I was speaking with some people at my college today about cars and I brought up the RX-8 and how I'm planning on buying one soon. (Sadly soon just never comes, does it?) One of the guys commented that "yeah, it's a good car. I'd like one but that power in that car is a problem ." I thought maybe he was referring to the revision from 250 to 238 but he wasn't. I've also seen it referred to here by those who dislike the RX-8 or those that wish it had more power as a "problem".

Since when has a car not having as much power as another car been a "problem" with the car? As far as I'm concerned, that's not a problem. A "problem" is when a Pinto's gas tank explodes in an accident. That's a problem. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have more power in the 8. However, if having only 238hp is a "problem" then I'm writing a letter to the NHTSA telling them every major manufacturer needs to recall tens of millions of cars because they all have serious "problems".

Just venting...

 

if he doesn't like tell him to stick a huge bottle rocket up his ***...then ask him how he liked that power boost...hahaha

 

If he doesn't mention the low power he will mention the low torque. Just let him be. I want more power but I don't need it. Even the old muscle cars of the 60's could use more power IMO.

 

When your younger it seems like the power issue is a bigger deal. I'm 40 now and I like the fact that this car balances so many attributes so well.

good power - not so much that the car is undrivable in Canadian winters
great handling
great (distinct looks) looking inside and out
functional - fit the kids in the back seat with eaze
amazing brakes
web site cult



I could go on....If I just wanted power, then I could have bought a Mustang Cobra on a 25 year old set up.

 

Some of us expected and wanted a little more umph, it's not a problem persay, it's just a matter of perspective and those of us who didn't feel the car had good enough acceleration didn't buy it. The only problem you could make out of it is that many people feel the car isn't actually making the 238hp...

 

LMAO, thats great.

-Rupes

 

Oh btw. drive it, if you like it more than other cars in your price range, buy it. If not don't buy it. Seems pretty common sense, but everyones always got something to complain about.

 

It looks like a rocketship so some people are disappointed that it can't break the sound barrier

 

Dunno - i'd like a little more torque for sure but all cars have comprimises. STi, Evo, 350Z - all of 'em (test drove those 3 in comparison, as well as G35c). So pick your poison. I went with the 8 cause it met all my needs, no other car did. And it's hella fun to drive, even in it's 'underpowered' state heh...

 

your still my favorite- as soon as I saw the title of this thread I bet myself you would have posted within the first five posts! I......think.......I......was.....right!

 

The horsepower thingy is JUST A NUMBER. I drove the car....I LIKED the car. If I were to dwell on numbers I'd be more concerned with my heart beating at 33,638,408 times a year. This is non-stop and without replacing any valves.

 

I traded my 8 in for an STI lastnight.

 

Even if you had a Lamborghini, you would probably lust for something else more powerful, so yes, it is a problem.

It's addictive and greediness is the problem in this sense.

The RX8 doesn't aspire to be the most powerful car on the market, nor is it the weakest, it's a combination of a lot of factors which make it a great car.

RX8 Power = Adequate
RX8 + Turbo Power = ??????? (no answer since once you boost, you can't stop yearning for more).

 

Serious?

 

My sentiments exactly nojooc-- so called enthusiast that say things like that without actually driving a car, are just Magazine experts--they flip to the stats page and determine whats better by the numbers. I use to do that when I was younger; but of course this is only a fraction of what makes a good car. If you only read stats in magazines, then you'd miss out. Its like saying the Elise only has 190HP or the Miata is slow--and both are some of the best sports cars around.

 

FYI...we ran road atlnata last weekend....we had three rx8's up a vets *** the entire day (he pulled out in front of us at start up and we were not allowed to pass....light rain off and on). Vet pulled on the straights but the 8's more than made up the time in the turns. After the last session the vet owner walked back to us and made the comment' "I have a whole new view about that car now (pointing to the 8's). " "i'm quite impressed."

Point being....power isn't everything. There is a lot more to this car that make the package work really, really well. We learned a lot this past weekend. We have one hell of a track car and a fine all around ride..

 

There's only one problem here - and that is whether or not you've got the stones in your pants to drive such a cool car. If you do, then you'll know it. And if you don't then you will be worried about what others say about the horsepower, about the torque, about rotary engines, about gas mileage, about oil consumption, about the front end styling (it's a love it or hate it), about the "freestyle" doors, etc. etc. etc.

It's simple - either buy it or not. If you love it like I do, you'll buy it. If you're worried about what people will say about your horsepower rating, then join the rest of the dorks and buy an EVO or a WRX. Yes, better numbers. But half the car.

 

Wrong - the long gearing and the low redline in HIS car is the problem. In fact, there should be a recall on any cars with redlines under 7000rpm because they're clearly broken!

Any car that can run 14s over a 1/4 is quick, that's all you need to know...

 

Exactly....!

 

-Just ask him what he's driving and see what he says....and then him if he wants to race to see how much of a "problem" the hp is...

 

A problem is a Civic driver spending $3000 in upgades to bring his car to a total of 135 hp vs stock at 127 hp and then thinking it is faster than a Corvette.

A power problem is trying to lift a full dumpster off of your head.

A problem is a headache that doesn't go away for 3 weeks.

Driving a car that makes less power than John Force's funny car but you enjoy anyways isn't a problem.

 

LOL, if you visit the Evo forums, you'll find that most posters consider any stock Evos to be "slow" and in "need of more power." That's scary.

If someone has driven the 8, and decides it needs more power for it to be fun for them, then I can respect their opinion.

But if someone is simply comparing statistics... then they're not looking for a Good Car; instead, they're using the car to inflate their ego by beating down others. They don't deserve an 8.

 

The RX-8 definitely needs more power, but it still performs well because it is so light and evenly distributed.

 

Every car I had before this had more power and I hated all of them.. The Acura CL-S had 260hp, but all going to the wrong wheels with tranny and chassis ill equipped for the power. The WRX had power only when I was over the magic number on the tach and was flat footed elsewhere. And a tranmission more applicable to a dump truck didn't help matters.

I find the 8 to be so nicely balanced that I hesitate doing anything to it. I'm planning on going to high-po driving schools to really get the benefit out of the car..

 

The RX-8 does not make 238hp either. More like 225hp. It has an incredibly stiff chassiss that could in fact handle much more power. In the straights I find myself looking for a little more acceleration. Not slow, but it would be nice to have more. It is a good thing it slings through the corners so well. If it could do both it would be a monster.

I am happy with my car and it serves me well, but I would be much happier with 280hp. No point in trying to pretend like it is not making the power in comparison to what can be had in the same class. I knew that before I bought it, but for some people and the way they drive it, a little more power, while not necessary, would be a nice to have.