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-   -   RX-8 gets 11th in Winding Road's Top 50 (https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-media-news-11/rx-8-gets-11th-winding-roads-top-50-a-63327/)

MedicineMan 06-05-2005 08:55 AM

RX-8 gets 11th in Winding Road's Top 50
 
If you haven't already, you definitely need to subscribe to Winding Road , an online sports car enthusiast magazine, Greart articles. The last 3 months have been going through the top 50 (in their opinion)sports cars. The current issue was looking at 11-20 and the RX-8 got 11th!! Top 10 is in the next issue. Sure does affirm my selection of the car to drive (that I can afford)

Aseras 06-05-2005 07:45 PM

I'm checking it out, they promise not to spam you and it's free and it's all in pdf and you can go through the backissues too.

Red Devil 06-06-2005 09:37 AM

Cool, can you give us the list for the so far released 11-50?

khtm 06-06-2005 10:26 AM

For those too lazy to google: http://www.windingroad.com/

Get it while it's hot!

Here's the top 50 - 11:
Jeep Wrangler
Saleen
Jaguar S-Type R
BMW 645 Ci
Subaru Legacy
Volvo V70R
VW Beetle
BMW Z4
Lamborghini Murcielago
Audi TT 3.2
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Mercedes-Benz SL600
Dodge Viper SRT-10
Bentley Continental GT
Subaru Impreza WRX
Aston Martin Vanquish
Mosler MT900S
Maserati GranSport
Lexus IS 300
VW Golf TDI
Jaguar XJ
Ford Focus
Infiniti G35
Lexus GS
Acura NSX
Volvo S40/V50
Lamborghini Gallardo
Bentley Arnage
Ferrari 575M Maranello
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Audi S4
Mercedes-Benz SLK
BMW M3
Mazda 3
Nissan 350Z
BMW 5-series
Ford GT
Honda S2000
Maserati Quattroporte
Mazda RX-8

PPen131 06-06-2005 10:31 AM

geez, that's an impressive list of cars the rx8 beat out

khtm 06-06-2005 10:34 AM

I don't really know if it's an ordered Top 50...it could just be randomly ordered.

spork 06-06-2005 12:12 PM

No, it's ordered. In one of their blurbs they said something like "how did this end up so low on our list?".

But they also mention that they value certain things more. The RX-8 has a lot of the stuff they value. (They say they love 2 seater roadsters and the RX-8 is pretty close to one). They also say indirectly that bang for the buck is important. For one of the Lambos they put it fairly low; they said it was an awesome car to drive, but really you can get a driving experience pretty close to it for like 30% of the price.

They also have a "shoot out" between the RX-8, Volvo S40, and Evolution VIII. Strange combination of cars to have a comparo with but whatever. They said the S40 was surprisingly good (keeping decent pace with the Evo). They didn't have a clear winner for that, but they said the Evo was obviously the fastest but it was also the most tiring to drive and if the Evo was too ugly and too intense, the RX-8 is the car you want. The S40 was good but in the end just not involving enough.

It's a pretty cool mag. I just signed up. All you need is an email address. I gave them my "junk" email address.

TODreamer 06-06-2005 12:50 PM


Originally Posted by spork
No, it's ordered. In one of their blurbs they said something like "how did this end up so low on our list?".

But they also mention that they value certain things more. The RX-8 has a lot of the stuff they value. (They say they love 2 seater roadsters and the RX-8 is pretty close to one). They also say indirectly that bang for the buck is important. For one of the Lambos they put it fairly low; they said it was an awesome car to drive, but really you can get a driving experience pretty close to it for like 30% of the price.

They also have a "shoot out" between the RX-8, Volvo S40, and Evolution VIII. Strange combination of cars to have a comparo with but whatever. They said the S40 was surprisingly good (keeping decent pace with the Evo). They didn't have a clear winner for that, but they said the Evo was obviously the fastest but it was also the most tiring to drive and if the Evo was too ugly and too intense, the RX-8 is the car you want. The S40 was good but in the end just not involving enough.

It's a pretty cool mag. I just signed up. All you need is an email address. I gave them my "junk" email address.

which edition is this shoot out in?

Mikelikes2drive 06-06-2005 01:29 PM

this list is kinda bs...
a mazda 3 beating out a m3???
s2000 losing to rx8? i mean i love the rx8, but the s2000 is MORE fun on the twisties...
i've driven a quattraporte... and that car handles way better then the 8 and the s2k... this magazine seems very bias... :/

HiTMaNN 06-06-2005 01:38 PM

Yah the mazda 3 was a little weird but i think they factored in price for drivability.

khtm 06-06-2005 03:53 PM


Originally Posted by spork
No, it's ordered. In one of their blurbs they said something like "how did this end up so low on our list?".

I stand corrected, and happily, I might add. :)

khtm 06-06-2005 03:54 PM


Originally Posted by Mikelikes2drive
this list is kinda bs...
a mazda 3 beating out a m3???
s2000 losing to rx8? i mean i love the rx8, but the s2000 is MORE fun on the twisties...
i've driven a quattraporte... and that car handles way better then the 8 and the s2k... this magazine seems very bias... :/

s2000s are more expensive, have 2 seats, and way less cargo room for "comparable" performance. I can definitely see why the RX-8 was ranked higher.

As far as the magazine being bias, I'd recommend you download one of their issues and read an article or two. I personally find them far from bias. They go into way more detail in their comparisons than most other magazines.

khtm 06-06-2005 04:02 PM

Ahhh...I found the reasoning behind their Top 50


Casting all caution to the wind, we present here the first installment of our Top
50 rankings. Our intent is to regularly give you our admittedly iconoclastic view of
the best 50 cars currently sold in these United States. This first installment covers
cars ranked 50 through 41. Each of our next issues will cover 10 additional cars
until we’ve wound our way down (up?) to the Top 10.

Why have a Top 50? Oh, grasshopper, many reasons. First of all, we wanted to
do it. We had the feeling that there were really only about 50 good driver’s cars on
sale. And, after working assiduously through most of the cars on sale, we have to
say that 50 is about right. As you get above that number, you start running into
cars that are pretty much hands-down inferior to those already on the list. Some
examples of what didn’t make the cut: Mercedes S500, Porsche Cayenne S,
Cadillac XLR, Chrysler Crossfire, and many more cars that are too big, too soft, too
tall, too heavy, too dispassionate, or too pointless.

The second big reason is that by comparing cars overall, not by category, you get
some really interesting results. When you look at some of the rankings, you’ll
probably say “What the X%#$?.” We say “drive them.”

Our rankings are based mainly on our view of just two questions – is this a good
driver’s car and is it a good value? Recognizing that practical factors are a reality
for most if not all, we throw in some thoughts about stuff like fuel economy,
passenger comfort, and specialized capabilities as tie-breakers.

We hope you enjoy the list. Send your accolades, comments, and hate mail to
editor@windingroad.com.

spork 06-06-2005 06:53 PM


Originally Posted by TODreamer
which edition is this shoot out in?

page 32 of issue #3. :)

but again, it's a really strange combination to do a comparo with. sounds unbiased which i like. when people talk up cars too much it makes me feel like everything they say has to be taken with a grain of salt.

BlueEyes 06-06-2005 07:07 PM

I want to see the top 10, i guess it will be in next months?
STi, EVO and Elise jumped out as missing from the list thus far..

Matt RX8 06-06-2005 07:14 PM

Maybe the Mini is in the top 10 as well.

Ford focus? WTF? I've owned 2 of them, both 5 speeds and they were very underpowered. I could see the SVT perhaps but not the base model.
FWD sucks.

6speed8 06-06-2005 07:17 PM

I didn't see the RX-7 mentioned yet, or the Miata in the list. I'll bet the Miata is up in the top 5 or even top 3.

BlueEyes 06-06-2005 07:21 PM

you're not likely to see the rx-7 as they don't produce it anymore. I think it's a new car list. The miata will likely be top 10 though.

Smoke Honda 06-11-2005 06:03 AM

Here's my guess for the last ten: Porsche 911, Porsche Boxster S, Mitsubishi Evo 8, Subaru STI, Mazda Miata, Mini Cooper S, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Ferrari 430 Spider, Porsche CARRERA GT, and lastly the 86 Toyota Corolla from Initial D. The 86 Hachi Go would be in first place, the others is not in order.

penman 06-12-2005 12:37 PM

"is this a good driver’s car and is it a good value?"

Viewing thier list i would say they place more on the latter than the former. I love my 8 but there's no way i can say with a straight face it's a better 'drivers' car than a Viper SRT-10, or many other on that list so far. I can almost understand it beating out cars like the Quattroporte - my favourite sport sedan - based on price but it does seem like a strange ranking system. Kind of a subjective 'we like these best' as opposed to an objective or quantified system. Still good read.

Aseras 06-13-2005 01:06 AM

I'd like to see their point rating/methodolgy scale. what they are giving each car.

Apophis 06-13-2005 11:49 AM


Originally Posted by Machan
Maybe the Mini is in the top 10 as well.

Ford focus? WTF? I've owned 2 of them, both 5 speeds and they were very underpowered. I could see the SVT perhaps but not the base model.
FWD sucks.

For a car that starts at $14K, it has pretty darn good pickup and handling, IMO... again... for $14K...

Apophis 06-13-2005 12:03 PM


Originally Posted by Smoke Honda
Here's my guess for the last ten: Porsche 911, Porsche Boxster S, Mitsubishi Evo 8, Subaru STI, Mazda Miata, Mini Cooper S, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Ferrari 430 Spider, Porsche CARRERA GT, and lastly the 86 Toyota Corolla from Initial D. The 86 Hachi Go would be in first place, the others is not in order.

My guesses would be (in no particular order):

Corvette (the true best buy in performance vehicles)
Evo
STi (I think they might group the Evo & STi as one vehicle... what Pros and Cons do they NOT share?)
Porsche Boxter
Mazda Miata
Mini Cooper S
BMW 3-Series
Porsche 911
Lotus Elise
Dodge SRT-4
Toyota MR-2

And the alternates:
Mustang GT? 300 horses for $25K...
Pontiac GTO? 400 horses for $35K....
Nissan Altima? hey, the Focus made the list...
Chevy Cobalt SS?
Honda Civic Si? again, Focus...
Scion TC?
Acura RSX?
Ferrari 360? If they've got the other 2, you'd expect to see this one...

Matt RX8 06-13-2005 06:43 PM


Originally Posted by Apophis
For a car that starts at $14K, it has pretty darn good pickup and handling, IMO... again... for $14K...

I just downloaded that issue and see that they were rating the new ST focus with 151 hp (2.3l).

It has a little more grunt the 2.0 l focuses that I've owned in the past which only had 135 hp IIRC. Now that I know how to heel and toe downshift, I could probably have more fun with those little 135 hp cars though.


I do like the Focus SVT which was an incredible value. Some were selling for 14-15K brand new before it was discontinued.

GeorgeH 06-17-2005 03:51 PM


Originally Posted by penman
"is this a good driver’s car and is it a good value?"

Viewing thier list i would say they place more on the latter than the former. I love my 8 but there's no way i can say with a straight face it's a better 'drivers' car than a Viper SRT-10.

OK, here's the scenario. You are taking weekend road trip, with the express intent of driving some fantastic, remote roads. First You've got to get through inner-city congestion on a hot Friday afternoon - 60 minutes of stop-and-go driving on the freeway. Then 80 miles of uninspiring roads. Then you get to the hotel and crash. Next day, you get up, drive some more, to finally get at that sign you like - you know, the one with the serpentine arrow that indicates windy roads, with the "Next 30 miles" plaque under it.

This is the whole reason for the trip. You drive this road, fully expecting broken pavement, chuckholes, and hidden wet-dry transitions mid-apex. You don't care; you drive the road because that's why you bought the car, and that's what you do.

Given this scenario, do you still think the Viper is the better "driver's car?" It's a better performance car for sure, and a better track car, but to me a great "driver's car" is one that rewards under these conditions, and that demands an artful blend of performance, comfort, predictability, and tactility. It’s got to excite you but also handle unexpected changes in conditions, and then it’s got to keep you well-coddled for those inevitable boring stretches between the adrenaline.

Is the RX-8 the perfect driver’s car? No, but it’s a damn good one. I’ll reserve my personal judgment of a Viper until I drive one, but based on what I’ve read I’m not surprised to see it down on the list of “drivers cars.”

Matt RX8 06-17-2005 08:29 PM


Originally Posted by GeorgeH
Given this scenario, do you still think the Viper is the better "driver's car?"

no, i'd drive the RX-8 unless that was a rhetorical question :D .

Smoke Honda 06-18-2005 12:04 AM

when is the new issue gonna come? I've been waiting for a while to find out the top ten.

Sigma 06-18-2005 12:18 AM


when is the new issue gonna come? I've been waiting for a while to find out the top ten.
Long time. About 2 months.

Sigma 08-04-2005 10:28 PM

Just FYI the new Issue just came out.

nzarnow 08-05-2005 03:13 AM


Originally Posted by Apophis
And the alternates:
Mustang GT? 300 horses for $25K...
Pontiac GTO? 400 horses for $35K....

You can get a GTO for about 25-28k now. Also, I wonder if they are going to include the new Z06 because it is out in a few months now. I agree with you thought, these are some great bang for the buck cars. ;)

spork 08-05-2005 01:20 PM

#10-1

10: Dodge Viper SRT-10
9: Aston Martin DB9
8: Morgan Aero 8
7: RX-7
6: Chevy Corvette C6
....

ok I'm mostly joking but I did find it funny that the DB9 was #9 and the Aero 8 was #8. Here's the real list
10: Subaru WRX STi
9: Aston Martin DB9
8: Morgan Aero 8
7: Chevy Corvette
6: Lotus Elise
5: Mitusbishi Evo
4: Porsche Boxter
3: Mini Cooper
2: Porsche Carrera S
1: Ferrari F430

I'm surprised to see the Cooper and Boxter up so high and I'm surprised to see the Miata not make it.

tasteslikechicken 08-08-2005 09:40 AM

The Miata didn't make it? I love my 8, but my Miata is more fun. I guess "Winding Road" is an example of you get what you pay for.

And a FWD car is #3? :rolleyes:

RotrDoc 08-08-2005 10:45 AM

This mag is slick and all of that. And I'm pleased that they like the RX-8 well enough to rank it highly. But they blew their credibility with the Top 10. The Mini Cooper at #3?? And there are times (not too many) that I would rather drive my wife's Miata than my RX-8. I certainly expected to see it in the Top 10.

RotrDoc 08-08-2005 10:47 AM

Spork--MX-5 in #5?

spork 08-08-2005 05:36 PM

10: Dodge Viper SRT-10
9: Aston Martin DB9
8: Morgan Aero 8
7: RX-7
6: Chevy Corvette C6
5: Mazda MX-5
4: Audi S4
3: BMW M3

Blah, I can't think of nice cars with a 2 or 1.

V_for_velocity 08-08-2005 06:00 PM

In a separate article, same issue, the Cooper S came up strong vs. the Stang GT and the 350Z, so I guess they like it . . . a lot. But third overall for the Mini (not even specifically the "S") must be a sign of the Apocalypse.

Ike 08-08-2005 06:32 PM


Originally Posted by spork
10: Dodge Viper SRT-10
9: Aston Martin DB9
8: Morgan Aero 8
7: RX-7
6: Chevy Corvette C6
5: Mazda MX-5
4: Audi S4
3: BMW M3

Blah, I can't think of nice cars with a 2 or 1.

2.) Westfield XTR2
1.) Palmersport JP1

:D

Aoshi Shinomori 08-08-2005 07:10 PM


Originally Posted by IkeWRX
2.) Westfield XTR2
1.) Palmersport JP1

:D

D'oh, you beat me to it. :mad: :p

Umbra 08-11-2005 08:54 AM

I'd have to say for the most part I agree with their list. Many of the cars farther down on the list are simply cars you would have to be foolish to drive around town. You would have to be nutz to leave a lambo in a best buy parking lot, it's essentially not drivable most of the time, same with a viper.

No miata is kind of odd but the miata is being phased out anyway. I can't comment on the mini as I've never driven one but it's supposed to handle really well.

Dima26 08-13-2005 10:45 AM

What the Wrangler is doing in that list? Can you call it a sports' car?:)

Apophis 10-10-2005 03:45 PM


Originally Posted by Apophis
My guesses would be (in no particular order):

Corvette (the true best buy in performance vehicles)
Evo
STi (I think they might group the Evo & STi as one vehicle... what Pros and Cons do they NOT share?)
Porsche Boxter
Mazda Miata
Mini Cooper S
BMW 3-Series
Porsche 911
Lotus Elise
Dodge SRT-4
Toyota MR-2

And the alternates:
Mustang GT? 300 horses for $25K...
Pontiac GTO? 400 horses for $35K....
Nissan Altima? hey, the Focus made the list...
Chevy Cobalt SS?
Honda Civic Si? again, Focus...
Scion TC?
Acura RSX?
Ferrari 360? If they've got the other 2, you'd expect to see this one...


So I guess I was pretty close... Of my guesses, they didn't have the Miata, 3 Series, SRT-4 or MR-2. I'm pretty shocked that the Miata and especially the 3 Series aren't on the list but you have the Wrangler, etc? And what the heck is the Morgan? You'd think they'd only list cars that people actually own. I'm also kind of offended that the DB9 is so high on the list... I mean, how do you place a car so high that doesn't even offer a stick shift?

BlueEyes 10-10-2005 03:53 PM

Umm, they do offer a six speed manual on the DB9. A good SMG tyoe manual gearbox is actually pretty fun. Have you ever driven one?

The morgan is a pretty slick little car. We don't get them over here, but I don't know if winding road is a NA publication.

http://www.automovilcenter.com/image...20Aero%208.jpg

Apophis 10-11-2005 03:08 PM


Originally Posted by BlueEyes
Umm, they do offer a six speed manual on the DB9. A good SMG tyoe manual gearbox is actually pretty fun. Have you ever driven one?

The morgan is a pretty slick little car. We don't get them over here, but I don't know if winding road is a NA publication.

Yeah, you're right about the DB9... I was thinking about the Vanquish...

I can understand that the Morgan might be an outstanding driver's car but it just seems strange that they put it on the list when there seem to be glaring omissions. I mean, does the Morgan even classify as a production car?

This is a list of 50 cars, not 20. You give me a top 20 list and omit the Miata and 3 series, that's reasonable, but on a list of 50?

It's not really that big of a deal... we all have our own "lists", I just find it surprising.

Black-dragon 10-11-2005 05:39 PM


Originally Posted by Dima26
What the Wrangler is doing in that list? Can you call it a sports' car?:)

I agree what winding road are these fun to drive on unless you consider it fun to flip onto your roof. I have a friend with a wrangler who I tell all the time to stop hitting the twisties like that. Every time now I have to go slow because she thinks its fun to try to go though them with me.

Soco 06-25-2006 11:11 AM

I just bought mine about 3 1/2 weeks ago, I'm loving it. I know I'm gonna get one of those covers on the front too and protect my radiator/condensor lol. Thanks for the tips and I welcome more.

raspyrx7 06-26-2006 07:38 AM

well I'm impressed that the BMW 5 series didn't lag behind the RX-8 too far as its in my wanna get next list too. Jeep wrangler... wtf why's that even on the list

RotaryRider36 06-26-2006 10:43 AM


Originally Posted by BlueEyes
Umm, they do offer a six speed manual on the DB9. A good SMG tyoe manual gearbox is actually pretty fun. Have you ever driven one?

The morgan is a pretty slick little car. We don't get them over here, but I don't know if winding road is a NA publication.


I thought I read that It said the list was only suppossed to contain cars currently sold in the U.S. If so, than the Morgan doesnt belong there. hmmm...they've contradicted themselves

dtorre 06-26-2006 03:00 PM

I don't know i've driven a Mini and the S version is pretty darn quick and that things turning radius is ridiculous, I can make complete circles on a neighborhood street like nothing....

Tim04rx8 06-30-2006 04:44 PM

My Girlfriend owns an '06 Mini Cooper S and occasionally I get to drive it. I do NOT disagree with them. Until you drive the CooperS, don't discount the shear fun-factor. The RX-8 is nice, but the Cooper is an amusement park ride on wheels. That little car can take some serious curves faster than my 8. Strangley, the FWD Cooper's rear starts breaking loose if you take a curve too fast, leaving the car still lined up to complete the turn. If the Cooper wasn't such a "Cute" car and If I didn't just buy my RX-8 a few months ago, I'd have bought a JCW Cooper.

tjbourgoyne 06-30-2006 06:23 PM

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