Robisten8

After waiting for like two years for this car to come out, I finally got to take one out on a drive. My first impressions of the interior was very nice looking car. I have a four year old and my girlfriend has a 5 year old so the back seats will do. Interior was very comfortable. I like the instrutment panel and radio controls. This car looks fast standing still. I like that in a car. So I started up the winning blue 6spd with GT trim. I could hardly tell the car was running. Very quiet, but then again I drive an 02 Mustnag GT with off-road exhaust. I put it in gear an off I went.

The first thing I noticed was that it lacked the zoom zoom I was waiting for. I thought to myself, this car has 250 hp? Where the hell is it!!!! Didn't let that get me down, because I knew this was not a tire shreading muscle car from the beginning. This car seems to be lacking in the torgue and HP department. Handling was impressive however. I like the tight feeling of this car. Very smooth and the feedback is above average. I hit 112 mph according to the digital speedo and thought I was doing more like 40mph. After the test drive, I would probably be driving one home if it wasn't for my lackluster trade offer from my Mustang. I'm kind of glad they offered me a low trade because I'm not all that impressed with speed of the RX-8.

Don't get me wrong, this car has potential. But when you pay 30k for a sports car, you should get sports car speed. Ten years ago you could buy an RX7 for about 30k. A 10 year old RX7 in stock form would spank this car and the potential of that car was a lot gretaer with the turbo. That's bad Mazda!!!!!! I'm not looking for 03 Cobra type power, but it sure would be nice to be able to outdo a grocery gettin' four door Maxima driven by mommy dearest.

Make a RELIABLE turbo model RX-8 and you''ll have one more customer. Until then I'll drive my Mustang.

RX-8=UNDERACHIEVER

Elara

I don't mean to be rude, but are you SURE you drove an RX-8? Because your experience sounds pretty opposite mine. Sure, the car doesn't fling you back into your seat, but then it's not an EVO, Cobra, or STI.

And I'm not sure where you brushed up on your RX-7 lore, but 10 years ago, you were looking at closer to 40k for one. If it had been 30k, the car never would have left the states because everyone could have afforded to buy them.

Apex Eater

On my recent test drive I drove a 96 Mustang SVT to the dealer and had a nice comarison. I have said it before I think it is a matter of perception, the 8 does not have the grunt of the SVT but is still a fast car. As you said"I hit 112 mph according to the digital speedo and thought I was doing more like 40mph."
The 8 does it very smoothly while the Mustang sounds and vibrates like caged animal.

blizz81

Yeah, just make it louder/more raw and at least some of those that comment about the 8's speed would probably turn their opinion right around.

I still need to test drive and compare the refined performance to the maxima, another car with the "whoops, I'm well over the speed limit" factor, as well as the "is this car on?" factor with stock intake/exhaust systems intact.

dcfc3s

Actually, you could get a '93 base model for right at $30,000. Mind, "base model" still was power everything, twin turbos, the whole lot - just didn't have leather, sunroof, Bose system, etc.

But, that was '93 dollars.

Dale

Deep Blue

Were you driving a GS or a GT?

I have a GT, and I laugh at anyone who doesn't think it is fast. I mean, since when is 0-60 in 5.9 seconds slow?

If you are making a buy decision solely based on the perceived power of the car, I'd recommend another Mustang...I feel the 8 is more about the car's incredible style and personality.

m477

And then you say it isn't fast enough? Funny how you contradict yourself there.

How about just loosening the bolts on the engine mounts and saw off the muffler so it is loud and rattles, then maybe you'll think the car is fast enought for you.... maybe an electric blow off valve speaker or two under the hood while your at it, too...

Deep Blue

Uh, Mazda is "owned" by Ford....not GM. And to put better wording to your comment above...the entire RX-8 is manufactured in Japan in a MAZDA plant...no beer drinking Ford assembly line worker gets his grubby paws on it. It is a Japanese car that is as far removed from Ford as Porsche is from Daimler-Benz.

Having said all of that, don't flame this guy because he didn't like the car, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I would however, strongly disagree with his assessment of the performance if a potential buyer takes a read here.

KyngNothing

What??? So you would have taken it, but you're glad you didn't cuz you weren't impressed with how you were going 112, not 40??

Robisten8

Deep Blue-If you read my post it says I drove the RX-8 with GT trim. And BTW the 5.9 sec is claimed by Mazda.....I tend to believe a less biased Motor Trend ticker that claims 0-60 in 6.4 and a 1/4 mile run of 14.8@94.3mph. That's NOT FAST!!!!! That's pretty average and puts it in the same speed categories as the following cars:

Honda Accord V6 Cpe 0-60 in 6.2 1/4 mile in 14.5 @ 98 mph
Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE 0-60 in 6.3 1/4 mile 14.8@ 96.7 mph
Nissan Altima SE V6 0-60 5.9 1/4 mile 14.5@98.6

This is very simple research as you can pick-up any Motor Trend/Car & Driver, etc. and find out.

What you should be laughing at is yourself, for thinking that this car is fast. But then again, I guess your just trying to convince yourself that your car is fast because you would never buy a slow car, huh. You're probably the best driver EVER and I don't know anything.

And for whoever made the comment about me contradicting myself about the 112 mph. Most cars and even trucks these days can do 112 mph. I was simply making a comment that the 8 is very smooth at that speed. That doesn't give it the right to say it's a fast car though.

I also never said my Mustang was superior to the 8. Actually it's like comparing apples to oranges. My Stang will spank an 8 and other than exhaust it's stock. And my car is slow.

This was my opinion on the 8. If I hurt anyone's feelings then you should take a look at how happy you really are with the pruchase of your 8. Oh yeah get over it too.

RX8-TX

I think its time to chill out, they are different cars. And you can't expect a Mustang (or Corvette or Camaro, or Viper -totally out of our league) owner to be satisfied by a Jap. engine/car. I love my 8, and wouldn't change it for anything at all. Same thing for someone used to the feel and driving of an America muscle car.

Just off the note: my brother in law is a real gear-head (he's barely 16 years old...) First thing he told me after a short trip in the back seat was: "Wow, I fit here. In a Mustang you can barely stretch your legs..."

Again, please, I am not attacking anything. I will state again that they are different cars (I wonder what the '05 Stang will have in store ?)

KyngNothing

I just wasn't sure what he was saying, it seemed like he would have bought it if he could get a better trade in deal, then saying he wasn't impressed with it at all in the same sentence... just was confused :D

I don't think anyone has ever said this would be a drag monster... in fact, i think every post from an ""rx8 person" on here I've seen said exactly the opposite...

Kuf

Your stang R0X0RS! Does that satisfy you? Go away troll

RX8-TX

To tell you the truth, I originally thought the 8 was going to be a speed monster (accelerationwise...); however, I have to admit that there are quiet a few rides out there that can spank an 8 really bad. Nevertheless, and 8 comes as is from factory and you are paying for what you get.

I guess we all had those expectations from the car.

Regardless, I don't think its worth getting either deffensive nor agressive towards anyones opinion, unless there is a clear intention to bash any(one/thing.) In which case they can always get banned or simply removed.

I don't think Robinstein8 was being obnoxious about his experience. In fact, I think it is kind of valuable. I wonder what background we all have here (what kind of vehicle we used to drive) ?

Anyways, peace and out.

RX8-TX

C'mon, don't get frisky now...

loco4rx8

No, the 8 is certainly no "drag monster." :D

Frankly, unless you plan to race the car, I just can't understand how anyone could care less if this car does a 14.8 1/4 mile or a 15.2 1/4 mile. What difference does it make? Less than half a second. That's nothing in everyday driving and is almost completely dependent on the skill of the driver anyway.

It's almost hard to perceive these tenths of seconds some people in here are fighting and complaining about, and yet there are people who come here and say they wouldn't consider the RX-8 because it's "slow." I just don't get it.

As others have said, if you want huge amounts of torque and to go faster in a straight line than anybody else, the RX-8 is not for you. But if you want to drive a car that seems to read your mind, that handles like a dream, AND carries four people and a little luggage, maybe you should give the 8 a second look.

Robisten8

Everyone just relax. I was just simply wanting more zoom zoom and was a little disappointed with the performance. That's all. The RX-8 is still a very nice car.

I'm not apologizing and my opinion hasn't changed. As for whoever wrote "go away troll." Last time I checked, forums are meant for discussions and debates. And anyone can contribute their input. Just like if you were to comment on a Mustang board about how your experience with a Mustang was so so. I would not have a problem with that nor would I tell you to leave. I would respect your comments. Can't say as much for everyone else though.

Kuf

Why do I call you a troll? Comments like this are clearly NOT forms of "discussions" or "debates" but here to antagonize and flame:

You even said yourself the only reason you didn't buy it was because they didn't offer you enough on your mustang?????

If the RX-8 isn't your cup of tea, fine. Tell us what you liked and what you didn't like and tell us your preferences in a car and why the 8 didn't fullfill your needs. Don't come in here and say car xyz will "spank" the 8. Them's just fighting words and we don't need to hear it. If it doesn't fit your needs, then so be it. It fits mine and that's all that matters.

Deep Blue

Actually my son, the 5.9 time comes directly out of the Car and Driver I have sitting on my desk. If you doubt their abilities, take it up with them.

And you're right, I don't buy slow cars. My last Car was a BMW 330Ci that used to eat stock '02 Mustangs for a light snack after dinner.

Rather than list cars that are around the 6 second mark, how about listing cars that clock in "below" the 6 second mark. It will be a short list if you target the price range of the RX-8.

And I was actually trying to stick up for you here...and you troll me back. For shame!

All kidding aside, I doubt how honorable your intentions were when you post a negative review of an RX-8 on the RX-8 forum...whether it is right or wrong, you knew this would happen.

RX8-TX

What's the 0-60 & 1/4 mile timed on a GT. The only thing I could come through is a 1998 Mustang GT timed is like 6.2 secs for 0-60 & 15secs for 1/4 mile. Would this be accurate?

I tried to look them up on C&D and R&T but couldn't find anything reasonable. They've got plenty of Mach 1s and Cobras reviewed though.

Anyways, where I want to go is: IF in paper the cars perform like this:

Mustang GT ('98):
0-60: 6.2 secs
1/4: 15 secs

RX-8 ('04)
0-60: 5.9 secs**
1/4: 14.5 secs**

** A merciless clutch drop was indeed needed here.

Rob, please correct the numbers if they are wrong!

Now, based on this, wouldn't you say that 'fast' is just part of your perception? (And I know that an 8 doesn't even get close to an 8 cylinder's 'Uumph' at high gears.)

Robisten8

************STOP READING THIS POST*****************


Blue-I Doubt your 40k 330ci would "eat" a GT Mustang. You may be able to hang with a stocker, but you would sure have to be a good driver. You may have a race with a V6 equipped stang though. But then again V6's are like $14000 cars and u were in a 40k Bimmer.

Can I ask u why u went from a Bimmer to a Mazda. I usually take forward steps in life. A forward step for u would have been an M3. Then you could talk about beating a GT Stang.

Once again I just want to explain to everyone that I speak my mind, so if you don't like it...........STOP READING THIS POST.

RX8-TX

IMNOTLISTENING.IMNOTLISTENING.IMNOTLISTENING.IMNOT LISTENING.IMNOTLISTENING.IMNOTLISTENING.IMNOTLISTE NING.IMNOTLISTENING.IMNOTLISTENING.

Just kidding. Hey, no harm done. But understand that some people feelings get hurt.

Deep Blue

Doubt what you will, I ate, and ate, and ate. Definitely won't debate that some modded up Stangs would certainly show me the door...but let's stick to comparing stock on stock. I could have spent 15K throwing a Dinan kit on and wiped the floor with the aftermarket stangs.

As for "a step forward"...I'd like to spend some time on this. What exactly do you mean? Do you mean, why didn't I go out and spend even more than 40K on my next car? Well, the answer is quite simple really...perceived value and utility based on spending. A close friend and I both test drove M3's, and while I certainly don't want to provoke debate with any M3 drivers on the board, I barely noticed a single thing over my 330. A tad more power maybe...but in my opinion, not worth the additional 20K on top of 40K to simple get the M badge on the rear of the car (if you're into that).

No, I stepped forward and purchased my RX-8 because I thought it had more contemporary styling, better handling...and hell, it is just plain fun as **** to drive! A blast.

I think that is why I am going to recommend that you not buy an RX-8 Robisten8....in fact, I'm not going to allow you to buy one. I've already contacted all of the Mazda dealers in Texas and warned them about you.

Have fun with your mustang...keep us posted on how long your mullet gets :D

Deep Blue

Oh, I almost forgot:

Is that why you went to test drive the RX-8?

Must have been :p

Ike

94-98 mustang GTs were not all that impressive. The 99-03 models are faster and better cars all around, and no a 330ci could not take a current gen Mustang GT in a straight line given equal drivers.

Ike