rx-8 or evo viii
 

i need your advise.
i have an rx-8 and im considering selling it for an evo 8....any advise on what i should do ...please try not to be biased like the evo owners where .I know the rx-8 is better looking and smoother and rear wheel drive..
help

2 different cars imo. The young buck inside says go with evo 8 but smart mature person says sexy rx8.

Drive them both and see what feels best to you. You probably know all the differences, pay attention to them while you test drive and see what you think. It's a matter of personal choice.

02 M3

ask yorself if u want a heavy box with 4 wheels with not much in the looks department.....indeed this car has good performance, but to me its more bout feel rather than numbers, the 8 just feels more fun n unique, to me dat is......the bias is evident, i know.

Saw a 03 M3 WITH 65K miles for 30k...

test drive? i think that's all you would need and a long hard decision that only you can answer.

its about deciding what you want more. list your pros and cons.

Ask Ike.

well said, just what i was thinking

If you want fast and UGLY, get the Evo..If you want nibble and sharp lookin, get the 8,

If power and torque are an important part of the driving experience you're seeking, get the Evo.

If I say go with the Crossfire will I get banned?

Only if whiney boy reports your post

If you want to be fast, get the EVO.

The EVO outperforms the Rx8 in every category.

I like the rotary engine, style, and ease of operation of the rx8...very unique car.

Out of the box AND potential wise..the EVO wins hands down in performance.

But yes, of course, test drive.

No just shot :shooter:

It still strikes me as odd that people would consider either or. Both are completely different cars, good at what they each do but so different. As you know as an 8 owner, you have what may be the smoothest powerplant available. The Evo is potent, but it’s a blown 2.0 four, so expect turbo lag and some roughness. The Evo has been criticized for an econocar interior, a rock-hard ride and general loudness, all traits that are strengths of the 8.

As for performance stats, the Evo may be the best bang for the buck out there. But outside of straightline acceleration, I’d argue the 8 is a better performer. It is lighter, has a lower center of gravity, much better weight distribution, double wishbones vs. struts, etc…all stuff you can feel. It comes close to the Evo’s recorded skidpad numbers without the bone-jarring ride, and I can quote better lane change and braking numbers. Plus, for all they say about the 8’s pathetic mileage, Car & driver recorded a 19mpg combined with the 8 vs. a combined 14mpg with the Evo.

And then you got the subjective stuff. A rear wheel drive car handles very differently than an all wheel drive car, so what do you prefer? And looks is important to many, again, what do you prefer. This stuff you gotta decide.

Go get the EVO

The Evo isn't for everyone, it has some rough edges and many people would probably hate it as a daily driver. However, if you want to rip up the streets or a roadcourse it doesn't get much more fun than an Evo. The steering is remarkable, quick, light, and telepathic. Understeer is almost nonexistent unlike many other AWD cars. The ride is harsh, if you take one for a test drive see if you can drive it on some roads you drive regularly. The interior isn't pretty but it's very well designed, you instantly feel at home when you sit down, everything is where it should be and the seats are the best I've ever been in. I average a little under 20mpg and I'm on the boost pretty regularly and have been doing a lot of city driving, I also have 300whp...

So, if you want the best performance but don't mind giving up a more compliant ride, a prettier interior/exterior, and some luxury get yourself an Evo. The Evo also has some things that it's more practical with such as AWD in bad weather and more storage. If you're second guessing the Evo because of the ride and lack of amenities the STI may be a better choice.

Here's a video that may help a bit, if you find yourself wanting the S4 after watching this video then your RX-8.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/110652/top_gear/

There are some great Evo videos out there. If you can stomach the looks and only care about performance by yourself a Dodge Neon, er I mean Evo! Why did they make such a nice car so damn ugly. I can almost stomach the STI but the EVO's spoiler is SILLY! DUMB! Make it stop!

I used to dream over the S4(highest theft rate in America), then I got my rear wheel drive rx8. It really is fun to -snap- the car around corners or pull it back in by going faster. I always wondered about RWD. In NH it's hard to do unless you have the cash to buy snows($1300 for me) in addition to the car. The RX8 is really fun to drive and a pleasure to look at. I don't see anyone but fellow gearheads admiring the Evo, that's not a bad thing though.

My next car will probably be a convertible Z or M3 but I'm not giving up my 8. Then again my wife wants a Solstice or a FJ Cruiser.

-- :)

the evo is a rally car, thus the wing makes complete sense. i personally like the styling of the evo vii and up but i would be curious to see if it is a definite age that makes people enjoy the evo and sti. my guess most of the older generation hates the wing (not always so though because i've seen a baby boomer with a loud silver one around town.) I DO have a question though as a non-turbo owner, why is the simple addition of a down pipe able to add so much more horsepower to that car with some simple tuning??? now i understand how a turbo back exhaust with net a ton of gain, but why a downpipe and why doesn't mitsu just add a decent down pipe right off the line???

(sorry to high jack the thread)

Keep the 8 until the Evo X comes out. Much better looking car IMO.

The downpipe removes a cat and is larger diameter so more air flows. It's pretty rare for people to just add a downpipe on the Evo, usually it's TBE or catback.

The EVO is telepathic? I have to get one of these if it can read people's minds.

Actually the steering reads your mind so you can drive without touching the steering wheel. It's quite amazing! :hahano:

Ill say it again: Evo= UGLY+Fast; RX8=Nimble+Beauty...

'62 Checker Marathon.

If you have the cash check out the 420hp RS 4

there's where my turbo logic is flawed, i thought the downpipe was the actual piping between the exhaust manifold to the rear turbo, then from the turbo on to a cat then a muffler.

It depends on the car, turbos are not always in the same place on various car models. On the Evo the part you're refering to is the O2 housing, it's the Uppipe on the Suby cars. The Downpipe is usually the first part of a TBE.

What makes you want an EVO anyway? Ther ehas to be areason you chose it.

I don't see it being just for power, because there are a lot of other choices for the price.
________
VAPOR INFO

Everyone saw what you said the first time, and nothing has changed, nobody cares.

I have driven both, no wait, I have spent considerable time on-track with both, and I can say, handling wise, the RX8 is right up there. The power nod goes to the Evo though.

Personally, I have the Evo, but have a sweet spot for the RX8. I jump in one any chance I get, reminds me of a very well balanced car. I especially like Phlash's or L8px, who have coil-overs and other suspension mods.

It comes down to this, the Evo is a great car, but if being an older (32) person, it doesn't portray the professional image I need at work. The RX8 would. Also, like I said, it is daily drivable, and will still hold up against any of the other sports coupes on track.

Check the SE forum, there is a ton of good videos.

I stood in almost an exact same situation. My bind was between a white 06 sti or a black 06 shinka. When it came to power, the sti's and evo's HANDS DOWN! AWD is great and all, but who can't adore the marvelousness of RWD cars? In all honesty, the aesthetic appeal (interior and exterior) of the rx8 and renesis engine won my money.

i own an Evo IX, and i've driven and rode in the rx8 for considerable amount of time.

that said, the Evo's just a beast in every performance category....acceleration, handling, stopping, moddability...all that with 4 doors and 5 comfortable seats...it's also what many critics consider the best performance for the dollar at any level.

downside: ride more harsh than rx8 (though by no means unbearable), econo car interior (almost the same as base lancer), and an exterior that only its mother could love.

i guess if u can stand the look (i love the way Evo's look), and u want all out performance, the Evo's currently the best performance for the buck on the market.

the Evo IX comes with 250-270whp, and with a reflash, boost controller, and downpipe/exhaust u're looking at 330whp...all for around $1,500.

watch the video from top gear, with the Evo fq400 vs. Lambo murci. fq400 is basically a 330-350whp Evo....and that is very easily attainable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ZWJ...%20vs.%20lambo

the rx8 is very balanced, and one can feel that just by driving normally on the streets. (i thought the chassis wasn't rigid enough, however, but i digress) however the Evo achieves the same or better handling characteristics with its awd grip. like someone said, it exhibits very little understeer for a AWD car, and for the IX u can lift-throttle oversteer quite easily at the limits.

basically if u want performance, u can't go wrong with an Evo.

if u prefer the rx8's class and sleek/beautiful exterior tylings as well as an interior that matches its price tag, and the uniquenss and rev-happiness of the Renesis, then go for it.

IMHO :)

Ike's review of the EVO is actually pretty unbiased.

The question was asked and still remains ongoing..some one cares!

Depends, What are you going to do with the car?
Track and Autocross the EVO hands down.
drive long distance in comfort and ease RX-8
Chase Chicks? Probably better choice out there than either car.

Don't you have a sewer grate as a licence plate holder?

Saw your video's, nice driving! You and the Evo were wicked fast.

Always appreciate perspectives from skilled drivers.

EVO has nice performance features..i guess..but if one wants a real car I'd have to say the RX8

besdies... when you step on the ga and go to WOT in the rx8.. you dont get 4MPG LIKE YOU DO IN THE EVO.. thats fucking pathetic.

What are you talking about, I have about 300whp and go wot many times a day and get nearly 20mpg, drive the RX-8 like I do my Evo and you'd be lucky to get that.

This is turning into an ESPN like over analysis show.

An EVO is really fast out of the blocks I assume even faster with typical mods. I see them go by me on the track routinely. I see them hang with C06s and let the Z06s go by after a few laps. Fast fast fast for the price.

Drive them and make a decision. What is important to you? Make a list and compare these two and a few others to that list.

any car with the speed of the fq400 gets that much at WOT.

learn before u post any more, noob.

Well put. Very good listing of compromises and advantages for the Lancer Evolution.

Like most people said here, take a test drive. If you're buying performance cars, you MUST test drive your choices.

You should get a machine that speaks to you. Try not to go by numbers, but by feel and how it will fit in into your life.

As for me, I got the RX-8 because it's fun, has decent performance, has decent amenities, and is easy to drive fast. It just has a nice balance.

If performance was more important to me however, I'd opt for the Lancer Evolution. It's also nice to know you can rip apart ALMOST any car on the street with this machine. I took a test drive, the power delivery is ferocious when the turbo spools up. Tracking is very precise, but I feel there's definitely a higher learning curve on this car than the RX-8. I personally find it harder to drive fast and well on this car. It's probably worth the learning curve though.

If you feel like you need something in between the two, perhaps Subaru Legacy 2.5GT (underrated car IMO) or STi as Ike suggested? Or even Mazdaspeed 6, which seems to compete with Legacy 2.5GT. Subaru likely has the upper hand on AWD tech however.

Bang for you buck has to go to the Evo and then the STI, they just have enormous performance for the price. One thing I would consider about the Evo is it does not come with side impact air bags. I know performance is king for many but it my experience the more power you have in a car the more you like to open it up when you can. You get T-Boned in an Evo and it could be bad, T-Boned in an STI or 8 not so bad. I haven’t seen it mentioned so just wanted to add that nugget.

If you don’t mind used and you have over 30k to spend there is always a 2002-2003 e46 M3 not as raw as the Evo but just as fast (stock and little or no modability so if that’s what you like go for an Evo) has some nice luxury and is attractive (also holds its value well dammit!). If you want a good all around versatile car with a coupe appearance nothing else to get except an 8.

the guy has more posts than your whopping 37., not that i agree with what he said, but learn to look at the details, noob.

dude get a geo metro... 3 cylinders' of fury!

I actually test drove the EVO and was very impressed, those seats are amazing, but i would not enjoy a long ride in them. I drive atleast 45 minutes to work and about 1.5 hours back home due to traffic.. i would much prefer staring at a nice interior and comfy leather seats over the bucket seats of the Evo.

The Evo by far have the most performance mods, but keep in mind it is now one of the top 10 stolen cars. That made me uneasy in some of the areas i go, especially around work.

the Rx-8 would have no problems due to theft, WTF would a person do with our renesis ? hehe


go test drive it and compare :)

The Evo has the 2nd most theft claims per 100 cars, it is not in the top 10 stolen cars. It's almost impossible to steal an Evo without putting it on a flatbed. The high percentage of theft claims I'm sure has a lot to do with the fact that Evos often have lots of upgraded parts (often stereos as well) that might attract thieves.

is it true the HID's are fairly easy to steal?