RX-8 for a week; question
 

We had a red auto equipped tranny '05 rx-8 lent to us for the week, very cool car. Before driving one it was my 2nd favorite car, behind the WRX STi (had ridden in an STi but never driven :) ). Anyways, I can see why people bash the auto and just the thought of hearing that beautiful engine at 9k rpm is awesome. 7500 still is pretty cool :p . Unfortunatly I live in Michigan and it still had its summer rubber on so it is out of play even wtih a light dusting. With a 6 ft driver (me) there was no room for a rear passenger behind me, but it was comfortable to bring along 2 friends since the passenger can move up their seat which is cool. Trunk space was impressive and you can always throw crap in the rear seats which is nice. Also the looks you receive in this thing are insane; sure an RX330 SUV can probably outrun it to 60 mph but driving around downtown.. wow :) The blind spots are truely horrible (Im surprised more magazines dont mention this, it was worse than the Magnum!), and I (6 ft) banged my head when going over bumps on the ceiling. Obviously the lack of torque coupled with the 4-speed slushbox is a horrible combo, but Ive never driven real "sports car" before and the handling is very nice. It had the GT package with the xenons and 18s etc; never experienced the DSC but I didn't want to try anything to drastic. Anyways, a question, the steering felt very heavy. I normally drive a 05 Legacy GT, which has excellent steering and puts the 8 to shame in terms of accelleration (and its a station wagon :D sure doesnt get as many looks but I love it!), but when driving the rx-8, while the ratio did feel quick, the whole feel seemed unnaturally tough for a sports car. It sure ain't a michigan car, or atleast it's a "summer car" but its nice and Id love to drive a 6-spd and listen to that beoootiful engine!

Yea, the 6 speed is a whole different world than the AT. Feels so much faster and more powerful! See if you can at least test drive a 6 speed--I'm sure you'll be even more impressed.

FS

P.S. Are RX330's that fast?

Mags claim RX-330 is about 7.8 and I think the rx-8 auto is around 8 seconds to 60. (I know the 33 is faster than our old V8 explorer (yet it gets the same mileage and is lighter!)). I still do enjoy driving the 8 more :D but both RX's are good. The 8's gigantic first gear definetly takes getting used to, especially wtih power up-high.

Have fun, fun, fun, SubaruFlamingo.
One thing I learned on this board was how best to adjust the outside mirrors to cut down on blind spots. I've done that on all my cars now.

Did u say u had an auto? Why even write a review?

Ummm ... for us AT owners?

why not..... so ppl wont buy the auto :D

Here's one reason you want to live in the UK.... :p

The lower powered version here is 189bhp (192ps), lower than the US, but it has a 5MT and gets to 60 in 7.2 so is not a great deal slower than the high power (6.4).

Reports from owners suggest that there is not much difference between the two versions, and because the 192 version has slightly more torque (162lb/ft vs. 156lb/ft) its easier in town.

Plus the 192 has the same equipment as the higher power, bar Xenons and the 6MT. Both get 6CD Bose, 18" Wheels, Climate Control, DSC, and LSD :D

The steering may feel "heavier" than your Subaru, but the 8 responds very quicky to steering inputs. That is the epitomy of a true sports car. You don't want light steering on a sports car that responds quickly since it would make for a sloppy carver. This is why your Subaru will fall behind through a set of twisties.

I find the steering to be some of the best I have ever driven. So does everyone else that has driven it. It is heavy, but I find that too be a good thing. You never feel out of control. It always feels like you are telling the car what to do exactly. I have driving in cars where you can turn the steering wheel with one finger, I don't find them comfortable. I have spent a lot of time on motorcycles (not a harley, real motorcycles that zoom :) in my life. So far, the 8 is the closest thing to riding a sport bike I have found on 4 wheels.

thread turning into Auto vs Manual hatefest in 3....2....1..... :p

:D :D :D Kaaboom!!! :D :D :D

- Irish :cool:

I guess that does make sense about the steering, but Im guessing a LGT could atleast hold its own in the twisties with an 8. Say herro to my leetle friend TORQUE :D I wouldnt sound as cool as you guys though :/ (how do you type what a rotary sounds like? rrrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRRRR :P)

Hogwash! I love the sound of the Boxer, it all depends on what you like, one of the main reasons I bought a WRX is because of my love for the boxer rumble. The Legacy GT can be a very capable handler, but it needs a couple tweaks, most importantly tires.

I test drove a LGT, and although it had great power and torque (more then the 6mt, so against auto it's not even comparable), it doesn't compare in handling, nor should it. It's a luxury sports sedan, not a sports car. This is where the criticism of the rx8 comes from: Trying to compare it to something made for a completely different person. Any subaru PERIOD should not be compared to the rx8. I cannot bash the auto rx8 because it's needed to keep the hopes of rx8 succeeding. The car needs a user friendly version that everyday people will buy. Mazda will cure the problem for people who want auto, but are disappointed in performance. All in due time. I'd never criticize my rx8 vs my STI in performance, because it's simply unfair, just as it is to criticize the STi to rx8 in looks and refinement. Each car is built to suit one's needs, and it's purely subjective based onwhat you want out of a car. :)

I feel sorry for all those lightweights who don't have as much torque as my car. Why didn't they buy an AT if they wanted a real car?

Juuuuuuussst kidding. :p

Yeah, I do love the boxer sound, but the rotary is so cool sounding! :p Yeah I guess you cant directly compare them, but the LGT does have many "sportscar" components. (And yes, you can take it another step forward, Forester XT 0-60 5.3 sec :D, sure wouldnt wanna corner in that though!)

The steering on the 8 is great I think. That is what a sports car supposed to be. I actually would like it to be a bit harder to be on par with my BMW 530iS. A few years ago BMW made the steering lighter on the 3-series and that brought tons of outrage and they tightened it up in 2002. And they offered exsting customers free upgrade to the tighter steering.