Test drove the R3
07-19-2009, 09:57 PM
#26
Registered
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you undervalue the R3 by a lot. Not to mention that the 5k upgrade is more than what you listed. In almost all car manufacturers your not really getting your money's worth by buying the base model. That again is just my opinion. If your going to spend 23k+ why not spend a few extra and get the GT or R3 models. Again it comes down to personal preference and I think that the R3 was worth every penny. I took mine for a less than 27k (before taxes).
07-19-2009, 10:01 PM
#27
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
No I don't owe but my divorce did hurt my credit score a bit but i figure that would be overcome by my large down payment. They let me leave without negotiating and I was really just window shopping so....
I'm in no hurry and really I wasn't looking hard at the R3 because i wanna see how the second gen engine holds up.
I'm in no hurry and really I wasn't looking hard at the R3 because i wanna see how the second gen engine holds up.
07-19-2009, 10:37 PM
#28
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In this market, just wait. I don't know where you are, but the fall months are great in New England as all sports cars suffer from the snow tax. If you are in CT, I am sure you can get that blue R3 out of their lot for 26-27K + tax.
07-19-2009, 10:42 PM
#30
3-wheeler
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 2,734
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd encourage anyone shopping that can afford a 2009 to look into it. The changes to the motor are (in my opinion) well worth it. Just the added OMP nozzel and location of the oil filter in a better position is a great deal!
I'd be curious if you could find a 370z for 27k even in the base model. My experience has been that new models like that are always going to pull a serious premium until they start getting a steady inventory of them around.
Honestly with the R3 you're getting quite a lot of stuff for the base price of a 370z. If performance is your only concern then you could look into a more stripped down version of the 2009 RX8 and simply invest the extra cash into aftermarket parts to make up the difference.
It's hard to compare the RX8 to another platform in some respects. Not because I feel like I need to make excuses. You're looking at a mid-engine 50/50 (roughly) balanced vehicle and comparing it to a front engine, nose heavy vehicle. Grace and balance vs. power and torque.
I know there are threads hashing over this so I won't invent the wheel again.
Either way, there's always going to be a compromise. You're going to be hard pressed to find a vehicle that does everything well. It comes down to whether or not the RX8 fits your needs and whether or not you're willing to pay for that setup.
I'd be curious if you could find a 370z for 27k even in the base model. My experience has been that new models like that are always going to pull a serious premium until they start getting a steady inventory of them around.
Honestly with the R3 you're getting quite a lot of stuff for the base price of a 370z. If performance is your only concern then you could look into a more stripped down version of the 2009 RX8 and simply invest the extra cash into aftermarket parts to make up the difference.
It's hard to compare the RX8 to another platform in some respects. Not because I feel like I need to make excuses. You're looking at a mid-engine 50/50 (roughly) balanced vehicle and comparing it to a front engine, nose heavy vehicle. Grace and balance vs. power and torque.
I know there are threads hashing over this so I won't invent the wheel again.
Either way, there's always going to be a compromise. You're going to be hard pressed to find a vehicle that does everything well. It comes down to whether or not the RX8 fits your needs and whether or not you're willing to pay for that setup.
07-19-2009, 10:54 PM
#31
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nope, you can buy the 370z at invoice or below invoice, don't let them BS you. The car isn't selling well and it won't in this economy, don't buy into their BS. I was looking for a 370z, but I gave up when all the base+sport were sold in my region. I am not paying $4K more for a touring+sport, plus I don't think it is a good idea to take a 30K car to the track anymore. Of course I went from getting a 15K used one to get a 21K new one 
Does the new motor actually make more power than the old one or is it the same? Didn't motorweek test the car to be slower than the earlier ones despite the shorter rear end?
I like the R3, but the price is where I draw the line. As my half wife said, this is not much different than the 04 GT we had with the exception of the cool paint job and fancy seats. Of course she is not a car person, so she is not going to get the little bits and pieces. At the end of the day, buy what you like. I just posted my thoughts on the R3. I really do like the car, I just don't like the price on it. It is really not a knock on the car, more knock on the execs who set the price on the car.....
At most tracks, you won't be able to keep up with the 350z or 370z without spending over $5K into the car. This doesn't even mean the car will be reliable! When I find the RX-8, I will match the datalog compare to my other cars, I would be curious to see what the difference is at the track. I am thinking about 1.5 sec per one minute at the track compare to the 350, so add maybe another .5 or .75 to the 370?
Does the new motor actually make more power than the old one or is it the same? Didn't motorweek test the car to be slower than the earlier ones despite the shorter rear end?
I like the R3, but the price is where I draw the line. As my half wife said, this is not much different than the 04 GT we had with the exception of the cool paint job and fancy seats. Of course she is not a car person, so she is not going to get the little bits and pieces. At the end of the day, buy what you like. I just posted my thoughts on the R3. I really do like the car, I just don't like the price on it. It is really not a knock on the car, more knock on the execs who set the price on the car.....
At most tracks, you won't be able to keep up with the 350z or 370z without spending over $5K into the car. This doesn't even mean the car will be reliable! When I find the RX-8, I will match the datalog compare to my other cars, I would be curious to see what the difference is at the track. I am thinking about 1.5 sec per one minute at the track compare to the 350, so add maybe another .5 or .75 to the 370?
I'd encourage anyone shopping that can afford a 2009 to look into it. The changes to the motor are (in my opinion) well worth it. Just the added OMP nozzel and location of the oil filter in a better position is a great deal!
I'd be curious if you could find a 370z for 27k even in the base model. My experience has been that new models like that are always going to pull a serious premium until they start getting a steady inventory of them around.
Honestly with the R3 you're getting quite a lot of stuff for the base price of a 370z. If performance is your only concern then you could look into a more stripped down version of the 2009 RX8 and simply invest the extra cash into aftermarket parts to make up the difference.
It's hard to compare the RX8 to another platform in some respects. Not because I feel like I need to make excuses. You're looking at a mid-engine 50/50 (roughly) balanced vehicle and comparing it to a front engine, nose heavy vehicle. Grace and balance vs. power and torque.
I know there are threads hashing over this so I won't invent the wheel again.
Either way, there's always going to be a compromise. You're going to be hard pressed to find a vehicle that does everything well. It comes down to whether or not the RX8 fits your needs and whether or not you're willing to pay for that setup.
I'd be curious if you could find a 370z for 27k even in the base model. My experience has been that new models like that are always going to pull a serious premium until they start getting a steady inventory of them around.
Honestly with the R3 you're getting quite a lot of stuff for the base price of a 370z. If performance is your only concern then you could look into a more stripped down version of the 2009 RX8 and simply invest the extra cash into aftermarket parts to make up the difference.
It's hard to compare the RX8 to another platform in some respects. Not because I feel like I need to make excuses. You're looking at a mid-engine 50/50 (roughly) balanced vehicle and comparing it to a front engine, nose heavy vehicle. Grace and balance vs. power and torque.
I know there are threads hashing over this so I won't invent the wheel again.
Either way, there's always going to be a compromise. You're going to be hard pressed to find a vehicle that does everything well. It comes down to whether or not the RX8 fits your needs and whether or not you're willing to pay for that setup.
Last edited by tmak26b; 07-19-2009 at 10:57 PM.
07-19-2009, 11:16 PM
#33
3-wheeler
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 2,734
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nope, you can buy the 370z at invoice or below invoice, don't let them BS you. The car isn't selling well and it won't in this economy, don't buy into their BS. I was looking for a 370z, but I gave up when all the base+sport were sold in my region. I am not paying $4K more for a touring+sport, plus I don't think it is a good idea to take a 30K car to the track anymore. Of course I went from getting a 15K used one to get a 21K new one
Plus if it's going to be a track car all that nonsense adds a lot of weight.
If they are not selling then I'm not surprised they are giving them away.
Does the new motor actually make more power than the old one or is it the same? Didn't motorweek test the car to be slower than the earlier ones despite the shorter rear end?
I like the R3, but the price is where I draw the line. As my half wife said, this is not much different than the 04 GT we had with the exception of the cool paint job and fancy seats.
The performance of the motor is rather unchanged. I wouldn't trust much of the magazine reviews as some abused the previous generations to get the numbers they were posting. There have been IIRC no serious chassis modifications other than bumpers to keep the OEM market alive.
The R3 is more or less like the Shinka which is a special edition so it's going to carry a special edition price. I'd agree that looking into a touring or GT would be more in line with your price. If anything you could spend the price difference in aftermarket parts and have a better performing car.
At most tracks, you won't be able to keep up with the 350z or 370z without spending over $5K into the car. This doesn't even mean the car will be reliable! When I find the RX-8, I will match the datalog compare to my other cars, I would be curious to see what the difference is at the track. I am thinking about 1.5 sec per one minute at the track compare to the 350, so add maybe another .5 or .75 to the 370?
The only reliability nature of the rotary has been the seals of which it seems like they suffer from a lack of lubrication. Using proper oil weights and the addition of the 3rd OMP nozzel could very well be the fix for these issues. Only time will tell.
Don't forget that even the 350z suffered from relability issues in it's first couple years of release.
I know you're not knocking the car as a whole you're just trying to make your money go as far as possible. As it's been said a lot over the years, the RX8 is a car you either love or hate...you either get it or you don't. I don't often meet people who are wishy washy about this vehicle.
07-19-2009, 11:42 PM
#34
Registered
Styling changes are personal,
.........suspension enhancements are a postive,
......................but slower 0-100 times coupled with worse fuel economy are clear negatives.
In light of the current economic times the latter point makes for an incredibly risky marketing from Mazda!! "An updated model folks ...with worse performance!!" wtf!?? I agree with the thread originator; you'd have to really love this car to buy it.
Having owned Rx2's, Rx3's, Rx7's and an Rx8, I love the rotary engine, but won't be getting another one until more power and performance are realised. Hopefully, this will come about with the 16X in some rotary-variant.
.........suspension enhancements are a postive,
......................but slower 0-100 times coupled with worse fuel economy are clear negatives.
In light of the current economic times the latter point makes for an incredibly risky marketing from Mazda!! "An updated model folks ...with worse performance!!" wtf!?? I agree with the thread originator; you'd have to really love this car to buy it.
Having owned Rx2's, Rx3's, Rx7's and an Rx8, I love the rotary engine, but won't be getting another one until more power and performance are realised. Hopefully, this will come about with the 16X in some rotary-variant.
07-19-2009, 11:44 PM
#35
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The sport package adds LSD, big brakes, aero kit, 19s and the auto blip function, not exactly options you can get on the RX-8 other than the LSD. I think it is a toss up. Yes you can say Nissan nickel and dime you, but at the same time it is not quite as bad as BMW. On the other hand, the pathetic touring package has got to be worse than the R3 package in terms of price. They basically charge $4500 more for leather seats, a bose stereo and a cargo cover. I think they blew that one completely. If you look around the inventory, basically all left over 09s are touring package cars. The base+sport are mostly gone 
The lack of a serious upgrade over the 04-08 is partially the reason why I thought the $32K price tag was iffy on the R3. The reason why I would buy an 09 is because I hate used cars and I like the new car smell. From a bang for the buck point of view, I honestly don't see how the 09s are a great buy since the 04-08 cars are pretty much the same. I am not sure if the Shinka is listed as a separate model in the black book. If it is, then I can see why it would be worth more. If it isn't, you are screwed. The sport package on the Z is worthless to other dealers years down the road since it isn't listed in the books as something that is worth money.
Outside of autox, I honestly don't think the RX-8 can match any of the Z cars at most tracks that you get over 3 digits. I haven't gone up against any fast RX-8 drivers, but I have run against many proven FD driver. If a lightly modded FD can't keep up against my 350, I am not sure how the RX-8 can. I have owned all the cars mentioned, so I am not bias against one or the other. I am just saying from times point of view, I don't think the RX-8 can stand a chance. It's got to be a really tight and narrow course for the RX-8 to be able to keep up. You will be amazed at what power can do to pull you out of the corner....
The lack of a serious upgrade over the 04-08 is partially the reason why I thought the $32K price tag was iffy on the R3. The reason why I would buy an 09 is because I hate used cars and I like the new car smell. From a bang for the buck point of view, I honestly don't see how the 09s are a great buy since the 04-08 cars are pretty much the same. I am not sure if the Shinka is listed as a separate model in the black book. If it is, then I can see why it would be worth more. If it isn't, you are screwed. The sport package on the Z is worthless to other dealers years down the road since it isn't listed in the books as something that is worth money.
Outside of autox, I honestly don't think the RX-8 can match any of the Z cars at most tracks that you get over 3 digits. I haven't gone up against any fast RX-8 drivers, but I have run against many proven FD driver. If a lightly modded FD can't keep up against my 350, I am not sure how the RX-8 can. I have owned all the cars mentioned, so I am not bias against one or the other. I am just saying from times point of view, I don't think the RX-8 can stand a chance. It's got to be a really tight and narrow course for the RX-8 to be able to keep up. You will be amazed at what power can do to pull you out of the corner....
07-19-2009, 11:45 PM
#36
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Styling changes are personal,
.........suspension enhancements are a postive,
......................but slower 0-100 times coupled with worse fuel economy are clear negatives.
In light of the current economic times the latter point makes for an incredibly risky marketing from Mazda!! "An updated model folks ...with worse performance!!" wtf!?? I agree with the thread originator; you'd have to really love this car to buy it.
Having owned Rx2's, Rx3's, Rx7's and an Rx8, I love the rotary engine, but won't be getting another one until more power and performance are realised. Hopefully, this will come about with the 16X in some rotary-variant.
.........suspension enhancements are a postive,
......................but slower 0-100 times coupled with worse fuel economy are clear negatives.
In light of the current economic times the latter point makes for an incredibly risky marketing from Mazda!! "An updated model folks ...with worse performance!!" wtf!?? I agree with the thread originator; you'd have to really love this car to buy it.
Having owned Rx2's, Rx3's, Rx7's and an Rx8, I love the rotary engine, but won't be getting another one until more power and performance are realised. Hopefully, this will come about with the 16X in some rotary-variant.
07-19-2009, 11:49 PM
#37
Registered
Actually I'd forgotton another point, the perfomance of the Rx8 (in Australia) is bizzare;
1. In 2003 it is released with the manual 6-speed with 177kW + fuel economy (12.6L/100km)
2. Around 2005 (guess) the power is re-rated to 170kW + fuel economy (12.6L/100km)
3. R3 is released (current) with still at 170kW + fuel economy is re-rated(12.9L/100km)
At each stage, either power or fuel economy has got progressively WORSE! The current variant is THE worst.
1. In 2003 it is released with the manual 6-speed with 177kW + fuel economy (12.6L/100km)
2. Around 2005 (guess) the power is re-rated to 170kW + fuel economy (12.6L/100km)
3. R3 is released (current) with still at 170kW + fuel economy is re-rated(12.9L/100km)
At each stage, either power or fuel economy has got progressively WORSE! The current variant is THE worst.
07-19-2009, 11:51 PM
#38
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The HP re-rating was due to emission causing it to run a less aggressive map, then I believe SAE changed their way to calc HP too.
The new fuel economy in the US dropped I think is because of the way the EPA rate the new cars
The new fuel economy in the US dropped I think is because of the way the EPA rate the new cars
07-20-2009, 12:13 AM
#39
3-wheeler
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 2,734
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Honestly I'd look into a base sport with the RX8 and either add the options you want or look into aftermarket alternatives like the Mazdaspeed kit which is actually functional. The base sport was about all that would fit into my budget at the time but I ended up saving about 150 lbs in weight from no power seats, no nav and no sun roof/bose stereo. I've been really happy with the standard options and I don't care for the electronic nannies like DSC and TCS.
Sounds like going for the same base+sport package with the RX8 would fit you best. You'll get the same performance benefits without the nonsense that adds cost. I think the R3 is cool but at $32,000 I'd have to look into what I want vs. cost as well.
Sounds like going for the same base+sport package with the RX8 would fit you best. You'll get the same performance benefits without the nonsense that adds cost. I think the R3 is cool but at $32,000 I'd have to look into what I want vs. cost as well.
07-20-2009, 12:33 AM
#40
Software Engineer
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Honestly I'd look into a base sport with the RX8 and either add the options you want or look into aftermarket alternatives like the Mazdaspeed kit which is actually functional. The base sport was about all that would fit into my budget at the time but I ended up saving about 150 lbs in weight from no power seats, no nav and no sun roof/bose stereo. I've been really happy with the standard options and I don't care for the electronic nannies like DSC and TCS.
Sounds like going for the same base+sport package with the RX8 would fit you best. You'll get the same performance benefits without the nonsense that adds cost. I think the R3 is cool but at $32,000 I'd have to look into what I want vs. cost as well.
Sounds like going for the same base+sport package with the RX8 would fit you best. You'll get the same performance benefits without the nonsense that adds cost. I think the R3 is cool but at $32,000 I'd have to look into what I want vs. cost as well.
The Touring trim does add some welcome extras though, mainly xenon headlights & fog lights, and for those of us who prefer the extra level of anti-stupid DSC provides.
But yea, I agree, if you just want an RX8, I wouldn't bother looking at the GT/R3 trims.
07-20-2009, 07:52 AM
#41
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I understand the misconception this board has as far as rx-8 being the equivelant of the 350z on the track.
But it just simply isn't true.
Top Gear's track is not a high speed track, with lots of hairpins, which does favor RX-8's nimbleness.
But on almost any public track, I'm very confident the 350z will be able to beat the RX-8 with the same driver.
Sure, 350z is a hair behind when it comes to handling, but a hair is a hair. The horsepower and torque of the Z more than make it up on a race track. And sorry, the plastic interior of the Z, the coarse noise the VQ engine makes, the notchy gearbox, just simply doesn't matter on a race track lol.
I'm gonna try to put this in a simpler way.
Race track --- 350Z > RX-8.
07-20-2009, 03:46 PM
#43
I would have to agree with most of this. While the RX-8 is a better handler with better body dynamics, the Z has the power advantage which keeps it ahead at the track.
Were the RX-8 shines is in real world driving. On rough roads the 350Z loses it in the turns because of its overly stiff suspension and portly weight(for a sports car). The RX is a far more enjoyable car to drive spiritedly, the Z just beats you up too much and becomes unpleasant. Also the additional seating and truck space just make it a daily driver rather then a toy for the weekends. If Mazda could have figured out just how to put an additional 50hp under the hood without killing the MPG further...such a shame.
If I could have 2 cars the Z would be one of them but since I can only have one the RX-8 is the choice. I'll be happy owning the Street and AutoX.
Off track & AutoX --- RX-8 > 350Z
and how much time do you spend on track as opposed to off
Were the RX-8 shines is in real world driving. On rough roads the 350Z loses it in the turns because of its overly stiff suspension and portly weight(for a sports car). The RX is a far more enjoyable car to drive spiritedly, the Z just beats you up too much and becomes unpleasant. Also the additional seating and truck space just make it a daily driver rather then a toy for the weekends. If Mazda could have figured out just how to put an additional 50hp under the hood without killing the MPG further...such a shame.
If I could have 2 cars the Z would be one of them but since I can only have one the RX-8 is the choice. I'll be happy owning the Street and AutoX.
Off track & AutoX --- RX-8 > 350Z
and how much time do you spend on track as opposed to off
I understand the misconception this board has as far as rx-8 being the equivelant of the 350z on the track.
But it just simply isn't true.
Top Gear's track is not a high speed track, with lots of hairpins, which does favor RX-8's nimbleness.
But on almost any public track, I'm very confident the 350z will be able to beat the RX-8 with the same driver.
Sure, 350z is a hair behind when it comes to handling, but a hair is a hair. The horsepower and torque of the Z more than make it up on a race track. And sorry, the plastic interior of the Z, the coarse noise the VQ engine makes, the notchy gearbox, just simply doesn't matter on a race track lol.
I'm gonna try to put this in a simpler way.
Race track --- 350Z > RX-8.
But it just simply isn't true.
Top Gear's track is not a high speed track, with lots of hairpins, which does favor RX-8's nimbleness.
But on almost any public track, I'm very confident the 350z will be able to beat the RX-8 with the same driver.
Sure, 350z is a hair behind when it comes to handling, but a hair is a hair. The horsepower and torque of the Z more than make it up on a race track. And sorry, the plastic interior of the Z, the coarse noise the VQ engine makes, the notchy gearbox, just simply doesn't matter on a race track lol.
I'm gonna try to put this in a simpler way.
Race track --- 350Z > RX-8.
07-20-2009, 03:52 PM
#44
The R3 is faster 0-60 (than any other RX-8 model) due to the gear ratio changes which also means it gets worse fuel economy.
To be quite honest I will put it this way:
If you just want to win on a track go get a cheap wannabe sports car and mod the sh*t out of it.
If your worried about fuel economy then you can't afford the car in the first place - go get a Civic or Corrola.
If you want to look cool off the line at red lights go to another forum. (Even though it is fun sometimes - I use my Saturn Sky Redline for this as it has a much faster 0-60 plus it's a drop top so you can wave goodbye easier).
If you want a stylish, sporty, reliable, practical, fun to drive, safe, head turning, fast, high revving (mmm the sound at 9k rpm - I was missing out with my 07 Auto GT) rotary then get an R3.
Not saying we don't all want to make sure we are getting value for our money but hey they are cars and the worst investment known to mankind besides GM stock, so if your concerned about the price maybe you need to look for a bus pass.
This thread was not intended to attack anyone so please don't take it personally or seriously.
Cheers
To be quite honest I will put it this way:
If you just want to win on a track go get a cheap wannabe sports car and mod the sh*t out of it.
If your worried about fuel economy then you can't afford the car in the first place - go get a Civic or Corrola.
If you want to look cool off the line at red lights go to another forum. (Even though it is fun sometimes - I use my Saturn Sky Redline for this as it has a much faster 0-60 plus it's a drop top so you can wave goodbye easier).
If you want a stylish, sporty, reliable, practical, fun to drive, safe, head turning, fast, high revving (mmm the sound at 9k rpm - I was missing out with my 07 Auto GT) rotary then get an R3.
Not saying we don't all want to make sure we are getting value for our money but hey they are cars and the worst investment known to mankind besides GM stock, so if your concerned about the price maybe you need to look for a bus pass.
This thread was not intended to attack anyone so please don't take it personally or seriously.
Cheers
07-20-2009, 06:18 PM
#48
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The suspension is stiffer, but it can more than make up the difference in power. I have owned both cars and have tracked both cars, I can tell you the difference is pretty significant as far as performance. As far as driving feel, I will give you the RX-8 is better. Yet is it worth it, that's for the owner to decide.
The 350z or even the 370z is not much heavier than the RX-8 if packaged correctly. My 350z was exactly 3240 with full tank and no spare, that's only 200lbs more than most RX-8, big deal...
The 350z or even the 370z is not much heavier than the RX-8 if packaged correctly. My 350z was exactly 3240 with full tank and no spare, that's only 200lbs more than most RX-8, big deal...
I would have to agree with most of this. While the RX-8 is a better handler with better body dynamics, the Z has the power advantage which keeps it ahead at the track.
Were the RX-8 shines is in real world driving. On rough roads the 350Z loses it in the turns because of its overly stiff suspension and portly weight(for a sports car). The RX is a far more enjoyable car to drive spiritedly, the Z just beats you up too much and becomes unpleasant. Also the additional seating and truck space just make it a daily driver rather then a toy for the weekends. If Mazda could have figured out just how to put an additional 50hp under the hood without killing the MPG further...such a shame.
If I could have 2 cars the Z would be one of them but since I can only have one the RX-8 is the choice. I'll be happy owning the Street and AutoX.
Off track & AutoX --- RX-8 > 350Z
and how much time do you spend on track as opposed to off
Were the RX-8 shines is in real world driving. On rough roads the 350Z loses it in the turns because of its overly stiff suspension and portly weight(for a sports car). The RX is a far more enjoyable car to drive spiritedly, the Z just beats you up too much and becomes unpleasant. Also the additional seating and truck space just make it a daily driver rather then a toy for the weekends. If Mazda could have figured out just how to put an additional 50hp under the hood without killing the MPG further...such a shame.
If I could have 2 cars the Z would be one of them but since I can only have one the RX-8 is the choice. I'll be happy owning the Street and AutoX.
Off track & AutoX --- RX-8 > 350Z
and how much time do you spend on track as opposed to off
07-20-2009, 06:29 PM
#49
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The final gear change was for all 09 cars, not just R3. R3 does not accelerate faster than any of the other cars. Matter of fact, I wonder if it could be slower due to aero drag?
The R3 is faster 0-60 (than any other RX-8 model) due to the gear ratio changes which also means it gets worse fuel economy.
To be quite honest I will put it this way:
If you just want to win on a track go get a cheap wannabe sports car and mod the sh*t out of it.
If your worried about fuel economy then you can't afford the car in the first place - go get a Civic or Corrola.
If you want to look cool off the line at red lights go to another forum. (Even though it is fun sometimes - I use my Saturn Sky Redline for this as it has a much faster 0-60 plus it's a drop top so you can wave goodbye easier).
If you want a stylish, sporty, reliable, practical, fun to drive, safe, head turning, fast, high revving (mmm the sound at 9k rpm - I was missing out with my 07 Auto GT) rotary then get an R3.
Not saying we don't all want to make sure we are getting value for our money but hey they are cars and the worst investment known to mankind besides GM stock, so if your concerned about the price maybe you need to look for a bus pass.
This thread was not intended to attack anyone so please don't take it personally or seriously.
Cheers
To be quite honest I will put it this way:
If you just want to win on a track go get a cheap wannabe sports car and mod the sh*t out of it.
If your worried about fuel economy then you can't afford the car in the first place - go get a Civic or Corrola.
If you want to look cool off the line at red lights go to another forum. (Even though it is fun sometimes - I use my Saturn Sky Redline for this as it has a much faster 0-60 plus it's a drop top so you can wave goodbye easier).
If you want a stylish, sporty, reliable, practical, fun to drive, safe, head turning, fast, high revving (mmm the sound at 9k rpm - I was missing out with my 07 Auto GT) rotary then get an R3.
Not saying we don't all want to make sure we are getting value for our money but hey they are cars and the worst investment known to mankind besides GM stock, so if your concerned about the price maybe you need to look for a bus pass.
This thread was not intended to attack anyone so please don't take it personally or seriously.
Cheers
