New Yorker

If you had to do 5 hours on the interstate, which would you prefer: the RX-8, a Mini Cooper S, or the new VW GTI?

Raptor2k

8, but I'm biased too.

mysql101

The problem with the rx-8 is that I get into a lot of trouble with it.

Ike

Are those my only options? I'm not too happy with any of them If forced I'll take the new GTI, nice interior, fairly fast (probably the fastest of the 3 on the highway), and gets better gas mileage than the RX-8, also has a hatch so you have space for whatever luggage you need after the 5 hour trip.

modforce

Well, I like my 8 but give me the new GTI for the 5 hour trip. Better mileage, no need to add oil, will flat out fly so the plus factor would go to the GTI in my book but the 8 is cool to drive as well!

dazygirl415

The 8. I've taken many road trips with it and I wouldn't have it any other way.

NoTears316

vectorwolf

Haven't ridden in the other two, so I'd say the 8. A month after purchasing it last year, I drove from Indianapolis to Bradenton, FL (just south of Tampa) by myself. ~17-18 hours either way. Wasn't sore, fatigued or anything. Never had to take a rest break to stretch, it was just so comfortable...

dupa12345

however long it is .. at least you arrive in style in the 8 when you get there

and how is the gti fast on the highway?

Raptor2k

Why do you post here again?

mysql101

I think he's still trying to convince us that the WRX looks better than the 8.

Ike

What part bothers you more, that I didn't give a typical fanboi response, or that you know I'm right?

Ike

Cute, but very wrong. Not once in my 5000+ posts on this forum have I ever argued that the WRX looks better than the RX-8.

alchemist

Given the choices listed, I would also have to go with the GTI for the reasons Ike listed. I wouldn't trade my 8 for one but for a highway trip the GTI has definate advantages.

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

RX-8. Just because I'm so lovin' it.

Raptor2k

What car would you be happy with? The interior looks terribly average. I don't think you have a source on how the GTI is faster (acceleration? top speed? smaller car, so it looks faster?) on a highway. The rx8 has a spacious trunk. And gas...oh no, we have to pay a few more greens to experience a rotary rev.

Raptor2k

You do a good job of answering a question.

Ike

Is the '07 S600 an option, maybe a DB9? Early tests indicate that the MT will in fact be faster considering the AT has been trapping at 95 mph in the 1/4, I'm willing to bet the MT will be good for another MPH or two. I don't know what the hell you've driven in the past but the trunk on the RX-8 is hardly spacious, especially when you compare it to a hatch. As for Gas, why would I spend more on gas when I can spend less and go just as fast or faster with more space?

dmorales

I have to say the rx8 is the most comfortable car for road trips...if your talking about being the driver. Of course I'm also probably a little bit shorter than most 5'-6".

Then again I do have the 'rose colored glasses' on.
________
DeepImpression cam

cleoent

Rx8 is very comfy, however you said highspeed... at anything over 80 the MPG is gunna be awful. I'd take a 540 instead

Ask me how i know.

agoodcave

5hrs on the interstate - yuk! Personally, I'd plan a different route through the backroads and take the 8.

Mike

YT1300

For our family, I'd go and find an E500 and call it a day.

New Yorker

I love the backroads - on my third Miata now (and I have a Honda Hawk GT) but sometimes I just can't afford the time. Like when I have to travel from NYC to visit friends in New Hampshire. I drive pretty much weekends only, maybe only 6-7K miles a year, so fuel economy is not a big factor for me. Neither is big straight-line acceleration. Also I travel alone or with just a girlfriend, so I don't need mega hauling capacity either. So I've narrowed it down to these three really fun cars. My priorities are 1) fun-to-drive/handling and 2) not feeling beat up (noise, droning, cramped muscles, etc.) after 400 miles behind the wheel at 75 mph. You guys are great with your opinions and feedback, thanks!

PoLaK

iTrader: (1)

I've done 12, 14, 18, and 22hour road trips in the 8 been fine everytime just make sure you have a quart of oil with you and change the oil before you go out if your on the bad side of a 5000 mile service interval.

Best mileage was like 27-28 but recently its been down 21-24 (that could be because I was hauling alot more stuff this time around 400+lbs)

Raptor2k

Would you kindly point out to where you got that from? An internet article? Magazine? Something reliable would be a bonus too, for us unknowledgeable folks. Called works cited. You're willing to bet, but you post something that isn't concrete.

The rx8 is a small car in size compared to the average car with 4 seats, and the trunk is just right. Is it enough to carry a large suitcase or a couple small ones around? Yes. Is it enough to carry 2-4 large suitcases around? No, but why would you consider that for a single person, or at most, three or four people? You're describing an advantage that has of no use. What do you think the author of this thread expected to put in the back of the car, a king size bed for his 5-hour trip? How 'large' do you think the average person is? I'm sure his physical self won't be needing much more than a driver's seat that can reach back enough for space but close enough to step on the pedals and steer the steering wheel.

Why do you post here?