Test drove an RX-8...did I miss something?
07-07-2008, 05:34 PM
#28
What are the Detes?
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07-07-2008, 05:37 PM
#29
Rx7 and now Rx8
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AH! Around town is where I prefer the 8. It ignores the bumps while cornering while the Mustang GT's and 350Z's slide their rears out. I can't tell you how many around town races I win due to the 8's suspension alone.
07-07-2008, 05:47 PM
#31
Rx7 and now Rx8
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07-07-2008, 05:56 PM
#32
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Yah i dont do any streeet races, but i do use my 8 for mudding.
07-07-2008, 06:33 PM
#33
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I'm in same bucket, went from a Rx8 to Mx5.
The Rx8 is an amazing car, but to me, having driven it on both street and track the difference is night and day. The car doesn't come alive unless you've hit 3rd and exceeding say 70mph. On the track, it is unbelievable. So good! But around town it simply feels so 'held back'. The Mx5 is home with both. Not as fast on the track, but still a lof of fun. But on the street, there's no dramatic change; all of the chuckability and cornering ability remains.
An important point for you to consider: are you actually planning on driving an Rx8 on the streets with the DSC/TSC actually off? If not, then why bother test driving it with it off...it wont be representative of your daily driving anyway!? DSC/TCS has its frustration points to be sure, but these don't come close to the safety value that they hold.
A lot of people have a mentaility of 'this car is faster than that'; what is far more relevant is a drivers abilities to make something of a given car. To this end, I'd maintain that a good driver will get a hell of a lot of both cars and there wouldn't be a significant difference on the street.
The Rx8 is an amazing car, but to me, having driven it on both street and track the difference is night and day. The car doesn't come alive unless you've hit 3rd and exceeding say 70mph. On the track, it is unbelievable. So good! But around town it simply feels so 'held back'. The Mx5 is home with both. Not as fast on the track, but still a lof of fun. But on the street, there's no dramatic change; all of the chuckability and cornering ability remains.
An important point for you to consider: are you actually planning on driving an Rx8 on the streets with the DSC/TSC actually off? If not, then why bother test driving it with it off...it wont be representative of your daily driving anyway!? DSC/TCS has its frustration points to be sure, but these don't come close to the safety value that they hold.
A lot of people have a mentaility of 'this car is faster than that'; what is far more relevant is a drivers abilities to make something of a given car. To this end, I'd maintain that a good driver will get a hell of a lot of both cars and there wouldn't be a significant difference on the street.
I just switched from an RX-8 to and MX-5, so I did the opposite of you. I find the manuverability and handling of the MX-5 to be better, but not that much better. Both handle extremly well, but the extra 500 lbs of the RX-8 can show at times (compared to the MX-5). The RX-8 is more composed over bumps/rough roads and is a far better in the "grand touring" department.
Around town, the MX-5 will feel quicker in lower gears, because of a better torque/HP to weight ratio. However, once you get on the highway or in high revs, the RX-8 is definitely faster. The DCS/TCS will limit your "fun" but cutting throttle at wheel slip or sliding, but it shouldn't make the car any slower on the street (on the track definitely).
The interior of the RX-8 is a step up, but many things are the same. One nice feature of the RX-8 over the MX-5 is that the radio display doesn't wash out in hot weather (LED vs. LCD). I know you state gas mileage isn't a factor, but mine increased from 18 overall to 28 with the MX-5. If you are only getting 20 with the MX-5. prepare for mid teens with the RX.
Overall, they are very similar cars (same suspension/platform) with very different engines and different goals (drop top roadster vs. 4 dr sports/gt car). I like them both.
Around town, the MX-5 will feel quicker in lower gears, because of a better torque/HP to weight ratio. However, once you get on the highway or in high revs, the RX-8 is definitely faster. The DCS/TCS will limit your "fun" but cutting throttle at wheel slip or sliding, but it shouldn't make the car any slower on the street (on the track definitely).
The interior of the RX-8 is a step up, but many things are the same. One nice feature of the RX-8 over the MX-5 is that the radio display doesn't wash out in hot weather (LED vs. LCD). I know you state gas mileage isn't a factor, but mine increased from 18 overall to 28 with the MX-5. If you are only getting 20 with the MX-5. prepare for mid teens with the RX.
Overall, they are very similar cars (same suspension/platform) with very different engines and different goals (drop top roadster vs. 4 dr sports/gt car). I like them both.
07-07-2008, 07:23 PM
#34
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I am comparing these vehicles too. Does the MX-5 share the terrific firm steering effort and feedback as the 8, and does it feel as connected to the road? How does it handle grooved freeways and expansion joints?
07-07-2008, 07:28 PM
#35
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Both are great cars. The Miata is very tossible. The 8 carves turns at high speed with no drama. It seems slow until you check your speed. You can carry more speed thru a turn with the 8 imho. The 8 is deceptively fast. Keep your revs up and 
is what wiil be on your face.
Try an on ramp with a mustang or one of the new challengers with its 100+liter engine behind you. Watch them in your mirror as they start to slide and have to slow down as you pull away in the turn despite your 1.3L engine
is what wiil be on your face.Try an on ramp with a mustang or one of the new challengers with its 100+liter engine behind you. Watch them in your mirror as they start to slide and have to slow down as you pull away in the turn despite your 1.3L engine
07-07-2008, 07:33 PM
#36
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Go drive one man... you will not regret it! It's a really awesome car.
07-07-2008, 07:39 PM
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The feedback is awesome in both cars. Both are light and responsive. It feels extremely well connected to the road, but it would be fair to say that it wont handle grooved roads as well as the Rx8, but its a non-issue anyway becuase the difference in minimal. Also, becuase it's lighter there's greater requirement for driver involvement. This is pro or con depending upon you.
07-07-2008, 09:25 PM
#38
What are the Detes?
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For grooved freeways and expansion joints, the MX-5 is definitely the more "lively" of the two, whether that is good or bad for you. It will definitely react more to uneveness, due to its lighterweight. I used to drive the RX-8 with one hand on the wheel, one hand on the shifter, and it would cruise over unevenness like a charm. With the MX-5, I feel like I have to use two hands most of the time, as it responds much quicker to inputs, both steering and road. Again, that can be a good or bad thing, depending on the conditions.
Either way, both are great cars.
07-10-2008, 04:59 PM
#40
1st 13 sec Mazda MP3
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Not sure why there's so much hate here for the Evo X...
It's a great car, and it looks sharp...it definitely shed the econobox look of the previous gen Evos.
They handle great, they're mod friendly, and they're pretty practical as far as performance cars go. The biggest downside is the fuel economy, but it's still ahead of the RX-8 in that category.
If you check out http://www.evoxforums.com, you can see why they're a hit.
It's a great car, and it looks sharp...it definitely shed the econobox look of the previous gen Evos.
They handle great, they're mod friendly, and they're pretty practical as far as performance cars go. The biggest downside is the fuel economy, but it's still ahead of the RX-8 in that category.
If you check out http://www.evoxforums.com, you can see why they're a hit.
07-11-2008, 12:53 AM
#41
Grand Chancellor
If you check out http://www.evoxforums.com, you can see why they're a hit.
07-12-2008, 10:43 AM
#42
Go big or go home
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Just to update...
Pulled the trigger and traded my '07 MX-5 for the '08 40th Anv. RX-8. T
he MS3 is a GREAT car, but it feels like a cheap car with a monster engine stuffed into (which is what it is). The RX-8 feels like a much more expensive sports car at a bargain price (especially when you get it for thousands knocked off of MSRP)
Initial impressions after some gentle "tossing" of the RX-8 is that it is a more capable than the MX-5, but is not as "tossable" around town at sane speeds (as mentioned by another poster in this thread).
So far I am head over heels over my RX-8. I will miss the 'vert, but the sexy sound of the rotary and the upscale nature of the ammenities and look of the RX-8 more than makes up for it.
Pulled the trigger and traded my '07 MX-5 for the '08 40th Anv. RX-8. T
he MS3 is a GREAT car, but it feels like a cheap car with a monster engine stuffed into (which is what it is). The RX-8 feels like a much more expensive sports car at a bargain price (especially when you get it for thousands knocked off of MSRP)
Initial impressions after some gentle "tossing" of the RX-8 is that it is a more capable than the MX-5, but is not as "tossable" around town at sane speeds (as mentioned by another poster in this thread).
So far I am head over heels over my RX-8. I will miss the 'vert, but the sexy sound of the rotary and the upscale nature of the ammenities and look of the RX-8 more than makes up for it.
07-12-2008, 02:51 PM
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The biggest downside is the fuel economy, but it's still ahead of the RX-8 in that category.
If you check out http://www.evoxforums.com, you can see why they're a hit.
If you check out http://www.evoxforums.com, you can see why they're a hit.
07-14-2008, 10:35 AM
#48
1st 13 sec Mazda MP3
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fantastic. tell someone to check out an EVO fan forum to understand why it is a hit. It's like saying the mazda protege is a great car. Just check www.mazdamp3.com.
I could have linked one of the 90 articles I've read from reputable magazines that said it was a great car instead, but a simple article isn't going to have that much information.
07-14-2008, 04:27 PM
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Not for everybody
Ditto. I own an '04 RX-8 and have driven several Miatas. The Miata is hard to touch for an instant bond with the car, instinctive controls and almost telepathic driving ability. I just happen to love the rotary engine, the styling and the uniqueness of the RX-8.
07-14-2008, 09:59 PM
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It looks like I'm too late. My advice would have been to sell the 07 and get an earlier Miata. I've never driven a newer miata - it just seems like it's not as raw an experience as the previous generations.
I had a 99 Sport and sold it when I got the RX-8. I regret that decision. I love the RX-8's engine. That's why I bought the car. I have no attachment to the RX-8 itself though. Running through the mountains with my miata was an amazing experience. With the top down and the exhaust echoing off the mountain walls I was in heaven.
God damn they need to sell a rotary miata. As much as I would also love a new RX-7, there's nothing that can replace the top down experience. The exhaust, the smells, everything is amplified. A convertible RX-7 wouldn't fit the bill since it would not be designed as a convertible from the start and thus it would just be a heavier version of the coupe.
I'm going to send Mazda one letter a day until it's done even if it takes 5 years.
Oops... What was the topic again??
I had a 99 Sport and sold it when I got the RX-8. I regret that decision. I love the RX-8's engine. That's why I bought the car. I have no attachment to the RX-8 itself though. Running through the mountains with my miata was an amazing experience. With the top down and the exhaust echoing off the mountain walls I was in heaven.
God damn they need to sell a rotary miata. As much as I would also love a new RX-7, there's nothing that can replace the top down experience. The exhaust, the smells, everything is amplified. A convertible RX-7 wouldn't fit the bill since it would not be designed as a convertible from the start and thus it would just be a heavier version of the coupe.
I'm going to send Mazda one letter a day until it's done even if it takes 5 years.
Oops... What was the topic again??