Get both.

 

I think that's it in a nutshell. I've lusted more for an FD, but enjoy my every day reliable RX-8.

 

Off topic, but I agree the Renesis engine doesn't sound nearly as nice (and isn't nearly as smooth) as any generation RX7. I drove an FC and it felt like silk compared to the Renesis.

 

I like both

 

FD RX-7 is the better car. While i plan to pick up an RX-8 it would be strictly for hauling my *** around every day instead of tracking or going out for a good race. The FD RX-7 is a timeless design. No other car I know of, gets the attention it does. I get asked every time I drive it, what type of car it is, and if it is brand new. Can't beat that.

More power, more focused. Its a true sports car. The RX-8 is a great handler, quick, and has great utility. Sports cars are not to have "great utility" by their nature. I don't hear many Ferrari owners bitching about the lack of a back seat or luggage space.

 

Rx-7 VS Rx-8 = Jessica Alba VS Ferrari F430

 

That's kinda true.

Apples and Watermelons.

And are we talking in absolute terms or relative? As in which is better if they were both new TODAY? And which gen RX7?

Well in my own little interpretation of this question I'm assuming the legacy of the RX-7 is going against the current RX-8. If thats the case, RX-7 hands down.

 

That would be a tough choice. I would take Jessica Alba for a day, or the Ferrari F430 for life.

 

or jessica alba for life and ferrari for a day

 

Agreed 100%. I'd much rather put up with the 430 for life then Alba! And you only need to take Alba for a ride once to get satisfaction, but the F430- mmmmmmm, every weekend should be so sweet.

 

That'd be a long fu$$ckin night!

 

RX-7 ...closer to a race car.
RX-8...closer to a sports car.
Big difference. So depending what one whats.
I will always take newer/better technology to old tech.
Not to say either was bad. Like saying, which of the top two females in the world would you take. Either choice would be find except some would try both!
To me looking good is better than going fastest! Appearance over performance, but performance still counts. I dont want that one legged duck passing me by on the freeway!

 

Somethin' tells me that 80% of the respondents in this thread have never plopped their behinds in an FD let alone driven one to make a fair comparison.

 

True.

 

I think the RX-7 is the better 2-seat sports car… but the 8 is the better car, overall.

And for the record, newer models—even though they go and stop faster—aren't always "better". Most enthusiasts feel the original VW GTI was "better" than the ones that followed, even though they were faster. It's the reason I'm just a little bit wary about the next RX-8: I'm sure it'll be faster, but I wonder if it'll also be heavier and, frankly, just not quite as good.

 

I paid $20, 000 in 1980 for a new rx7 turbo. I paid $19,800 for a 2004 rx8 10,000 miles on it. There isn't any comparison.

RX8 wins.

 

Not that I'm trying to convert anyone here... but I don't see why everyone here says the RX-8 is the better car... the numbers speak for themselves.

RX-8
Renesis 1.3L N/A 232 Hp
2900-3100lbs curb weight
14.5@96mph
.88g skidpad
66mph slalom
60-0mph 116ft

RX-7
1.3L Twinturbo 255hp
2700-2850 curbweight (depending on R1 vs. touring)
13.9@101mph
.99g skidpad
69.8mph slalom
60-0ft 113ft

Sorry, FD3S RX-7 still king of the rotary world.

 

And ugliest.

 

You honestly believe the FD3S RX-7 is ugly? LOL

 

When it came out I was in the market to buy a new car, I had a 1988 rx7 turbo, and I decided to get the 1990 300zx (new ), which looked so much better. Yes those rx7 were freaken ugly when they came out.

Did you see them when they were new?

I remember that mazda failed to sell the new rx7, but the 300zx was selling like hot cakes. In 1990 that is. Now you kids buy these old cars, and think retro is cool. But when they came out, nobody liked the looks or price of the RX7.

 

Yes and I thought they were the sexiest car on the planet. I guess thats why I still own one and coveted one forever. I do like the Z32 though.

 

your 25. what a 7 year old knows about sex?

 

I haven't much to contribute here (its all been said fairly well), but I think most of you missed the original poster's intent.

He wasn't comparing them today.
He wanted comparisons from the day.
So, compare the SE3P to the SA or FD in the way it was when they were equally new.

 

Think about inflation, also.

 

rx7 second gen looked good. $20,000 in 1988 (terrible seats)
rx7 third gen, was ugly. $30,00 in 1990
RX8 different looks. $30,000 in 2007