ms3 or rx8?
04-01-2008, 02:00 PM
#26
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I just like hearing everyones opinions about these threads. I will need to test drive the 8. I've driven the ms3 many times, and I love it. But I do like the looks the rx8, but dont know much about them. I think the ms3 will suit my needs, but I've never had a RWD car and hear the handling is phenomenal, especially with the 8. I hear you cant drive the 8 for less than 10 minutes before shutting it off? Is this true?
If you like the msp3, go for it. There are worser choices IMHO. If it's AWD it would be the winner!
04-04-2008, 02:29 AM
#27
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Former 8 owner, now MS3...
Hey came back to this forum to check out what was going on in the LAX area meet, and thought I'd look around. And look what I found! An MS3 or 8 comparo.
I'll put in my two cents cause I've owned the 8 and now I have the MS3.
And here's my honest opinion...
with the RX8, I had a love it, hate it relationship. Loved the sports style, handling, shifter, exotic look of the 8, but hated the gas guzzling and lack of power. Not to say that this is a slow car. Now with the MS3, you don't get the exotic look, but you get the power and a little bit better on gas. My worst MPG on the MS3 (free spirited driving) equaled the best MPG I got with the 8 (babying the engine, no hard throttle).
The MS3 also provides practicality. Even though it's a FWD, I still have fun driving the 3. I love my MS3, but I have to be honest, I do miss my 8 from time to time. I just felt more connected to it than I do with the 3. I don't know, maybe I'll feel more connected to the 3 in a year, it did take me that long to have that car connection I had with the 8.
I say do your research on the 8 and go test drive it, btw both cars need to be well maintained. with the 8 you have your rotary to take care of *flood preventing, putting oil. and with the ms3, you need to maintain the turbo *let it cool off.
So good luck!
I'll put in my two cents cause I've owned the 8 and now I have the MS3.
And here's my honest opinion...
with the RX8, I had a love it, hate it relationship. Loved the sports style, handling, shifter, exotic look of the 8, but hated the gas guzzling and lack of power. Not to say that this is a slow car. Now with the MS3, you don't get the exotic look, but you get the power and a little bit better on gas. My worst MPG on the MS3 (free spirited driving) equaled the best MPG I got with the 8 (babying the engine, no hard throttle).
The MS3 also provides practicality. Even though it's a FWD, I still have fun driving the 3. I love my MS3, but I have to be honest, I do miss my 8 from time to time. I just felt more connected to it than I do with the 3. I don't know, maybe I'll feel more connected to the 3 in a year, it did take me that long to have that car connection I had with the 8.
I say do your research on the 8 and go test drive it, btw both cars need to be well maintained. with the 8 you have your rotary to take care of *flood preventing, putting oil. and with the ms3, you need to maintain the turbo *let it cool off.
So good luck!
04-04-2008, 07:46 AM
#28
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You can either look fast and be slow in the RX-8 or look slow and be fast in the Mazdaspeed 3. Look what you can do with less than $500 in mods to the Mazdaspeed 3. I don't think $500 in mods on an RX-8 will get you to where a Mazdaspeed 3 is stock.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6Lp-wZlzKVw
1/4 mile in 12.7 @ 106 mph
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6Lp-wZlzKVw
1/4 mile in 12.7 @ 106 mph
Last edited by RaDaRkInG; 04-04-2008 at 07:48 AM.
04-04-2008, 09:19 AM
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Im on the m3f, and I have a mazda 3. I've gone back and forth between the ms3 and the rx8, and then other cars. I'm sticking to mazda, but I'm having second thoughts.
I love the way the rx8 looks and sounds, but it really does have low hp and torque.
I like the ms3 too, but just can't decide. What can be done to increase the hp on the rx8? besides cai and exhaust
Probably sound like an idiot, don't flame me!
I love the way the rx8 looks and sounds, but it really does have low hp and torque.
I like the ms3 too, but just can't decide. What can be done to increase the hp on the rx8? besides cai and exhaust
Probably sound like an idiot, don't flame me!
If you have to ask, you'll probably be happiest in the ms3 for the long-term. Especially if you are giving up your current 3.
3's are nice though, not an econo-bone in their bodies and well known for good handling for front-wheel drive cars.
04-04-2008, 10:30 AM
#31
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I just like hearing everyones opinions about these threads. I will need to test drive the 8. I've driven the ms3 many times, and I love it. But I do like the looks the rx8, but dont know much about them. I think the ms3 will suit my needs, but I've never had a RWD car and hear the handling is phenomenal, especially with the 8. I hear you cant drive the 8 for less than 10 minutes before shutting it off? Is this true?
I have a 2005 and I have NEVER flooded the engine. I've turned on the car when cold and shut her off 5 seconds later many times. The car to this day starts right up with no issues.
In the Rx8 you feel part of the car. The best part is if you screw up and you try to correct...The car simply does not fight you. It obeys your every command and thanks you for it everytime you get behind the wheel. If I were given a choice to choose any other car to replace the 8. I would not be able to afford the $60k to $100k necessary to find a suitable replacement (aka Z06, GT3, Lotus Exige, maybe an Ariel Atom).
Even then...I would miss my car! She's a dirty ***** and I love to beat on her!
04-04-2008, 11:20 AM
#32
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I just like hearing everyones opinions about these threads. I will need to test drive the 8. I've driven the ms3 many times, and I love it. But I do like the looks the rx8, but dont know much about them. I think the ms3 will suit my needs, but I've never had a RWD car and hear the handling is phenomenal, especially with the 8. I hear you cant drive the 8 for less than 10 minutes before shutting it off? Is this true?
go drive the 8... your decision will be much clearer afterwards.
04-04-2008, 01:55 PM
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04-04-2008, 05:29 PM
#37
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If you are looking for a quantitative assessment of the two cars to help you decide between the two I think the numbers will favor the MS3.
The MS3 is quicker, faster, less expensive to own/operate, and more practical.
The RX8 however has that quality which is difficult to quantify....let's call it the X factor. (clique... I know) It's hard to define but you know it when you see it, or drive it in this case. With the RX8 it's not about winning races or drags. It's not about squeezing every mile out of each gallon of gas. It's more about style, vehicle dynamics, and refinement. I think the MS3 possesses some of these same qualities but to a lesser degree.
Sorry for the lack of substance......but that's my take on the situation.
The MS3 is quicker, faster, less expensive to own/operate, and more practical.
The RX8 however has that quality which is difficult to quantify....let's call it the X factor. (clique... I know) It's hard to define but you know it when you see it, or drive it in this case. With the RX8 it's not about winning races or drags. It's not about squeezing every mile out of each gallon of gas. It's more about style, vehicle dynamics, and refinement. I think the MS3 possesses some of these same qualities but to a lesser degree.
Sorry for the lack of substance......but that's my take on the situation.
04-04-2008, 05:41 PM
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You should check the track times of the Mazdaspeed 3 before you open your mouth and spew stupidity. Your post is an automatic fail because I don't seem to see the RX-8's track times at the link below. However, I did notice that the Mazdaspeed 3 completed the race in 8:39 which is the same as a Honda S2000, 1 second ahead of the Chevrolet Corvette C5, 3 seconds ahead of the Lotus Exige, 1 second behind the Acura NSX, 7 seconds behind the Porsche Boxster S, and 11 seconds behind the Porsche 911. Just look at the great cars that beat the Mazdaspeed 3 by 17 seconds or less.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordsch...test_lap_times
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordsch...test_lap_times
Last edited by RaDaRkInG; 04-04-2008 at 06:20 PM.
04-04-2008, 06:09 PM
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You should check the track times of the Mazdaspeed 3 before you open your mouth and spew stupidity. Your post is an automatic fail because I don't seem to see the RX-8's track times at the link below. However, I did notice that the Mazdaspeed 3 completed the race in 8:39 which is the same as a Honda S2000, 1 second ahead of the Chevrolet Corvette C5, 3 seconds ahead of the Lotus Exige, 1 second behind the Acura NSX, 7 seconds behind the Porsche Boxster S, and 11 seconds behind the Porsche 911. Just look at the great cars that beat the Mazdaspeed 3 by 17 seconds or less.
But I can see where he's coming from. Every car I've ever owned has been RWD or AWD, so I can understand the bias. It tends to skew your perspective of sporty cars.
04-04-2008, 07:02 PM
#41
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What's funny about what you posted RaDaRkInG is that every car above the Cobalt on that list is either RWD or AWD with RWD being the majority.
6:55 Radical SR8 360 PS/650 kg Michael Vergers 2005-09-28 Video
7:12 Radical SR3 Turbo 320 PS/500 kg Phil Bennett Test Drive 07/03
7:14 Donkervoort D8 RS 398 PS/760 kg Michael Düchting sport auto 11/05
7:15 Edo Porsche GT2 RS 612 PS/1284 kg Patrick Simon 2005-08-04 Video
7:18 Donkervoort D8 RS 370 PS/670 kg Michael Düchting Sport Auto 12/04
7:22 Loaded BMW M3 CSL ~600 PS/1427 kg Richard Göransson 2007-11-05 video incl RG + 30L fuel, MPSC tires, (Sport Auto Lap with 3 overtakes)
7:27.82 Pagani Zonda F Clubsport 650 PS/1230 kg 2007-09 video Semi-wet conditions.
7:28 Porsche Carrera GT 612 PS/1380 kg Walter Röhrl 2004 Autobild 07/04
7:32.02* Porsche 997 GT2 2008 530 PS/1440 kg Walter Röhrl 2007 *manufacturer claim.Motor Authority,
7:34 Koenigsegg CCR 806 PS/1140 kg Horst von Saurma 2005-10-17 - 2005-10-18 Sport Auto Cold conditions
7:38.54* Nissan GT-R 480 PS/1740 kg Toshio Suzuki 2007-09-24 *manufacturer claim.10/7 Video[10] run flat tires. Semi-wet conditions.
7:39* Porsche 997 GT3 415 PS/1395 kg Vincent (Enzo) Brulo *manufacturer claim.(quote sport auto 05/06) Sport Auto 10/07
7:40 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 626 PS /1768 kg Klaus Ludwig AutoBild
7:40 Bugatti Veyron 16/4 1001 PS/1888 kg Wheels Magazine Australia, 12/05
7:41 Manthey Porsche GT3 M410 413 PS/1320 kg Lucas Luhr Autobild 07/04 160.868 km/h
7:42 Porsche 997 GT3 415 PS/1440 kg Walter Röhrl Automobil 05/06 sport auto 05/06
7:42 Ford GT 550 PS/1521 kg Octane magazine, 11/05
7:42.9 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 505 hp / 1450 kg Jan Magnussen 2005 Motor Trend[11] Muggy conditions
7:43 Lamborghini Murcielago (Autocar magazine 02)
7:44 Pagani Zonda S 550 PS/1280 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 02/05
7:46 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera 530 PS/1330 kg Motor Authority 08/07
7:46 Porsche 996 GT2 462 PS/1450 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 06/01
7:47 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano 620 PS/1690 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto
7:47 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 E-gear 640 PS/n/a Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 01/07 Sport tyres
7:49 Blitz Toyota Supra 750 PS Herbert Schürg 1997 Video Option Vol.50 Refer to link for modification details
7:50 BMW M3 E46 CSL 360 PS/1421 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 08/03
7:50 BMW X5 E53 LM Hans-Joachim Stuck 2000 EVO magazine 08/2005 BMW M70 S70B56 engine from a V12 LMR producing 750 bhp
7:53 Nissan GT-R 480 PS/1740 kg (3800 lb) Horst von Saurma SportAuto 12/07 Semi-wet track Preview Drive estimate in development car (Supertest not yet conducted)
7:54 Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 582 PS/1678 kg Sport Auto 03/05
7:55 Caterham R500 Superlight 233 PS/460 kg Robert Nearn EVO magazine 07/2000
7:55 Ferrari F430 F1 490 PS/1493 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 01/06
7:56 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 405 PS/1409.1 KG (3100 lb) Dave Hill [28]
7:56 Honda NSX-R (NA2) 280 PS/1270 kg Motoharu Kurosawa Best MOTORing 08/02 Omit the safe equipment model No Airbags No ESC No Spare tire
7:56 Porsche 996 Turbo 420 PS Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 06/00
7:56 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 02/04 Sport tyres
7:59* Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z51 405 PS/1481 kg driver Dave Hill *manufacturer claim.
7:59 Porsche 997 Carrera S Walter Röhrl WHEELS 06/04 PASM setting “Performance”
7:59 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 Dirk Schoysmans Autocar magazine 1997 Without speed limiter
7:59 Dodge Viper SRT-10 2005-11-?? Motor Trend
7:59 Subaru Impreza Sti Spec-C 280 PS/1370 kg Subaru News 2004
8:01 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 280 PS/1540 kg Motoharu Kurosawa Best Motoring - Video Special DVD Series Prototype (weight/horsepower different from production car)
8:02 Mercedes CLK 63 AMG - Black Series 507 PS/ 1790 kg Autobild 07/07
8:03 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005) 380 bhp/1570 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 10/05
8:03 Porsche 911 GT3 360 PS/1391 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 08/99
8:03 Honda NSX-R (NA1) 280 PS/1230 kg Motoharu Kurosawa Best MOTORing 02/06 Omit the safe equipment model No Airbags No ESC No Spare tire
8:05 BMW M3 E92 420 PS/1608 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 12/07
8:06 Subaru WRX STi Spec-C 280 PS/1370 kg Motoharu Kurosawa Best Motoring Video "NISMO Beast Unleashed"
8:07 BMW Z8 E52 400 PS/1615 kg autobild.de 06/01
8:09 Audi RS4 420 PS sport auto 06/2006
8:09 BMW M6 E63 507 PS/n/a Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 12/05 Sport tyres, limited to 259 km/h
8:09 Honda NSX-R 320 PS/1467 kg Sport Auto 08/02 Sport tires, suspension modification
8:10 Chrysler Viper GTS Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 10/97
8:11 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR prototype 280 PS/1420 kg Takayuki Kinoshita Best Motoring Video "Carrera Invasion"
8:13 BMW M5 E60 507 PS Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 12/04
8:13 Ferrari 355 GTB
7:12 Radical SR3 Turbo 320 PS/500 kg Phil Bennett Test Drive 07/03
7:14 Donkervoort D8 RS 398 PS/760 kg Michael Düchting sport auto 11/05
7:15 Edo Porsche GT2 RS 612 PS/1284 kg Patrick Simon 2005-08-04 Video
7:18 Donkervoort D8 RS 370 PS/670 kg Michael Düchting Sport Auto 12/04
7:22 Loaded BMW M3 CSL ~600 PS/1427 kg Richard Göransson 2007-11-05 video incl RG + 30L fuel, MPSC tires, (Sport Auto Lap with 3 overtakes)
7:27.82 Pagani Zonda F Clubsport 650 PS/1230 kg 2007-09 video Semi-wet conditions.
7:28 Porsche Carrera GT 612 PS/1380 kg Walter Röhrl 2004 Autobild 07/04
7:32.02* Porsche 997 GT2 2008 530 PS/1440 kg Walter Röhrl 2007 *manufacturer claim.Motor Authority,
7:34 Koenigsegg CCR 806 PS/1140 kg Horst von Saurma 2005-10-17 - 2005-10-18 Sport Auto Cold conditions
7:38.54* Nissan GT-R 480 PS/1740 kg Toshio Suzuki 2007-09-24 *manufacturer claim.10/7 Video[10] run flat tires. Semi-wet conditions.
7:39* Porsche 997 GT3 415 PS/1395 kg Vincent (Enzo) Brulo *manufacturer claim.(quote sport auto 05/06) Sport Auto 10/07
7:40 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 626 PS /1768 kg Klaus Ludwig AutoBild
7:40 Bugatti Veyron 16/4 1001 PS/1888 kg Wheels Magazine Australia, 12/05
7:41 Manthey Porsche GT3 M410 413 PS/1320 kg Lucas Luhr Autobild 07/04 160.868 km/h
7:42 Porsche 997 GT3 415 PS/1440 kg Walter Röhrl Automobil 05/06 sport auto 05/06
7:42 Ford GT 550 PS/1521 kg Octane magazine, 11/05
7:42.9 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 505 hp / 1450 kg Jan Magnussen 2005 Motor Trend[11] Muggy conditions
7:43 Lamborghini Murcielago (Autocar magazine 02)
7:44 Pagani Zonda S 550 PS/1280 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 02/05
7:46 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera 530 PS/1330 kg Motor Authority 08/07
7:46 Porsche 996 GT2 462 PS/1450 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 06/01
7:47 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano 620 PS/1690 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto
7:47 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 E-gear 640 PS/n/a Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 01/07 Sport tyres
7:49 Blitz Toyota Supra 750 PS Herbert Schürg 1997 Video Option Vol.50 Refer to link for modification details
7:50 BMW M3 E46 CSL 360 PS/1421 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 08/03
7:50 BMW X5 E53 LM Hans-Joachim Stuck 2000 EVO magazine 08/2005 BMW M70 S70B56 engine from a V12 LMR producing 750 bhp
7:53 Nissan GT-R 480 PS/1740 kg (3800 lb) Horst von Saurma SportAuto 12/07 Semi-wet track Preview Drive estimate in development car (Supertest not yet conducted)
7:54 Mercedes CLK DTM AMG 582 PS/1678 kg Sport Auto 03/05
7:55 Caterham R500 Superlight 233 PS/460 kg Robert Nearn EVO magazine 07/2000
7:55 Ferrari F430 F1 490 PS/1493 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 01/06
7:56 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 405 PS/1409.1 KG (3100 lb) Dave Hill [28]
7:56 Honda NSX-R (NA2) 280 PS/1270 kg Motoharu Kurosawa Best MOTORing 08/02 Omit the safe equipment model No Airbags No ESC No Spare tire
7:56 Porsche 996 Turbo 420 PS Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 06/00
7:56 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 02/04 Sport tyres
7:59* Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z51 405 PS/1481 kg driver Dave Hill *manufacturer claim.
7:59 Porsche 997 Carrera S Walter Röhrl WHEELS 06/04 PASM setting “Performance”
7:59 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 Dirk Schoysmans Autocar magazine 1997 Without speed limiter
7:59 Dodge Viper SRT-10 2005-11-?? Motor Trend
7:59 Subaru Impreza Sti Spec-C 280 PS/1370 kg Subaru News 2004
8:01 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 280 PS/1540 kg Motoharu Kurosawa Best Motoring - Video Special DVD Series Prototype (weight/horsepower different from production car)
8:02 Mercedes CLK 63 AMG - Black Series 507 PS/ 1790 kg Autobild 07/07
8:03 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005) 380 bhp/1570 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 10/05
8:03 Porsche 911 GT3 360 PS/1391 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 08/99
8:03 Honda NSX-R (NA1) 280 PS/1230 kg Motoharu Kurosawa Best MOTORing 02/06 Omit the safe equipment model No Airbags No ESC No Spare tire
8:05 BMW M3 E92 420 PS/1608 kg Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 12/07
8:06 Subaru WRX STi Spec-C 280 PS/1370 kg Motoharu Kurosawa Best Motoring Video "NISMO Beast Unleashed"
8:07 BMW Z8 E52 400 PS/1615 kg autobild.de 06/01
8:09 Audi RS4 420 PS sport auto 06/2006
8:09 BMW M6 E63 507 PS/n/a Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 12/05 Sport tyres, limited to 259 km/h
8:09 Honda NSX-R 320 PS/1467 kg Sport Auto 08/02 Sport tires, suspension modification
8:10 Chrysler Viper GTS Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 10/97
8:11 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR prototype 280 PS/1420 kg Takayuki Kinoshita Best Motoring Video "Carrera Invasion"
8:13 BMW M5 E60 507 PS Horst von Saurma Sport Auto 12/04
8:13 Ferrari 355 GTB
04-04-2008, 07:28 PM
#42
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04-04-2008, 07:31 PM
#43
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04-04-2008, 08:07 PM
#44
Well, I was in your position too, 6 weeks ago... I have had my 8, purchased from another forum member, for a month... Allow me to walk you through my decision:
Old Car: 99 Civic Si - Blue - intake, exhaust, lowered, stereo+subs, and some other random stuff... 34 mpg and good cargo space... BUT, every *** with Neon or Civic EX with a fartcan tried to drag off every light... And the average person doesn't know that the Si meant anything, so to 90 percent of the world, I was just another jerk in a civic with a loud stereo and exhaust... I was also 22 y/o when i got the car, so I fit the bill pretty well... That ended when it got stolen and stripped because some other *** wanted the engine for his Civic DX... common cars = theft for parts.
Anyway, enough about that. I drove a new MS3, 04 or 05 RX8 Shinka, 04 350Z, BMW 325ic, 08 eclipse, 07 Mustang, and a 08 civic si.
I won't say anything bad about any of the cars up hear because they each have their market and people will like them, EXCEPT the Eclipse... it doesn't do anything well and should be melted down to make paper clips.
Do you want a sports car that they tried to make practical? Or a ecomony car they made sporty? You can't have both... repeat: YOU CANT HAVE BOTH without screwing something up real bad to the point that no one will want one.
The 8 is very rare, and has some talking points to back it up with being the only rotary in production. I love it when people ask me if it has a V6 or V8... I tell them its electric, they just haven't heard of it yet. The styling knocks people down... they hear its an 04 and you can see the look on their faces. "how did I miss this car for 4 years now?"
But... its more expensive to own... you're at the pump often. Are you willing to pay extra for those looks and perfect weight distribution? It has less space and its harder to modify, which makes it even more rare when you see one that is custom. You put a stock 8 next to a tricked out ms3, and im sorry, on looks alone, the ms3 is a hatch back...and the 8 is a sports car... that may change on the track, yes... but are you going to the track?
This car makes every trip an event... the MS3 will make it memorable it you choose to drive it hard... the 8 tells you to drive it.... if you cant see the tach needle and see the road in the 8, you need to wind it up a little more
So, are you willing to pay more and accept the RX8's short comings but get one of the most unique cars on the road? Or, have a car that is a practical, efficient daily driver with some serious performance to back it up but be very alike to many of the cars out on the road.... It comes down to what do you want...
For the record: If I could do again... I would still get the 8. . . all the way to the gas pump... Gas can be 6 bucks a gallon and I would still pay it... because I drive a car thats worth paying 6 bucks a gallon. Could you say that about the MS3?
Old Car: 99 Civic Si - Blue - intake, exhaust, lowered, stereo+subs, and some other random stuff... 34 mpg and good cargo space... BUT, every *** with Neon or Civic EX with a fartcan tried to drag off every light... And the average person doesn't know that the Si meant anything, so to 90 percent of the world, I was just another jerk in a civic with a loud stereo and exhaust... I was also 22 y/o when i got the car, so I fit the bill pretty well... That ended when it got stolen and stripped because some other *** wanted the engine for his Civic DX... common cars = theft for parts.
Anyway, enough about that. I drove a new MS3, 04 or 05 RX8 Shinka, 04 350Z, BMW 325ic, 08 eclipse, 07 Mustang, and a 08 civic si.
I won't say anything bad about any of the cars up hear because they each have their market and people will like them, EXCEPT the Eclipse... it doesn't do anything well and should be melted down to make paper clips.
Do you want a sports car that they tried to make practical? Or a ecomony car they made sporty? You can't have both... repeat: YOU CANT HAVE BOTH without screwing something up real bad to the point that no one will want one.
The 8 is very rare, and has some talking points to back it up with being the only rotary in production. I love it when people ask me if it has a V6 or V8... I tell them its electric, they just haven't heard of it yet. The styling knocks people down... they hear its an 04 and you can see the look on their faces. "how did I miss this car for 4 years now?"
But... its more expensive to own... you're at the pump often. Are you willing to pay extra for those looks and perfect weight distribution? It has less space and its harder to modify, which makes it even more rare when you see one that is custom. You put a stock 8 next to a tricked out ms3, and im sorry, on looks alone, the ms3 is a hatch back...and the 8 is a sports car... that may change on the track, yes... but are you going to the track?
This car makes every trip an event... the MS3 will make it memorable it you choose to drive it hard... the 8 tells you to drive it.... if you cant see the tach needle and see the road in the 8, you need to wind it up a little more
So, are you willing to pay more and accept the RX8's short comings but get one of the most unique cars on the road? Or, have a car that is a practical, efficient daily driver with some serious performance to back it up but be very alike to many of the cars out on the road.... It comes down to what do you want...
For the record: If I could do again... I would still get the 8. . . all the way to the gas pump... Gas can be 6 bucks a gallon and I would still pay it... because I drive a car thats worth paying 6 bucks a gallon. Could you say that about the MS3?
04-04-2008, 11:02 PM
#45
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Do you want a sports car that they tried to make practical? Or a ecomony car they made sporty? You can't have both... repeat: YOU CANT HAVE BOTH without screwing something up real bad to the point that no one will want one.
The 8 is very rare, and has some talking points to back it up with being the only rotary in production. I love it when people ask me if it has a V6 or V8... I tell them its electric, they just haven't heard of it yet. The styling knocks people down... they hear its an 04 and you can see the look on their faces. "how did I miss this car for 4 years now?"
But... its more expensive to own... you're at the pump often. Are you willing to pay extra for those looks and perfect weight distribution? It has less space and its harder to modify, which makes it even more rare when you see one that is custom. You put a stock 8 next to a tricked out ms3, and im sorry, on looks alone, the ms3 is a hatch back...and the 8 is a sports car... that may change on the track, yes... but are you going to the track?
This car makes every trip an event... the MS3 will make it memorable it you choose to drive it hard... the 8 tells you to drive it.... if you cant see the tach needle and see the road in the 8, you need to wind it up a little more
So, are you willing to pay more and accept the RX8's short comings but get one of the most unique cars on the road? Or, have a car that is a practical, efficient daily driver with some serious performance to back it up but be very alike to many of the cars out on the road.... It comes down to what do you want...
For the record: If I could do again... I would still get the 8. . . all the way to the gas pump... Gas can be 6 bucks a gallon and I would still pay it... because I drive a car thats worth paying 6 bucks a gallon. Could you say that about the MS3?
The 8 is very rare, and has some talking points to back it up with being the only rotary in production. I love it when people ask me if it has a V6 or V8... I tell them its electric, they just haven't heard of it yet. The styling knocks people down... they hear its an 04 and you can see the look on their faces. "how did I miss this car for 4 years now?"
But... its more expensive to own... you're at the pump often. Are you willing to pay extra for those looks and perfect weight distribution? It has less space and its harder to modify, which makes it even more rare when you see one that is custom. You put a stock 8 next to a tricked out ms3, and im sorry, on looks alone, the ms3 is a hatch back...and the 8 is a sports car... that may change on the track, yes... but are you going to the track?
This car makes every trip an event... the MS3 will make it memorable it you choose to drive it hard... the 8 tells you to drive it.... if you cant see the tach needle and see the road in the 8, you need to wind it up a little more
So, are you willing to pay more and accept the RX8's short comings but get one of the most unique cars on the road? Or, have a car that is a practical, efficient daily driver with some serious performance to back it up but be very alike to many of the cars out on the road.... It comes down to what do you want...
For the record: If I could do again... I would still get the 8. . . all the way to the gas pump... Gas can be 6 bucks a gallon and I would still pay it... because I drive a car thats worth paying 6 bucks a gallon. Could you say that about the MS3?
I couldn't agree more. However, I couldn't make myself pay "$5" a gallon anymore to be "unique." I wanted more power; great handling and more power to the RX8 would have made me keep it. However, I just couldn't go forced induction with the Rx8 I would've lost my warranty and have to worry about reliability. At least with the 3, I have a turbo right off the dealership with the warranty.
Anyways, I digress. To the OP, please drive the RX8 and then MS3 or vice versa and pick the one YOU like. Because everyone, whether on this forum or on a mazda 3 forum, you'll get people who are biased and say this car is better than that car. Also, don't just rely on magazine, internet reviews BECAUSE both of these cars have received their due appraisals. Again, both are different cars for different purposes for different people.
MS3 = rugged, rally-like, sporty, practical/ utility, LOTS of power, decent handling, easy to ADD more power...
RX8 = sexy, exotic, unique, PRACTICAL-sports car, decent power, excellent handling.
There's your positives, take your pick.
04-04-2008, 11:16 PM
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04-05-2008, 12:13 AM
#47
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There you go !
Well, I was in your position too, 6 weeks ago... I have had my 8, purchased from another forum member, for a month... Allow me to walk you through my decision:
Old Car: 99 Civic Si - Blue - intake, exhaust, lowered, stereo+subs, and some other random stuff... 34 mpg and good cargo space... BUT, every *** with Neon or Civic EX with a fartcan tried to drag off every light... And the average person doesn't know that the Si meant anything, so to 90 percent of the world, I was just another jerk in a civic with a loud stereo and exhaust... I was also 22 y/o when i got the car, so I fit the bill pretty well... That ended when it got stolen and stripped because some other *** wanted the engine for his Civic DX... common cars = theft for parts.
Anyway, enough about that. I drove a new MS3, 04 or 05 RX8 Shinka, 04 350Z, BMW 325ic, 08 eclipse, 07 Mustang, and a 08 civic si.
I won't say anything bad about any of the cars up hear because they each have their market and people will like them, EXCEPT the Eclipse... it doesn't do anything well and should be melted down to make paper clips.
Do you want a sports car that they tried to make practical? Or a ecomony car they made sporty? You can't have both... repeat: YOU CANT HAVE BOTH without screwing something up real bad to the point that no one will want one.
The 8 is very rare, and has some talking points to back it up with being the only rotary in production. I love it when people ask me if it has a V6 or V8... I tell them its electric, they just haven't heard of it yet. The styling knocks people down... they hear its an 04 and you can see the look on their faces. "how did I miss this car for 4 years now?"
But... its more expensive to own... you're at the pump often. Are you willing to pay extra for those looks and perfect weight distribution? It has less space and its harder to modify, which makes it even more rare when you see one that is custom. You put a stock 8 next to a tricked out ms3, and im sorry, on looks alone, the ms3 is a hatch back...and the 8 is a sports car... that may change on the track, yes... but are you going to the track?
This car makes every trip an event... the MS3 will make it memorable it you choose to drive it hard... the 8 tells you to drive it.... if you cant see the tach needle and see the road in the 8, you need to wind it up a little more
So, are you willing to pay more and accept the RX8's short comings but get one of the most unique cars on the road? Or, have a car that is a practical, efficient daily driver with some serious performance to back it up but be very alike to many of the cars out on the road.... It comes down to what do you want...
For the record: If I could do again... I would still get the 8. . . all the way to the gas pump... Gas can be 6 bucks a gallon and I would still pay it... because I drive a car thats worth paying 6 bucks a gallon. Could you say that about the MS3?
Old Car: 99 Civic Si - Blue - intake, exhaust, lowered, stereo+subs, and some other random stuff... 34 mpg and good cargo space... BUT, every *** with Neon or Civic EX with a fartcan tried to drag off every light... And the average person doesn't know that the Si meant anything, so to 90 percent of the world, I was just another jerk in a civic with a loud stereo and exhaust... I was also 22 y/o when i got the car, so I fit the bill pretty well... That ended when it got stolen and stripped because some other *** wanted the engine for his Civic DX... common cars = theft for parts.
Anyway, enough about that. I drove a new MS3, 04 or 05 RX8 Shinka, 04 350Z, BMW 325ic, 08 eclipse, 07 Mustang, and a 08 civic si.
I won't say anything bad about any of the cars up hear because they each have their market and people will like them, EXCEPT the Eclipse... it doesn't do anything well and should be melted down to make paper clips.
Do you want a sports car that they tried to make practical? Or a ecomony car they made sporty? You can't have both... repeat: YOU CANT HAVE BOTH without screwing something up real bad to the point that no one will want one.
The 8 is very rare, and has some talking points to back it up with being the only rotary in production. I love it when people ask me if it has a V6 or V8... I tell them its electric, they just haven't heard of it yet. The styling knocks people down... they hear its an 04 and you can see the look on their faces. "how did I miss this car for 4 years now?"
But... its more expensive to own... you're at the pump often. Are you willing to pay extra for those looks and perfect weight distribution? It has less space and its harder to modify, which makes it even more rare when you see one that is custom. You put a stock 8 next to a tricked out ms3, and im sorry, on looks alone, the ms3 is a hatch back...and the 8 is a sports car... that may change on the track, yes... but are you going to the track?
This car makes every trip an event... the MS3 will make it memorable it you choose to drive it hard... the 8 tells you to drive it.... if you cant see the tach needle and see the road in the 8, you need to wind it up a little more
So, are you willing to pay more and accept the RX8's short comings but get one of the most unique cars on the road? Or, have a car that is a practical, efficient daily driver with some serious performance to back it up but be very alike to many of the cars out on the road.... It comes down to what do you want...
For the record: If I could do again... I would still get the 8. . . all the way to the gas pump... Gas can be 6 bucks a gallon and I would still pay it... because I drive a car thats worth paying 6 bucks a gallon. Could you say that about the MS3?
04-05-2008, 12:49 AM
#49
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Well, since I'm trying to figure out the same thing. I'll chime in.
I test drove both and own neither.
I won't lie to you. I really felt that the 8 was the hell of a lot more civilized, but is willing to take off the business suit and become a corner eating monster. To top that off, there is the 9000 rpm. Taking it there is ecstatic and there is nothing else out there that is quite like it sans Honda's s2k.
The MS3 feels like my mazda3, it'll get the job done and take care of you without much problem. If you need your straight line fix, here is your best bet. The thing I did not like was the fact that I could feel the wheel fighting with me when I'm trying to add throttle in a turn. The steering did not have as much feel as the 8 did.
Cost per cost, the MS3 will be, in fact, cheaper to mod and will go faster both on track and in a straight line. But, because it is cheaper to mod does not mean it has more potential. The 8 has a lot more potential [with the right amount of money, of course] than the MS3 imho due to the RWD and the already great weight distribution.
In reality, if you want a great daily driver, get a mazdaspeed3. If you want something unique, something that turns heads, and something that is quite exotic for an unexotic price, get the rx8.
I test drove both and own neither.
I won't lie to you. I really felt that the 8 was the hell of a lot more civilized, but is willing to take off the business suit and become a corner eating monster. To top that off, there is the 9000 rpm. Taking it there is ecstatic and there is nothing else out there that is quite like it sans Honda's s2k.
The MS3 feels like my mazda3, it'll get the job done and take care of you without much problem. If you need your straight line fix, here is your best bet. The thing I did not like was the fact that I could feel the wheel fighting with me when I'm trying to add throttle in a turn. The steering did not have as much feel as the 8 did.
Cost per cost, the MS3 will be, in fact, cheaper to mod and will go faster both on track and in a straight line. But, because it is cheaper to mod does not mean it has more potential. The 8 has a lot more potential [with the right amount of money, of course] than the MS3 imho due to the RWD and the already great weight distribution.
In reality, if you want a great daily driver, get a mazdaspeed3. If you want something unique, something that turns heads, and something that is quite exotic for an unexotic price, get the rx8.
+ rwd=fun
04-05-2008, 01:20 AM
#50
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I'm now counting on my fingers how many people I know that care about or know what the Rolex series is. Guess how many fingers I'm holding up? Now I'm counting how much the Rolex cars have in common with a standard RX-8 powertrain and chassis wise. Guess how many fingers I'm holding up...