efini-17

I dont know what to get... I like the rx8 but I am just not satisfied with the power output. I like everything about the s2000 except for the soft top. I wanted an rx8 becuase I have owned 2 rx7's and really enjoy rotary but its just not the same when it comes to the 8. The 7 and the 8 are 2 totally different cars...

MY QUESTION IS. How much money would it take to give the rx8 a 25 horsepower boost? I have heard that exhaust is almost pointless since mazda tried to maximize performance out of the 1.3 liter n/a without compramizing emmisions or gas milage any further(or reliability lol... damn Apex seals ).

Oh by the way the reason I like the s2k is it reminds me alot of an rx7 without the twin turbo. 2 seater, good top end power, no low end torque, great handling.

I WANT TO ATTAIN HORSEPOWER IN N/A FORM.

Thanks for your time,

Gish

A full exhaust, intake, tune, pullies, etc. will free up what, 3 HP?

Angry Bunny

I went through this exact decision myself. I loved the S2K until a friend of mine bought one before I had ultimately decided on which car I would get.

That's when I rode on the passenger side for the first time, I'm not really tall, just under 6' but I found it very uncomfortable. I had no idea how to sit when the top has up. There is no door armrest with the top up, with the top down you have the door itself to lean on.

Not having a backseat is what killed it for me. By the way, my friend will not be keeping his S2K when his lease expires either. he says it's just to confining.

Don't worry, if you do go with the 8 you'll still get plenty of speeding tickets.

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

The 8's awesome because it eats gas, consumes oil, and depreciates like a bitch! I love it

laythor

if you want power then s2k.
if you want EVERYTHING else that makes a car fun to drive, rx8

Ike

If you're not satisfied with the stock power another 25 hp should keep you happy for about a month before you're not satisfied with that...

efini-17

Well actually im six foot three and am pretty comfortable in the s2000. are you serious about getting only three horsepower out of all those upgrades? i should also mention that i would like a car that i could autocross And track once in a while. i know the s2000 With just minor upgrades can hold its own at the track what about rx8? What im trying to say is i dont need the fastest car. just something that can compete with the e46 m3,350z, Those type of cars. is the rx8 Capable of 25 More hp?

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

The thing with the RX-8 is that all the parts on it are very well refined so that's the reason why aftermarket parts barely add any power to it. For example, an intake adds about 2 hp, exhaust would also be another 2 hp. You're basically getting 1 horsepower for every $100 you spend on a mod.

TheKDog

rx8

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

the rx8 is capable of alot more than 25 horsepower more, it will take alot more $$ though. Test drive them both and you decide, i would go with the s2000 if youre looking to put horsepower on for cheaper, but the RX8 is more of a car than the s2000; better looking, handling, interior, 2 back seats, better sound, more unique, etc. But its expensive to mod for high gains and its .3 tenths slower than an s2000 on a quarter mile, which are important to you. + 1 S2000

PSUGreySreet

Priceless!! This has someone's signature written all over it!

skrubol

iTrader: (1)

If you're 6'3 I'd recommend against an RX8 with a sunroof. I'm 6'2" and spike my hair, and it hits the roof and is annoying. At 6'3 I think you'd have trouble fitting a helmet for AutoX.

9291150

If you're not happy with the power of an 8 - which isn't great by today's standards - than why go for an S2000? The diff. certainly isn't significant.

rglbegl

For auto-x, the RX8 is almost perfect. I will let the racing pros fill you in with the details. we have a couple highly ranked drivers here.


As for power . . . if you want power, get something else.
If you want a fun to drive car . . get the 8

4me2

I am so glad the RX8 has 4 seats. There isn't any good looking sports car in this price range that does.

delhi

You should check out the Competition Forums here to get a handle on how well the RX-8 is on tracks and autoX. Very little needs to be done if any. As others have written, 240hp (non-SAE measurement) vs. 232hp (SAE) ain't gonna make a diff. S2k is more focused. But lack the daily drive ability. Think of the RX-8 as a cross b/t S2k's racing prowess with a 3-series daily driving pleasure.
The 8 is a capable sports car. Question is are you a capable driver to exploit it?

musclecarconvrt

X2

costello

Here's my take as I own and have tracked the RX-8:
Don't get the sunroof if you're tall. If you're going to track/autocross it then you'll need the extra clearance for the helmet. Track days and local autocrosses are all about driver. The 8 definately can hold it's own. Good tires and brakes and it can run with the higher HP cars.

HPDE's are not races and you'll be out there with people with varying skill levels and vehicle prep levels. The better you can maintain corner speed, the better you'll be able to keep up/be faster than higher HP cars. If you're new, it doesn't matter what you drive. A better driver in a Civic will close in on you in the corners.

The RX-8 has very good balance and is a joy to drive at the track. It can turn in early and hug the corners better than a lot of cars. Downside is that it doesn't have the straight line acceleration of 350Z so if you can't corner fast, then you'll be really slow.

Also look into the requirements for the club/organization you plan on tracking with. Some may require a roll bar for the S2000. Some allow the stock configuration.

S2000 will feel the similar to an RX-8 around the track. You won't notice much of difference in power delivery. You'll notice much more a power difference if you compare it to a 350Z or an M3. The S2000 has a tighter steering ratio so it feels pretty nimble on the autocross track compared to the 8 (it also weighs less so that helps). Stock springs on an RX-8 feel soft compared to the S2000.

SkyLee

Mods i have a MS CAI and RB exhaust and im getting about 7 hp out of it makes it a little faster u can tell.

jones75254

iTrader: (2)

+1

Now what other car can exhibit these traits and be as beloved as it is by its owners???

Shini

I can understand wanting to compare the 8 to a 350z, but an M3??

V Vette

iTrader: (-1)

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

i think the best car to compare the 8 with is a g35 coupe; 4 seats, similar power and layouts, way different engines and torque but i think theyre more alike than say a z or an m3! Sorry, random comment.

rowteree

if you're really looking for something to mod then the s2k or the rx8 isn't for you because no matter what you really do to it, it wont get any faster.

i have an after market exhaust, pulley, drop in filter, sticky tires and it's still only slightly faster then when it first came from the dealer. My best guess with the all the after market stuff that i have is only 3-4 horsepower gain. You're best bet if you wanna get power out of the rx-8 is either going turbo, nitrous, or super charged.

s2k is a different car so i wouldn't know too much about it. I hear its easier gaining power on those things than it is on the rx-8

Spinning Sushi

iTrader: (21)

Aftermarket parts for the S2000 are expensive just like for our cars. I say go with an Evo.