I really miss my car! Dangit Mazda!
 

Let me start off by saying that I traded my beloved RX-8 to get a 2011 Camaro SS. 426 HP, $32,500.00
I miss my car though, like crazy and would have bought a new one if Mazda had done somthing about the HP/torque issue. The handling is phenomal (unlike the Camaro) and its 800 lbs lighter than the Camaro. I have done many trackdays in my RX-8 and I totally loved it. If Mazda would have brought out a supercharged version I would have bought it in a heartbeat. I wanted the Pettit supercharger as the sound and power was just intoxicating when I got a ride in one. But I did not want to loose my warranty and spend tons of time tuning to prevent a blowup.:dunno:
I kinda hate myself for trading it in but I wanted a car with some balls after being out dragged at a stoplight by a freaggin minivan!
I spend some money about $1600.00 for springs, bushings and swaybars that really helped transform the handling of the Camaro from "schoolbus to sportscar" but the RX was still much better. Nothing beats lightness as Colin Chapman preached long ago. Anyway, If Mazda ever comes out with an RX-9 that goes 0-60 in under 5 seconds and handles well I'll be back!
OK, I'm done venting, let the flogging begin:spank:
Please forgive me:(
(And yes I totally love the Camaro it's wicked fast)

cool story bro

:uhh:

If you were willing to spend that much money ditching the rx8 just for some better straight line performance you should have just got a turbo or supercharger and been happy with it. I know you said you did not want to deal with tuning, but thats is something that you should have probably done even if you were NA with some mods...

Also if you got beat in anything by a minivan the problem is either a) your car had some problems and the motor was going out or b) the driver had problems and a car with more HP is just a band-aid to "fix" it.

I traded my RX8 in for a GTO, so I know exactly where this guy is coming from.

The Camaro SS is faster stock than all but a few Renesis based FI setups - just the crème de la crème of rotary FI gurus on this board have Renesis RX8's that could tear it a new one in a straight line.

Bolt on Camaro SS's are trapping in the mid to upper teens, and some are running high 11's or low 12's. Long tube headers, an exhaust system, cold air intake, and drag radials with a tune - that's what it takes. It's "set it, forget it" with no need for tweaking anything, and it remains an extremely streetable and highly reliable car. I've never heard of any Renesis based RX8's, regardless of the level of mods it has, hitting 11's in the quarter.

My point is... I get it. If the objective was reliable power, the Camaro SS was a good solution.

Yes, i forgive you...lol

I highly doubt he was asking for your forgiveness....

Thanks for listening, guys. The biggest point I was trying to make was that Mazda dropped the ball. I would have bought another identical RX-8 if they would have come out with a supercharged or turbo version with warranty and 330 or so HP. I loved the car and loved the fact even if the gas mileage wouyld have sucked even more. Love that I can get my kids (very tall) in the back seat. Mazda could have easily done this. However if the RX-9 ever comes out and has some balls I may be back:)

My reasons for selling my '8 for a Mustang are different than yours, but I totally understand where you're coming from. I do miss it at times, but I sure am loving the HUGE upgrade in power that I have now.

I don't get this. How could you sell your 8 for a Mustang? It's ridiculous.

i went from an AWD demon to the 8 and i dont think i'll ever go back. to each his own i guess..

sorry for the loss of the 8, but you'll be back (04-07's are getting cheaper and a daily track car can be had for cheap now hint hint hint)

How could I not? It's ridiculous to keep it. For starters, 402/412 hp vs 232hp. Better gas mileage (same sized gas tank). Regular unleaded gas, no premium (that in of itself is worth it). Not to mention all the 'issues' my '8 was doomed to encounter, no matter how well I took care of it.

There's a lot to love about it (the handling, the near 50:50 weight ratio, weight, feel of the car and that twirling the engine makes) and a lot I miss, but I'll get over it.

Besides, I bought my '8 after my '02 GT Convertible was totaled. I always wanted another Mustang, but wanted to try something different. Now that the 5.0 is back, I felt it was time.

It must be one those Texas things. There's something wrong with you people.

How could a V8 get better gas mileage than a 1.3L? Ridiculous. You're just trolling.

Trolling huh? This was my car: https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...&postcount=257

As for mileage:

Ford Mustang GT

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas
• Fuel type: premium unleaded* (recommended)
• Fuel tank capacity: 16.0 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 272.0/416.0 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 17/26 mpg
• * 412 bhp *402 bhp regular unleaded

2006 Mazda RX8

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas
• Fuel type: premium unleaded (required)
• Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 254.4/349.8 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 16/22 mpg

But of course you could have looked that up yourself. Anyway, I have my reasons for trading in my '8. You undoubtedly have your reasons for keeping yours.

We like it BIG in Texas...is what they say. Jsjjr is trying to say that the rx8 is too small and too ricey for Texas...lol

Anyway, i think a Mustang really fits his style and it's a Texas kind of thing, like those big and lifted trucks that you see.

Naw, not me. The biggest vehicle I've owned was an Explorer..it was the 2 door at that. I like trucks, but have never owned one and likely never will. I like cars too much.

As for the '8, I don't think their too 'ricey'. Never have. Loved that car the minute I started it up when I first bought it, but I've always had an thing for Mustangs.

You know to run premium gas over regular its only about $140($12 a month) a year extra, if you fill up 15 gallons a week. Also Yaxman is just trolling you, if you didn't notice lol.

Yeah, I don't really understand picking a Mustang (or a Camaro, for that matter) over the RX-8 for road use. I find that the RX-8 has plenty of power for every day (as opposed to track day) situations. I test drove a Mustang GT the same day I test drove my RX-8, and the Mustang felt very heavy and sluggish (handling wise) in comparison.

If I was to get rid of my RX-8, it would be to get something like an Audi TT, which has similar straight line performance but more luxury and WAY better gas mileage.

To each his own, though. I know that most people seem to be way more infatuated with straight-line speed than I am.

I'm very satisfied with the rx8. It's a thrill to drive always. I'm not a cowboy chasing hp. The rx8 is a true sports car. I think you are finding that out with your camaro. I have yet to find a mini van under 275 hp that can take an rx8 6 sp in any race. I don't know what mini van you speak of. I have'nt seen it. What make and model could it be? Who cares?

Probably that insane van on TopGear

I'm with jsjjr. I'd pick the late 5.0 Mustang over the Camaro SS.

In stock form, they are about even in a straight line, but the Mustang clearly outhandles the Camaro.

Furthermore, the Camaro feels like a tomb/bunker inside.

I think many of us understand what you're saying, and hey, I think its pretty obvious that we are all car freaks right!? I honestly don't know which one I would buy out of the Camaro, Charger, Challenger, Mustang. I kind of have wanted to look into the Charger with the hemi and AWD, BUT, I'm a RX man all the way through! My suggestion to you is, enjoy the Camaro, then, when your kiddies are bigger and you are ready for a new car, get the new RX-7 that is going to be all the power you love in your Camaro, WITH all the superb things we all love about the RX, Perfect! cheers.

I think the rotary is endearing and fun in its own right....but, heritage schmeritage. Why hasn't mazda dumped this thing for a new small turbo 4. Something like the turbo 4 in the new sonata/optima would make near 300hp and is still only 2.0 liters. Oh, and it gets 33mpg in the sonata on regular. It would probably get 35 in the rx. Handling is clearly the best part about the car, but I agree it's a bit slow. This car has everything going for it, except for that motor. I'd say mazda could just throw in the 2.3 from the speed 3, but that motor gets garbage for mileage too. If only someone could make a car that has it all. Why do we always have to compromise?

I did a compromise and bought the Pontiac G8 Gt with Vette motor.

Of course I kept the 8.

I just hope Mazda does not give up on the rotary and brings out a cool car with more HP. The RX8 barely keeps up with the mazdaspeed 3 or 6. In some comparisons it actually lost. Thats sad.
Having said that, nothing equals the sound and feel of a rotary. If they built it I will come :)