Mazda RX-8, is it a correct car for the inexperienced?

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Jan 15, 2009 | 12:20 AM

#51

kinchu007

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From: Los Angeles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevo

In areas of basic performance you are correct...a double wishbone configuration is a better suspension design...allowing more dynamic camber and more precise manufacturer dial-in. When you look at the way BMW has tuned it's strut design, its hard to find any real problems with it...it is not a liability to the handling performance at all. It would be nice to see the front suspension design on par with its rear multilink design though.

Edit: The suspension design, geometry and components are not the same, but having owned and driven both on the edge I can say that the end result in terms of handling characteristics is very similar.

Interesting...thanks for the honest reply. I've always wished that BMW would move away from strut-type front suspensions. They started using turbos recently so maybe there's a chance.

Jan 16, 2009 | 02:53 PM

#52

tdido

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From: Upper Peninsula of Michigan

If I can handle the RX8, you can. It's a lot of fun, but not too fast. I just worry about the cold U.P. winters, and the damage it might be doing.

Jan 16, 2009 | 03:18 PM

#53

Kevo

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From: South Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by kinchu007

Interesting...thanks for the honest reply. I've always wished that BMW would move away from strut-type front suspensions. They started using turbos recently so maybe there's a chance.

Yeah...Turbos are kind of a new thing for them. They're a little slow on the uptake...Lol I have been seriously looking at the ESS Supercharger lately...kind of expensive though.

Last edited by Kevo; Jan 16, 2009 at 03:21 PM.

Jan 16, 2009 | 03:40 PM

#54

restiller

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From: Great America, IL

All this talk and no one mentioned MPG?

Great rwd car to start out on. Handling is predictable. After test driving a GTI, GTO and Cooper S, I felt more connected with the 8. If you want to wring the benefits from this car, I would suggest the manual as well. If you want a looker A-to-B car, get the automatic and don't entertain the civic next to you at a light.

Good luck with your purchase