RX-8 comfort (ride quality)
 

Hey guys. This is my first time here. Im turning 18 this December and I'm thinking of getting an RX-8. No not thinking. I'm DEFINITELY getting one :D I love it sooo much and I've been dreaming about it since I was like 13 haha. I know it's hard to maintain, expensive, drinks gas bla bla bla. I know all that. But I'm still buying it coz it love it so much.
Here's the problem. I'm coming from a 2008 Mazda 3. Lets be honest, it's a great little car. The ride in the Mazda 3 was firm but not uncomfortable. As in it soaked up bumps quite well. It also had decent notice leves inside.

My question is, how does the RX-8 compare in terms of ride quality with the Mazda 3? I'm sure there must be people here who have owned/driven a Mazda 3. So how's the ride :)

Let me know what you guys think :)
Thanks :D

Edit - I meant noise levels. Sorry :)

Well you see, that bla bla bla, is quite important. Can you afford the bla bla bla that comes with the car?

As many in this forum will tell you, probably in a less polite manner, is that you are probably too young, and from the general feeling I get from this post, too...... immature, for the RX8. I have not driven a Mazda 3 to be able to answer your qeustion (though I was driven in one once before I bought my 8), but ride quality will probably be the least of your problems.

Yes sir :) I'm well aware of the high maintainance cost and breakdown issues and I'm capable of affording all that. I don't think I'll be dealing with any breakdowns because I'll be getting down a new Spirit R from Japan.
I know what you mean sir. We have a reputation of being reckless and crashing our cars. But unlike most teenagers my age, I'm a lot more... responsible :) I don't really drive fast. Heck I won't be driving fast in this at all coz if I scratch it, I'll die crying hahaha :D I won't be selling this either. Imma die with it haha :D
Seriously. I love it THAT much. Back when I used to talk about this car, my parents were like "in a couple of years a new car will come by and then you'll be all over that". A lot of new cars came. But my mind is still fixed on the RX-8. The only thing left now is to get my mom to like the car haha.

So you have a cool RX-8! How's the comfort? Any other car you can compare it to? Like a 3 series maybe? Something. Anything :)

:banghead:

Uhhh... What's that supposed to mean? :(

jJst because its a Spirit R, doesn't mean its gonna be the most reliable rotary to have ever graced the planet

Pretty sure Spirit R's are just the JDM version of the R3 anyway, can anyone confirm if they are or not?

And the ride comfort is what you would expect from a sports car, firm

The Spirit R is basically an R3 with gold wheels instead of gun metal, blacked out lights, red and black seats and red brake calipers. That's all as far as I know. And yeah it will eventually break down. But it'll take quite a while right? Like 50,000km at least?

So isn't the ride... umm... smooth? I know it's a sports car but it's kind of like a GT car right? From what I've head it doesn't break your back like the 350Z does.

Oh the bla bla bla's are soooo expensive sometimes.... :sad:

It takes passion, commitment and a decent sized wallet to get pass those bla bla bla's...

Ride quality is very subjective. The only way you are going to know is to test drive one yourself.

Personally, while I've never driven a Mazda 3, I think the comfort of the RX-8 is excellent for a sports car. I have no problem driving for long trips.

had a mazdaspeed 3, the rx8 rides better than it did

Its just a matter of preference. I've had people ride in my 8 and they say it rides to rough.

I personally love the way it rides unlike anything else's I've driven.

But as far as the mileage you make it to is completely up to you like they said the blah blah is important.

Regular oil changes,keeping up ignition health,and so on.

Just read the stickies take care of it and it will love you back.

Ive driven both of them, the RX is mush more firmer then the 3. It basically drives like its on rails. I suggest you test drive one of them, before considering.
Now as far as some comments made about your age.. i wont blast you for that considering the fact that i had a 1994 RX7 when i was about your age, a little younger matter of fact, it was my first car. However the demise of my RX7 WAS because of up-keep cost. I just didnt have the money to keep that car tuned properly. You are talking about almost $50 per plug (there are 4 of them) if you go to places like advanced auto to buy the proper ones (NGK iridium's), and that is just plugs. I do all my own work on my cars so if you are not mechanically inclined, or not willing to learn (which takes time and money) this isnt the car for you.
Plus this car does take some serious attention, gas cost 9you should be using supreme grade), it drinks oil like no other car out there, all the parts are by special order only. The only car i know that cost more is Europeans (Audi, BMW, ect) and a tune up on an 2006 Audi A6 Quadtro 2.7 twin turbo (i own this car too) is close to $3500 at a shop.

I know. Which is why I'll be getting a NEW one :) that won't give me much trouble right? Except the running costs. I can take it. No worries

I wish I could :( Sadly I live in Sri Lanka and the only cars for sale at the dealer are the Mazda 2 and the Mazda 3. And there are only like 20 RX-8s for the whole country. So it's a pretty rare car here :( my only option is to personally import one from Japan. Or the UK... But cars over there are expensive :(

Alright. Is the mazdaspeed 3 a lot firmer than a standard 3? Just curious :)

@Lowmofo I know. I'm up for it. And I'm willing to care for it. I just love the thing so much <3 haha.

Get your self a Honda Civic and be happy.

You sound younger and more immature than 18.

And if you can afford a Spirit-R special edition as you said, it means that mom and dad are buying for you. Correct? In that case, you don't have to worry about anything. If mom and dad buy the car, let them eat the costs of maintaining it as well.

And don't forget to give them a :kiss: for being such cool parents:ylsuper:

yep

Cars in the UK are dirt cheap second hand

If RX8's are rare, i doubt you guys have any rotary mechanics.
What you going to do when your engine blows up?

From reading your posts, you clearly believe that Spirit R's need very little maintainence since they are new

Trust me, if you think this way

YOUR GONNA HAVE A REALLY BAD TIME

Thanks for the input sir. But it's fairly comfortable compared to other sports cars right? Btw can an RX-8 be used as a gran tourer? A fast, spacious and comfortable car? You know... Like an Aston DBS? :ylsuper:

Thanks. Really appreciate it for not killing me haha :D whoa an RX-7 when you were 16? Must have been amazing. I personally think the RX-7 looks better than the 8. I would've bought it but I need 4 seats :(

And trust me. I'll take good care of her. I've wanted one since I was a kid. To me it looks sooooo good.

I considered that. But they're (sorry for saying this) ugly :P and deep down, they're just family cars with loud exhausts and body kits. They're just... Cars. The RX-8 on the other hand, has been designed from the ground up to be a proper sports car. It wasn't designed to take grandma to see the doc (although I'll be doing that haha). And it looks (kinda) like an exotic. At least compared to civics and evos and STis etc

Yeah everyone says that hahaha. It's just I real excited all the time. Getting this car is like a dream come true to me. But when it comes to responsibility I'm way ahead of other teens. Specially when it comes to cars ;)

And if you can afford a Spirit-R special edition as you said, it means that mom and dad are buying for you. Correct? In that case, you don't have to worry about anything. If mom and dad buy the car, let them eat the costs of maintaining it as well.

I already did. And I will kiss them every day once I get it :D my dads cool with it. He loves cars. It's my mom :( she thinks I'll drive fast and break an arm or something. Or a leg haha :D and she doesn't like the fact that it's a sports car. She wants it to be practical. I showed her the rear seats and now she's cool with it. Just scared that I'll crash.

I considered that. But they're (sorry for saying this) ugly :P and deep down, they're just family cars with loud exhausts and body kits. They're just... Cars. The RX-8 on the other hand, has been designed from the ground up to be a proper sports car. It wasn't designed to take grandma to see the doc (although I'll be doing that haha). And it looks (kinda) like an exotic. At least compared to civics and evos and STis etc

Yeah everyone says that hahaha. It's just I get real excited all the time. Getting this car is like a dream come true to me. But when it comes to responsibility I'm way ahead of other teens. Specially when it comes to cars ;)


I already did. And I will kiss them every day once I get it :D my dads cool with it. He loves cars. It's my mom :( she thinks I'll drive fast and break an arm or something. Or a leg haha :D and she doesn't like the fact that it's a sports car. She wants it to be practical. I showed her the rear seats and now she's cool with it. Just scared that I'll crash.

Darn. How do I delete a post? I made a few mistakes in the first one so I typed a new one and now I can't delete the old one :/

they are? :O I thought they were expensive. I'll check it out. Thanks

Well we do have a few experts on rotaries. So its "ok". Just ok.
The engine won't blow up right? I mean for it to blow up I'll have to do quite a lot of miles in it right?

No sir. I know they need to be maintained regularly. But since it's new, I don't think it'll give me any engine trouble. And since its a series 2, all the issues have been sorted out.... Right? I might be wrong.

Don't delete or edit a post that's been responded to...that makes the thread weird. Juat add another post saying what you meant to say, falling on your sword for the original misinformation.

RX-8 is more of a GT car than a hard riding sports car. Firm, solid ride, but it doesn't beat you up. Safety is excellent. My wife is more of a safety worry-wort than your mom, and she was cool when she saw the safety ratings.

Have fun, and make sure you join the discussion here as an owner.

Ken

i have not driven an R3/spirit R, but i have driven the 3's and a standard Rx8 back to back, and the ride is actually pretty similar between the two, the 8 might be slightly better.

the interior noise between the two is also close, the 8 is probably a little quieter, as the piston engine is kind of noisy/doesn't sound good.

the 3 and the 8 both come from the same people so at normal speed, the steering feel and ride quality are pretty close. the difference between the two cars becomes apparent when you start to go faster

Obviously you haven't done enough research. If you want a fast car, this car is not for you.

Sorry. Im new to the forum. Still getting the hang of this haha.

Yeah it's a great car. To me the interior looks a lot more comfy compared to a 350Z. I love the whole GT concept. A fast, good looking spacious car. It's cool! :ylsuper:

Haha for sure! I'll be definitely joining in :)

THANK YOU :D now that's one complete answer. So then the RX-8 is as comfortable as a family car?

I've spent a lifetime doing research about this car. I know it's not fast. But for me (coming from an 2008 Mazda 3 1.6 that did 0-60 in 12 seconds) this is pretty fast. And where I live, a car that can hit 60 in under 7 seconds is considered super fast.

To me a 350Z is more like a Gallardo (fast but uncomfortable) and an RX-8 is more of like an Aston Martin. All Aston's are slow compared to Lambos and Porsches. But they're way more comfortable. Don't you think an RX-8 is a kind of like a GT car?

Don't you guys think that y'all are enjoying a lot more comfort than all the 350Zs, Evos and STis? And a lot more style? ;)

One of my friend has a Mazda 3 and i drove it a while back, and the ride quality is softer than the rx8. The rx8 is stiffer and that's what i like about it. I like the ride quality of the rx8 than the Mazda 3.

today i test drove an 2010 RX-8 R3 and i found it to be pretty comfortable and handle pretty damn good... coming from the 2012 mazdaspeed3 i was expecting to feel a want for more power but found it didnt leave me wanting ... and can see my next car being an S2 RX-8 .

Whoa. Some say its similar. Some say it's stiffer. I guess I'll have to get the car and find out for myself. It's not uncomfortable right?

i havent found a mazda that uncomfortable to me ... if your comparing to a reg mazda3 you may feel its slightly less comfortable but the rx8 is pretty comfy...

Mazdapunk87 awesome!! I heard that the recaros in the R3 don't have height adjustment. Since you test drove it, can you confirm that?

yeah they dont ...was the only thing i like having is abilty to adjust up and down , but then again it is a Recaro bucket seat

Yeah true. Whatever it is, they're RECAROS :D but the height adjustment thingy might be an issue :(

Speaking of comfort in general, are the Recaros more comfortable than the standard seats?

To me it sounds like this is the car you want. If you pictured and imagine yourself in one of these, then it sounds like your willing to do what it takes to get one. Just realize and understand that you will get burned if you don't read on how to take care of your 8 and above all which we all hate to see is another 8 in the junk yard. If you truly understand what it takes and know what your gonna get yourself into and have the support of your parents to back you up. I say go for it, you'll even learn about responsibility from your 8, (I'm not saying your not) just your young and for me when I was your age I couldn't even care less about taking care of a car. Thank God those days are behind me.

In my honest opinon I think this car handles like a true sportscar with the price tag being very reasonable. I can't honestly say about the mazda3 since I've never driven one, I see them all the time on the road but only see a few 8's and everytime I do it makes me appreciate mine even more.

To me the 350z is actually pretty comfortable. I've sat in one plenty and I like the seats very much. However when I first sat in the Recaro's of the R3 a few days ago. God dam I was like I HAVE to buy this car. The seats were that amazing, at least to me xP

My GF loved how the seats were , she loves them more than standard seats in her opinion.

Yeah I'll do whatever it takes to take care of her. I love that thing way too much. Everyone has a dream car. Ferraris. Lamborghinis. This is my dream car :) And I'm very responsible. Specially when it comes to cars. My current car has only done 7000 miles and it's in showroom condition. When I say "showroom" I mean there's not a single scratch on it. If I get an RX-8 I'll baby it even more! :D Yeah my mom will be supporting. She loves the car too! :D She loves the way it looks and all. But she's a bit worried coz it's kinda fast. Fast compared to what I had haha.

Same here. Plenty of Mazda 3s. And I see an RX-8 like once every 3 months maybe. It's so rare over here. And expensive :(

Oh I don't know much about the 350Z seats coz I've never sat in one of them. I've only read reviews of it. Most people say that it's a bit of a pig to drive and the ride is hard and harsh.

Haha yeah those seats amazing alright. One of the best looking stock seats in a car I've seen. When you get them, paint them in red for that extra bling ;)

Now that's something I wanted to hear :D is she umm... short? Like can she drive it easily?

You choose what you want to hear from my observations

I didn't mean to offend you or anything :( I love the Recaros. And I know now that they're quite comfortable. Thanks to you and the rest who commented on the Recaros :) But my mom will occasionally drive this car and she's not tall. And since the Recaros don't have height adjustment, I might have to get an RX-8 with standard seats. That's why I asked whether your gf can drive it :)

how tall is your mother?

unless she's a dwarf, she should be fine with recaros

I owm both cars

3 is softer, period. Its more of a family car.

8 is much firmer, not as firm as other cars like evo nor 370z, however. Its bareable as dd. As long as u dont go crazy on potholes

She's around 5 feet 4". If she cant drive it, I can't get an RX-8 with Recaros.