RX-8 to replace E46 M3 Coupe?
03-01-2005, 01:05 PM
#26
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I went from a 2001 911 (modded) to a 2004 RX8 (modded). Having the turbo kit on here makes a world of difference in the midrange torque. My modded suspension feels as good as my 911 setup (stage 1 factory sports suspension, that honestly blew away my friends M3, even he admitted). I upgraded the brakes with a simple brakeline swap (got rid of the mushiness in a big way) & upgraded brake pads (didn't feel the difference).
I just ook my parents to the airport last night (3 adults with 2 "regular suitcases & 1 cary on), and there was no way I could have done that with my 911 or an M3.
I just ook my parents to the airport last night (3 adults with 2 "regular suitcases & 1 cary on), and there was no way I could have done that with my 911 or an M3.
03-01-2005, 03:31 PM
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I went from an e36 M3 to the RX-8. Actually, I was about to buy an e46 M3 but decided on the RX-8 instead. One of the reasons was because the RX-8 felt much more agile compared to the e46 M3.
If you're into prestige and other peoples perception, going from the M3 to the RX-8 might seem like a step down. But I could care less about what others think. Regardless, the M3 is a great car.
If you're into prestige and other peoples perception, going from the M3 to the RX-8 might seem like a step down. But I could care less about what others think. Regardless, the M3 is a great car.
03-01-2005, 05:31 PM
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Actually, I wouldn't consider the RX8 a downgrade at all. It's a superior car in many ways, inferior in some other ways. They are so different that they are hard to compare.
I just swapped an E46 330i for my RX8. I was also considering a new E46 M3, new 330i ZHP or a new Nissan 350Z but opted for the RX8 because it has better balance and weight distribution. It's also a much lighter car and is more tossable for things like autocross and track use.
And I picked up my new 2004 RX8 for 23K which is less than half the price of a new M3. You can't beat that.
So no, you are not crazy for wanting to switch from the E46 M3 to the RX8.
I just swapped an E46 330i for my RX8. I was also considering a new E46 M3, new 330i ZHP or a new Nissan 350Z but opted for the RX8 because it has better balance and weight distribution. It's also a much lighter car and is more tossable for things like autocross and track use.
And I picked up my new 2004 RX8 for 23K which is less than half the price of a new M3. You can't beat that.
So no, you are not crazy for wanting to switch from the E46 M3 to the RX8.
Originally Posted by wquiles
I REALLY like my current car. For years I lusted about owning the "legend", and for the last 18 months I have. I got the SMG-II paddle shifter, 333HP, great torque , great handling, superb brakes, etc.. This car is totally awesome !!!
However, my wife and I have a 4-month old baby girl and we are thinking about having a second child, so the 2-door coupe (and high monthly payment) is no longer that practical.
I had a second gen RX-7 (1987) that I still miss so I went and test drove the new RX-8 late last year, although for only about 10 minutes. It was not equal to my M3 (which is not fair since the RX-8 is half as expensive), but it was pretty good, and it felt lighter and nimbler than my car (makes sense since the RX-8 is about 500 pounds lighter).
Yes, the difference in power and torque was pretty big, and I had to wound up the Renesis a lot, but it was a very decent car to me. I would have to improve on the brake feel (not bad at all, but mushy compared to my upgraded M3 brake setup) and I would have to get used to the rear visibility in the RX-8 (either I am used to the M3 or the M3 does have better rear visibility), but I found the car very good for the price. Plus I really miss having a rotary engine !!!
I looked into the Evo Mitsubishi and the Subaru STI but although those offer higher "raw" performance, I did not like the overall package as much as the RX-8. My wife found the RX-8 too small for her (it is smaller than the M3 coupe, no question about that), but the rear doors on the RX-8 look pretty practical to me. Anyone with small kids here who owns an RX-8?
So, am I completely nuts for wanting to downgrade from my dream (but very expensive) M3 to a very good and afordable car like the RX-8?
However, my wife and I have a 4-month old baby girl and we are thinking about having a second child, so the 2-door coupe (and high monthly payment) is no longer that practical.
I had a second gen RX-7 (1987) that I still miss so I went and test drove the new RX-8 late last year, although for only about 10 minutes. It was not equal to my M3 (which is not fair since the RX-8 is half as expensive), but it was pretty good, and it felt lighter and nimbler than my car (makes sense since the RX-8 is about 500 pounds lighter).
Yes, the difference in power and torque was pretty big, and I had to wound up the Renesis a lot, but it was a very decent car to me. I would have to improve on the brake feel (not bad at all, but mushy compared to my upgraded M3 brake setup) and I would have to get used to the rear visibility in the RX-8 (either I am used to the M3 or the M3 does have better rear visibility), but I found the car very good for the price. Plus I really miss having a rotary engine !!!
I looked into the Evo Mitsubishi and the Subaru STI but although those offer higher "raw" performance, I did not like the overall package as much as the RX-8. My wife found the RX-8 too small for her (it is smaller than the M3 coupe, no question about that), but the rear doors on the RX-8 look pretty practical to me. Anyone with small kids here who owns an RX-8?
So, am I completely nuts for wanting to downgrade from my dream (but very expensive) M3 to a very good and afordable car like the RX-8?
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