Hey all,

I started another thread about the differences between the RX8 and the FD that I sold (https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/had-95-rx7-how-will-rx8-feel-86665/).

Everyone said there would be differences and that I should drive one. The wife and I went out today and did just that. To reiterate, I'm not a 'specs' kind of guy, I'm a 'feel' kind of guy. The car just didn't feel fast enough. My favorite experience in driving my FD was the jump from 20mph to 60mph (turning onto the highway). I just couldn't get that 'kick in the pants' feel that I was hoping for. I tried it several times in different gear/rpm ranges and just couldn't get the feel.

The salesman indicated that this was lack of torque in the low end and I'd tend to agree. If they ever bring out a factory FI engine, I'll be all over giving it another shot.

*sigh*. I really wanted a rotary rocket in the stable. Hopefully FI will come our way soon. Any rumors? The salesman indicated that there are rumors of a mazdaspeed RX8. Is he right?

Thanks for all the input everyone. I really did like the car and the phantom blue was really nice. Reminds me of my montego blue FD. *sniff*sniff* </taps>

Thanks again,
BoB

P.S. Any recommendations for a <$50k car that has that 'kick in the pants' acceleration from 20-60?

 

Elise?

 

well this has been talked about many times, the 8 is a beautiful car and is fast enough for most of us 8 drivers!!! I think I speak for everyone when I say yes we wish it had more torque, but you can't do anything about it.... Yeah there is a rumor that a Mazdaspeed RX-8 will be developed, but who knows when that will happen.

As for finding a car for 50K... my older brother has a 2005 BMW M3, and I drove it and I can say that it has that "kick in the pants" that your looking for.. beautiful car....

whatever you do Good Luck

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I want to make it clear to everyone reading that I like the RX8 a great deal, and it can go quite fast. It handles well. It's just not right for me. I want it to be a 1995 RX7 a little too much to be open minded. In that way, I'm wondering if any car under 50k will be good enough. I know my buddy's F360 would be great, but I don't got that kinda scratch.

BoB

 

well you are comparing it to an fd, so two seats is alright.

dont know mayber a VETTE...

beers

 

Go drive an Evo 9, even if you hate the way they look you should check it out.

 

Elise?

 

Forgot to mention, torque is a problem but horsepower is the bigger problem IMO. The S2000 is a perfect example of that, it has very little torque but still has nice pull up top which the RX-8 lacks.

 

Mustang Shelby Cobra GT 500 (or whatever they are going to call it)

 

second on the s2k

 

2005 mazdaspeed miata?

 

nothing will kick your pants more than an ariel atom (0-60 in 2.9 seconds) and it'll smash the hell out of your buddy's 360 and rip your head off in the process, but it's very impractical unless all you plan to do with it is go for joyrides. costs just shy of 50 grand.

other alternative rides might include... a jag XK (not sure of the price), a porsche boxter... a vette, a mercedes SLK 350 roadster (or drop 10 grand more and get the SLK 55 with nearly 400 hp), the bmw M3 already mentioned, the upcoming M version of the BMW Z4 with a hardtop, a regular Z4 (ugly), an evo or a wrx sti (don't look classy)

If I had the money and wasn't already obsessed with the RX-8 I would invest in an Elise or either mecedes SLK, small, fast and fun, and... they kick you in the pants.

you could also just get another FD...

 

 

http://www.exoticcarsite.com/pages/chevrolet_c6_zo6.htm

BAM! brand new ZO6

 

Thanks Ike for once again knowing everything about cars you've never owned.

 

repost


https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...60&postcount=5

beers

 

My 93 FD was Montego Blue as well, sorry you didn't want to stay with the Rotary. You could get one and turbocharge it yourself.

 

You're welcome, someone around here has to know what they're talking about and we all know it sure as hell isn't going to be you.

 

I love Elise, but it also has a low torque as they basically uses celica's engine in order to meet US emission requirement. Reason they are fast is because they are very light. Basically the ratio is 1 horsepower for 12 pounds weight. For your price range, I'd suggest Evo or STI. BTW, I do like Concept X's look.

 

......... you're joking right

 

I'm sorry—but didn't Mazda make a big stink over the fact that the 8 was NOT a replacement for the RX-7?

"Progeny of both the RX-Evolv and RX-01 show cars, the Hiroshima-built RX-8 isn't meant to be a direct replacement for the RX-7 — although Mazda is not ruling out the possibility of a successor. Rather, it's a very capable-handling, affordable rear-drive sports car with room for four people, with ingenious doors to admit those people."
—Road & Track, April 2003

Guess I'm the only one who caught that.

 

Who is saying that the 8 is the replacement for the 7? If you think the original poster is saying that, you're insane or retarded. Sounded to me like he was the most open minded FD owner I've ever seen.

 

 

To get the kick-in-the-pants feel you need torque. Plain and simple. Knowing that, you can now cross all small displacement motors off your list (unless they're blown). S2000s, Elises, Boxsters (unless it's an "S") will NOT give you what your FD did.

I think that in your quest for the perfect car, you'll find out by driving most of the choices that several will fall short of the "feel" the RX-8 gives you- the handling/ride balance is really top notch versus all the competitors.

Honestly, your best bet might be a used NSX. Basically the same torque as the twin turbo 7...that is, higher up in the range, yet still somewhat of a flat curve. The car itself is nice and stiff, yet it doesn't ride harshly at all. You should be able to find several '00 or '01s for right around your price ceiling.

 

Well you're wrong. I think the original poster is saying just that—and I can assure you that I'm not "insane or retarded". (You have a real gift for words, by the way.) Sounds to me like the original poster is disappointed the 8 is not a 7:

"I started another thread about the differences between the RX8 and the FD that I sold… my favorite experience in driving my FD was the jump from 20mph to 60mph (turning onto the highway). I just couldn't get that 'kick in the pants' feel that I was hoping for. I tried it several times in different gear/rpm ranges and just couldn't get the feel…*sigh*. I really wanted a rotary rocket in the stable."