LTABA

Page-plus spread of a red 8 in October issue, where the editors pick it best mid-priced sports car. Runners up RSX-s and Honda 2000.

graphicguy

Fact is....I've yet to see a magazine pick something over the RX8 whenever any comparisons are done. It's gone up against some stifff competition.

From what I remember.....

--TopGear....called it the best car they'd driven in the last 12 months (including the 350z and some Eurocars)
--C&D picked the RX8 over both the 350Z, the G35c, S2000 and a Mustang Cobra over a couple of tests
--MotorTrend picked it over a 350z
--R&T usually doesn't do "winners and losers" but clearly preferred it over the 350Z/G35c.

I can't remember if AUTOMOBILE had a write-up or not about the RX8, but I'm sure they've at least looked at it.

Rob Tomlin

I agree, I don't recall reading any magazine articles that had picked another car over the RX-8 in a head to head comparison. Most of the mags pick the RX-8 for its combination of great handling, great 6 speed gearbox, and the fun to drive "X factor", as well as price and practicality. These things tend to win out over pure speed.

Ellar

This is so cool. I picked the RX-8 because of its sportscar stats first and price second. Stats being - independent suspension front and rear, manual gearbox, rear drive, four wheel disks, tight steering and well over 200 hp. Assuming equal driver skill, in the order that I listed those (approximately), that's what makes you fast in the twisties.

I signed the lease first, and *then* I find out the mags agree with me. I actually feel more secure than if I read the magazines and then chose a car based on what they said.

The only magazine I'd trust to not do one of those "There's no winners or losers here" pieces is Grass Roots Motorsports Magazine, and it's been a while since I've bought one of those.

RussellP

yeah RX8 has cleaned up at literally every comparison. Yet all the owners of the other cars still talk trash....

shelleys_man_06

That's okay. Each car has its own personality. The RX-8 just happens to have that of a down-home Texas girl.

2ks2k

How is that...I own all 3 of those! Maybe I could get a job there

JoeRX8ter

So what's your pick?

guy321

He picked all 3 :D

mdawgx24

Great line.

2ks2k

As much as I like the RX-8, I have to pick the S2000. I've had it for almost 4 years now and everytime I drive it, it makes me :D. To me when I drive it I get the same reaction as my first test drive. It's so plain and simple (no heated or power seats, basic stereo, no power locks, etc.), but it's still so cool. I think my favorite thing about the S2K is the transmission...11mm from gate to gate. You just feel connected with the road and very much in control.

Now don't get me wrong, I love the RX-8, but it's more luxury/performance (in MY opinion). Not to mention I love the way the rotary engine sounds...in my book it is very unique and sooo cool. It reminds me a lot of the 87-91 Supra in that it is a sportscar with power, but is still comfortable. I can feel the 250# difference from the S2K (like who couldn't, right?), but I enjoy the solidness and the quietness (lots of roadnoise in the S2K). Everytime I get in it feels so plush, but still feels sporty. Whereas the RSX-S looks sporty on the outside, but when you're driving feels more like an Acura (it's nice and clean, but I don't feel like I'm driving a sports car).

Here's my best example... in Utah we have group drives for the S2k club and last time I took the RX-8 out. Now my wife always goes with us and she never has a problem with the "spirited" driving we do through the canyons. Well, this time we had to sit at the back of the pack because to her it "felt" like we were driving all crazy. And actually, we were driving at lot slower than we normally do.

So, there is my take on it. Flame all you want, but remember this is just my opinion...

Rob Tomlin

Hey, no reason to flame for that post at all! Well reasoned and balanced, what more could we ask for?

I think most people will agree with what you have said regarding the RX-8 being more "luxury/performance" compared to the S2000. I really don't see how anyone could argue otherwise.

The real question people have to decide for themselves is how important the "pure sportscar" feel and performance is compared to a "sporty car" that also is more practical (back seats) and has a bit more refinement/luxury.

Trader

2ks2k,
Spot on.

I own an S2000 and am picking up an RX-8 tommorrow. I have had the S for around 4 years as an everyday driver and love the car, but want something that has a little more luxury, a little less noise. The RX-8 should fit the bill nicely. I was in a real dilema about what car to buy! RX-8 solved that problem - great reviews on this car everywhere.

I will admit that I am still tossing up on whether to keep the S.

trader

Gord96BRG

No, that was just Jeremy Clarkson personally who said that. TopGear did pick the 350Z over the RX-8.

Also, EVO in the Sept 2004 issue had a comparison test of £30K coupes - it included the Crossfire, Monaro (Pontiac GTO here), Audi TT 3.2 V6 DSG, 350Z, BMW 330Ci, RX-8, and the new Alfa GT. It was written by Jethro Bovingdon, who has previously been un-enthusiastic about the RX-8 (unlike David Vivian, who wrote their first impression in the RX-8 vs. Golf R32 article). They rank the 350Z and 330Ci ahead of the RX-8. I think EVO has a couple of writers who don't like the rotary, and others who do - it depends on who's writing the article as to how they present the RX-8!

Regards,
Gordon

Rob Tomlin

Automobile magazine picked the Mitsu EVO as Automobile of the Year for 04, so I guess that you could say they picked that over the RX-8 as well (although they specifically mention the RX-8 as a close choice).

Deslock

I totally agree. I've driven the S2000 (2.0L version) several times and it outperforms the 8. However, the 8 still inspires to be driven "like-ya-stole-it". It's the closest you can get to an S2000 while having 4-doors and a comfortable ride.

There is as much as a 250# difference if you compare a loaded 8 to an older S2k. But the base 8 weighs somewhere between 2875 and 2933 pounds and the S2k weighs 2756 to 2835 (depending on model year and engine). So, I attribute the handling/tossibility difference more to the 8's softer susupension and longer wheel base than extra weight (at least as far as the base 8 goes).