MotorTrend best handling car comparo - RX8 included
#1
MotorTrend best handling car comparo - RX8 included
#5
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It seems like the rubber on the RX-8 is pretty weak. It's losing out on the tests which should be its strong points(braking). It's losing to the Mustang even!
225/40R19 89W Bridgestone Potenza RE050A were what it is equipted with during the test, they shouldn't be THAT bad.
225/40R19 89W Bridgestone Potenza RE050A were what it is equipted with during the test, they shouldn't be THAT bad.
#6
Rotary Power Rules
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New RX8 sucks...I am now disappointed...It was great review when the original RX8 was introduced. But now, the new R3 pkg does not enhance its driving characteristic...Rotary...R.I.P. (rest in peace)
#9
Originally Posted by comment from site
Guys, the reason they didn't have a Vette is kind of funny. The GT-R has been spanking on the Z06 (and of course the standard Vette) so GM has refused to give testers to any magazine pitting those two models against the GT-R....until the ZR-1 comes out.
#12
Momentum Keeps Me Going
I think this definitively illustrates in excruciatingly detailed terms why the (at least current '09) RX-8 *needs* mods like suspension, wheel and tires to get it competitive with other mundane and not-so-mundane cars in the handling dept...at least in this new R3 version. Tires could have a lot to do with it, but not that much....
One has to wonder what have they done to the car to get it so unsorted in this new version? ...springs...suspension rates for comfort...shock valving...sway bar rates?? And the std car must be a real mess....is it possible it's always been this way? Have newer cars gotten soooo much better? Wish they used an '08 not an '09.
So far it looks quite disappointing... one can make excuses for cars costing $60K $80K or $100K, but a Chevy that looks like a kicked dog?
One has to wonder what have they done to the car to get it so unsorted in this new version? ...springs...suspension rates for comfort...shock valving...sway bar rates?? And the std car must be a real mess....is it possible it's always been this way? Have newer cars gotten soooo much better? Wish they used an '08 not an '09.
So far it looks quite disappointing... one can make excuses for cars costing $60K $80K or $100K, but a Chevy that looks like a kicked dog?
#13
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The Cobalt SS has repeatedly shown its a great handling/performing car, FWD or otherwise, so thats no surprise. Yeah its an ugly lil turd, but it has sick performance. The Chevy brand and the looks is what gives it a "cheap" "pos" stigma. I dont see why people still dont realize this.
For the Mini, Rx-8 and Cobalt SS to even be in this company tells you something. Yeah i also wish the 8 would have put up better numbers but hey, look how many other cars they passed up in ultimately choosing the 8.
For the Mini, Rx-8 and Cobalt SS to even be in this company tells you something. Yeah i also wish the 8 would have put up better numbers but hey, look how many other cars they passed up in ultimately choosing the 8.
#16
It's Not Easy Being Green
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Aside from the body roll issue - which is why the most popular suspension mod seems to be bigger sway bars and something I don't believe they addressed in the R3 package - I don't see anything that strikes me as 'bad' in this review. The understeer thing has me scratching my head a bit. As others noted it's just an honor to be nominated.
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The understeer thing has me scratching my head a bit. As others noted it's just an honor to be nominated.
Of course an alignment fixes that issue easily.
#20
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Interesting..In fact, I remember that Best Motoring Japan in 2003 tested stock RX8 along with 2002 RX7 A-spec on winding road showdown. The comment was that RX8's soften rear suspension set up is intentional like other high performance cars do. It was good feeling on regular driving. In the other hand, the RX7's suspension is natural born track-racer set up.
#22
Registered
Given the ride quality and comfort, I think the RX-8 fares fantastically. It is almost on par with S2000's and 350Z's performance stats on most counts, but the ride comfort is leaps ahead.
#23
Grand Chancellor
Lost to a Mustang?
Car and Driver begs to differ.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test
Perhaps the mkI rx-8 was just the better car over the new one. Why mess with perfection?
Car and Driver begs to differ.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test
Perhaps the mkI rx-8 was just the better car over the new one. Why mess with perfection?
#24
captin safety
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I hate how all of their performance tests include the viper acr, it is a track car!!! Adjustable suspension, that in some tests has an engineer to adjust the suspension to the ideal settings, I feel this ruins the test, it is about all round performance from the car, trying to find the best compromise for all the types of handling.
#25
Super Moderator
As you know Mazda have reworked the rear suspension multi-links among many other "handling" improvements.
Here is briefly what our Australia WHEELS Mag said about the R3 (We call ours the GT)....
"The bottom line is all the other stuff (new equipment levels) is peripheral to how this more mature, more capable RX-8 drives.
YES, "outstanding" is the word that instantly springs to mind."