I took the 8 in for an oil change yesterday and had to wait for 2 hrs. The dealership manager gave me a brand new-out-of-the-box 2007 CX-7 for a test drive while my car is in. That thing got some real *****. Turbocharged with 244 HP, the navi, backup camera, it was sweet.

Got more kick than my 8 even though it's an SUV. I do not like the exterior looks though. Has anyone driven any of those?

 

only 6 miles on it when I got it. Returned with 12 miles on it. Didn't want to abuse the favor.

 

I think I need to go on a few test drives.

 

I wasn't as impressed with the acceleration as you are, but I was impressed with the handling - it drives like a sporty sedan more than a suv.

 

About 6 weeks after I bought the RX8 I bought an AWD CX7 as a daily driver.

Yes it is sweet. Not quite as fast in a straight line as the 8, but close. Drives really nice. Interior isn't bad considering the price and the seats took a little getting used to - but so did 8's seats. Wish it hard a little more backseat room.

Gas mileage is very close to the 8.

The motor is awesome - torque from the bottom makes it feel like a very stout 6.

 

ironically, just yesterday I was about 1 step from taking one of those out, (i was even at the dealership talkin to the dealer), but decided not to at the last second.

I'm still plannin on takin one of them out soon...they sound sooo nice. If i were more serious about an SUV right now, that would definetely be at the top of my list. All the the numbers are rather impressive. How about 250+ tq at 2500!! And then it stays on all the way up to 5000? That's impressive. I'll be sure to drop my opinion in once i take one out!

 

Damn they loan you CX-7s up in NY? All we get for loaners down here are whatever crap economy cars are waiting at the car rental agencies.

 

well, i know the dealer. they trying to get me to buy one.

 

Nice to hear Mazda gives some ***** to some of their cars.

 

always a good cover for a free test drive. Anyone that has an 8 shouldn't have much trouble coaxing a test drive in a CX-7. They'll definetely believe your able to go through with it...

 

curious to test drive one. like the exterior but interior has not grown on me yet

 

Looks like we may have another failed compression test on our hands, get your 8 checked out.

 

Never driven the CX7 but I think it looks sweet and the powerplant is awesome. When I took delivery on my 8 and it was getting detailed the dealership gave me a Mazdaspeed 6 to drive around town and go get some dinner. It felt as fast as my E36 M3 and was plenty roomy/comfortable, I almost went back and bought the MS6 instead.

 

I'd rather have a MS6 than a CX-7. It wasn't all that quick in the latest MT comparison test.

 

The original topic creator has a AUTO RX-8. No wonder he thinks the CX-7 has more "kick".

The CX-7 would be interesting to me if it had a manual tranny. But otherwise, forget it.

 

Not always...

With taxes and all, my RX-8 came out to about 34k (Included some non standard stuff like MS spoiler). One of my coworkers was interested in the MS6. So I went down with him to the local Mazda dealer where I bought my car, and spoke with the sales man who sold me the RX-8. He refused to let us test drive it unless we were SERIOUS about buying it that very same day.

So we looked around for a bit then left.

Now I hear that they're heavily discounting them. Serves them right.

 

Kind of off topic... but I was wondering if you had the recall done while at the dealership? I am in buffalo as well and havent recieved the letter yet. I assume you took it to Northtown. Thanks.

 

You don't need the letter. Just call and make an appointment.

 

i didn't even know bout the recall and was not told. will go back sometime next week. yep, was northtown on sheridan dr.

 

Generally turbo cars do better with a torque convertor then a clutch so you don't have to lift between shifts. Despite the awesome low end torque lifting slows turbo speed.

I would prefer it to be a real "manual" in slapstick mode rather then a semi-automatic. Like if you leave it in 5th gear at a stop it stays in 5th gear - although it will saty in 2nd gear. Also it needs a big gear indicator, preferably a heads up display. Top that off with a decent paddle shift.

Or better yet, use a CVT like the Murano. No banging gears just let the motor and trans do their thing and let the driver deal with gas & brake. For the majority of driving around town the CVT is worth 2-3 MPG.

 

Oh well i've definetely experienced those types too. Back in 2004 when I was lookin for a Cobra, I came across a 1997 convertible, and when i drove all the way to columbus (almost 2 hours) to take it out, they told me that they didn't just let any person off the street take this out...and that the only way i could test drive it was if i were to agree and sign the contract to buy it. I didn't even bother asking what kinda STUPID mentality that concept followed. I turned around and got in my car and left...never even looked back.

I've NEVER laughed my way home so quickly.

Some people just don't realize that some are out to get a feel for the car, others are there to beat the tar outta it for fun. Not everyone does. However, I suppose I could see anything with Mazdaspeed on it drawing a crowd of racers...so some precaution is called for. If someone with an 8 drives up, doesn't it seem a little obsurd to shoot them down right away? You were right...it did serve them right.

 

238hp vs 244hp ? Aren't they pretty close, considering the fact that the SUV is a lot heavier. How could it be possible that the SUV is more responsive?

What about twisty roads and turns? Are u telling me the an SUV can do better than an RX-8?

 

The CX-7 has more torque that the RX-8. A lot of people confuse torque with speed. Some people swear that a diesel truck is insanely fast because it has that push-you-to-your-seat torque.

 

plus th eOP has a 4speed AT

 

^^^Exactly.