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US RX-8 sales (not good)

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Old 03-07-2006, 11:04 AM
  #451  
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Originally Posted by sti_eric
First, the RX-8 suspension isn't THAT much softer than the STi. The average person would probably have a hard time differentiating between the two. It's not like the difference between a 7 series and a Lotus Elise. Second, the boxer engine, like the rotary, is designed to fit low and far back in the engine compartment. Third, you missed the biggest difference and the only thing worth talking about: body roll. RX-8 is minimal and the STi is moderate. However, when you talk about the Evo (another econobox platform), it has less body roll and way less understeer.
I'm surprised and, frankly, confused by your comments. The STI is known to have a *significantly* stiffer ride and less body roll than the the RX8 (and comparing my 2004 RX8 6MT to the stock 2005 STI I drove supports this). I'm puzzled that you found the differences to be opposite of that. I also don't think body roll is "the only thing worth talking about" (as you put it).

As far as the boxer goes, yep it's a nice layout (I owned a WRX), but neither the 2.0 or 2.5 are midship nor are their COG's as low as the 13B-MSP's (made possible partly because of the compact size of the rotary and also because of the platform used).

Originally Posted by sti_eric
The point of my story is that I forgot what car I was in. In the STi, stomping the accelerator = bye bye. In the RX-8, you have to be sure that the rpms are above 6000. Below 6000 it accelerates like my parents' Toyota Sienna minivan. At the track, no matter what car you drive, you have to be sure that you are in the correct gear all the time. It's nice on the street to not have to do that.
One could also say it's nice on the street to drive an auto so you don't have to shift at all. Some also say it's nice on the street to have push-you-in-your-seat acceleration with only partial throttle. None of those people should own an RX8. Personally, I dislike turbo lag and I'd rather have a more responsive throttle even that means making less power and having to shift more... to each his own.
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Old 03-07-2006, 11:13 AM
  #452  
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Originally Posted by mkaresh
A bigger problem is that the new MX-5 in its first year isn't doing so well. I'd have thought many previous owners would be dying to get their hands on the new car. Maybe they just aren't producing many--need to check inventory levels.

Similarly, the MS-6 and Mazda5 are piling up on lots around here. I hope they're doing better elsewhere.
What are other manufacturers doing? Not sure where to look for such information - are global car sales doing well? ... for which manufacturers?
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Old 03-07-2006, 11:16 AM
  #453  
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Originally Posted by Deslock
Personally, I dislike turbo lag and I'd rather have a more responsive throttle even that means making less power and having to shift more... to each his own.
I find turbo lag is almost no different in throttle response to a high rpm low torque car like the 8. A downshift is required on both to put you in the right rpm range for instant power. Just more-so on the 8 IMO. I find I have to downshift in the 8 more than my MSP.
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Old 03-07-2006, 11:17 AM
  #454  
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Originally Posted by mkaresh
A bigger problem is that the new MX-5 in its first year isn't doing so well. I'd have thought many previous owners would be dying to get their hands on the new car. Maybe they just aren't producing many--need to check inventory levels.
I thought the MX5's were doing very well since their release. I may have read wrong.
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Old 03-07-2006, 11:18 AM
  #455  
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Originally Posted by Deslock
...I dislike turbo lag and I'd rather have a more responsive throttle even that means making less power and having to shift more... to each his own.
Turbo lag must vary quite a bit between cars - my only Turbo - an 1988 T2 with a 1989 Turbo unit in it - seems to boost very quickly whereas other cars are reported to have big delay.
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Old 03-07-2006, 11:23 AM
  #456  
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Originally Posted by Deslock
I'm surprised and, frankly, confused by your comments. The STI is known to have a *significantly* stiffer ride and less body roll than the the RX8 (and comparing my 2004 RX8 6MT to the stock 2005 STI I drove supports this). I'm puzzled that you found the differences to be opposite of that. I also don't think body roll is "the only thing worth talking about" (as you put it).
The 2005 is different from my 2004. Specifically, in the handling department, the 2005 has a yaw rate sensor, a helical front diff, wider wheels (8"), bigger front and rear sway bars (19 mm vs 20 mm), stronger rear lateral links, different steering rack. The 2005 handles and feels quite a bit different than the 2004. Nothing that I can't rectify with strut braces, STi top hats, STi lowering springs, and thicker sway bars.
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Old 03-07-2006, 11:30 AM
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This thread has run its course and gotten WAY out of hand. Closed.
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