Ex-LS1TA

I've had a 475HP 1990 Chevy 1500, a 1998 Steeda GT Mustang, and my most recent car was a 2002 M6 Trans Am.. For certain reasons I had to sell the TA about 6 months ago, and in about 4 months or so, I will be selling my F150 and getting car again.. I already know this car isn't straight line racer, and I'll prob miss the HP.. My TA ran 13.18 @ 110 with just catback, but the interior sucked, solid axle was horrible for ride, suspension was very loose, but that thing was a rocket to drive..

I've seen and sat in an RX8 6Spd and I really like the way the car sits and looks, the interior is very nice, but.. I'm thinking that I'm really not going to like only 238HP and that sub 200 TQ. Any advice? Those of you that have gone from faster cars to an 8, what was your reaction..

---Just to make it clear, I am not trying to put down anyone, or any car. I'm not an idiot and I do understand the concept of a Auto-Cross compared to a Drag Race, compared to other race types... I've seen a couple people mention LS1's on here, an LS1 will eat a lot of comparable cars alive, x-cept an 03 Cobra and other cars of the like, but LS1 powered F-body cars really suck when it comes to curves and anything other than straight line. The Steeda Mustang I had wasn't as fast as the TA, but it could out manuver it anyday of the week. The truck, was plain and simple 0 to 1/4 mi, that was it. 3spd Auto, 3.73 Posi, 4Bbl Carb, and 9 MPG.... sucked...

What are your opinions of the RX-8, I've talked to the dealer about it, but I'd rather here it from the people who really know the car.. Thanks for the help!!

Hercules

Going from a torque monster to an RX-8, I don't think you will be a happy camper. It's a *lot* slower and noticably so when coming from the cars you've driven.

However, around corners is where the car shines. It's got a neutral balance and great steering feedback, as well as good feedback thru the dead pedal and well.... thru the seat of your pants. It's very easy to control and lets you push it a long way before its limits are reached and I think, that if you're a good driver, will have an easier time driving this car at 10/10ths than comparable cars.

That said though... you have to look at what you're giving up to what you're getting. If you can deal with the loss in power, and take a great boost in handling, then the RX-8 is for you. If not, then I'd stay away and get something else. G35C was nice but it understeers far too much for my tastes, as well as the shifter being notchy and rubbery.

Cheers and good luck.

mikeb

the 8 is a awesome machine but unless you are looking for something totally different than your past cars you might want to pass on it

cueball

Take the 8 out for a test drive. Different people have different opinions of what fast actually is so it is difficult to say.

Just remember when your test driving to hit the twisties. Thats where the 8 really shines.

khoney

Get something else. From your previous car selections, it's obvious what's important to you, and the RX-8 ain't got it. You won't be happy with the RX-8 until you become a more multi-faceted driver. Good luck to you.

o_town_racer

I've still got my LS1 ('99 Vette) and just bought the RX-8. Totally different cars, but both are fantastic! The Vette was my dream car for as long as I can remember, and when I finally had the chance to get one, I jumped at it. I've had it for 4 yrs now and don't have any plans on getting rid of it. I take it to car shows, am active with my local Corvette Club, race it at the drag strip occassionally, have autocrossed it, etc. You can't beat the raw power or the fact that I can still get 30 MPG highway.

The RX-8 is a completely different car. It's so smooth....it's like wearing a driving glove (RX-8) as opposed to a boxing glove (LS1). It corners like it's on rails and will hit 100 before you know it. What you will notice right away is the lack of gut wrenching torque. If that's important to you, then look for something else. The car still has lots of power and will get you moving FAST. Also, you don't buy the RX-8 for it's great gas mileage. From what I've personally experienced and what I've read on the forum, you can expect mid to upper teens for city driving and high teens to low 20s on the highway. There has been quite a bit of speculation on if Mazda will figure out some magical engine control program that will solve all the lower than advertised HP and mileage problems, but for now there is none. The back seats are awesome and the extra doors make it easily the most "practical" sports car I've ever owned. That plus the fact that Mazda has always put out a very solid, sporty, and easily maintainable product (from what I've experienced) made the decision to buy pretty easy. This car is my daily driver, so I wanted something with style, sport handling, and all the modern conveniences. The RX-8 has all this in spades. My advice.....you know what the LS1 based cars drive like....now go test drive an RX-8. I guarantee it will give you something to think about, and maybe even infect you with a terminal case of "zoom-zoom"!

Happy motoring!

HottRodder

If you don't mind the styling queues. How about the new Cadillac CTS-V. 405HP LS-1 stuffed into a CTS for 45K.

Red Devil

I don't yet own an RX-8 but have owned RX-7's. I also share a '98 Corvette with my Father. I don't see it, or drive it much anymore, since I no longer live close to home, and it is not a practical year-round car (Chicago), but I digress...

I love Rotary Engines, and I love Corvettes and Chevy 350's. Of course, there will be a big difference between an LS1 and a Rotary - the Corvette will snap your neck, but the rotary has its own pleasures, they simply are not as in-your-face.

I never fully know how to explain it, but there is something magical about rotarys. You have to drive them to understand. If I were you, I'd give it a shot, you'll probably end up hooked like the majority of us on this board.

And as far as I'm concerned, it's O.K. to fully enjoy and appreciate a large-displacement pushrod and a rotary - it's the simplicity of their designs that I like.

o_town_racer

Actually, that Caddy will have the LS6 in it, not an LS1. Chevy wasn't too happy about letting another vehicle have it's Z06 motor, but they couldn't buck the General.

mikeb

or you could wait and get the caddy 16 with 1k hp j/k