 300
- Nissan Altima

are all very close comparisons to the RX8...

While most of the cars which are better power performers are priced slightly higher, the cars with lower price ranges can't compare in power. I think this is where Mazda has been so effective in their marketing. They don't make the Ferraries of the Japanese market, but they provide cars in a unique price range in between a very hot market to give you the "less the price, or less the performance" option to sell you their vehicles.

But I would say as far as cars go, the WRX, 350 Z, maybe the Accord V6, and Ford Mustang rides a top the list of cars to beat for the RX8. The Mustang has no chance though IMO :-D

Well, if you were in the market for a car around 18 - 29K, then you would see there are more cars than just the RX8, but if you're in the market for the RX8, then you would see the options for the 25 - 26K price range very limiting. It's all in prespective.. I didn't put the 30K and above cars on here because thats a WHOLE other class all it's own.

I personally was fortunate enough to drive the WRX and I would say the interior was fine for what it was and the bang for the buck power was certianly a shot of happy with a bit of joy.

But for what some people are paying to get their hands on a RX8 FIRST... I would say there are plenty of other cars worth buying over the initial price of the RX8. Being affordable is one of the RX8's strong points. But then all cars this hyped are overpriced for a while so lets throw this out the window...

DreamWarrior

Seriously...I would love the performance of an EVO...just not in an EVO. The car, IMO, is boxy and ugly. I like my cars like my women, curvy :D. Neither the EVO nor the Impreza impress me with their boring or just flat out ugly looking exteriors. I don't care how fast they are, I'd never drive one because of how ugly they are, IMO.