my-8

Need some help on deciding a few things here.

Here is my quandary:

I never had a RX before, never mind a Mazda. Never got a chance to actually see or get in a real RX-8 yet. Test drove the last generation RX-7 and thought it was the bomb. I do not recall if it was turbo or not but it got up to 120 real fast on a demo ride on the freeway. My leg caught the bottom of the wheel because I was hitting the brakes. The car went almost out of control but I got it back because the car is THAT compliant.

For those who know what I am talking about, do you think I will be in a much better position to AVOID that kind of predicament?

And is there more room than the Z? I was rather comfy in the 350Z during my gear shifting extravaganza!

Please chime in.

Thanks!

Dave

Sputnik

Sounds like the problem was that the nut behind the wheel was loose, which would carry over to whichever car you get.

---jps

eccles

As long as you don't get the base model without Dynamic Stability Control, and as long as you don't turn the DSC off, the car should be able to help you protect both you and itself from yourself.

Edge

Tilt steering wheel should also help with that, and we've got numerous 6+ footers who've claimed excellent leg room. I'm guessing from your post that you're tall and hit the wheel because you were too bunched up in the 7? If not then maybe some lessons are in order?

my-8

You got it right, Edge!

That should straighten out this other 'nutty' concept that it is an ability issue!

Let's get back on track!

Edge

I drove an early Miata (~94 range) for a while and just barely fit in that. I then got into a 97 and found that something had been changed about the seat/wheel/pedal ralationship. Since the wheel still couldn't tilt, I actually could not physically drive the car. I found the same problem in the early 300Z. The problem was my knee hit the wheel before the clutch was all the way up. If I moved back further, I couldn't put the clutch to the floor and my arms were over extended to the wheel. To solve the arm problem I'd have to sit up straighter which then put my head into the headliner.

Everything I've heard makes it sound like this won't be an issue in the 8. More head clearance is available without the moonroof (1/2-1 inch).

my-8

When I test drove the 350Z a few weeks ago, I had no problems braking or clutching. Same thing for the NSX a few years ago as well as the 911 Turbo of yester-year.

When I tried the Miata and the Honda S2000, you practically had to shoe-horn me out of the machine. And forget about braking or shifting.

When I get behind most vehicles, its actually a real pain to get caught up at the bottom of the wheel. It doesn't make a good sell no matter how thrilling the car may look or run.

8_wannabe

DSC will only do so much; it won't protect you from idiocy. My-8: Do me a favor. Please post when/where you are taking your next demo ride so I can make a point of not being there. I don't appreciate you endangering me and my family for your cheap thrills.

Edge

YO did you even read the rest of the thread. Duh!

8_wannabe

Actually, I did and I read "Test drove the last generation RX-7 and thought it was the bomb. I do not recall if it was turbo or not but it got up to 120 real fast on a demo ride on the freeway." This is what I responded to. What is your problem with that?

Edge

The rest of this thread moved quickly from lack of skills handling a car at that speed to lack of ability to fit in the car and properly control it due to length of leg / position of wheel / position of brake / position of clutch. I've had similar problems in 300Z and late M1 Miatas, although never had to prove it to myself with a test drive.

Sorry, forgot about the 120 bit. 'Course other test drive reports have described hitting 100+ and being very surprised, but happy with the controllability of the vehicle.

I reacted too vehemently on an assumption this was a continuation of the original, "you're not skilled enough to drive the car and need lessons," instead of guessing you took issue with driving a car 120 on a freeway.

RotaryStalker

Oh I've had the fitting problem. I'm 6'4" with 36" legs 200 lbs.

When I bought my 93 R1 I sat in it for an hour trying to decide if there was enough room. The problem that I didn't notice then showed itself pretty quickly. With the clutch out and turning to the left my left hand wouldn't be able to pass my knee. So while turning I would have to walk my left hand back up the wheel. A real pain in the ***. But that wasn't the killer for me. My main problem was that the R1 didn't have cruise control so after driving for about an hour I would get muscle spasms in the muscle on my right shin area. Hurt like a mother. I'd actually have to pull over most of the time to massage it.

Sat in a 96 NSX years ago and had plenty of room. It's like sitting in a lounge chair in that car.

When I sit in the 8 I'm going to be sure that the other problems I experienced in the 7 won't apply otherwise I'll have to pass on the car.

RotaryStalker

Lex

Is 36" the length or circumference?

P00Man

wow, that must suck, thats why they need telescoping wheels so you could move the seat as far back as needed, then adjust the wheel till your arms were comfy
________
SHIP SALE

jtimbck2

That was rude.

RotaryStalker

LOL Lex.. actually at 39 I still have a 32" waist.. There's pretty much very little fat on me.. except in one important area...

RotaryStalker

my-8

*******
Just keep your happy little *** in Ja Jolla and things will be just fine!!