I say the driver makes a bigger difference. I have out-cornered modified Vipers with big fat slicks in my $2,500 econobox on stock suspension. But S2000s are indeed very fast on the track. A lot of excellent drivers seem to have them for track days around here, and they fly.

What I was implying and didn't make at all clear :o , was equal drivers in similar cars (HP/weight ratio)

:)

It's a good car
 

I've read many good things about the RX-8. 0-60 times from 6.1 to 6.5 seconds and they are all est. And compared to cars like the BMW 330ci whose inline
sixes lose power the Renesis just keeps gathering momentum. As many of us Mazda fans always talk about the car sounds very balance with a sweetheart of a
chassis. I don't see why people always want to compare the car with a 350Z or S2000. They can't hold 4 people and anything at all in the trunk. And if you ask
me the S2000 cost way too much for what it is. If Mazda can make a 4 door car this good then no one will compare to the pure sports car that the RX-7 will be.
The best quote I have on the RX-8 is this "you won't stop missing the one the broke your balls (RX-7), but the RX-8 is the one you'll marry."

Re: It's a good car
 

I think for the sake of marketing, the RX-8 will be a TAD under 6 seconds, probably 5.8 or 5.9...

But you're right, the RX-8 gains power at the top end so tracking and 1/4 mile speeds should be more impressive :)