Hey I was on here about a week ago and I was saying I was thinking about getting an rx8. Before I went any further I figured I should go out and drive one before I think anything more about them. I have an 03 Cobra and a Ranger Edge I drive in the winter because I'm in Illinois.

I first started thinking about the rx8 because I was tired of having two cars. But then once i got to thinking, it'd take a lot for me to get rid of my mustang. I haven't taken it to the track yet, but it's an 11 second car and it should dyno around 480 horse or so. It's a real fun car and pretty quick for only putting about a grand into it. First let me say Im not trying to compare the two cars, a 240 hp car and a 500 hp car. That isnt fair, that's stupid.

Anyway I went and drove an rx8 yesterday. It's a real nice little car. I'm not going to lie, I anticipated it being a little touchier down low. But I did keep in mind it was only a 1.3 lieter, and a rotary engine. So I did take it up a few times to 6-8k. It sort of felt like a turbo'd car. I'm used to a crotch rocket not having a lot of low end power, but I anticipated the rx8 to be a little quicker down low. It handled great, and looked really nice. But maybe it was me short shifting and not driving the car like I should.

The car had the red and black interior, and was 6 speed. Just like I was looking for. Just didnt get to mess around with a navigational unit. The car was $24,000, after trade in on my Ranger and after a few grand down, it was just under $400 a month. So I told him I had to pass.

I just wanted to get out and drive one. It was a quick car. Are there mods out for the car other than just exhaust and intake? I must say 235 horse out of a 1.3 lieter is very impressive.
As for me not being floored by the car, is it simply because I didnt keep the R's high enough?
Shane

 

Glad you liked it, but whatever you do...absolutely do not get rid of the Cobra. As for aftermarket potential for the RX-8, it's steadily rising. Pulley's, flywheels, turbo's, and others are becoming readily available. Let me know if you want more info.

www.rx8store.com

www.mazdatrix.com

 

I don't think it's you not driving correctly. I think its you, used to a 400+ hp/tq monster. You won't get that feeling from the 8.

 

In the picture, did anyone else notice that the rear bumper isnt that grey color...its painted red...

 

Hmmmm, I didnt notice that until you pointed it out. What is the deal with that? Dealer addition?

 

interesting..can't be stock..

 

yeah it sure is..... i have always wondered why mazda left those unpainted. they should have painted it. make it look like it has a body kit from the factory.

 

yeah I didnt see that about the rear bumper. Also the maintnence light and traction lights were on on the dash. He said its because they had to jump start the battery, why do you really think the lights were on?

I see how the bumper on the rx8 i drove was red and not unpainted. I didnt notice that earlier.



:D Shane

 

yes that is most likley true. i know for a fact that the traction controll has to be resret when power is lost. (somthing the driver can do)

on the red bumper, i like it a lot, but they should have left the iner part black, and only painted the outer parts.

 

like this

 

is that spoiler aftermarket in the 2nd pic too?

 

I had just considered painting mine black... I don't know if it would help much. Any thoughts?

By the way... go ahead, but it!!! :D

 

I doubt that was the problem. Consider that RX-8s only put out about 180 to the wheels with low torque, it's quick but not anything out of the ordinary in todays power wars. Driving my modded WRX then the RX-8 I was disappointed in the power, so I would imagine you experienced what I did but on a different level :p Yes I thought the car handled great, and it is a nice overall package, but power is addictive and I knew in the long run I wouldn't be happy.

As far as mods there isn't much to be made gains wise without adding FI or N20 which wouldn't make much sense for you considering you already have a modded car that would blow away an FI RX-8 and most likely be less finicky while doing so.

 

of course not.. looks like it was spray painted

 

Ike, how much are you putting out to the wheels in your WRX? And wheres a spec sheet that shows the 8 putting out only 180 to the wheels?

 

Too much red IMO.

 

About 225 to the wheels but it hasn't been dynoed so it could be a little more or less.

As for the spec sheet, look at every dyno that has been done for the RX-8, the trap speeds for the 1/4 mile, how it feels when you drive it... Everything points to it putting out around 180 to the wheels.

 

No... that is a stock spoiler.

 

How much did you WRX have before? Have you put in mods on it? I dont see any specs sheets or havent seen any in the past for the RX8. Can you point me into a direction?

 

Follow my sig for an average RX8 dyno....

 

That is exactly what I thought would happen. Migrating from nearly 500 hp and prolly nearly 400 lb/ft of torque into the 8 should leave you with a bleh feeling. I came into my 8 from a 4cyl Honda so I was perfectly happy. Regarding the RPMs you should have taken her all the way up to 9k (peak power is at 8,500k) just to hear her scream but it wouldn't have made much difference as the torque curve is pretty flat and it never will deliver that pin you to the seat acceleration that I'm sure you are used to.

If want to get a cheap/fast/fairly new beater there are always the Dodge SRTs or a used WRX (they won't feel nearly as short in the power/torque dept).

 

yeah, but the 0-60 on the SRT-4 is the same as out 8's right? (5.9) so wouldent there really be no differance other then the 8 WAY WAY WAY out handles the SRT-4

 

0-60 for the SRT-4 is mid to low 5's.

 

I came from a late model F body, lots of torque not 400 mind you. The firebird also has 320 H.p.. I always say the Firebird was fun from a stoplight (pushing into your seat). were the RX-8 is fun at hight speed on a windy road. The F-body never made me smile like a am on a windy road in the 8.

 

I think you are mistaken in there!