How to deal with "Horsepower is king" friends?
12-19-2005, 10:25 AM
#52
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We had a similar problem/attitude regarding horsepower during the muscle-car era back in the '60's. One could buy a very powerful car and sure enough, within a short period of time, a competitor (or even your own brand) would announce a new car with even more power. This is true today, also. Someone could've just purchased a new 400 HP 'vette and shortly thereafter, GM announces the new 505 HP 427 (7.0 liter) Corvette. You'll never win the horsepower race. Not for long, anyway. Buy what makes you smile and ignore the nay-sayers.
1.3L
1.3L
12-19-2005, 11:24 AM
#53
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the OE RX-8 tranny is anything but solid, it can't take 270hp long term, let alone 650hp
Now...if only they would send me a 3-Rotor NA making 350HP as a CHRISTmas gift....what a CHRISTmas it would be......
You'll never win the horsepower race. Not for long, anyway. Buy what makes you smile and ignore the nay-sayers.
Look, like already stated if you love your 8 then that's all that matters. Sure, it's a man thing and we don't like hearing people tear into our toys but in the grand scheme of things who cares what he thinks.
If you want more power, get the 6spd and attach a turbo to it. OR, wait for the NA market to gain more goodies but basing your love of the 8 on what someone said about it is foolish.
Take a drive and all the smiles will make you forget your friend even exists.
12-19-2005, 12:55 PM
#54
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Originally Posted by Deslock
Also some mags weighed the RX8 6-speed with sport package and some fuel at 2933. But you don't consider multiple reports of weighings of multiple cars proof? I thought I read that people had weighed their WRXs at ~3085 with a partial tank of gas, but lets assume for the sake of argument that 3085 was a WRX with a full tank while 2880 was an RX8 with a minimal amount of fuel. Even if we top off the RX-8, the base pre '06 WRX's weight would still be more than 100 pounds higher than the base RX-8 6-speed's weight.
You're a smart guy, so you must realize how disingenuous it is to continually frame the discussion as base WRX vs loaded RX8 in order to claim that their weights are closer. It's just like when you've compared a loaded RX8 to the STI for price when the base RX-8 6-speed street price is close to the WRX's (and has been for two years).
Back to the handling thing, even if we were to accept that their weight difference was just north of 100 pounds (or 200 pounds for the 2006), are you seriously going to discount this?:I've driven the STI and I often give it props. And we all know that 50:50 doesn't automatically mean better handling. But the RX-8 feels a lot lighter than a 2880 or 3029 pound car for all those reasons.
Ike, you often make good points but what use is a knowledgeable post that's misleading and contains half-truths?
You're a smart guy, so you must realize how disingenuous it is to continually frame the discussion as base WRX vs loaded RX8 in order to claim that their weights are closer. It's just like when you've compared a loaded RX8 to the STI for price when the base RX-8 6-speed street price is close to the WRX's (and has been for two years).
Back to the handling thing, even if we were to accept that their weight difference was just north of 100 pounds (or 200 pounds for the 2006), are you seriously going to discount this?:I've driven the STI and I often give it props. And we all know that 50:50 doesn't automatically mean better handling. But the RX-8 feels a lot lighter than a 2880 or 3029 pound car for all those reasons.
Ike, you often make good points but what use is a knowledgeable post that's misleading and contains half-truths?
I don't see why the price comparison I've made between the STi and loaded RX-8 matters much, but I'm sorry it bothers you. Fact remains that there are very few MT RX-8s on lots that have an MSRP below 30k, at least in my area.
12-19-2005, 01:24 PM
#56
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Originally Posted by RUmble
MSRP for base or even sports package MT RX-8 is below 30k.... your area must only have GTs on the lots?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=20
Another dealer that's not far from me...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=44
And another...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=41
Out of those 3 dealerships and over 30 cars there is 1 MT RX-8 with an MSRP of under 30k, a lot of them are around 33k.
12-19-2005, 01:34 PM
#57
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Just love your car. LOVE IT! It is unique even among 8s. Most people get the MT. It is a beautiful and versatile car and people brake their necks to look at it when one drives by. The only time anyone ever brakes their neck to look at an f'n honda is if it is an S2000 or if they have to do a double take to look a the disgusting ricer mods some idiot has done to it. "DUde, check out my three foot tall, totally useless wing! Like, totally."
The mods you see on this forum tend to be subdued becaus RX8 owners know that their cars are beautiful right off the lot. The feel of the rotary engine is so smooth and even that it's almost a sensual experience to drive it. Your 8 is like a pouty woman who demands to be taken care of in the manner she is accustomed to. In return, she puts out and looks hot while doing it!
This is only my two cents worth but may i recomend that you NEVER let your senseless, honda brute, son of a knuckle-dragging monkey of a friend, drive your prescious baby again. He is not worthy.
Wow. I am an f'n nut bag aren't I.
The mods you see on this forum tend to be subdued becaus RX8 owners know that their cars are beautiful right off the lot. The feel of the rotary engine is so smooth and even that it's almost a sensual experience to drive it. Your 8 is like a pouty woman who demands to be taken care of in the manner she is accustomed to. In return, she puts out and looks hot while doing it!
This is only my two cents worth but may i recomend that you NEVER let your senseless, honda brute, son of a knuckle-dragging monkey of a friend, drive your prescious baby again. He is not worthy.
Wow. I am an f'n nut bag aren't I.
12-19-2005, 02:02 PM
#58
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I test-drove the manual and automatic back-to-back within two days, and have to admit I was AMAZED at the difference.
While the AT is still a great looking, nice handling car, I have to confess I found it sluggish to drive.
On the other hand, while it's not going to slam you back in your seat with G-forces, I found the manual to be very zippy and quick and a blast to drive.
It really is like two totally different cars, albeit in the same outer packaging.
That said, if YOU like your car and enjoy driving it, who gives a crap what anyone else says?
While the AT is still a great looking, nice handling car, I have to confess I found it sluggish to drive.
On the other hand, while it's not going to slam you back in your seat with G-forces, I found the manual to be very zippy and quick and a blast to drive.
It really is like two totally different cars, albeit in the same outer packaging.
That said, if YOU like your car and enjoy driving it, who gives a crap what anyone else says?
12-19-2005, 07:10 PM
#59
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Originally Posted by crossbow
I love BMI...but I sure wouldn't use their races as judgements of vehicle performance.
Otherwise the NSX would be the fastest car on the planet. Half the time gan-san cheats at the start, or prevents people from passing by running a blocking line.
BMI is more about who is more crazy then which car is better. Of course sometimes its pretty obviously (like the 8 being lapped by the EVO), but some of those races are definitely a bit iffy, but still very informative.
Now BMI does do performance tests. Those are definitely a bit more valid in terms of comparison. (Like the evo 8 vs evo 9 tests in 400m etc).
Otherwise the NSX would be the fastest car on the planet. Half the time gan-san cheats at the start, or prevents people from passing by running a blocking line.
BMI is more about who is more crazy then which car is better. Of course sometimes its pretty obviously (like the 8 being lapped by the EVO), but some of those races are definitely a bit iffy, but still very informative.
Now BMI does do performance tests. Those are definitely a bit more valid in terms of comparison. (Like the evo 8 vs evo 9 tests in 400m etc).
12-19-2005, 08:43 PM
#61
You could buy one for the money you spent on the 8.
Oh yeah, and the only reason the NSX keeps up so well is because it has by far the best tires in those supercar races.
Oh yeah, and the only reason the NSX keeps up so well is because it has by far the best tires in those supercar races.
Last edited by BlueEyes; 12-19-2005 at 08:46 PM.
12-19-2005, 09:47 PM
#62
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^Yeah... the NSX is to most supercars, what our 8 is to most sports/muscle cars. A vehicle that will lose, often badly, on straights, but can take on all comers in the curves. 
12-20-2005, 09:10 AM
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The first two are Shinkas I think. The rest are all GTs. Aye..... i wonder if any dealers carry just sports pckg...
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Here's what the dealership I stopped in the other day has.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=20
Another dealer that's not far from me...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=44
And another...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=41
Out of those 3 dealerships and over 30 cars there is 1 MT RX-8 with an MSRP of under 30k, a lot of them are around 33k.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=20
Another dealer that's not far from me...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=44
And another...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/ncal.j...=en&cardist=41
Out of those 3 dealerships and over 30 cars there is 1 MT RX-8 with an MSRP of under 30k, a lot of them are around 33k.
12-21-2005, 01:33 AM
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it seems accelelrattion is the biggest concern on the RX-8. but it doesn't mean everything. I traded my RX-8 for 06 350Z, i thought 350Z has fast acceleration than RX-8, but after i got the Z, then i realized evo is faster than a z at acceleration. so there is no way you can keep comparing with other cars, even you got super car, you still say' i like Farrari better, it's faster'.
Last edited by JunJTan; 12-21-2005 at 01:41 AM.
" :P
12-21-2005, 08:39 AM
#66
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ok time to chime in... as soon as I find this video again on the net I will post the link.....2004 Zo6 and a few other cars on a track, racing..no bullshit here. Yes at the start the Zo6 took off and well was no where to be found BUT!!!! after 2 laps you start to see the Zo6 tailights before is disappears again. OK so inshort in about 3 to 4 laps you see the RX8 right up the Zo6's ***!!! it could have passed it in the corners if it wanted to...my point coming from a motorcyle racing background. we raced Vtwins against Inline 4's, diffrence = vtwin low end torque to get out of corners fast and make up ground, power at 3 to 6k, Inline 4's high power but need to be in the 9 to 14k range for that power band, the 8 caught it in the corners starights the Z06 was gone, but the 8 always came back for more. We do have a special breed of car...tell your pal to through his car seat in the back and drive with the wife to the local cracker barrel while you are out hitting turns...Sorry I think an accord is an old person car,,, same idea, Toyota Camery/Lexus LOL looks sharp BUT....old person car....get a grip rev your 8 to 9k and then shift and keep going as you pass the Accord coming from the grocery store with your friend in it and he asks his wife " Can I have one" she will say no....to Damn sexy!!!!
12-21-2005, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Papapump51
ok time to chime in... as soon as I find this video again on the net I will post the link.....2004 Zo6 and a few other cars on a track, racing..no bullshit here. Yes at the start the Zo6 took off and well was no where to be found BUT!!!! after 2 laps you start to see the Zo6 tailights before is disappears again. OK so inshort in about 3 to 4 laps you see the RX8 right up the Zo6's ***!!! it could have passed it in the corners if it wanted to...my point coming from a motorcyle racing background. we raced Vtwins against Inline 4's, diffrence = vtwin low end torque to get out of corners fast and make up ground, power at 3 to 6k, Inline 4's high power but need to be in the 9 to 14k range for that power band, the 8 caught it in the corners starights the Z06 was gone, but the 8 always came back for more. We do have a special breed of car...tell your pal to through his car seat in the back and drive with the wife to the local cracker barrel while you are out hitting turns...Sorry I think an accord is an old person car,,, same idea, Toyota Camery/Lexus LOL looks sharp BUT....old person car....get a grip rev your 8 to 9k and then shift and keep going as you pass the Accord coming from the grocery store with your friend in it and he asks his wife " Can I have one" she will say no....to Damn sexy!!!!
12-23-2005, 09:52 PM
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You can tell your friend that some guy on the forums, who used to own a STi, purchased an 8 and loves it 
. My advice is not to let what someone else says have you doubt your car, because you’re the one that has to live with it in the end. If you went on trying to make all your friends happy you’d be driving a car that looked like the one Homer Built on the Simpson’s lol. All my buddies who are die hard suby guys found some respect for the 8. The car is just very unique and it sets it self apart which is why I personally find my self loving it. I very much so miss the boxer rumble but the whine of the rotary puts a smile on my face as well. Bottom line is take her on nice spirited drive and if that doesn’t bring a smile to your face then you may have the wrong car. My 0.02 worth. Peace. 
. My advice is not to let what someone else says have you doubt your car, because you’re the one that has to live with it in the end. If you went on trying to make all your friends happy you’d be driving a car that looked like the one Homer Built on the Simpson’s lol. All my buddies who are die hard suby guys found some respect for the 8. The car is just very unique and it sets it self apart which is why I personally find my self loving it. I very much so miss the boxer rumble but the whine of the rotary puts a smile on my face as well. Bottom line is take her on nice spirited drive and if that doesn’t bring a smile to your face then you may have the wrong car. My 0.02 worth. Peace.
12-23-2005, 10:21 PM
#70
Firin' on no cylinders
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Hi All,
Well, to throw some oil back on this fire, after a week or so of ownership, I have to agree with my friend on two things:
1) The AT gearbox is crap. Slow response, does not kick down when you mash the pedal, even the steering wheel paddles require about 2 seconds before the box reacts, and the "brains" don't let you shift down if you're above a certain speed, so engine braking, or dropping down to get into the powerband when acceleration is needed is a no-no. As he said, the AT transmission on his Accord is far more responsive.
2) One thing that's hard to describe is that for you guys in the US/Canada/Europe, an RX8 is considered an affordable car. I read all the reviews I could find, viewed all the videos I could (Top Gear and Fifth Gear by far the best!), and everyone agrees it's a great car, and affordable. Now, over here in Thailand, that's not quite the case, mainly due to a lovely 300% import tax on cars, meaning that in total this car is costing me close to US$100,000, with monthly payments of almost US$2000. And, for this kind of money, you can get, as I mentioned earlier, some cars with a lot more grunt, not quite as pretty, not quite as practical.
But, the longer I have this car, the more I love it, it's really an endearing car, and though there's always the nagging feeling I could have something better, this will probably be the only car I own for a while (unless I get a big raise, is my boss reading this? :D ). I will try, though, to have it exchanged for a MT model, but as it was purchased from a parallel importer and not through Mazda Thailand, this could be a lengthy and expensive process. We'll see.
Anyway thanks to everyone for their advice, support and outrage, I did look around at other forums for other sports cars (350Z, Impreza, etc), and none really had the kind of warmth and community I see here.
Well, to throw some oil back on this fire, after a week or so of ownership, I have to agree with my friend on two things:
1) The AT gearbox is crap. Slow response, does not kick down when you mash the pedal, even the steering wheel paddles require about 2 seconds before the box reacts, and the "brains" don't let you shift down if you're above a certain speed, so engine braking, or dropping down to get into the powerband when acceleration is needed is a no-no. As he said, the AT transmission on his Accord is far more responsive.
2) One thing that's hard to describe is that for you guys in the US/Canada/Europe, an RX8 is considered an affordable car. I read all the reviews I could find, viewed all the videos I could (Top Gear and Fifth Gear by far the best!), and everyone agrees it's a great car, and affordable. Now, over here in Thailand, that's not quite the case, mainly due to a lovely 300% import tax on cars, meaning that in total this car is costing me close to US$100,000, with monthly payments of almost US$2000. And, for this kind of money, you can get, as I mentioned earlier, some cars with a lot more grunt, not quite as pretty, not quite as practical.
But, the longer I have this car, the more I love it, it's really an endearing car, and though there's always the nagging feeling I could have something better, this will probably be the only car I own for a while (unless I get a big raise, is my boss reading this? :D ). I will try, though, to have it exchanged for a MT model, but as it was purchased from a parallel importer and not through Mazda Thailand, this could be a lengthy and expensive process. We'll see.
Anyway thanks to everyone for their advice, support and outrage, I did look around at other forums for other sports cars (350Z, Impreza, etc), and none really had the kind of warmth and community I see here.
12-25-2005, 02:02 AM
#74
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Ohhh well! Why don't you upgrade a 6sp manual? If I were sooooo desperate to I would!
Did you test drive the manual before deciding the auto was the tranny choice for you?
**I have never owned an automatic and never will!!!!
**Real sportscars have a stick and 3 pedals! F1 is not like what it use to be when they were "real".
NB: **
It's just my opinion. Not directing the comments at you.
Did you test drive the manual before deciding the auto was the tranny choice for you?
**I have never owned an automatic and never will!!!!
**Real sportscars have a stick and 3 pedals! F1 is not like what it use to be when they were "real".
NB: **
It's just my opinion. Not directing the comments at you.
12-25-2005, 09:24 PM
#75
Firin' on no cylinders
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Astro, I entirely agree with you, and this is why I am kicking myself in the butt on a regular basis... I grew up on small, mountainous islands, where people only drive manuals, infused in the rally style of driving as well. Learned to drive on manuals, and only drove manuals (unless borrowing a fried's car). In fact, until I was about 10, I had no idea there was such a thing as an automatic transmission! But since I'm now living in the big city I made the assumption that a manual may not be the best idea, stop-and-go traffic jams would be very tiring on the clutch leg. And I assumed that a sports car's automatic transmission should be beefier than a normal sedan's and still be able to retain most of the driving spirit. Well, you know what they say, assumptions are the mother of all screwups...
And no, I could not test drive the manual or auto, as I got the car from a parallel importer and they did not have any available. And, because of that, I may not be able to swap for an MT car, but I will ask nonetheless. I really should have dug deeper in this forum and made a quite different decision! Argh!
And no, I could not test drive the manual or auto, as I got the car from a parallel importer and they did not have any available. And, because of that, I may not be able to swap for an MT car, but I will ask nonetheless. I really should have dug deeper in this forum and made a quite different decision! Argh!