Hindsight RX-7 vs Rx-8 which is or was the better Car? Theres enough data on each to state which is the better car comparing over all performance, style and practicality?

What would like off either to make your choice primo in your mind? I think I'd take the turbo charged rotory with no doubt of the 7 and develop it for the 8!!!

Which handled the best? We already know which was the fastest.

 

Having owned both RX-7s and now a 8. The RX-8 is by far the better car.

 

That all depends on your definition of "better."

 

Rx-8 is better for over all performance - although i would love to have a tubo or twin turbo on my motor to match the Power factor. I have owned both and i have to say i miss the whole 2 seater deal but i see myself more and more using the back seat everyday

 

And which RX-7? The RX-7 was essentially 3 different cars.

I owned a 1980 1st. gen. RX-7, and while it was a remarkable, fast car that handled like a dream, I consider my RX-8 to be a much better car in just about any category.

Of course, the speedo on the 7 was analog and stopped at 85, so I really have no idea what the top-end on that car was...I tended to drive it around pegged most of the time...

 

what is your definition of "better"? because in my book, the newer car with lesser problems will always be "better"

 

well, this is going well... defined questions are greatly appreciated for full credit.

 

As an entire package, the RX-8 is better than the FD RX-7. From reliability to driveability the 8 is superior. The RX-7 is faster that is if it starts-up.
I love the FD. But not enough to own one. Too flaky. Plus I like my 6-CD changer, heated seats, Xenon, headlight washer, rear seats, overall better interior and that gauge totally pwns the rx-7's.

 

RX-8>RX-7. I've had both. I had an FD RX-7 with 35K-50K miles and it was a PITA all the time. I loved it but not practical, no warranty, always needed something fixed.

RX-8 is practical and still a real sports car and I still have a warranty. No question in my mind.

 

{awaits fd fanbois}

 

remember, even the 'newest' RX-7 is 12 years old by now, there's A LOT of technological advances in automotive engineering since 1995

for an 'overall' comparison, I think the RX-8 is definitely the better buy for what you get, age of car taken into consideration...

 

Even when it was new (I had a '93 in '96) I'm much happier now with my 8 than I was then with my 7.

 

Not to mention the 8 has introduced the rotary to a new population that may never have thougth about pruchasing a 2 seater or even the second gen 2+2 RX-7. I loved my FC while I had it but the "+2" in it were so small I rarely got to share the fun with more than 1 person at a time....

 

I owned both. RX-8 is faster, better handling, quieter, roomier, versatile ...overall better. RX-7 had better visibility and was MUCH more reliable.

 

I have owned both, and I will agree that the 8 is an all round better buy.

Reasons:

8 is newer and more refined.
8 is much better looking car IMO.
The 8 has a warranty.

 

Wow, there's a claim you don't see too often.

 

Sounds like he had an NA FC.

 

I've also owned a few 3rd gens, a few 2nd gens, a couple 1st gens and an 05 RX8I think I might be qualified to comment.

They all have character. There was something very special about the 1st gen that I can't put into words. I've enjoyed the driving position in the 2nd gen turbo the most. The 3rd gens are unreal in acceleration and draw stares where ever they go.

I would consider the 8 to be a better car than the others, in most ways. I don't enjoy the seat feel (Doesn't agree with my back for long trips), but oh, so smooth and I love twisting 9 plus revs. It's just so modern compared to the others.

It really is an apples vs oranges situation, but I give the 8 the nod.

Paul.

 

Apples and oranges, which tastes better?

 

RX8! Testdrove the 7 in the early 80's. Could'nt decide on the RX7 or the 280ZX(To replace my 240Z). I bought the 280ZX. Now I got the 8.

 

Didn't we flame the OP into the ground the last thread he posted?

 

For those claiming that the 8 handles better than an FD, what say you about them not even being in the same class in autoX?

My take is that the 8 offers the strongest total package out of all the RX generations; more specifically- the ride quality, chassis rigidity, shift feel- I'd say those, in addition to a few others, really make this gen stand out over the others. As for the car in general, it's more of a superior rendition of the FC than a continuance of the FD.

 

In the real world of streets with un even pavement and mountains and the like, the 8 handles considerably better and my 8 is as fast if not faster in such situation than a FC TII or a FD. On a smooth race track, the FD has superior handling.. that is why they are in different classes.

And as I have said multiple times in the past, the FE is finally a replacement for the FC, as the miniaturized and marketing flop that was the FD sure was never was a replacement for the RX sports car legacy of the SA/FB and FC.

 

i owned only one other rotary. an 88 na. but i think the 8 is a little more snappy in turns, it reacts faster to steering demands. this could be due to its more centered yaw. the 50/50 distribution is actually closer to the center of car rather than further out towards either end of bumper like the illustration in the rx-8 catalogs. could be why it has a bit more quirkiness steer feel of go-karts.

but the thing i would have to dislike about the 8 is the fact that i've never had such a hard time finding the sweet spot to slip the clutch.it often comes to a silent stall on me...man, i hate the drive-by-wire ****. racing man-machine feel is purely not there, and my heel and toe just don't feel right. something is missing in that area.

wonder if i'm the only one who feels that way?

 

the newer the better!!