Who are all these guys...
 

...that are comparing the RX-8 to the S2000?

Other than the original claimed HP figure and the high revving motor they are not even remotely in the same class. Hmmm, 2 door convertable or "4" door 4 seat coupe? It didn't even occur to me to go look at an S2000, I was looking at used Audi S4's. It's a bummer about Mazda effing up again but I'm keeping mine and look foward to dicing evenly, in spite of my 4 doors and lower HP's, with S2000's and fat 350z's at the track. The one with curves that is.;)

RX-8's spec'd to lightest weight options arent all that far off from S2000's weight (is it 2800lbs?). What weight it does have over the S2000 goes along with a wider track, longer wheelbase and isnt a convertible. I agree that its not in the same class really but theyre more comparable than a 3500lb G35C... especially when you consider engine behavior (high HP, high RPM, low torque)

Engine characteristics, and handling characteristics. Go drive an 8, an S2000, and a 350z, and you'll realize why people cross shop the 8 and the S2k.