Hindsight RX-7 vs Rx-8 which is or was the better Car?
11-10-2007, 03:15 PM
#102
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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.
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.
If the FD was so great... if the FD was the pinnacle of the rotary world, how come it sold like dog ****?
Sure Ferrari sells only 2500 cars a year, because that is all they can build... not because they can't sell the car.
If the FD was so great, why didn't it sell??? Why was the entire 4 year run USA sales less than one year of the S4 FC or the FE?
It didn't sell because it was over priced, didn't fit anyone tall (without reclining the seat back to a negative angle), it broke down (like most any other exotic), it had less truck room than a SA.
The FD was more a rotary embarrassment than the pinnacle that people keep trying to put it up to be.
Because it didn't sell.
And after all that is what a car manufacture is trying to do... to design a car that sells with a enough profit that they can make the next version. It is not some high art, it is selling a product.
11-10-2007, 03:41 PM
#103
In a way, hell, in so many ways, it's great there weren't 100,000 of them sold; the exclusivity and allure factor would be gone. You post about Ferrari's limited output, but you fail to mention that if they upped their production and satisfied the demand it would kill their whole scam. Yep, scam. Everyone from Montezemolo on down has a good laugh every day.
11-10-2007, 07:02 PM
#106
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11-10-2007, 07:48 PM
#107
Power!!
RX-7 was a better all out performance car but the RX-8 is a great performance car and a better all around primary vehicle. If I could only have 1 car it would be the RX-8 hands down. If I can have a garage queen too than I'd have an RX-8 and an RX-7 in the garage for shows and autox. But I don't think it would last on the track days.
11-10-2007, 08:23 PM
#108
11-11-2007, 01:44 PM
#110
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I guess if you took the sales numbers of only turbo'd jap cars (i.e. 300ZX, 3000 GT VR-4, Supra) then I'd bet its sales were probably right in line with those others for the equal number of years; would be unfair to compare 7 years of 300ZX TT sales to 3 of the RX-7, wouldn't it? Toss their N/A counterparts with their sluggish performance and their front wheel drive out and compare the high performance versions; beacuse after all, that's what each FD was.
In a way, hell, in so many ways, it's great there weren't 100,000 of them sold; the exclusivity and allure factor would be gone. You post about Ferrari's limited output, but you fail to mention that if they upped their production and satisfied the demand it would kill their whole scam. Yep, scam. Everyone from Montezemolo on down has a good laugh every day.
Even if Mazda sent over 1000 a year after 96, they would have had trouble selling the FD. I don't get why people think it was so great, when nobody bought it. Sure they sell now... for $8k-$16k but if they were really so hot, they would have the same resale as Ferrari or Porsche or even BMW, and the FD would still be selling used for $25-45K.
Last edited by Icemark; 11-11-2007 at 01:52 PM.
11-12-2007, 08:02 AM
#111
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But the problem with that, is that Mazda didn't limit production to demand... they overbuilt for demand and still couldn't sell that POS. Do you honestly think that if Mazda sold the FD over here and only shipped 1000 a year, that you could compare that car to a Ferrari?
Even if Mazda sent over 1000 a year after 96, they would have had trouble selling the FD. I don't get why people think it was so great, when nobody bought it. Sure they sell now... for $8k-$16k but if they were really so hot, they would have the same resale as Ferrari or Porsche or even BMW, and the FD would still be selling used for $25-45K.
Even if Mazda sent over 1000 a year after 96, they would have had trouble selling the FD. I don't get why people think it was so great, when nobody bought it. Sure they sell now... for $8k-$16k but if they were really so hot, they would have the same resale as Ferrari or Porsche or even BMW, and the FD would still be selling used for $25-45K.
Now I understand that the FD didn't sell well (we'll get back to that in a minute) but to call it a POS is an absolute joke, it WAS and IS the only really good performance rotary thats been brought to the states (TII was decent too). There's a reason why everyone wants a new FD to be made and thats because they most likely missed out on one and can't find one in good enough condition to buy. If you ask me any rotary thats not turboed or atleast supercharged is crap because its slow and sports cars are supposed to be fast which is def something the FE is not.
Part of the reason the FD didn't sell was it was overpriced (as was all of the Japanese sports cars). Originally the car was supposed to cost around 20-30,000 dollars but the Japanese dollar (Yen I believe?) fell hard and thats why you saw asking prices for $40,000 and up. I think that has more to do with why the car didn't sell then anything you claim was wrong with it.
11-12-2007, 02:13 PM
#112
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The used prices for well built and properly maintained FD's are going up, as is their Blue Book Value.
Now I understand that the FD didn't sell well (we'll get back to that in a minute) but to call it a POS is an absolute joke, it WAS and IS the only really good performance rotary thats been brought to the states (TII was decent too). There's a reason why everyone wants a new FD to be made and thats because they most likely missed out on one and can't find one in good enough condition to buy. If you ask me any rotary thats not turboed or atleast supercharged is crap because its slow and sports cars are supposed to be fast which is def something the FE is not.
Part of the reason the FD didn't sell was it was overpriced (as was all of the Japanese sports cars). Originally the car was supposed to cost around 20-30,000 dollars but the Japanese dollar (Yen I believe?) fell hard and thats why you saw asking prices for $40,000 and up. I think that has more to do with why the car didn't sell then anything you claim was wrong with it.
Now I understand that the FD didn't sell well (we'll get back to that in a minute) but to call it a POS is an absolute joke, it WAS and IS the only really good performance rotary thats been brought to the states (TII was decent too). There's a reason why everyone wants a new FD to be made and thats because they most likely missed out on one and can't find one in good enough condition to buy. If you ask me any rotary thats not turboed or atleast supercharged is crap because its slow and sports cars are supposed to be fast which is def something the FE is not.
Part of the reason the FD didn't sell was it was overpriced (as was all of the Japanese sports cars). Originally the car was supposed to cost around 20-30,000 dollars but the Japanese dollar (Yen I believe?) fell hard and thats why you saw asking prices for $40,000 and up. I think that has more to do with why the car didn't sell then anything you claim was wrong with it.
Additionally the RX-7 was sold for only 3 years, so as said before, comparing it to any other Japanese import isn't proper, unless you only figure in those 3 years with the appropriate turbo model equivalent. The RX-7 is still the pinnacle of rotary performance and Mazda's sweetheart. The car sold in Japan and across the rest of the world until 2002. So if it were such a POS, then why did everyone else keep buying it? The RX-7 had a longer run than the 3000GT, Supra, and 300ZX in the world.
Wonder why Mazda would keep producing such an unprofitable car?
Besides, walk into a Mazda dealership today and they STILL have FDs posted around the place. That is Mazda's greatest achievement, and still no car to this day has outperformed it for the dollar. Need I remind you it won Best Sports Car every year it was in production in the US.
11-12-2007, 02:55 PM
#113
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I guess you could argue that they kept selling them in Aus and NZ and England, but those after 96 were just gray market and not imported into the country by Mazda.
The Supra had a longer US run, and the 300zx had almost as long run in Japan as the FD (and again you bring up the 3000gt which shouldn't even be considered in the same ball park- Oh well, maybe you think it was all important too?)
Yes the dollar to yen influenced the sales in the USA, but you would have a hard time convincing me of that in Europe. Yet the car stopped officially being sold there as well.
11-12-2007, 03:30 PM
#114
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The used prices for well built and properly maintained FD's are going up, as is their Blue Book Value.
Now I understand that the FD didn't sell well (we'll get back to that in a minute) but to call it a POS is an absolute joke, it WAS and IS the only really good performance rotary thats been brought to the states (TII was decent too).
Now I understand that the FD didn't sell well (we'll get back to that in a minute) but to call it a POS is an absolute joke, it WAS and IS the only really good performance rotary thats been brought to the states (TII was decent too).
See there is more to a sports car than just power. The Miata has proven that over and over.
There's a reason why everyone wants a new FD to be made and thats because they most likely missed out on one and can't find one in good enough condition to buy. If you ask me any rotary thats not turboed or atleast supercharged is crap because its slow and sports cars are supposed to be fast which is def something the FE is not.
Power means nothing. It is the whole package. The RX-8 is great for that, it is a well balanced chassis that has a perfect power ratio. A radically better suspension for the street, than the FD (which really didn't have that much more compliant suspension than the FC). The fact that you don't get that power and body balance thing...rules out any further replies on this to you. Next thing you'll be saying is you want a V8 in a new RX-7.
And people that say the FE is slow... they are just clueless. They probably have not really driven a FE. Because on the mountain roads, my stock engined FE is faster than TII's and as fast (or faster) as any slightly modded FD I have run into. This has been proven over and over, and I consistently get asked at the end of a mountain or highway run... "wow, the RX-8 is a lot faster than I thought, what have you done to it?" Done nothing... its stock. This is from tweaked TII's making 250hp on the dyno or FD's with singles. Of course on the last run to 7 stock, my '8 was the one that everyone climbed into when their RX-7 broke down on the side of the road, and we had to drive the FE the rest of the way. They stopped teasing me about having rear doors after that.
But either way... your power comments just show how much you mis-understand what a sports car really is. There is more to a sports car than a 0-60 or qtr mile time.
Part of the reason the FD didn't sell was it was overpriced (as was all of the Japanese sports cars). Originally the car was supposed to cost around 20-30,000 dollars but the Japanese dollar (Yen I believe?) fell hard and thats why you saw asking prices for $40,000 and up. I think that has more to do with why the car didn't sell then anything you claim was wrong with it.
a modern FD would sell well. About as well as it did the first time.
Last edited by Icemark; 11-12-2007 at 03:46 PM.
11-12-2007, 03:43 PM
#115
Grand Chancellor
I am stunned to read this bantering b/t RX-7TT and the RX-8. It reminded me of those 300zx folks vs. 350z folks. The rx-7 was a great car during its time. But Mazda saw that it was time to move on and build a replacement that would meet the current era's requirement. A reliable, practical, comfortable sports-car.
Auto reviewers love the rx-7 because they dont have to take the car home. Long-term reviewers hate it.
There is more to life than just hp and performance numbers. Those are important, but so are reliability, cost of ownership, styling, creature comforts, technological advances etc etc...
Auto reviewers love the rx-7 because they dont have to take the car home. Long-term reviewers hate it.
There is more to life than just hp and performance numbers. Those are important, but so are reliability, cost of ownership, styling, creature comforts, technological advances etc etc...
11-12-2007, 05:36 PM
#116
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RX-8 is "better" FOR Noobs and as a family. Well rounded and easily managable by even Paris Hilton or your 16 yr olds that just got their license. Most importanly... still got "Factory "warranty" ... 
I've meet some RX-8 owners that are supposely Wilow Springs "hardcore" racer... that has never heard or seen a "RX-7" before. and was asking me all sorts of questions about my FD ... He thought i was a ricer putting mazda and unknown (efini) badge on my FD ... lmao!
RX-7 sold like dogshit because most mechanics can't repair it. Which is why most RX-7 forum members that keep their cars are the ones that fix their own or understand enough to find mechanics that knows.
in Mazda's term. what makes them more money/consumer friendly = better.
RX-7 is that HOT model girlfriend that requires more money, attention, and got a spicy attitude, where RX-8 is like that good chubby girlfriend that's always there for you when you're in need.
I've meet some RX-8 owners that are supposely Wilow Springs "hardcore" racer... that has never heard or seen a "RX-7" before. and was asking me all sorts of questions about my FD ... He thought i was a ricer putting mazda and unknown (efini) badge on my FD ... lmao!
RX-7 sold like dogshit because most mechanics can't repair it. Which is why most RX-7 forum members that keep their cars are the ones that fix their own or understand enough to find mechanics that knows.
in Mazda's term. what makes them more money/consumer friendly = better.
RX-7 is that HOT model girlfriend that requires more money, attention, and got a spicy attitude, where RX-8 is like that good chubby girlfriend that's always there for you when you're in need.
11-12-2007, 06:09 PM
#117
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yes, this is my first post. which raises a question. why would someone feel so passionately about a car, that they would register on another forum they never visit, just to defend said car....? hmmm?
if you havnt guessed yet, i own an FD. someone just posted a link to this at rx7club.com.
my quick opinion. My friends fiance has an 8. i myself thought about buying an 8 when they first came out. The 8 is a cool car! and i really like it! it is a more modern, acceptable "sports" car. it has back seats, HID's, heated seats, all kind of modern amenities. it fits this era very well. it is not in the same class as the FD.
they are completly different vehicles. all the things i just listed, the FD does not care about.....not in the least.... i dont even have a cup holder! The FD is a timeless, purposefully built, in the purist sense of the word, sports car. It is not practical...it is not(in most cases) a suitable daily driver...it only holds 2. you have to be a "special" kind of person to own one. it requires you to be more involved than any car i can think of. so why would anyone want something like that?........ the feeling!
if you are not obessed after a 15 minute tets drive....then you dont get it. cool...move one. buy the 8(cause it really is cool) but DO NOT, for a moment, get confused about which car is the superior sports car!
hello rx8 forum! sorry for such a , ummm... "touchy" first post. Im sure everyone here is biased to the 8, just as i am biased to the FD. cool! but it is fun to have a slightly heated forum debate.
if you havnt guessed yet, i own an FD. someone just posted a link to this at rx7club.com.
my quick opinion. My friends fiance has an 8. i myself thought about buying an 8 when they first came out. The 8 is a cool car! and i really like it! it is a more modern, acceptable "sports" car. it has back seats, HID's, heated seats, all kind of modern amenities. it fits this era very well. it is not in the same class as the FD.
they are completly different vehicles. all the things i just listed, the FD does not care about.....not in the least.... i dont even have a cup holder! The FD is a timeless, purposefully built, in the purist sense of the word, sports car. It is not practical...it is not(in most cases) a suitable daily driver...it only holds 2. you have to be a "special" kind of person to own one. it requires you to be more involved than any car i can think of. so why would anyone want something like that?........ the feeling!
if you are not obessed after a 15 minute tets drive....then you dont get it. cool...move one. buy the 8(cause it really is cool) but DO NOT, for a moment, get confused about which car is the superior sports car!
hello rx8 forum! sorry for such a , ummm... "touchy" first post. Im sure everyone here is biased to the 8, just as i am biased to the FD. cool! but it is fun to have a slightly heated forum debate.
11-12-2007, 06:11 PM
#118
jersey fresh
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RX-8 is "better" FOR Noobs and as a family. Well rounded and easily managable by even Paris Hilton or your 16 yr olds that just got their license. Most importanly... still got "Factory "warranty" ...
I've meet some RX-8 owners that are supposely Wilow Springs "hardcore" racer... that has never heard or seen a "RX-7" before. and was asking me all sorts of questions about my FD ... He thought i was a ricer putting mazda and unknown (efini) badge on my FD ... lmao!
RX-7 sold like dogshit because most mechanics can't repair it. Which is why most RX-7 forum members that keep their cars are the ones that fix their own or understand enough to find mechanics that knows.
in Mazda's term. what makes them more money/consumer friendly = better.
RX-7 is that HOT model girlfriend that requires more money, attention, and got a spicy attitude, where RX-8 is like that good chubby girlfriend that's always there for you when you're in need.
I've meet some RX-8 owners that are supposely Wilow Springs "hardcore" racer... that has never heard or seen a "RX-7" before. and was asking me all sorts of questions about my FD ... He thought i was a ricer putting mazda and unknown (efini) badge on my FD ... lmao!
RX-7 sold like dogshit because most mechanics can't repair it. Which is why most RX-7 forum members that keep their cars are the ones that fix their own or understand enough to find mechanics that knows.
in Mazda's term. what makes them more money/consumer friendly = better.
RX-7 is that HOT model girlfriend that requires more money, attention, and got a spicy attitude, where RX-8 is like that good chubby girlfriend that's always there for you when you're in need.
^ thats about as poor an argumentative reply i've seen yet.
has all the key signs: 1. names an uninformed rx8 owner 2. says "noobs" 3. blames mechanics for its poor sales (does not make any sense) 4. ends it with a hot model girlfriend statement.
you sound (and type) like your 18, try again
11-12-2007, 06:42 PM
#119
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Your numbers don't show the most important thing... How many they sold.
If the FD was so great... if the FD was the pinnacle of the rotary world, how come it sold like dog ****?
Sure Ferrari sells only 2500 cars a year, because that is all they can build... not because they can't sell the car.
If the FD was so great, why didn't it sell??? Why was the entire 4 year run USA sales less than one year of the S4 FC or the FE?
It didn't sell because it was over priced, didn't fit anyone tall (without reclining the seat back to a negative angle), it broke down (like most any other exotic), it had less truck room than a SA.
The FD was more a rotary embarrassment than the pinnacle that people keep trying to put it up to be.
Because it didn't sell.
And after all that is what a car manufacture is trying to do... to design a car that sells with a enough profit that they can make the next version. It is not some high art, it is selling a product.
If the FD was so great... if the FD was the pinnacle of the rotary world, how come it sold like dog ****?
Sure Ferrari sells only 2500 cars a year, because that is all they can build... not because they can't sell the car.
If the FD was so great, why didn't it sell??? Why was the entire 4 year run USA sales less than one year of the S4 FC or the FE?
It didn't sell because it was over priced, didn't fit anyone tall (without reclining the seat back to a negative angle), it broke down (like most any other exotic), it had less truck room than a SA.
The FD was more a rotary embarrassment than the pinnacle that people keep trying to put it up to be.
Because it didn't sell.
And after all that is what a car manufacture is trying to do... to design a car that sells with a enough profit that they can make the next version. It is not some high art, it is selling a product.
If the FD is such a horrific car, then surely no race teams would ever use that paperweight right? Surely it wouldn't still be winning races 5 years after production ceased. Surely a car this horrific would have no aftermarket support and definitely wouldn't have new technologies being developed for it every year. Right?
Mark, I don't know why you hate the FD so much. It's as if it ate your child or something. No matter where you go, you blast the FD. I'm not even sure why you're a supermod on the rx7club.
The FD is a niche car. It was Mazda's flagship car for 11 years. People saw the FD and said "wow, I want that, but I can afford this instead." to get a little piece of the pie. Like when someone sees a Ford GT or Shelby GT500 and buys a V6 Mustang instead, because that's what they can afford or would go best with their garage.
As for the original topic or this thread..it's just ridiculous. The RX-8 is a nice car that you can drive to auto-x, then go grocery shopping with your wife and kids in. The FD is a nice car that you can drive on a sunny day after you've run your errands and finished your housework. Both cars have their place for different or even the same people.
If I wasn't a 21 year old bachelor with too much disposable(lol) income, I'd probably look into an 8. But with no wife, no kids, no worries, I don't need anything with a back seat and especially not 4 doors.
11-12-2007, 07:01 PM
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lol... it's not like your gramar is any better. 
i'm not some youngen.. just another old rx7club member trying to have a sense of humor.
but that "IS" probably by far.. the best comparison of the two cars.
reason?: because they're both great cars with the opposite characteristics coming from the same parent with pretty much the same genetics. both are 50/50 weight distribution, got over 250+ catalog claim'd HP. Surely you don't need me to copy and paste all the numbers to compare actual specs. there's plentyt on both forums...lol
RX7, being the timeless pure sportscar design. perfect shape for any look, has its problems and crappyness to things... like.. yup.. no cup holder, engine seals don't last from FI,..... RX-8 is mazda's solution to solve all RX-7 problems to fit mass majority. Doesn't mean they're better.. as far as looks
.. but more problem free in all aspecs including practicality while retaining similar performance characteristics. Most of all... keeping rotaries alive.
It's a "Hit and miss" thing. There's really nothing to argue about over which is "Better"... they're just... "Different". I'm daily driving my 2nd FD, but i'd sure love to rx8 to replace its job.
*oh, and the rx8 owners i spoke with, I swear it actually happened at a gas station near my old house. Was few 45-50ish yr old guys, probably not on the forums. or i'm sure they'll know better... lol"
i'm not some youngen.. just another old rx7club member trying to have a sense of humor.
but that "IS" probably by far.. the best comparison of the two cars.
reason?: because they're both great cars with the opposite characteristics coming from the same parent with pretty much the same genetics. both are 50/50 weight distribution, got over 250+ catalog claim'd HP. Surely you don't need me to copy and paste all the numbers to compare actual specs. there's plentyt on both forums...lol
RX7, being the timeless pure sportscar design. perfect shape for any look, has its problems and crappyness to things... like.. yup.. no cup holder, engine seals don't last from FI,..... RX-8 is mazda's solution to solve all RX-7 problems to fit mass majority. Doesn't mean they're better.. as far as looks
.. but more problem free in all aspecs including practicality while retaining similar performance characteristics. Most of all... keeping rotaries alive.It's a "Hit and miss" thing. There's really nothing to argue about over which is "Better"... they're just... "Different". I'm daily driving my 2nd FD, but i'd sure love to rx8 to replace its job.
*oh, and the rx8 owners i spoke with, I swear it actually happened at a gas station near my old house. Was few 45-50ish yr old guys, probably not on the forums. or i'm sure they'll know better... lol"
Last edited by FDFanatic; 11-12-2007 at 07:18 PM.
11-12-2007, 07:13 PM
#125
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Wow... This thread didn't take very long to become a pissing contest...
I'll just say this, and hopefully we can just agree with it to some degree and drop the bullshit arguing and get back to intelligent critisizm.
When you look at the big picture, and view these cars for what they were when they were first released, and what their competators were, it's easy to see that the RX-8 falls short of the legacy that the RX-7 started.
The 2nd gen turbo 7 was designed to compete with Porsches while not costing anywhere near as much, and it succeeded. It was faster, it handled better, and it was cheaper. They were a blast to drive, they handled amazingly, and they were - for the most part - reliable. They were also beautiful in design, and their body style didn't start to look "outdated" until around the new millenium. It was designed to accomplish only a few things, but it accomplished much more with flying colors, and withstood the test of time.
The 3rd gen was meant to be a *****-to-the-wall performance machine. Something that would look, handle, and scream like a high-performance car. Much like it's predecessor, it did so with flying colors. Despite being a 14-year-old Mazda it's still in the A-class for autocross. It didn't just whoop the *** of other sports cars during it's 3-year production lifetime, it spanked all competition after death, through afterlife, into it's second coming, and seems to have it's eyes set somewhere beyond the horizon of the post-apocalyptic future. No car maker has managed to produce something with the all-around excellence that the RX-7 offers in 14 years! FOURTEEN FREAKIN YEARS!!
I'm sorry, but as much as I prefer my 8, I refuse to believe that it holds a candle to the GOD that is the RX-7. The 8 is fun; no doubts about that. And despite the crappy gas mileage and lack of engine grunt that it's competators love to rub in our faces, I still the RX-8 is the best damn sports car in it's price range. Car and Driver magazine knows it. Top Gear knows it. Road & Track knows it. The RX-8 is the best damn sports car one can buy right now...
...but it's not a legend.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not be sought after by every 16-year-old bolt-on-boy-wonder Rice & Rediculous fan.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not boast stats that scoff at modern sports cars accomplishments.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not be home to a forum that has a new "Hay u gUyZ! Im thikning Of gETtinG OnE!!111" thread every other day.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not be placed in the same autocross class as most modern sports cars.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not be reveared as one of the most amazing cars to roll off of Mazda's assebly line.
I'm sorry, but the RX-7 rapes the RX-8's face off in every category. Yes, I know the FD sucks more than a black hole of suck in terms of reliability. But you know what, it's still considered a god among men. Saying the 8 is better than the 7 because it breaks alot is like saying the DeLorean is a crappy car because it breaks alot. It's a legend - it scores so high on the scale of awesomeness that reliability no longer matters! If RX-8s needed a new engine every 40,000 miles, NO ONE would buy them.
If anything the RX-7's "gotta-have-it" factor despite it's short life span proves that it really is a BETTER car. It simply means that the car is so great that many people brush the maintenance cost off like it's nothing. Now THAT is a hell of a ******* car!
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I'll just say this, and hopefully we can just agree with it to some degree and drop the bullshit arguing and get back to intelligent critisizm.
When you look at the big picture, and view these cars for what they were when they were first released, and what their competators were, it's easy to see that the RX-8 falls short of the legacy that the RX-7 started.
The 2nd gen turbo 7 was designed to compete with Porsches while not costing anywhere near as much, and it succeeded. It was faster, it handled better, and it was cheaper. They were a blast to drive, they handled amazingly, and they were - for the most part - reliable. They were also beautiful in design, and their body style didn't start to look "outdated" until around the new millenium. It was designed to accomplish only a few things, but it accomplished much more with flying colors, and withstood the test of time.
The 3rd gen was meant to be a *****-to-the-wall performance machine. Something that would look, handle, and scream like a high-performance car. Much like it's predecessor, it did so with flying colors. Despite being a 14-year-old Mazda it's still in the A-class for autocross. It didn't just whoop the *** of other sports cars during it's 3-year production lifetime, it spanked all competition after death, through afterlife, into it's second coming, and seems to have it's eyes set somewhere beyond the horizon of the post-apocalyptic future. No car maker has managed to produce something with the all-around excellence that the RX-7 offers in 14 years! FOURTEEN FREAKIN YEARS!!
I'm sorry, but as much as I prefer my 8, I refuse to believe that it holds a candle to the GOD that is the RX-7. The 8 is fun; no doubts about that. And despite the crappy gas mileage and lack of engine grunt that it's competators love to rub in our faces, I still the RX-8 is the best damn sports car in it's price range. Car and Driver magazine knows it. Top Gear knows it. Road & Track knows it. The RX-8 is the best damn sports car one can buy right now...
...but it's not a legend.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not be sought after by every 16-year-old bolt-on-boy-wonder Rice & Rediculous fan.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not boast stats that scoff at modern sports cars accomplishments.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not be home to a forum that has a new "Hay u gUyZ! Im thikning Of gETtinG OnE!!111" thread every other day.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not be placed in the same autocross class as most modern sports cars.
In 14 years, the RX-8 will not be reveared as one of the most amazing cars to roll off of Mazda's assebly line.
I'm sorry, but the RX-7 rapes the RX-8's face off in every category. Yes, I know the FD sucks more than a black hole of suck in terms of reliability. But you know what, it's still considered a god among men. Saying the 8 is better than the 7 because it breaks alot is like saying the DeLorean is a crappy car because it breaks alot. It's a legend - it scores so high on the scale of awesomeness that reliability no longer matters! If RX-8s needed a new engine every 40,000 miles, NO ONE would buy them.
If anything the RX-7's "gotta-have-it" factor despite it's short life span proves that it really is a BETTER car. It simply means that the car is so great that many people brush the maintenance cost off like it's nothing. Now THAT is a hell of a ******* car!
[/$0.02]