First reaction was to blaze you in flames and leave you to smolder in the stupidity of the opinions you choose to consider outside of a true source like this forum (ie your honda "friend").

Then i thought, hell you should at least be given straight answers.

Yes, it's a wonderfully fun car to drive. But in order to get a true answer, instead of asking someone else their opinion... (now watch out, gonna hit you with some pretty abstract, far out thinking here) go test drive one yourself.

Your friend with the honda... lied. VTEC: Virtually Torqueless Economy Car.

"Stupid Rotary Engine" comments are made by people that do not understand how the car works. Kinda like someone calling a black person a "stupid N*****" yet they have never once met nor even so much as spoken to a black person.

So, what should you do? Well, you have a couple options: Remain ignorant and bottom feed off the comments made by those who don't know a single thing about the car which you are asking, except what crap they've been regurgitating from other know-nothings. Or, you could get personally involved with that which you are curious and learn about the car in every way possible. Coming here was a great start but the best answers about how the car performs, feels, fun factor, etc can only be gained by you experiencing th car first hand.

btw, show these to your honda friend:

 

If you don't care about straight line racing, then why did you mention it in your original post talking about the Si and Turbo 8?

To answer the question I think the Rx8 is a superb car, but there's always a good and bad side to every car. Other people have said it, test drive one and see how you like it. I suggest you do more research before you decide on getting an 8. You don't want to be disappointed after getting it, and find out its not what you thought it would be.

 

Whats so special about VTEC anyway? even my Honda FIT has VTEC ROFL ! and its a cheap car.

people who talked crap about rotary engine does not know how it actually works. go ahead and ask them, what do they know about rotary engine. the answer u'll get it "well errm I dont know, I heard that they sux *****, yea it suck *****"

 

Trix - This happens to basically every new person who whispers anything about straight line speed. Saying "straight line" will get your throat ripped out over here.

Anyways, RX-8s come stock running 14.5s at best. The rotary certainly is anything but heavy, it's lighter than almost any other engine out there. The problem is it lacks low end torque unlike the civic. Off the line you are going to be burned by just about anything.

Where the RX-8 shines is through the corners. It's a very easy car to drive around a track, it will save you when you screw up unless you drive it off a cliff or something.

That's why people on this forum get so defensive when someone talks about buying the car for dragging.

Next, if you're young, people automatically default to a stereotype of "you're a ricer, your reckless, you're immature, you street race, your using mommy's money, you drink and drive, etc". Unfortunately there is really no way around this at all. Even if your a goddamn congressman, if your 17, you will be treated like a child. That's just the way it works around here.

My advice is to type in perfect grammar and do tons of research so you know the cars pros and cons in terms of performance and practicality.

To answer your original question - The combination of innovative comfort and styling, tactile handling, and light feel make the RX-8 a great car for me.

 

Variable valve timing is unique to Honda and gives them an effect similar to having a turbo.

(God, I wish I could remember where I heard that)

 

R rX8'z gud CarRz!!!?? l0l

 

I know what Vtec is, jeeze. who you think u're talking to ! I am the God of Search ! LOL !!!!!

In my point of view, its something like the ETCS found in the Supra.

but my point was, Vtec is so "cheap" that it exist in every god damn Honda cars which makes it nothing special. LOL !

 

VVT is not unique to honda...

as for straight line racing... think about it like this:

Having a car that is only good at 1/4 mile racing is like having a p0rn-star sized **** yet you've got AIDS.

 

I think you should go buy a honda

 

 

Yes, the very heavy rotary and the dense and heavy carbon fiber driveshaft adds a ton of weight to the already portly 8.

 

From another perspective since you are young.

First off, peer pressure will get you into serious trouble. It seems to be in this case, those your age knowing so little of this car, so here are some straight up realistic facts.

The engine is so small it will fit basically inside a 5 gallon paint bucket, but the power emitted, although not that of a V8 or even a 6 really, is uncanny. It has a 50/50 weight distribution that gives you undeniably the best handling capability in any situation, but if you are not careful it can kill you at the same time. It shifts like butter, something that you will just have to feel to understand. It's every mans dream of having something that he can really wind out and not only hear but feel the power under his seat, and at his hands. They are point and go. Where you put it it will go, no play in the wheel, nothing. Curves are its best friend..The way they hug the road is absolutely unimaginable...and she gives you the peace of mind that can be described as mind boggling....This car was made for the consummate driver.Its not a toy, its a well tuned well oiled, very dynamic machine in every sense of the word. Some might even admit it's a close comparison to great sex.

If you find it impossible to keep from just getting in anything and going, whether it be to the corner store or across country, then this is the car for you. That means you fit into that league. Yes..There are different leagues of driver's out there. It's something you need to learn now, if you ever want to be respected in any way shape or form, whether it be here, or any other car forum...

If driving is just a chore, and not something you really itch ti do no matter what it is, look elsewhere. You are making an investment. It will change who you are as a person and a driver.

She'll also become your mistress. She is high maintenance, and requires some focus and dedication to understand how she works and what makes her happy. Anyone here can attest to that.

So....with all of that said,......think about the questions that you ask here, and use your time to read and if you still don't understand something, dont hesitate to ask. I believe there are some 30K members just here that love the same thing you do. Think about what you could learn.

I'll start you off...... Mazda put 9 airbags in this car. Safety first.

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA this thread is hilarious, thanks guys

 

It was a joke. First part is just based on how much the Honda guys celebrate VTEC, and I think I read the turbo part on a forum somewhere. Made me lol.

 

...before I had my driver's license, all I wanted was a Candy Apple Red Mazda RX-7. That was 25 years ago. I finally bought my "dream" car and it absolutely LOVE it. I am not into racing or tricking out my ride, but I spend a minimum of 2-3 hours in my car every day in stop and go traffic. I just love the look, feel, handling, and everything else about this car...even 26,000 miles later. Normally, by this point, I am shopping for a replacement. Not so...I don't ever see myself trading this one in...just buying another one!!

Go to the dealerships (Mazda and Honda) and drive them. At 17, I suspect you will need a parent there. The RX8 isn't a "cheap" little Honda. You may have to start small like my daughter did...with a manual Mazda 3.

Good luck!!

 

Nope, their garbage. That's why all of us here own one.

 

YEAH EVERY one that bashes rotary engine no NOTHING about them...this motor is a 1.3L that pushes 232HP(manual) and weighs about 303lbs...so if that's heavy then show me a normal piston engine making that many horses that weighs less...yeah if your interested in what ur friends think then follow them to the Honda dealer and maybe all u can get a BULK DISCOUNT...search and u will find..

 

Don't talk to Honda guys about rotaries. That's the key.

I hate ricers. All lies and false claims / #'s

 

*yawn*

 

I personally keep this in my car so I can always b reminded of the all powerful VTAC

 

Don't talk to anyone about rotaries unless its a fellow rotary owner.. you are bound to get into some argument as they are clueless.

 

+1

I feel the same way. This is the first car I've ever owned where I can't imagine going back to another car. I really do not understand that. I'm not saying it just to say it.

A momentary bout of insanity grabbed me two weeks ago where I considered buying a Xterra for snow duty b/c it was 11k off of sticker, new.

That lasted all of one day before chucking the idea.

 

yeha i would never want to give up the smoothness of the rotary but am looking for a power machine (supra TT) to take to the track etc but would not let the rotary go especially once it's paid 4 ....(still financing damn....)

 

Wow this thread is hilarious I haven't laughed this much at a thread in the discussion in a while. I'll pass on bashing the kid though cause I really only have like four years on him...he had decent intentions in trying to find out about the car he just put it waaaaay wrong. Putting a civic and the 8 in the same discussion is gross.