Beginning of the end of the beginning : C&D sports coupe comparo
 

Nissan 370Z vs. BMW 135i, Mazda RX-8 R3, and Pontiac Solstice GXP - Comparison

We lost. Even though other than the engine, I don't see how 135i is better than the R3 Rx8...regardless, congrats to the new champ:

http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezwe...mage_large.jpg

Final verdict:
The Verdict: A great chassis that’s faster than its engine.

Moreover, I guess C&D are biased enough to get the BMW ahead of Mazda even though the verdict like this:
The Verdict: More of an outstanding sports coupe than a real sports car.

:squint:

IMO the rx8 had a pretty good run... lasting 7 years!

here is the link to the video
http://carvideos.caranddriver.com/?b...id=13585927001

yeah that's what i got out of it too, 7 years and still getting praise for its overal dynamics by the car rags, and 7 years is a long time in this biz!

No shame in losing to a brand new cars like the 370Z and 135i considering the rx-8 r3 is really just a face lifted version of the same car that debuted back in 2003. BTW, C&D also had a comparo on sports car/coupe 2 yrs ago and the RX-8 (already aging back then as they mention) came out tops.

Mustang Shelby vs TT vs 350Z vs RX-8
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test


And another... G35 vs. Mustang GT vs. RX-8
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...st+page-4.html


The Z can keep the crown warm until the new RX returns...

R3 + Pettit SC = Nuff Said. I don't know why Mazdaspeed doesn't have a FI product like TRD. TRD even makes a SC for the Echo.

LOL! Echo...

Didn't you get the memo. Mazdaspeed is only allowed to use 1 engine. The turbo 2.3 MZR...duh.:uhh:

the 8 is fast enough to be fun... but its just not going to compete anymore with our anemic engine.

Interesting comparo. The RX-8 is definitely in need of a true "refreshensing". The 16X couldn't come fast enough...

That new Solstice coupe looks quite sharp - if only the build quality could match!

ahem. doesnt count.

lol stop denying ShinkTeen lol

"...this Mazda icon appears played out."

A bit harsh? Perhaps, but among these juiced up sports cars...and esp.. evident when on a track...there is no amount of "handling finesse" or "fun factor" that can disguise the anemic power & torqueless nature of this current rotary car. Just my opinion.

Sadly, I think this was about as succinct & honest a comparo as I've read in a long time. The bell tolls for Mazda's rotary...and they better get their act together ...and soon.

awaiting 16x in rx7.....

and see I thought the Solstice was the uglest of the group... and its a group includes some pretty ugly cars.

I think they should have used the GXP with the optional Z0K suspension package since they used the R3 version of the RX8 and the Track package on the 370Z, it would probably have done better in the handling department.

And what's with that stupid "got to have it factor". That's the downright stupidist thing ever to put into a comparison. I guess they didn't learn last time when they compared the Mustang GT against the GTO. The Mustang won the comparison by one point due to the "got to have it factor", yet the GTO crushed it in every performance category. They also released a statement saying they got more hatemail for that one article then they did in their entire history.

Mazda it's one generation behind the competitors (7 years old)

Not bad......it'been typed many times, but rx-8 needs more power

I'd have to agree with the order. Love the new 370z.

Not surprised at the final outcome, but the RX-8 is still the fastest through the lane change. :) What a world-class chassis, still beats some of today's best cars in pure handling. Just goes to show you how far ahead of its time that it was back in 2003!

But in terms of power, it is completely outclassed now. That 135i is just WOW in terms of acceleration, and not just from a dead stop, but 5-60 and top gear 30-50 and 50-70. I actually place more importance on 5-60/30-50/50-70 times than 0-60 times because they give a better idea of how the car performs in daily driving activities. And in terms of daily driving, I think the 135i definitely shines. I'm no fan of the 135i, but I have to say it is probably the best all-around in that comparo.

of all those cars, I would buy the 135i probably. Put a couple hundred dollars in it and you have a 12 second car.

agree

I like handling so much I just got me a 93' Miata to complement my underpowered sports car arsenal. (Traded the 240sx for it)

This review didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know: The RX-8 is still one of the world's great steering and handling cars, which is why I want it. I can make it faster (enough that I'm satisfied), but nothing you ever do to any of the other cars in that article will make them the equal of the RX-8 in handling. Their comment about how incredibly stiff the RX-8 chassis is was telling, as well (keeping in mind how old the design is, especially). That article just makes me want the RX-8 R3 even more.

Somehow I doubt the 16X will be the Messiah for the rotary engine and therefore the rx-n. Mazda quoted about 270hp to 300hp. That's pretty pedestrian in today's sports coupe/car arena where even a Hyundai can deliver that. In a few year's time the 400Z will show up with 400hp while the 135i will follow suit.
So perhaps folks need to just accept the fact that rotary cars will always be less powerful than its typical rivals but makes up for it in other areas like handling and aesthetics. :dunno:

not bad at all, we need the 16x NOW

I agree, but I think the biggest thing the rotary has going against it is the MPGs. The fact that there are already 300+ hp cars out there that can get close to 30 highway works against Mazda. It will be interesting to see what numbers the 16x puts out, but a fairly large improvement in MPG almost seems necessary at least for highway driving.

As far as performance, I really think if the 8 as it stands today with the 13b had another 50lbs of torque, it would be perfect. As for the 16x, I'd say if they could add 50hp, 50 lbs of torque and subtract 100lbs from the weight of the car it would be perfect.

280 hp and 300 is plenty fast for NA with a car that still handles like a beast.


judging a car based on its Horses i think is like judging a girl on her Breasts alone, your not looking at what makes her beautiful.


....damn... thats some deep shit im writing that down.