Hi, I used to own an '04 Touring loaded out to the max. I'm thinking of coming back to the RX8 family. FYI, I had a '94 RX7 and a'90 RX7. Right now I have a BMW 335i.

I'm thinking of a '10 RX8 R3. How different is it from my '04? Will there be any changes form '09 to'10? Any other colors? Not a big fan of the 3 colors available.

I could get another touring, but geez, those wheels are not the best looking things out there. Plus I really like the Recaros in the R3.

I'm also thinking of a 370Z, but I have kids so the RX8 would work a lot better. If I buy the Z I would have to buy a "beater" SUV too - getting expensive.

I would love to hear any thoughts on my dilemma. Thanks.

 

I know R3 color selection is limited and I dont think there are any changes in '10 so Id wait till this winter and pick up a great deal on a '09 R3.

 

It stops slower
Its slower in acceleration and 1/4 mile
It handles slightly better, in which you'll never know unless you push it at the track

Most imortant:

It has a butt fugly face.

 

the 09's have a third oil injector pointed at the center of the apex seals so def have a BETTER chance of living longer without the use of premix!....I'd def go with an R3 whether it be a '10 or '09 I like the Recaro's too!

BTW don't getthe 370z they're trash! haha

 

^ lol +1 i love the r3s too and dont mind the face that much ... plus the 8 has 4 seats!!! and that will always draw me too it especially coz its so sexy for a comfortable 4 seater! the z is UGLY and has 2 seats ... IMO 2 seats is corvette territory id juss get a used c6 and whoop most other cars for the same price...

 

^yeah and that rev matching **** in the 370 is for ppl that don't know how to drive and rev heel-toe it themselves!

 

Does the R3 have a different exhaust than the other RX8s?

 

RX22. I went from a RX-7>Miata>Turbo Miata>350Z>04 RX-8>Corvette C6>06 RX-8.

I only care about track times. I can tell you the 370Z,350Z and Corvette are better performers than the RX-8. The RX-8 is not spectacular in any measurable category except fun factor. It's a good car as long as you are not expecting the world and you don't mind the little quirky things with the car.

 

You and I really need to discuss this. My other consideration is a used C6 Vette. I went and looked at the RX8 today and when I got in the thing it felt like a homecoming. I really liked it. And now I'm thinking I'm stupid to even be considering another one. My 335 can dust it. I wanted an auto with paddles because of all the traffic where I live. And now I want a stinkin' manual transmission RX8 again. Is there something wrong with me!?!?

You've made the rounds like me. Why have you gone back to the RX8? Are you glad you did? Please elaborate on these cars!!

 

Sounds like you better wait a little longer and get the next RX, it will have it all...

 

No.The series II exhaust is slightly different, but no difference in all 09's~.

The only change in R3, is Bilsteins, 19" Alloys, Foam filled Cross member and appearance crap, spoiler, skirts, front air dam., harder ride than GT.

Between Series...
there is No difference in braking performance as the brakes are essentially the same.

0-60, slight difference because of gear ratio's, which are better, once you use your car...it is because of changing to 3rd gear is the time lost.

Looks, a lot depends on colour and your age.

This link will tell you all the improvements Mazda have made in the series II..
https://www.rx8club.com/series-ii-technical-trouble-shooting-160/mechanical-changes-rx-8-series-i-ii-161665/

 

you def want a manual because you get to actully control the feel of the car!!!!!

 

i went from my 8 to a Z4M Coupe and I am really happy with the choice...Just as fun as the 8 IMO, but more low end grunt and hp. Plus it turns just as many (if not more) heads than the 8 did.

You're already familiar with bimmers so it would keep you on the dark side and would satisfy your obvious desire to attack the road.

 

My 04 was an auto, it was the car my gf and I shared. Partly why I went to the 04 and now back to the 06. If you really want the auto (for people who don't get on it, it doesn't matter), at least get the 6 port auto that goes to 8000RPM since that's where most of the power is. My gf didn't have problem using the 04 as she never raced the car, she just hated paying for gas on it.

My C6 kept breaking major parts (not as many little problem as the Mazda or Nissan), but I lost a tranny, bearing, diff in 22K miles. It was just annoying. Also racing parts for that car is expensive compare to the Mazda or Nissan. Lastly, I never felt comfortable taking a $40K car out on the track. I also felt like I am wasting money if I put miles driving around town running errands, I decided to get a real daily driver + the used 8. I end up paying the same as before with the new Prius and the RX-8 compare to my C6. I made the change knowing that the the RX-8 will never compete with the C6, but I know I will save myself a few bucks over the next 2-3 years.

There is pros/cons with each of the car I drove. Unlike some members here, I can make an honest comparsion between them all since I owned and liked all of the vehicle. Before I go on and type a bunch of stuff, let me ask you this. What are you using the car for? Track? Autox? Daily driving? Looks? Car shows or what? List the critieria you want me to compare and I will give you a list of who is the best and who is the worst.

I just took the 06 to the autox today, it's a different expierence than the Corvette. I can't wait to make it back to VIR in 2 weeks arggggggggggggggggggggggg.

I have to readjust the list, forgot another car I had. 86 RX-7>90 RX-7>Miata>Turbo Miata>350Z>91 MR2 Turbo>04 RX-8>Corvette C6>06 RX-8.

 

You might want to ask yourself why you got rid of the 8?

Was there something or things you really didn't like about? I understand age of the car or miles could have factored in.

But like most have stated there are little changes to the 8 but not a ton to overcome some of the things you might have disliked about it.

Good luck deciding.

 

it always depends on your needs ... ive owned a z before and regretted it coz i coulda got a vette instead and i know its american but my family is full of muscle car lovers and we have had very few problems in ANY of our cars!!! my dad got me my 2010 camaro coz he wanted to show me what a "real" car is lol i didnt refuse but still have my 8 ... bottom line being the 8 can give you the feel of a fast car with 4 seats even if its not that fast and it feels like HOME just like you said

 

I'd keep the 335i personally unless there was some reason you had to get of it.

 

IMO it stops faster than my 07 GT.
Handling is noticably different even on real road twisties.
The face is way sexier, and it has a semi body kit stock and kick *** tires.
As far as acceleration it's faster than my 07 BUT my 07 was auto.

And like you said, recaros.....I want to go sit in them just thinking about it.

EDIT: Oh also, I get stopped more and asked what car this is than I did in my 07

 

z06

 

Usually I'd say get the 370z + used SUV over the rx-8, but since you already have a 335, the 370z might not even be up to par when it comes to speed.

So in this rare instance, I'd say go for a new R3. Forget the new gear ratio that slowed it down in 0-60 and 1/4 mile numbers, you have a 335i.

The new suspension, albeit superior than 04-08's, won't be eye opening different.

But the two pros are that the new OMP is much better, and you can get a R3 for much less than 370z out the door.

Either cars will fill in the gap that the 335i leaves, but personally I don't know if that gap is big enough to need another vehicle to fill it, and Dinan suspension parts might be enough.

 

370z is a faster car than the 335

 

^ the 335 has a 0-60 of 4.8s in oppose to the z's 5.1s so its not faster in a straight line ... of course its a 2 seater short wide low sports car it handles better but not by much so if you have a 335 id say stuck with it and mod it a bit ...

 

R3 is slower in 1/4 mile cuz they changed the Final to 4.7, but acceleration should be faster.
Handle is "slightly" better cuz of Blistein shocks
Engine wise -- water pump redesign, slightly bigger radiator, 20% better oil cooler air flow rate, 3rd/center oil nozzle for better MOP lubrication, other minor modification.
The "happy smile" front.
LED rear light.

and a few others.

 

^the happy smile is prob the most interesting one! haha

 

No, it's really not. I test drove a Z and kept thinking how it had no power in the mid rev range. I'm so used to the turbos kicking in.

My 335 is just not "sportscar" enough for me. It has the sports suspension, but it's the e90 (4 door) and it's just too top heavy in the turns.

Believe me if I could afford a new M3 there would be no question, but since I'm trying to save money that aint gonna happen.