Test drove the R3
07-24-2009, 11:04 AM
#101
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But my post was referring to the 8 being compared to the GTI and Si, which are in a different segment. That's not to say no car in that segment can't compete, because obviously the cobalt SS and the Mazdaspeed 3 both spanked the 8. I'm the one that stated the MS3 beat the 8 in the lightning laps a couple of weeks ago.
07-24-2009, 12:21 PM
#102
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In the 4.2 miles grand configuration, VIR is very tight. You are going to have a tough time getting a non nimble car like the GTI or Civic to get through the course as easily as a big track like Watkins Glen due to the four different hairpins, also you have to factor in the tires the cars were on. RX-8 came with better tires than the cars you mentioned, what do you expect. Lastly, Mazda didn't really improve on the RX-8 while the other cars all did. I am not saying I like FWD cars more, I am just saying the FWD cars can be as fast if not faster at the track than the RX-8.
Also I ran my 350Z and a R32 VW at Lime Rock, they had almost the same identical time. Track makes a huge difference. If you run the RX-8 in the VIR full course, the result would be a lot different too since you take away the super tight section that the RX-8 would benefit from.
Also I ran my 350Z and a R32 VW at Lime Rock, they had almost the same identical time. Track makes a huge difference. If you run the RX-8 in the VIR full course, the result would be a lot different too since you take away the super tight section that the RX-8 would benefit from.
Not sure how I missed this part, but I'd like to comment on this.
But you're joking, right?
I've been on record of saying RX-8 is not a great track car when looking for competitive lap times, many times, but no way a GTI and Civic Si can compete with RX-8, given the cars are stock.
Main reason would be FWD, but what most people are forgetting, is that braking is one of the most important ingredient on the track. RX-8 has the most powerful and fade free brakes that comes as standard equipment for cars under 50K, albeit the brake pedal feel isn't as great as some others.
I know you're trying to say that for the amount of money Mazda charges for the RX-8, it isn't even faster than most of the sports compacts out there, while it is true when it comes to drag or "street" race, but on a track, you simply cannot compare a sports car to a fwd econoboxes.
Here are the times some of the cars mentioned in this thread for the Car and Driver Lightning Laps.
3:12.5 - 2006 Nissan 350Z Track
3:13.3 - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
3:13.5 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
3:15.0 - 2008 Honda S2000 CR
3:19.0 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
3:21.8 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
3:24.8 - 2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si
3:25.1 - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
3:26.5 - 2006 Honda Civic Si
So please, never mention GTI and Civic with the RX-8 in the same sentence when talking about track times.
As to this being a RX-8 board, so that's why people are defensive, last time I checked, this is a information board, I try my hardest to provide information, whether if it's positive or negative regarding the vehicle I own.
But you're joking, right?
I've been on record of saying RX-8 is not a great track car when looking for competitive lap times, many times, but no way a GTI and Civic Si can compete with RX-8, given the cars are stock.
Main reason would be FWD, but what most people are forgetting, is that braking is one of the most important ingredient on the track. RX-8 has the most powerful and fade free brakes that comes as standard equipment for cars under 50K, albeit the brake pedal feel isn't as great as some others.
I know you're trying to say that for the amount of money Mazda charges for the RX-8, it isn't even faster than most of the sports compacts out there, while it is true when it comes to drag or "street" race, but on a track, you simply cannot compare a sports car to a fwd econoboxes.
Here are the times some of the cars mentioned in this thread for the Car and Driver Lightning Laps.
3:12.5 - 2006 Nissan 350Z Track
3:13.3 - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
3:13.5 - 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
3:15.0 - 2008 Honda S2000 CR
3:19.0 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
3:21.8 - 2008 Volkswagen R32
3:24.8 - 2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si
3:25.1 - 2006 Volkswagen GTI
3:26.5 - 2006 Honda Civic Si
So please, never mention GTI and Civic with the RX-8 in the same sentence when talking about track times.
As to this being a RX-8 board, so that's why people are defensive, last time I checked, this is a information board, I try my hardest to provide information, whether if it's positive or negative regarding the vehicle I own.
07-24-2009, 01:46 PM
#105
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I was thinking about this very video when I read that the 350 was better than the 8 on the track.
Bench/internet racing gets boring after a while.
Life is short and gas is "cheap" - I'm going to go drive and be happy!
07-24-2009, 01:54 PM
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But on the 08 Civic Mugen Si, with the upgraded suspension and all the goodies, came with BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...&filterType=oe
Those tires actually have a better ratings on TireRack than both of the OEM tires that comes with RX-8. The BFGoodrich scored 8.9 on corner stability, 9.1 on dry traction, and 9.0 in steering response. All 3 figures betters the Dunlop or the Bridgestone that comes with the RX-8.
So while the argument of tire selection is very valid, isn't relevant in this specific track time debate.
So given the straight speed is about the same in these vehicles, and tires apparently not an issue, just matter of transferring the power in the GTI and Si to the rear wheels then all 3 cars will be in the same class. Shouldn't be too hard, eh?
Last edited by MICHGoBlue; 07-24-2009 at 02:00 PM.
07-24-2009, 06:30 PM
#109
the rx8 does offer a great package in my opinion too i love it .. ive had a 350 and currently have a 335 and a comaro 2ss/rs and both are dam fast the 335 handles good and so does the camaro for a big car but the reason i didnt trade my 8 for the camaro is i would miss the balance the 8 has its a great car. go drive a civic and tell me it drives the same as an 8
07-24-2009, 06:49 PM
#110
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http://www.motortrend.com/features/p...ing/index.html
I wonder how Randy Probst ran the second slowest time compare to all the other cars (once again, I never bash about how they drive, just strictly from time's view).
Speaking of bench/internet racing, I do seem to remember the track being a medium speed track with only two slow corners, but then I can see how it has trouble at the top speed section given the fact it probably carry 15-20mph less up the hill into the corkscrew and at the first hairpin. Anyway I must have missed something given the fact I was on that track in 2004 and owned 3 of the cars mentioned in the article.
07-25-2009, 05:35 AM
#111
This thread has gotten way out of hand.
OP: Figure out what you want from a car and make a decision. If you want ground truth about the RX8 on the RX8 club you are going to get it from all different perspectives, just as you yourself have your own. If you have decided to buy something other than the R3 or an 8 at all then go do it. Hopefully you will enjoy it.
Everyone in this forum knows that the RX8 isn't the fastest car on the track or on the street. There is always going to be a better car out there, blah, blah, blah....
You are searching for the best deal which is good, but at some point you need to **** or get off the pot and stop second and third guessing your decisions.
I test drove a lot of the cars that were mentioned in this thread (STi, EVO, Si) and none of them compared to the overall enjoyment of the 8, IMO. I knew that the 8 wasn't as fast from stop light to stop light or on the track, but could not bring myself to buy anything other than the RX8. If this car is going to be strictly for tracking and you want to win medals than the RX-8 probably isn't for you. Unless you have money to invest for aftermarket modifcations (FI).
Stop trying to reprove a point that we all already know. Is the RX8 the best track/ sports car, NO! Is it a great track/ sports car, YES!
IMO of course,
G/L with your search, I have never regreted purchasing my 8!
Oh and +1 to rodjonathan, a civic is no where near the car that the RX8 is!
OP: Figure out what you want from a car and make a decision. If you want ground truth about the RX8 on the RX8 club you are going to get it from all different perspectives, just as you yourself have your own. If you have decided to buy something other than the R3 or an 8 at all then go do it. Hopefully you will enjoy it.
Everyone in this forum knows that the RX8 isn't the fastest car on the track or on the street. There is always going to be a better car out there, blah, blah, blah....
You are searching for the best deal which is good, but at some point you need to **** or get off the pot and stop second and third guessing your decisions.
I test drove a lot of the cars that were mentioned in this thread (STi, EVO, Si) and none of them compared to the overall enjoyment of the 8, IMO. I knew that the 8 wasn't as fast from stop light to stop light or on the track, but could not bring myself to buy anything other than the RX8. If this car is going to be strictly for tracking and you want to win medals than the RX-8 probably isn't for you. Unless you have money to invest for aftermarket modifcations (FI).
Stop trying to reprove a point that we all already know. Is the RX8 the best track/ sports car, NO! Is it a great track/ sports car, YES!
IMO of course,
G/L with your search, I have never regreted purchasing my 8!Oh and +1 to rodjonathan, a civic is no where near the car that the RX8 is!
07-25-2009, 09:04 AM
#112
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The post was never a knock on the car, it was about how the R3 is overpriced given its performance and value. It's just my opinion and it's not my money other people are spending. I know the 06 I bought is more than half the price and delivers 99% of the performance. I am happy.
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