so yes, i just joined the forum in the hope of some insight. First ill give you some background. -- Ive been in the market for a new car. Ive owned an 03 Porsche Boxster for a few years now and its getting to the point where mileage is high and maintenance is becoming an issue. Im thinking of trading it in for a new car ( ie. RX8, 350z, possibly new boxster but $$$, s2000). My two favorites out of the group are the RX8 and the 350z. Yes i know the z has more power and all, but i like the platform of the rx8 better.. i just need some hints and tips on what about the platform is nice. Thanks for all the help in advance

 

The RX-8 is one of those cars that has the perfect "feel". On paper it doesn't stack up to the 350Z or comparable, but the driving feel makes the numbers irrelevant. If you're someone who likes "pounding" on the engine and don't mind little quirks like having to actually check the oil regularly, it's a great option!

 

RX-8 is a drivers car. 350z isnt.
RX-8 has 4 seats. 350z does not.
RX-8 is much more rewarding to drive.




Just Do It.

 

test drive both and your questions will be answered.

 

Its a one of a kind. The only production car in the world with a rotary engine. If you worry about mileage, don't buy a sports car. If you want to smile, buy an 8. Sounds great too...

 

go buy a R3. or a 40th anniv . or a shinka(if you can find one)
why are you even thinking?

stop. while your reading this JUST STOP READING.

stop it NOW.

your still doing it.

seriously your making me mad.

o.k fine. do it later. BUT DO IT.

 

how does the engine do when the mileage comes over 60-70k? is there any necessary overhaul that may cost serious money?

 

Not if you keep on top of the oil, do basic maintenance like any other car, and redline the engine now and then. Plus, the engine warranty on all RX-8s has been extended again, now it's 8yr/100k miles.

 

Yep great car, just redline it once a day.

 

I have a 40th edition. It's so pretty i hug it everyday....best part is...the car hugs you back! what else is the suicide doors for?

 

Check out the "The Little Things" sticky towards the top of the Discussions forum. You'll find what you're looking for there.

 

First question for you to answer is whether you want a car with 4 seats. Sounds like you don't need 4 seats or you wouldn't be considering so many 2-seaters. Next decide if you want a car for great handling or low end torque. If both, the 8's not for you, nor are the 350z and s2k imho. Next decide if you want a convertible or a coupe, ie, Boxster or Cayman. You could also consider a Corvette. But if you want the best handling reasonably priced 4-seater, and don't mind poor fuel economy, the 8 might be for you.

 

my father has a 99 boxter that i love to drive and i can say that the rx-8 is very smilar in terms of driving enjoyment

 

If you are coming out of 03 boxster and want to drive something with similar driving experience, go with the RX8. If you want something completely different, go with the Z.

The 8 has that confidence inspiring quality that the boxster has. It's balanced and refined making it very easy to drive fast. It is deceptively quick and you feel hardwired to the steering and throttle - not to mention the pricise shifter and light clutch.

The Z is completely different from the boxster. It's a very heavy handed car. To go fast, you have to hammer the corners, grit you teeth and hope you don't end up in the wall. You won't hit the wall because the DSC cuts in way too soon. The motor pulls and pulls. They upgraded the brakes, but I'm still trying to get used to them. I'm constantly having to modulate brake pressure to get smooth braking.

I would get another 8, but I think they let the current model run a little too long. I swtched to a Z for something completely different......

 

I've owned an '04 RX-8 for nearly four years and have been seriously considering adding a 987 Boxster to my stable as a replacement for my '90 Miata.

In doing so I've driven many roadsters, including (obviously) the Boxster, S2000, and BMW Z4. Needless to say, I love my RX-8 and feel that it is truly underappreciated and misunderstood auto. As such, there are simply fantastic deals to be had on both new and used RX-8s. My *only* complaint with the car has been the poor fuel economy but I knew that going in.

My take on the S2000 is that it's kinda like an amped-up, super-focused version of the RX-8 with surgical precision steering. It's very tight inside and I'm not a huge fan of the Vtec power delivery, but it's a very fun car to drive.

One car that you may really want to consider if you haven't already is the Z4 3.0si. I was very surprised by this car and really enjoyed the drive with the sport package. BMW is basically giving these cars away right now with killer leases. Since all maintenance is included with the car this would solve your high maintenance cost issues with your Boxster.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

ive driven an s2k and it really didnt surprise me around the twisties nor did the feel of the car, steering response is about .005 second off, just felt wierd unlike my 8, throttle response too, just not as good as the 8, the front windshied was WAY to small and i feel like the pillar got in the way.....my friend with the s2k said the 8 felt better than his car, but then again different strokes for different folks....choose wisely

 

"Freestyle" doors.

 

If you are a rotary enthusiast, it's either this or an old RX-7.

Drive an 8 and odds are good that you'll understand why many of us bought one.

 

There is one last thing that hasn't yet been mentioned.

The RX-8 has a destinctive look. It's has a uniform designed exterior, that simply agree's with the eyes no matter which angle you are looking at it.

When I'm walking along down town Vancouver, I see few RX8's, but when I do, I always stop to admire the car's appearance. I never grow tired of looking at this car.

The OEM aftermarket kits are extremely complimentry to the RX8. Some front bumpers I've seen look more "original design" then even mazda's own stock front bumper.

Don't be afraid to pick up the rotary accents package for the RX8, it really adds to the experience of the car.

 

The best reason is because you convinced yourself to after you test drove all your options.

 

test drive both and your questions will be answered.

 

Suicide doors. Only a granny calls "freestyle" .

 

+1...

 

Please do yourself a favour now, which may save yourself a huge amount of grief later; understand and appreciate the fuel economy of this car in balance of current (and increasing) fuel costs and what this means for you individually. The car is on many levels, simply amazing, but fuel economy is its bug bear. If this doesn't phase you then go for it, just dont say later you weren't warned

 

not sure as tho your gas mileage is gonna be all that much better then that of a boxter.

Aside from the extra seats, it seems to be a rather lateral move, all things considered. Just my $0.02.