124Spider

Speaking only for myself, as one who drives both cars regularly, I agree that the difference in straight-line performance is not "night and day." It is, however, very clear. Again speaking only for myself, when I wax rhopsodic about my S2000, it's not about how fast it is, but about how much fun it is to drive. Frankly, neither the S2k nor the RX-8 was built to be a drag strip car, and it is really foolish, IMO, to judge either one on its straight-line, quarter-mile time; there are lots of faster cars available for a lot less money than either one of them. Heck, neither one of these cars has a clutch which will even last long enough to figure out the best drop on a drag strip!

Both cars are about FUN; the RX-8 has compromised more, so it's a bit less fun than the S2000, but it also is a lot more comfortable, and a lot more practical, so that Mazda sells a lot more RX-8s than Honda sells S2000s. Everything about the S2000 is just for the driving experience--it's built for the enthusiast, not the dragster, and it's happiest on the track or the winding country roads. It is almost totally impractical other than for pure driving. It's got an unbelievable transmission (yes, tighter than the RX-8, whose transmission is very nice); a great suspension (although not particularly comfortable to ride on); precise steering; great brakes, and it's a little lighter than the RX-8. And the engine is a marvelous machine, especially when the VTEC kicks in at 6000 RPM. For those of us who like convertibles, there's also no substitute for topless driving.

Given the choice between our S2000 and our RX-8 when I want to drive on the track or on the twisties, it's not even a contest--the S2000 is just more fun to drive. Even for my commute, I prefer my S2000, despite its lack of creature comforts. It's hard to describe, but it is such a precise car to drive, making the driver feel very much in touch with his or her machine. I would choose the RX-8 only when I needed the extra carrying capacity, or if the conditions were such that the drive in the S2000 would be torture (e.g., very rough roads).

Perhaps a way to think of it is that the S2000 is the pure enthusiast car, whose only real compromises are those necessary to keep the price relatively low, while the RX-8 is a fairly practical car which both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts can enjoy. If your only real interest is "fun to drive for about $30,000," the S2000 is your car; if you actually have to consider practicality, as most people do, the S2000 isn't your car, and the RX-8 may be. They are very different cars, and both are a remarkable tribute to the car-maker's art.

Deca Auto

I think people bash the RX8 because they can. Also because everything on the internet is based on numbers and the RX8 hasn't been producing good ones. And when it does produce good numbers like the top gear lap time they are certainly going to be discredited. Personally I really think its because all the other forums don't like the people on this forum. They think the people on here are middle aged people with a life crisis that know nothing about cars other than what is printed in magazines.

Paul_in_DC

Let's take a look at SCCA's car classes. Cars are placed in classes where they have approximately the same (or similar) capabilities on the track. You can see the classes (Stock Category) here: http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Lists/2005/stockc.html

Our beloved RX-8 fits in B Stock. As you can see below, we have some interesting vehicles in this class (and some kick-*** competition).

B Stock

Audi - TT (225hp, dual intercoolers); TT 3.2 V6
BMW - 330 with ZHP; M Coupe and Roadster ('96-'00); M3 (E30); M3 (E36); Z3 6 cyl NOC
Chevrolet - Corvette ('63-'82)
Chrysler - Prowler
Ferrari - 308, 328
Infiniti - G35 Coupe
Jaguar - S-type R; XKE (6- and 12-cyl)
Lotus - Elan RWD; Esprit; Europa Twin Cam; Europa, Renault engine
Maserati - Biturbo
Mazda - Mazdaspeed Miata; RX-7 Turbo ('87-'91); RX-8
Mercedes - SLK
Morgan - Plus 8
Nissan - 300ZX Turbo ('90+); 350Z
Plymouth - Prowler
Porsche - 356, Carrera 4 cam; 911, Club Sport; 911, non-turbo, NOC; 914/6; 928 (all); 944 (16V); 944 Turbo (all); 968; Carrera 2, Carrera 4 (964 chassis)
Toyota - MR-2 Turbo

Thetitanium8

Ok lets sum this up. S2k people love to drive there car because it fits them and its fun. Rx8 people drive it for same reasons. So It shouldnt matter who is faster or which one does this or that better. Just be grateful you have the cash to be able to enjoy 2 quality cars like s2k and rx8. Alot of people wish they could own one of these cars. So just have some fun and drive it like you stole it!! :D

Malloy

I thought bench racing with magazine 0-60 and 1/4 mile times was silly.

Now people are bench racing with lap times from a freakin TV show that were done on different days in different atmos. conditions? There are 1000000000 more variables that can affect these course times...but we still have e-racers bickering over a second, or some 10ths?! Drop it.

I agree with everything S2k has said. Now, I wonder, how does a MS Miata fit into the mix? I saw a new one at the local dealer for 20k. (I guess they arent selling?) Thats almost 12k cheaper than a S2k, which gets close to MSRP from what my S2k friends tell me). Turn up the boost on the MS Miata, and you have 200hp in a car that is 300lbs lighter than an S2k. Hrm.

124Spider

Perfect!

RotorManiac

The best post I've read! PUR is right.
For me if it was something inbetween the two, I'd get it asap. Don't care about 4seats, don't want a convertible. I also love the rotary (being unique in car industry). If only the was a 2seat option in the 8...

Ike

The MS Miata seems to overpower it's suspension and could use some stiffening up from everything I've read, though I have yet to drive one.
I don't know how the modability is on them but if it's anything like the MSP it's just not as simple as turning up the boost like it is with many other turbo cars. I haven't heard anything about the modabilty of the MS Miata so maybe someone that actually knows can fill me and everyone else in.

Here's a comparo you might be interested in Malloy, who knows, maybe a few grand in mods and it could keep up with an S2K.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=4

shaolin

Well, to be honest with you, the Miata has the same engine that the old 323 GTX turbo had. The NA engine is the same anyways, and the internals are upgraded from what came on the MSP. The MSM should be able to take alot more abuse, and a boost controller should be on any owner's to-do list.

The old 323 GTX was an amazing car...AWD lightweight turbo hatchback with loads of potential. From what I've read, they share many parts, but with different turbo systems.

shaolin

See, take a look at this thread...

http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=231017

Roaddemon

Ike,
The long term rx8 review in Car & Driver clocked a 14.6@96mph compared to 15.1 new. These cars get faster as they break in. The rotary is an engineering marvel. There is no 1.3L piston street car that gets 230 hp. The small rotary puts out remarkable hp without turbos and overhead cams etc like piston engines. It's a solid engine that can handle all the stress you throw at it, and still run like new at 100k miles.

BlueEyes

Apples to oranges comparisons are pretty silly.

BlueEyes

Hockenheim test times by Sport Auto.
Mazda Rx8 1,19,8 min
Mazda Rx8 Auto 1,23,1 min
Nissan 350z 1,18,7 min
Honda S2000 1,18,9 min
BMW M3 1,16,3 min *
BMW M3 SMG 1,18,4 min

*There is also an M3 time that is 1,17,X, I can't remember. That 1,16 may be some freak time. Either way, however.