redapex

I've always been a fan of the RX8, it looks great, handles great, different, rwd etc... But the one thing I cant seem to get past is the lack of power. Granted the car makes about as much HP as my modded GTi does to the wheels but my GTi is probably making almost 100 more tq. I've been watching and waiting and it seems like I could almost sell the GTi and hop into an 04 and not have to come out of pocket. Ahhhh I dont know what to do. Im just not sure I can go from a car that will turn out a very low 14 at 99.9 mph in the 1/4 to a high 14 at 93ish... Im not even a drag racer i prefer to autocross so it shouldnt be a problem I just cant put it behind me. That and I've had this GTi since I was 16 so im kind of attached to it



Give me some ideas guys...

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

if u AutoX, RX8 might be better for u

if u are Stop light racer or drag, then u might want to keep ur GTi.

I have coilovers in my 8, ppl want to race me all the time, I hate them, I dont really race them, I just go thru corners at over 70mph, they probably thought Im crazy, then they dont even bother to try to play catch up.

but if u really want rx8, I suggest u to go with something OTHER than 04, go with at least 05, 06 preferred.

Cuz most of the engine problem (plus new Rotor housing revision) has been resolved in 06.

I have a 05 I have no engine problem tho. but as a new rotary user, 06+ is ur friend.

Ike

You just need to figure out what's important to you torque/hp, or better handling. Maybe see if you can get a lengthy testdrive in an RX-8 rather than the usual 15 min cruise with a salesman next to you.

Silver06

Have you driven an RX-8?

Drive a few rear-wheel drive cars (and why not an AWD Subie or Mitsubishi as well). Then you can compare the RX-8 against them.

Then drive some of the newer FWD cars, including a new GTI.

Then come back with your impressions.... The handling of the RX-8 can be altered to suit your preference, but you really have to have a baseline.

redapex

I've put about 100 miles on a friends AP2 S2000 and I loved it but im not sure I would want to drive one every day. My GTI has coilovers on it and even without them I was actually on average about a a second faster than the S2000s on the autox. I thought about a WRX or an EVO but im not a fan of the interior at all. Which is why I keep looking at the RX8. Its practical enough to drive everyday (the s2k is not) and the interior is a lot better than the wrx and evo.

superglue

If it's a DD keep in mind of the gas mileage you'll be getting with the 8. It's really the car's only downside as far as I'm concerned. I wouldn't have bought one as a daily driver.

I also bought mine to get into autox. I'll be making my first run in a few weeks.

As far as the power, I'm coming from a WRX w/ exhaust and tune and I don't mind the power delivery in the RX-8. I think it's got just enough to keep me happy. But the big test will be the autox events and keeping the car in it's power band which is between 4000RPM to Infinity RPM :p Autox seems to favor low end torque though, and the 8 just doesn't have any.

Rhythmic

If you're into autoX and you need a daily driver, but also favor a nice interior and some refinement, does it get any better than an RX8? Seems like the perfect fit for you.

Once you get a feeling for the 8, torque will likely not be an issue at all. You'll be too busy having fun with it.

JRichter

Nice GTi. I love VW's and the GTi is certainly sporty and yours sounds pretty fast and I'm sure handles good, but you should move to the next level by getting something purpose-built as a sports car. After a lengthy test drive like someone mentioned, you will clearly see the areas that the 8 excels in. Don't be so hung up on numbers. Usually in every day driving a half second advantage in the quarter mile don't mean ****. Good luck.

TopGear8

iTrader: (3)

Do it, you will love it.

bose

iTrader: (5)

make sure you get the 6 speed (should go without saying) And you'll get over the torque once you realized how well it handles, Just keep the rpms in the 5500 up range and you'll forget all about numbers and just feel the exhiliration that comes with the 8 (especially in the twisties). There are some competitors, but none of them stack up the way the 8 does. It's a giant in a tight little package.

Renesis07

iTrader: (1)

FWD to RWD.......Turbo to N/A. Lots to think about and consider, Id find a friend with an RX8 or take one out on a test drive and tell the salesman youre going to drive like a maniac and do what you gotta do

sleeperx8

well you're going from one cult car to another...

mileage is probably about the same...

and it's not like the GTi can't handle curves.

so really, you are comparing torque over hawtness.

redapex

Well see that will take some getting used to. My car pulls like a bat out of hell from about 2800 and at 5500 it falls on its face My current car is also a 6spd so I doubt I'll be going for anything less.

delhi

Get the RX-8. Then you will be exposed to the world of colours.

fahrfegneugen

Nice VW.

I would recommend the 8. Are you going to drive in the winter in Frankfurt? You definatley will need good snow tires.

shaunv74

With the RX8 you won't even feel anything until you get to 5K rpm. Make sure you rev it up until you hear the beep. Drive it and then decide. You'll get over the torque difference pretty quickly. Right after your first hard corner. 9K FTMFW!!

Oh and you won't have to deal with electrical gremlins and crappy VW service either!

RojoOcho

I had a Mk IV VW. I would unload it. Just me though.

krush7

if it means anything, i have a WRX that puts out about 250whp, 260 torque, lots of suspension goodies. i'm keeping it around for bigger power mods and track days. i got the rx8 as my new DD. handling-wise stock the rx8 is great, you can't beat the feel and what you can do with RWD.. my biggest complaint is mpg and the serious lack of torque in the rx8. when you sell your GTi that's what you'll be missing, everytime i drive my WRX now i kinda laugh and question if i did make the right buy (i was considering the s2000 which *feels* faster also but the back seats won it for me). haha, but seriously i think the RX8 is a great car. i'll be taking it to it's first track day next month to see how it really stacks up to all the hype.

SideOfBacon

OT but I have to post this...

at quick glance over thread titles I keep thinking that reads Thinking about trading my GF in for a RX8

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

with a few mods you can run really low 14s in this car.

this car can run 14.4 stock. ask me how i know.

superglue

Yeah, the RX-8's saving grace when stacked against hopped up turbo 4's is it's balance and it's 9K RPM redline. I've had the car for close to a month now and any time I hit the redline I giggle. And the feel of the car in the corners doesn't compare to pumped up sedans/hatchbacks like the WRX or GTI.

Razz1

If you want power..... get the Access Port from Mazda Manic on this forum.

Hell you don't need anymore power for Auto X

CarAndDriver

My friend has a chipped but otherwise stock 2003 20th Anniversary GTI and he likes it a lot. It was the only GTI of that vintage that had the lowered Euro suspension and it sure is stiff, but the engine has a lot of torque.

If you autocross, the 8 will be better. Either way, avoid a 2004 RX-8.

Ike

GTI's are not very good autox cars (coilovers or not) and the S2K is one of the best. Either your friend is an awful driver, there's something very wrong with his S2K, or you're not being truthful.

rowteree

Get the rx8, you wont be disappointed. Right now for the price, the rx8 is probably one of the best handling sports car out there right now on the market. You can get an 04-05 for around 13-16k in good condition. Start modding away after that to make your very own and then you wont even worry about the torque issue anymore because you'll just be having too much fun.