Trading my RX-8 for a Miata - Am I crazy?
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Joined: May 2011
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I've got to tell you I just bought an 04 Wining Blue 8 after owning a 99 10AE Miata for 2 years. Definitely missing the topless days especially in this awesome weather. The 8 is a much more serious car, take that as you will. I will tell you though that my little Miata never failed to put a smile on my face kicking down a gear top down on a good road....
Can't go wrong with either. Both put a smile on my face, and that is pretty much the sole requirement of any car I own to drive.
I prefer the 8 for highways, long distance drives, high speed curves, the engine, any weather other than perfect (too hot, too cold, precipitation), and any utility need
I prefer the Miata for commuting, low speed stuff around town, lower speed curves/corners, autocross, and perfect weather
I love the looks and drivetrain of the 8, but the size, weight, and missing roof of the Miata. Fortunately, these aren't mutually exclusive (mostly
), so it's why I want to combine them with an engine swap.
One day I will unless Mazda beats me to it with a rotary on a Miata chassis (even if labeled something else, like the 3, 5, and CX-7 use the same chassis.)
I prefer the 8 for highways, long distance drives, high speed curves, the engine, any weather other than perfect (too hot, too cold, precipitation), and any utility need
I prefer the Miata for commuting, low speed stuff around town, lower speed curves/corners, autocross, and perfect weather
I love the looks and drivetrain of the 8, but the size, weight, and missing roof of the Miata. Fortunately, these aren't mutually exclusive (mostly
), so it's why I want to combine them with an engine swap. One day I will unless Mazda beats me to it with a rotary on a Miata chassis (even if labeled something else, like the 3, 5, and CX-7 use the same chassis.)
White is purdy...
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 656
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From: Jersey Shore
Not crazy at all. I own both(94 miata, 05 rx8)
The miata is such an awesome car, handles so well and is just fun to drive, ESPECIALLY with the top down. If you really love the rx8, and have the money and time to maintain two cars, I'd suggest just buying an earlier generation miata and keeping the 8. Do some research on miata.net and test drive a shitload of them. Good luck with whatever you decide
The miata is such an awesome car, handles so well and is just fun to drive, ESPECIALLY with the top down. If you really love the rx8, and have the money and time to maintain two cars, I'd suggest just buying an earlier generation miata and keeping the 8. Do some research on miata.net and test drive a shitload of them. Good luck with whatever you decide
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 470
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The MX-5 really is a good car. If a roadster is what you want, go for it. You just need to be okay with people thinking it's a ghey chick car. These are probably the same biased, ignorant people that think Mustangs can't handle...
As for the radio, you'll never see that money again. At least you enjoyed it for a while.
As for the radio, you'll never see that money again. At least you enjoyed it for a while.
Rx7 and now Rx8
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 142
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From: Tucson, AZ
That's the biggest advantage of the MX5 over the Rx8 and one reason they are so popular and the Rx8's are not.
The MX5's are ultra reliable wheras the 8's are totally opposite. That money and hassle you save goes a LONG way toward owner cost and satisfaction. As much as I luv my 8 I fear the engine failure, the cat failure, lack of power...crap! You buy a MX5 and you have NO worries.
And ah...you talk about a dime a dozen? Have you seen how badly our 8's depreciate because of the shortfalls? Used 8's are dime a dozen (unfortunately).
The MX5's are ultra reliable wheras the 8's are totally opposite. That money and hassle you save goes a LONG way toward owner cost and satisfaction. As much as I luv my 8 I fear the engine failure, the cat failure, lack of power...crap! You buy a MX5 and you have NO worries.
And ah...you talk about a dime a dozen? Have you seen how badly our 8's depreciate because of the shortfalls? Used 8's are dime a dozen (unfortunately).
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,319
Likes: 58
From: NYC
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=357614
Some of the other answers in that thread are hilarious.
My favorite:
Is the Miata a girly/gay/chick/hairdresser's car? Are Miata owners gay?
Its time to put this tired, stupid subject to rest, once and for all. If you've been referred to this link because your thread was closed:
A: This question has come up at least once a week for years. A search on the topic will yield hundreds of threads. The astute observer will note that virtually every one ended up closed.
Q: Why are they closed?
A: Although the subject would be a fascinating doctoral dissertation, we haven't seen too many PhDs or graduate students of sociology participating in the discussions. They end up with childish, immature comments that only serve to inflame the community.
Q: C'mon, people are adults here
A: True, but do a search. Find a single thread on the subject that hasn't ended up closed.
Q: But this is car talk, I don't see why we can't have an intelligent discussion about it.
A: No, its not car talk, its sociology/psychology talk with a consumer item as the basis of discussion.
Q: If its not true, why does it come up constantly?
A: I don't know. I don't have a PhD in sociology.
If you still need answers to this question:
Is the Miata a girly/gay/chick/hairdresser's car? Are Miata owners gay?
A: Beats me, why?
A: OMG, it is? We had better advise everyone to sell immediately.
A: Yes, and we only allow gays to register for the forum.
A: Not sure, but since you know so much about the subject, can you help also answer this important question? I think my dog is gay. Why does he ... (oh, never mind)
A: Dude, are you seriously worried about this? If so, you have a way bigger problem than which car to buy.
A: So we've been told.
A: Some. But if you're wondering which ones, why not simply stop the next Miata you see on the road and ask?
A: Yes, every single person who ever drove a Miata, wanted to drive a Miata, admired a Miata, or had a friend whose Mom knew someone with a Miata, is as gay as a 3 dollar bill. Welcome to the forum. What brought you here?
A: Maybe, but at least they're not completely ignorant homophobic morons.
A: Are you asking because you really don't know the answer? If so, we'll keep the words short to save you a trip to the junior high library. No, Johnny, it isn't true. The mean kids are just teasing you because your voice hasn't changed yet.
A: Are you asking because you really think its true and you're just here to assert your manliness? If so, we have some advice. Go get a match and set yourself on fire.
A: Are you asking because you're worried about what other people will think of you if you own a Miata? If so, we recommend that you get some counseling. Seriously. There are some people who might have ignored our advice above about the matches that will think you are gay. If you can't deal with that, either seek psychological help or go buy a Hummer instead. Although then you'll be asking for advice about why people think Hummer owners are arrogant buttwipes. But hey, we warned you.
A: This is truly one of the most frequently asked questions in the forum. Its also the stupidest. We could get into the psychological implications of people who seem to think one's choice of vehicle somehow correlates to their sexual preferences, but we'll leave that to those who really care about such things. Suffice it to say that there are close to a million Miatas on the road today, and it is safe to assume that some percentage of them are driven by homosexuals. We also know that some percentage of them are driven by heterosexuals. We have no idea whether those percentages are higher or lower than that of any other vehicle, and frankly, we don't really care. If you care about such things, then you should probably visit your shrink before making an automotive buying decision.
Its time to put this tired, stupid subject to rest, once and for all. If you've been referred to this link because your thread was closed:
A: This question has come up at least once a week for years. A search on the topic will yield hundreds of threads. The astute observer will note that virtually every one ended up closed.
Q: Why are they closed?
A: Although the subject would be a fascinating doctoral dissertation, we haven't seen too many PhDs or graduate students of sociology participating in the discussions. They end up with childish, immature comments that only serve to inflame the community.
Q: C'mon, people are adults here
A: True, but do a search. Find a single thread on the subject that hasn't ended up closed.
Q: But this is car talk, I don't see why we can't have an intelligent discussion about it.
A: No, its not car talk, its sociology/psychology talk with a consumer item as the basis of discussion.
Q: If its not true, why does it come up constantly?
A: I don't know. I don't have a PhD in sociology.
If you still need answers to this question:
Is the Miata a girly/gay/chick/hairdresser's car? Are Miata owners gay?
A: Beats me, why?
A: OMG, it is? We had better advise everyone to sell immediately.
A: Yes, and we only allow gays to register for the forum.
A: Not sure, but since you know so much about the subject, can you help also answer this important question? I think my dog is gay. Why does he ... (oh, never mind)
A: Dude, are you seriously worried about this? If so, you have a way bigger problem than which car to buy.
A: So we've been told.
A: Some. But if you're wondering which ones, why not simply stop the next Miata you see on the road and ask?
A: Yes, every single person who ever drove a Miata, wanted to drive a Miata, admired a Miata, or had a friend whose Mom knew someone with a Miata, is as gay as a 3 dollar bill. Welcome to the forum. What brought you here?
A: Maybe, but at least they're not completely ignorant homophobic morons.
A: Are you asking because you really don't know the answer? If so, we'll keep the words short to save you a trip to the junior high library. No, Johnny, it isn't true. The mean kids are just teasing you because your voice hasn't changed yet.
A: Are you asking because you really think its true and you're just here to assert your manliness? If so, we have some advice. Go get a match and set yourself on fire.
A: Are you asking because you're worried about what other people will think of you if you own a Miata? If so, we recommend that you get some counseling. Seriously. There are some people who might have ignored our advice above about the matches that will think you are gay. If you can't deal with that, either seek psychological help or go buy a Hummer instead. Although then you'll be asking for advice about why people think Hummer owners are arrogant buttwipes. But hey, we warned you.
A: This is truly one of the most frequently asked questions in the forum. Its also the stupidest. We could get into the psychological implications of people who seem to think one's choice of vehicle somehow correlates to their sexual preferences, but we'll leave that to those who really care about such things. Suffice it to say that there are close to a million Miatas on the road today, and it is safe to assume that some percentage of them are driven by homosexuals. We also know that some percentage of them are driven by heterosexuals. We have no idea whether those percentages are higher or lower than that of any other vehicle, and frankly, we don't really care. If you care about such things, then you should probably visit your shrink before making an automotive buying decision.
My favorite:
A. No, but if you ned to be assured of this, let me take you for a ride. The first one that screams like a litle girl admits to being gay.
9K Buzz in my head
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 119
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From: Ohio
OK, as an owner of both.
Pluses for a Miata - will get better gas mileage than the 8. Handles like a go-cart, but I prefer the 8 actually for more neutral handling.
Negatives: Tight fit. I'm 6'1" and my 04 is really tight. Later models offer only a slightly more leg room and it't still too tight. It's noisy with the cloth top. Folding hardtops might make it a little less like the inside of a blender. The engine is really buzzy at higher revs. The other thing is every SUV and pickup tends to right your bumper because you're just so small that they figure they can drive right over you. I'm going to start carrying water balloons full of yellow paint around with me and chuck one over my shoulder onto the hood of the next douche who stops 3" off my rear bumper. Oh, and on the highway stay away from being a sandwich between two semi's. They just can't see you.
It's a kick to drive and my wife mainly drives it in the summer, but it was my first Mazda and that's why I've bought 3 others since. Really reliable from my standpoint, but I'd keep the 8 if you can afford it. The drop top is fun, but if you only use it 4 months a year, you'll want the hardtop.
Pluses for a Miata - will get better gas mileage than the 8. Handles like a go-cart, but I prefer the 8 actually for more neutral handling.
Negatives: Tight fit. I'm 6'1" and my 04 is really tight. Later models offer only a slightly more leg room and it't still too tight. It's noisy with the cloth top. Folding hardtops might make it a little less like the inside of a blender. The engine is really buzzy at higher revs. The other thing is every SUV and pickup tends to right your bumper because you're just so small that they figure they can drive right over you. I'm going to start carrying water balloons full of yellow paint around with me and chuck one over my shoulder onto the hood of the next douche who stops 3" off my rear bumper. Oh, and on the highway stay away from being a sandwich between two semi's. They just can't see you.
It's a kick to drive and my wife mainly drives it in the summer, but it was my first Mazda and that's why I've bought 3 others since. Really reliable from my standpoint, but I'd keep the 8 if you can afford it. The drop top is fun, but if you only use it 4 months a year, you'll want the hardtop.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Some time ago, I was kicking the idea of switching up to a new MX-5 Miata, therefore I decided to take a test drive while I was getting my 8 serviced...
... For some reason, it didn't feel as good as driving my 8. I mean I didn't push it as much, but I did enough to get a basic feel of the car. And it just didn't give me that very sporty & connected road feel as my 8. I'm not trying to bring down the MX-5, and I'm sure it's an awesome car once you get to understand it... But for some reason, the RX-8 felt like a much sharper and agile sports car, and it simply feels better to drive. I felt that the rotary engine had more to offer and I started to appreciate & understand the feeling of revving the car to 9k rpm... It pushes it to another level and experiencing that additional power within the rotary makes it a little sweeter as well.
I don't know if it's primarily because the rotary engine gives it that feel which truly separates the RX-8 from the MX-5... Whether it gives it that advantage, or maybe because the R3 version just creates that extra feeling...
Whatever the reason is, I decided to keep my RX-8 for a bit longer afterwards.
... For some reason, it didn't feel as good as driving my 8. I mean I didn't push it as much, but I did enough to get a basic feel of the car. And it just didn't give me that very sporty & connected road feel as my 8. I'm not trying to bring down the MX-5, and I'm sure it's an awesome car once you get to understand it... But for some reason, the RX-8 felt like a much sharper and agile sports car, and it simply feels better to drive. I felt that the rotary engine had more to offer and I started to appreciate & understand the feeling of revving the car to 9k rpm... It pushes it to another level and experiencing that additional power within the rotary makes it a little sweeter as well.
I don't know if it's primarily because the rotary engine gives it that feel which truly separates the RX-8 from the MX-5... Whether it gives it that advantage, or maybe because the R3 version just creates that extra feeling...
Whatever the reason is, I decided to keep my RX-8 for a bit longer afterwards.
2008 40th Anniversary
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 276
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From: Virginia, USA
We were going to buy a Miata for my wife.... then we drove a BMW Z4...
Now we have a 2004 Z4 3.0 to go along with my RX-8.
I just couldn't fit in the Miata because I am 6'-3". I have tons of headroom in the Z4.
Now we have a 2004 Z4 3.0 to go along with my RX-8.
I just couldn't fit in the Miata because I am 6'-3". I have tons of headroom in the Z4.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 67
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From: Portland
Been there, done that, I've had 2 RX8's and two Miata's (Miatae?). While they're both "sports/sporty" cars, I found them to be quite different. While the Miata is a 2 seat roadster, to me the RX8 is much more of a 'car' and has more of that special feeling that nothing else I've ever owned can match. The Miata handles well and is a convertible, but it's performance envelope (at least in stock form) is lower than the RX8.
The Miata is a blast and fun, so like other posters suggested, it depends on what you want most - a unique sports/GT car (the RX8), or a small convertible roadster (the Miata)? I had a series 1 (1990) and series 2 (1999), and I liked them both better than the current (2007-) model. I liked the overall balance of the 1999 the best (1999-2007). IMHO it is the best looking of the 3 series' of Miatae, a nice balance of simplicity with reasonable performance.
Also IMHO, I just did not like the current (series 3) Miata. I really wanted to, test drove one a few times. But, it always felt (and sounded) somehow... agricultural... to me. I didnt feel it was as smooth, balanced, or integrated as the series 2 (and just sounded coarse). It somehow felt like an agglomeration of different bits and pieces. Not a bad car at all, just not the same feeling as the older ones.
Instead, I bought a 2006 Honda S2000 (in addition to my RX8). Now that is a fun car! It is an absolute blast! It's the only other car (other than the RX8) in which I feel a total connection to the road, the car an extension of my central nervous system. It's taut, precise, high revving, truly feels like a go kart on steriods - like a smaller, 2 seat convertible version of the RX8. To me, the S2000 is much closer to the spirit of the RX8 than a Miata. If you want a convertible roadster, I'd look for the best and lowest mileage S2000 you can find - preferably to compliment your RX8 and not replace it (but if you have to replace, go for the S2000 over the Miata).
The Miata is a blast and fun, so like other posters suggested, it depends on what you want most - a unique sports/GT car (the RX8), or a small convertible roadster (the Miata)? I had a series 1 (1990) and series 2 (1999), and I liked them both better than the current (2007-) model. I liked the overall balance of the 1999 the best (1999-2007). IMHO it is the best looking of the 3 series' of Miatae, a nice balance of simplicity with reasonable performance.
Also IMHO, I just did not like the current (series 3) Miata. I really wanted to, test drove one a few times. But, it always felt (and sounded) somehow... agricultural... to me. I didnt feel it was as smooth, balanced, or integrated as the series 2 (and just sounded coarse). It somehow felt like an agglomeration of different bits and pieces. Not a bad car at all, just not the same feeling as the older ones.
Instead, I bought a 2006 Honda S2000 (in addition to my RX8). Now that is a fun car! It is an absolute blast! It's the only other car (other than the RX8) in which I feel a total connection to the road, the car an extension of my central nervous system. It's taut, precise, high revving, truly feels like a go kart on steriods - like a smaller, 2 seat convertible version of the RX8. To me, the S2000 is much closer to the spirit of the RX8 than a Miata. If you want a convertible roadster, I'd look for the best and lowest mileage S2000 you can find - preferably to compliment your RX8 and not replace it (but if you have to replace, go for the S2000 over the Miata).
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 46
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From: New Hampshire
My first Miata was the 1999 and I agree that it was an awesome look - much more humble than the current model. But, I actually feel that the new Miata handles better. It could be poor memory or maybe I beat up my old Miata - it was my first stick and it took a long time for me to get the hang of the clutch.
Anyway, I appreciate everyone's comments, but the bottom line is that as much as I love my RX-8, I just don't feel the thrill of the Miata.
So, on Saturday I bought a Miata with a retractable hard top so it's quieter than my old Miata. I absolutely LOVE IT! And when I'm not driving it, I'm wishing I was driving it. I'm keeping the RX-8 for one year until my son can buy it from me, so at least it's staying in the family.
My new Miata! (photo courtesy of Mazda)
Anyway, I appreciate everyone's comments, but the bottom line is that as much as I love my RX-8, I just don't feel the thrill of the Miata.
So, on Saturday I bought a Miata with a retractable hard top so it's quieter than my old Miata. I absolutely LOVE IT! And when I'm not driving it, I'm wishing I was driving it. I'm keeping the RX-8 for one year until my son can buy it from me, so at least it's staying in the family.
My new Miata! (photo courtesy of Mazda)
Last edited by Phredd; May 9, 2011 at 04:41 PM.
Well...the fact that you're even considering trading in your 8 means that you probably shouldn't own it...If it was the right car for you, you wouldn't be having this debate...Sell the 8 to somebody who will damn near worship it, and you can get your Miata.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37
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From: Lots of places
I agree with this. In the end, no matter the stereo, engine, or layout It's going to be Your Car. And you have to live with it. The car isn't going to make you gay. Your indecisiveness is going to make you gay. If you can't decide, then keep what you got. When a better opportunity comes along and makes you lose your mind, then decide at that time. Otherwise, your like a girl in the mall looking at shoes.
lol I love this response:
"If by 'chic' car, does it attract chics, why yes. yes it does. beating them off with a stick...
I suppose a manly car attracts men. so does that make you gay?"
"If by 'chic' car, does it attract chics, why yes. yes it does. beating them off with a stick...
I suppose a manly car attracts men. so does that make you gay?"
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 147
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lol. i actually get more guy comments on my car over women thats the funny thing. but of course theres a reason behind that.
