DigitalRX

Hi, I currently have a 2004 Acura RSX base Auto.. I'm looking at buying a used RX-8, probably 04. I'm looking in the range of 40-50k miles just due to the price. I know how to drive a manual so that isn't a problem and all I will go with on this car.

I hear people talking about TTL and the Sport package.. what do these offer over the base RX-8?

I know the car will need a bit more maintenance than my Acura, but that isn't a problem. I'm a regular oil checker, tire pressure checker, tranny fluid sniffer etc. I take good care of my cars.

What are the average track times for the RX-8 base? I've been seeing anywhere from low to flat 14s, to low 15s. 0-60 times of about 6.5 is the average I'm seeing. I know the brakes and handling on this car are amazing.

Any tips would be helpful and appreciated, that including Maintenance and care for this, because I'm not use to the rotary.

rglbegl

This place is a well full of knowledge and history.
Search around, you should find all the answers you need.
But mentioning drag times kinda scares me. This is NOT a drag car. If that is what you want, or if you are looking to mod the car . . you will be SADLY disappointed

If you get an older one, make sure it has had all the updates.
Before 06 (I believe) they didn't have screens over the rad and coolers
maintenance is the same as any other car
handling is beyond compare

blah blah blah

robrecht

The Sport/performance package is confusing because it's different on a manual transmission car than on a auto. More of the auto 'sport' features are standard on the basic MT car. Also, I think they changed the name of the 'sport' package on a base car to a performance package on a Sport model in '06 or '07. In other words, what used to be called the base car is now called a Sport. Instead of adding a sport package, you add a performance package. Basically, what you get additional on the MT Sport/performance are DSC with traction control, xenon, & fog lights.

J1MO7

gas sucks

DigitalRX

I usually only drive 200-400 miles a month if I'm lucky.. I really only travel to college and such, but now that summer is rolling around I will drive to drive.

In my RSX I average about 20 in the city.. maybe less since I often raise it to 5500rpm because it feels so sluggish.

It can't be that much worse, and a lot better on performance.

Here's the main thing I'm looking at, is the interior quality, and powertrain quality.. I can beat on my RSX day in and day out and have no problems with it, I hear the RX-8 has a lot of motor problems :\..

Insurance on my base auto rsx is more than the RX-8 of the same year.. basically because the insurance company still considers it an integra, and they were the most stolen for a few years running. Payments will be less aswell, because I have more money to put down this time.

Final question being: I have driven the Honda S2000, 350z, and the RSX-S.. the RX-8 feels faster than the RSX-S, barely noticeable between the S2000 (all depends on how I would launch it or how I would drive for each run.. It seems like it's a drivers race on the S2000, and from what I was reading here, most people don't understand that.

The ride on the RX-8 seems nicer than all of the above, and has the backseat useability of the RSX-S + a little more due to 4 door.

Here's my final question.. finally. Would it be worth it, RX-8 over the RSX-S (almost similar performance in the 1/4th, RX-8 beats it autoxing)

Cliff notes:

Driven S2K, RX-8, 350Z, RSX-S.
RX-8 is a tad slower than S2K, but DDing wont make a dif even if I gun it.
RX-8 = more practical, nicer ride.
RX-8 cheaper interior than the RSX-S.
RSX-S or RX-8?.. Your thoughts, I have my own but would like opinions.

robrecht

Cliff's Notes: Civics are front-wheel drive.

Isn't it amazing that the RX-8 compares favorably with 2-seater sports cars like the 350z and the s2k? If you can afford the gas, the RX-8 is just a lot more fun to drive IMHO.

DigitalRX

Yar.. the gas isn't a big deal, because either of those two in the same mileage range will cost me 2-3k more.. gas for the cars life for me..

The RSX-S may be FWD, but its really a nice car for the price.. the problems are it's slow.. guzzles gas for how slow it is.. 2-3 3-4 gear grinds on the lower years.. also alot more expensive for a used one.

I was looking @ an 05+ RSX-S, gearing is different and alot of changes.

And yea I do love how the RX-8 just barely underperforms to those two.. I'm not a professional racer, I won't notice the difference.. the weather effects it anyway. Let's put it this way.. 80more whp than my Base Auto RSX.. which to me feels sluggish. It will be a downgrade in some categories, but an upgrade in other.. always a tradeoff I guess. Even when I get up into the 90k range the reliability won't be that of a honda, so I guess that's something that I have to sacrifice.

I'm a bit woozy atm so I'm rambling, sorry..

Here's my two main issues; Rotary engine problems.. most of which to me seem like they can be taken care of by proper maitenance, and not using synthetic oil.. (most of the posts I read anywhere, not this forum really, only have problems because they used synth) if anyone could point me to a guide on how to properly lubricate the apex seal to maintain it.. (Rotaries are a learning experience to me at this point, i know the basics of how they work, but not anything in detail.. so if im off on what im saying i would appreciate advice, only way to learn)

Interior quality.. her alot of people complaining about it falling apart?.. I treat my cars nicely sit myself in gently, treat everything gently but firmly..

Are there any rattles? My RSX has alot of them, comming from the dash and the window mainly, which is really annoying since it's from a luxury company (Cant get everything right I guess)

How are they in the snow and rain? I live in Chicago and this will be my DD.

I know most people on these type of forums always tell people to use the search function, honestly I have, just the way searching works on these types of forums is horrible. Never gotten the hang of it. Not to mention when I get into the threads, the useful knowledge stops about 2 posts in and it becomes a flame fest.

For all those helping me in this choice, thanks much, alot of money I'm counting on your guy's true opinion on. To all those reading this.. im a to this car.. so give me some leway.

I'm a Honda fanboy left and right.. I just know when some things are better bang for the buck :\.. It's still tough making the transition over from Honda, to another car, and it is having me look back.

coolstorm92

iTrader: (1)

The answer to this question is NO. Dont get me wrong, I love driving my rx-8 and both cars stock the rx-8 outperforms the rsx-s in every category...barely. Also the rx-8 is much better looking.

BUT: Cheaply modded the rsx-s is easily faster than the rx-8 even modded. Stock the rsx-s handling is very poor compared to an rx-8. The two cars cannot even be compared until the rsx-s has better tires and coilovers/sways. If you are not going to do this modification, get the rx-8. FWD or not once you modify the rsx-s tires/coilovers the handling is VERY comparable to the rx-8, altough on a track the rx-8 feels more fun in the turns and has better balance.

The comparison so far is basically equal. So why is the rsx-s a better choice:

RESALE VALUE - rx-8 resale is beyond terrible and acura is very good
RELIABILITY - hit or miss, my car has been at the dealer for the last 9 weeks in a row and the dealership is clueless
PRACTICALITY - most will get far more use from the hatchback than the trunk and/or back seats in the rx-8 and its FWD which is good for those in places where it snows
FUEL EFFICIENCY - 18mgp (rx-8) vs. 28mpg (rsx-s) is a VERY noticeable for a MINIMAL diff in performance. not worth it.

FWIW I have owned each of these cars for more than 2 years and altough this is just my opinion, I know what I am talking about from actual ownership and seat time.

robrecht

There's a lot you can read here from those who recommend premix as the best way to keep the apex seals lubricated and also the use of synthetic oil (but not Mobil 1).

If you want to drive the RX-8 in winter, you should get a second set of wheels and 4 snow tires. That can be rather expensive. Personally, I plan on using my old Miata, for which I already have a 2nd set of wheels and 4 snows. The lighter the car, the better in snow.

DigitalRX

Yea, I won't be doing a hell of alot of mods.. just due to not having the money, I would love to though.. The RX-8 is also like 3k cheaper used than the 05+ RSX-S.. and the parts for the RSX-S to mod it are relatively expensive to me.. not to mention, to make it as fast as the RX-8 mostly illegal.. RH / HKS Hi-Power.. (for around chicago everything is illegal)

Which is the main debates I'm having.

Hitmann24

The '8 doen't have a lot of mods. It has the standard CAI, Exuast, snd stuff but the car is a gas guzzler. 17MPG is what I averge now I can bring it up to about 19-20 when I baby it shift @ 3K. But the car is so damn fun to drive I just really don't care. Driving in the rain can be tricky it's easy to spin the back tires. Snow I do not know but I can't imagine it any better. Not to mention the 8 looks amazing standing still of in motion.

Ike

If you think mods for an RSX are expensive wait til you see some for the RX-8. You seem pretty concerned about speed and things like a Hondata and Intake are going to make the RSX faster than an RX-8 with just about every bolt-on available. The RSX-S and RX-8 are virtually identical in speed once you get opast the wheelspin of the RSX. If giving up some realiability and a good amount of gas mileage are worth the added handling of the RX-8 then go for it. If not then get yourself an RSX-S.

DigitalRX

I think it takes about 2000 in parts to make the RSX-S hang with the RX-8. Everything I've been seeing, and from being on the CRSX forums for a while, shows the average 0-60 time on the RSX-S @ 7.2, and the quarter mile @ mid 15s. Mid 14s can be reached w/ a CAI header and cat delete.

Lemme reword my question, For DDing, not alot of modding currently, and price, would the RX-8 be better to get than the RSX-S..

05+ RSX-S 50-60k miles = about 17500.. RX-8 w/ 40k miles = 15 or less

Is anyone able to list the common problems with the RX-8? From what I know is the Apex seal getting ruined.. and high / low temp problems.

RSX-S is.. 2-3 3-4 gear grind, wheel hop like crazy, about on line with the S2000 in the snow.. ( from personal experience too ).. clutch is easy to ruin.. it also looks like everyone and their moms civic driving around.. the only place you can really tell is the rear end if you're not a big car person..

Stock for stock, RSX-S or RX-8. 8 is cheaper, S is better quality from what I understand.

If I wanted bareboned speed, I would just get a used STi and cut out the modding all together (modding the S to be superfast would just end up costing the same)

Just looking for a stock comparision I guess.

TheWulf

iTrader: (4)

From a fun-to-drive perspective, the 8 wins hands down (I have driven both). The RSX-S is a nice car, but its got nothing in terms of style and feeling fo.r my tastes

Ike

Sorry, but a stock 2005+ RSX-S can trap 95ish MPH and runs mid to high 14's with a good driver, which is about what to expect from a stock RX-8 with a similarly good driver. The older RSX-S ran a couple ticks slower and trapped 1-2mph lower but was still very capable of running high 14's stock despite the FWD and slightly lower power. No one is talking about super fast... But with a Hondata, CAI, Exhaust, and header 13's have been achieved plenty of times. Are you sure you own an RSX? Lastly, an '05 RSX-S with around 50K miles can be had for around 15k with ease. Older with a little higher miles can be had for pretty close to 10k.

xsnipersgox

if the pocketbook is even slightly tight, get the rsx, the 8 will just get more and more expensive to own as gas price shoots up, we HAVE to have premium. 5 bucks a gallon here we come

Cam

iTrader: (1)

I think the RX8 wins hand down. I have driven the RSX S as well. IMO the interior on the 8 is far superior.

Plus with the 8 you get RWD and a 9k RPM redline .

Keep up with the maintenance and you shouldnt have any problems. I have an 04 with 32K and havent had one issue powertrain wise, and I drive it like I stole it.

With the Access Port available now 210-220 RWHP should be attainable (along with a few other mods) for around $2500.

fugg

im really happy you posted this thread.

I was just looking at the Type-S for my new ride.

DigitalRX

Around where I live the 05+ RSX-S w/ under 40k miles is around 17000-18000.. dunno where you live but hell I wanna go there.

It doesn't run high 14s with a good driver.. trust me.. People with CAI/ Header/ Exhaust barely hit mid 14. It's a slow car.. SUV's beat it.

I've been w/ CRSX since 02.. they don't move lol.

Hondata, CAI, Exhaust, and header will make you run low 14s. Throw some toda cams on there, and you may hit 13. You won't with basic bolt ons.

The RSX-S weighs almost 2800lb, FWD, 160? or so to the wheels. I've been to like 5 meets and gone to the track to see em race stock.. trust me, they don't hit those times stock.

It takes about 5k to get the RSX into the 13s. It barely hits low 13s w/ a turbo.

The K20 responds well to mods, but it has less torque than the RX-8. You will always get a freak car that will hit faster runs, and dyno higher than others.

Look @ the Quickest N/A Base part http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=404336

Those people put about 3k into their cars, to make them hang with stock RSX-S. I've been around this car since 2002, I've seen what it can and cannot do..

Anyway, I wasn't planning on modding it much.

The October/November issue of Honda Tuning has an intake comparison with an RSX TypeS. Stock the car made 158whp and 120ft*lb. The best intake was the AEM CAI which made 178hp and 125ft*lb. The DC Sports CAI intake was only 1hp off of the AEM CAI w/ supporting mods.

http://www.dragtimes.com/Acura-RSX-Timeslip-4503.html < point and case, well known driver on the RSX forums, almost 200whp / 139ftlb where stock is in the 160 range / 120ftlb.. Yes the K20 needs a reflash / KPro to get it moving.. Now, I agree that the K20 responds amazingly well to mods, better than the B, H, or F series.. but, I don't have the money to invest in mods if I'm already spending 3k more to get my car :P. That's where the RX-8 pulls in, it runs faster for less. Mods will be eventual, but I was going FI for both of them, and I know the RX-8 is a beast with a TC or SC, so I will end up saving for that vs i/e/h.

Not trying to argue really.. just trying to get you to see where I'm comming from to help me make more of an informed Decision. I know the K20 like the back of my hand, I personally have the Auto because I was driving 150 miles a day round trip in and out of chicago, but I'm not anymore.. so.. but I've worked on the RSX-S, driven them, tracked them, autoxed them.