ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

well I found a 05 winning blue RX-8 base model w/ rotary accent pkg at a nearby dealer (if you call Baltimore nearby, lol), salesdude has ok'd selling it for S Plan pricing (i'm eligible for S Plan), so I'm about 95% certain I will pick it up this weekend. I figure that if I got by in a base 91 RX-7 (no abs, no lsd) in rain, I should be able to handle an 8 in rain, and snow w/ proper winter tires

stay tuned!

fluque

and limited headroom for the GT

Brandon

SOunds like you've made up your mind, but I thought I'd chime in anyway.

I live in MN and got a base. I must admit I've had a few "moments" though all but a couple were intentional and I didn't lose control entirely. Do it a few times in a parking lot, and you'll know what to expect. I didn't really test out the DSC when I test drove one with it, so I don't know how much driver error it can really make up for. But I bet if you are really stupid with it in the snow, you could crash just as easily as without DSC. I get the impression it is supposed to save you from going a little over the limit in dry or wet conditions, not to turn it into a snowcat. Also, having driven a fwd car with bald, summer tires and nearly smashing it up several times in snow, I am all but certain the tires make 85% of the difference. So I'm putting the money towards snow tires.

I'd say the only thing I might have liked to have that the Base doesn't have was a moonroof, but that doesn't come on a Sport either, so it's really irrelevant.

BasenjiGuy

The Base car is very stable, very predictable, very forgiving, and very fun to drive at the limit. If you want it to, the rear will come waaaaay out and stay there under power. If you drive sedately, the car is a ***** cat. You don't have to deal with a computer stepping in and spoiling the fun.

I am also delighted with the Torsen limited slip - it does exactly what a limited slip diff should do - keep the inside rear wheel from spinning too much - making things more fun when going around low speed corners, starting off from intersections, etc, but it also has the ability to "drag the car's inside rear toe" when you come off the gas in a corner. It's like putting your inside foot down on a dirt bike.

Now that I've had the car for 12,000 miles and five months, I wonder if I would have spent more $$$ for more option packages if I could have done it all over again. I don't think I would have gotten leather as the car gets hot inside in the summer. HID's - nope, the stock lights work great. Sunroof, maybe, but again, the car gets hot in the summer... maybe in winter I'd use it more. NAV, maybe. But Mapquest works great.

DSC and Traction Control - I have to conclusively say that I don't really see the need for it - in everyday normal conditions. Again, the car is very well balanced and will not surprise an experienced driver. I am amazed at how far the tail will come out under power and just stay out - but with complete control. Awesome job with the suspension tuning. I have made thousands of miles of back country fun runs on two lane roads, from mountain twisties that are all second and third gear stuff from 30 to 70 mph to higher speed 50 -110 mph straights and sweepers types of roads.

The RX8, regardless of trim, is extremely well balanced and behaved. To me, the only benefit of the electronic aids would be in an emergency. Other than that, I don't see a need for them. I honestly feel that a mature, experienced driver won't get into trouble with the 8 unless they misjudge the road, situation, and/or other driver. Yes, I know that can and does happen. But day to day, everyday, I'm glad I can nail the throttle when ever I want and not have computers step in. I think that ability really defines a sports car to me. I don't want electronic intervention. I'll manage the adhesion myself.

Something that really gets on my nerves is when people on this site and on others say something like "DSC makes me a better driver". If anything, it makes you a worse driver because you're not having deal with finding and managing your and the car's limits. At the same time, these electronic aids probably keep certain types from hurting themselves and others and that's a good thing...

I just don't understand how people seem so reliant on DSC and traction control - unless they are constantly driving at the limit, beyond their abilities, and getting in trouble. If you are one of these types, SLOW DOWN. Personally, I am amazed at how much the Base car can be flogged and still stay under control - without any electronic aids.

Bad weather. Hmmm. I've always said, even if you and your vehicle are bad weather capable that doesn't protect you from others who aren't. Make your own decision.

Another consideration is that the Base 8, at around $26k out the door - mine was , is one hell of a great deal. If you start adding on options, there are other cars to choose from. For around $30k and up you can look at a G35, IS300, 325ci, etc, hell, even a used lease program Boxter. Very nice cars in their own right.

The only other $25k-ish sporting car out there is the new Mustang GT. It has more power but less handling.

So, I'll say the Base 8 is the best value in the 8 range and really doesn't have any competition at its price point. And, I think it is going to be the most fun to drive for the purist. As someone said a few months ago, the Base is really the essence of the RX8 experience.

quack_p

I think the other lesson is: don't let uncle drive the car!