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The "horsepower problem"

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Old 10-13-2004, 08:50 PM
  #26  
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I just drove my friends '99 911, and while it had nice HP when pushed, my 8 far out handled it. The 911 was squirmy to me in the corners, while my 8 seemed flawless. I have plenty of HP to scare the hell out myself. So, for all those out there lurking around this forum - the RX8 is one hell of a great buy - go get one asap.
Old 10-13-2004, 09:28 PM
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Where do people get these numbers about it not really producing 238HP, but 225HP? Wouldn't there be a serious issue against Mazda? They went through that entire embarassment of bringing it down from 250HP. That's a 12HP difference.

If you say that it's really 225HP, then Mazda is STILL lying.... but doesn't seem to be getting any flack for it. So why go through the embarassment of scratching of 250HP in the first place? Doesn't make sense!
Old 10-13-2004, 10:08 PM
  #28  
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True, but people are always bypassing this point, the EVO, STI, R/T, and 350Z all have a good amount of more HP and a good amount of more Torque than the RX8. Keep in mind that some of these cars are Turbo charged. In knowing these cars and how much more HP and more Torque they have compared to the RX8 and then the RX8 still being able to have a lap time of almost the same time. Seriously now, think about it, people really need to give it up to the Mazda RX8 and its whole design?

Heres the break down and most of these cars should smoke the hell out of a RX8, especially if they have a Turbo in them or AWD.
Attached Thumbnails The "horsepower problem"-spec04s.jpg  
Old 10-13-2004, 10:18 PM
  #29  
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Not too sure that I buy into the 225 hp bit, I really think the car is closer to the stated 238. I think the problem is that everyone is building their claims off of dyno numbers which are inconsistent at best, and for that matter, my understanding is that the fresh air duct on the Rx-8 works with a "ram air" affect. So if it's the fresh air duct that provides some of the extra "missing" hp between 225 and 238 you'd never see it show up on a dyno. Presently I own a 6 speed Rx8 and a 5 speed Mazda 6s. The 6 makes 33 lb-ft more torque and 18 less hp and only weighs 200 pounds more, and I gaurantee the 8 is faster. It may not have the typical piston engine torque kick, but it accelerates is devious and mysterious ways and the totally linear torque curve has got you going a helluva lot faster than you thought and a lot sooner too. You guys know what I mean. It's a rotary it makes it's power different, you can't judge it like a piston engine when it's power is laid down like an electric motor.
Old 10-13-2004, 10:22 PM
  #30  
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I cant believe there are still arguments on how much horsepower the 8 has. This has been going on for over a year now.
Old 10-13-2004, 10:28 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by Nemesis8
I just drove my friends '99 911, and while it had nice HP when pushed, my 8 far out handled it. The 911 was squirmy to me in the corners, while my 8 seemed flawless. I have plenty of HP to scare the hell out myself. So, for all those out there lurking around this forum - the RX8 is one hell of a great buy - go get one asap.
Your RX-8 doesn't handle better, but it is an easier car to drive. There's a big difference. I saw a quote one time about the 911 that went something like this... In the hands of a pro it will own you, in the hands of a mere mortal it will own them. The RR setup takes some getting used to and takes a little more effort and experience to get the most out of it.

Rumble, there are many things that point to the RX-8 not having the advertised HP, multiple dyno runs, and multiple trap speeds from the 1/4 mile, as well the ole butt dyno. I also think RB dynoed an engine and came up with low numbers but I can't find where I read that. RX-8s were presold with 250hp, then released and also presold with 247hp, the later revised to 238hp. Someone is allowed to take legal action if there is a 5% or larger discrepency, now you do the math and figure out what the % difference is between 250 and 238, then try it with 237.

For the buyback and $500 girftcard maintenance deal people were required to sign something that disallowed them from ever taking legal action against Mazda over HP issues. Whether or not people have to sign something now when they purchase and RX-8 I'm not sure, but I do seem to recall someone mentioning it.

Edit: Racing beat measured 211 horsepower at the crank on their chassis dyno, 218 with a dropin filter.

Last edited by IkeWRX; 10-13-2004 at 10:37 PM.
Old 10-13-2004, 10:46 PM
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Originally Posted by IkeWRX
people were required to sign something that disallowed them from ever taking legal action against Mazda over HP issues.
Sorry....that's BS. I am from the first batch of cars...I read the agreement very carefuly. It DID NOT say anything about taking legal action or settling for any power discrepancy or missrepresentation. It simply stated that there were 2 options, since "Mazda strives for customer satisfaction" blah blah blah and there were discrepancies between the advertised power rating and the actual....blah blah blah..

As far as actual power...well, follow my sig....that is to the wheels. Someone tell me how much am I wasting to parasitic loses and how much is being dumped by the smarter than life ECU.

Last edited by RX8-TX; 10-13-2004 at 10:49 PM.
Old 10-13-2004, 10:48 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Edit: Racing beat measured 211 horsepower at the crank on their chassis dyno, 218 with a dropin filter.
Dude...you are killing me tonight! :D
Chassis dyno or engine dyno????
Old 10-13-2004, 10:49 PM
  #34  
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If you want all out scary power get a zx10

I love my 8, it is designed so well. I never owned a car that could make me smile every time I drove it. If you want power, try a Kawasaki ZX10 - It'll scare the hell out of you.
Old 10-13-2004, 10:52 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Your RX-8 doesn't handle better, but it is an easier car to drive. There's a big difference. I saw a quote one time about the 911 that went something like this... In the hands of a pro it will own you, in the hands of a mere mortal it will own them. The RR setup takes some getting used to and takes a little more effort and experience to get the most out of it.

Rumble, there are many things that point to the RX-8 not having the advertised HP, multiple dyno runs, and multiple trap speeds from the 1/4 mile, as well the ole butt dyno. I also think RB dynoed an engine and came up with low numbers but I can't find where I read that. RX-8s were presold with 250hp, then released and also presold with 247hp, the later revised to 238hp. Someone is allowed to take legal action if there is a 5% or larger discrepency, now you do the math and figure out what the % difference is between 250 and 238, then try it with 237.

For the buyback and $500 girftcard maintenance deal people were required to sign something that disallowed them from ever taking legal action against Mazda over HP issues. Whether or not people have to sign something now when they purchase and RX-8 I'm not sure, but I do seem to recall someone mentioning it.

Edit: Racing beat measured 211 horsepower at the crank on their chassis dyno, 218 with a dropin filter.


just one question...why do you even bother? Its pretty obvious that you don't like the 8 so stop wasting space.
Old 10-13-2004, 10:52 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by RX8-TX
Dude...you are killing me tonight! :D
Chassis dyno or engine dyno????
I never said engine dyno but I guess I did say they dynoed an engine, did not mean to confuse. Should have said they measured the CHP.
Old 10-13-2004, 10:55 PM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by rotten42
just one question...why do you even bother? Its pretty obvious that you don't like the 8 so stop wasting space.
Funny thing is I do like the 8 quite a bit, but you can't see past your blinders. I was simply answering the mans question. I know it would have made you happy if I had just said the RX-8 is making 238 and don't listen to the people that don't believe it, but sorry I'm not that guy. It would be the same for any other car, including the one I own.
Old 10-13-2004, 10:56 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by RX8-TX
Sorry....that's BS. I am from the first batch of cars...I read the agreement very carefuly. It DID NOT say anything about taking legal action or settling for any power discrepancy or missrepresentation. It simply stated that there were 2 options, since "Mazda strives for customer satisfaction" blah blah blah and there were discrepancies between the advertised power rating and the actual....blah blah blah..

As far as actual power...well, follow my sig....that is to the wheels. Someone tell me how much am I wasting to parasitic loses and how much is being dumped by the smarter than life ECU.

Someone else said it, I didn't. Maybe it's wrong but I know I read someone saying it on this forum...
Old 10-13-2004, 10:58 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by IkeWRX
I never said engine dyno but I guess I did say they dynoed an engine, did not mean to confuse. Should have said they measured the CHP.
:p :p
Gotcha. But I couldn't let it go...it's one of the first times I caught you letting one slip through. I am honored. :p
Old 10-13-2004, 10:59 PM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by RX8-TX
:p :p

By the way, I hate you! :D Trying to make me think I'm crazy or just making stuff up...

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...t=Legal+waiver


Maybe you should have read the form a little better :p

Last edited by IkeWRX; 10-13-2004 at 11:02 PM.
Old 10-13-2004, 11:05 PM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by IkeWRX
By the way, I hate you! :D Trying to make me think I'm crazy or just making stuff up...

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...t=Legal+waiver


Maybe you should have read the form a little better :p
There is discussion about it, but that ain't the legal agreement. There was a separate form that had to be filled and mailed in....you still a nut case.. :D

BTW dude, when are you coming down to Dallas?! gotta escape from that Milwaukee winter this year!
Old 10-13-2004, 11:11 PM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Funny thing is I do like the 8 quite a bit, but you can't see past your blinders. I was simply answering the mans question. I know it would have made you happy if I had just said the RX-8 is making 238 and don't listen to the people that don't believe it, but sorry I'm not that guy. It would be the same for any other car, including the one I own.

I'm not talking about just this thread....
Old 10-13-2004, 11:14 PM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by RX8-TX
There is discussion about it, but that ain't the legal agreement. There was a separate form that had to be filled and mailed in....you still a nut case.. :D

BTW dude, when are you coming down to Dallas?! gotta escape from that Milwaukee winter this year!

I will make the trip some time within the next year I think, maybe we can hit an autox or some car thing together.

P.S. Read the first part, sure sounds like a waiver to me.
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Old 10-13-2004, 11:16 PM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by rotten42
I'm not talking about just this thread....
Neither am I. Find me one thread where I bash the 8 and me saying it could use more HP doesn't count.
Old 10-13-2004, 11:26 PM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by IkeWRX
I will make the trip some time within the next year I think, maybe we can hit an autox or some car thing together.
Ehhhhhh, I was thinking something along the lines of a good steak and some beer..ah, sorry wine.

P.S. Read the first part, sure sounds like a waiver to me.
....read again in the context of the original "correction" description. It releases MNAO and all related parties from disputes about the originaly -as sold- advertised power rating. It doesn't specify that the waiver supersedes anything other than "their" revision to 238/197. I guess you still nuts! :p Otherwise, it could be interpreted as: "You sucka! I gotta and you can't squeal!" -that's why there are certain consumer protection mechanisms in place.

Last edited by RX8-TX; 10-13-2004 at 11:30 PM.
Old 10-13-2004, 11:47 PM
  #46  
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[QUOTE=RX8-TX]Ehhhhhh, I was thinking something along the lines of a good steak and some beer..ah, sorry wine.
[QUOTE]


I drink wine when I work, beer and vodka otherwise. Sounds good, if I visit this year and pull up in a riced out 626 no making fun, my nephew has some issues when it comes to this car stuff :p
Old 10-14-2004, 12:27 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by XDEEDUBBX
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
LMAO LMAO LMAO. I'm crying that was so funny :D :D :D
Old 10-14-2004, 12:39 AM
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I find Ike to be the most accurate and honest about the car and I love my car as I have my previous three rotaries.

This is a fast car, but make no mistake it is not the fastest. What it is though is the absolute easiest rwd I have owned to drive at the limit. This makes heros out of regular drivers and makes the car faster than cars that should be faster but require a much higher skill level to go fast in. I love it. This is a product of excellent engineering and an incredibly well setup chassis. My biggest fear when making modifications is to upset this balance and driveability.
Old 10-14-2004, 01:41 AM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by murix
I find Ike to be the most accurate and honest about the car and I love my car as I have my previous three rotaries.

This is a fast car, but make no mistake it is not the fastest. What it is though is the absolute easiest rwd I have owned to drive at the limit. This makes heros out of regular drivers and makes the car faster than cars that should be faster but require a much higher skill level to go fast in. I love it. This is a product of excellent engineering and an incredibly well setup chassis. My biggest fear when making modifications is to upset this balance and driveability.

I got flamed for saying the RX-8 is easy to drive fast, I'm glad at least someone agrees :p I've always wondered the same thing you point out about a lot of Mazda's cars. Once you start throwing some mods on does it upset their great balance, is that maybe a reason why Mazda is known in a lot of circles for producing underpowered cars with a great chassis. The most recent Motortrend article makes me wonder even more...

The release of upcoming Mazdaspeed vehicles will be interesting. The Mazdaspeed Miata hasn't exactly been praised for it's handling and it's the only of Mazda's sportier cars that I can recall where the chassis has been critisized.
Old 10-14-2004, 06:56 AM
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I bought the care for this main reason: ROTARY ENGINE

Unique, high-reving, linear power, and sound.


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