(Winding Road) Throw Down: Mazda RX-8 R3 Stands All
07-13-2010, 08:26 PM
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07-14-2010, 12:39 PM
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The RX-8 is different from what most people are looking for. To it to be truly rewarding you have to drive quick in corners, transitions, etc. Most people don't drive this way. Most people with performance cars don't drive them all that hard period. The first time I drove the car in '04 I was not that impressed. I has a salesperson and a friend in the car, and only had the opportunity to drive in a straight line on urban streets. It takes a deeper look to truly understand the car.
Last edited by Snrub; 07-14-2010 at 06:52 PM.
07-14-2010, 12:56 PM
#32
The RX-8 is missed
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While the praise wasn't as high as Clarkson's ("This may just be the best car I've driven this year"), the reviews were excellent. eg. C&D had it on their 10 best list for multiple years and it won multiple comparison tests.
The RX-8 is different from what most people are looking for. To it to be truly rewarding you have to drive quick in corners, transitions, etc. Most people don't drive this way. Most people with performance cars don't drive them all that hard period. The first time I drove the car in '04 I was not that impressed. I has a salesperson and a friend in the car, and only had the opportunity to drive in a straight line on urban streets. It takes more a deeper look to truly understand the car.
The RX-8 is different from what most people are looking for. To it to be truly rewarding you have to drive quick in corners, transitions, etc. Most people don't drive this way. Most people with performance cars don't drive them all that hard period. The first time I drove the car in '04 I was not that impressed. I has a salesperson and a friend in the car, and only had the opportunity to drive in a straight line on urban streets. It takes more a deeper look to truly understand the car.
and i disagree with that statement. what is truly rewarding to me about the 8 is how comfortable it is as my DD, yet it handles like cars 2 and 3 times it's price when you push it. THAT is the best thing about it. z's and s2000's are fast, etc,. but they don't have an off switch. the 8 is very balanced.
07-14-2010, 01:25 PM
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Winding Road Throw Down
http://www.windingroad.com/articles/...src=Nextscreen
Did they mean to say RX-8 Stands Tall or did they really mean "All"???
Did they mean to say RX-8 Stands Tall or did they really mean "All"???
07-14-2010, 06:50 PM
#34
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good points there...but i'd say more people need to "drive quick in corners" than they need to go 0-60 or 0-100. the rx8 has plenty of acceleration, but it's biggest knock is lack of torque and off-the-line speed...but really, other than idiot ricers, who NEEDS to go 0-60 that quickly?? or why should it matter than a Z can take off from a redlight .5-1 second faster? it doesn't matter, yet people live by those numbers on the stat sheet.
and i disagree with that statement. what is truly rewarding to me about the 8 is how comfortable it is as my DD, yet it handles like cars 2 and 3 times it's price when you push it. THAT is the best thing about it. z's and s2000's are fast, etc,. but they don't have an off switch. the 8 is very balanced.
and i disagree with that statement. what is truly rewarding to me about the 8 is how comfortable it is as my DD, yet it handles like cars 2 and 3 times it's price when you push it. THAT is the best thing about it. z's and s2000's are fast, etc,. but they don't have an off switch. the 8 is very balanced.
I'm not sure why you think the 350Z (I haven't driven a 370Z) is significantly worse as a daily driver? The clutch and shifter are stiff and the 3/4 rear visibility is even worse than the RX-8's, but other than that I fail to see the problem.
Last edited by Snrub; 07-14-2010 at 06:53 PM.
07-14-2010, 07:16 PM
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The Z, while obviously faster, just wasn't as fun to drive. When you stretch it's legs it just feels like it falls on its face as the RPMs near redline.
The Z just beats you up, I'm not that old but the Z caused all sorts of aches that I didn't know I could have.
Combined with the horrible rear view and the not so awesome shifter made me not want to drive it -- so after a while I just drove it around the block once a week.
07-14-2010, 08:48 PM
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The RX-8 is missed
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maybe you're used to it, and you have a higher tolerance than most, but if you're making generalizations about other cars, you'd have to agree that in general, the z is too stiff for you average driver.
The Z just beats you up, I'm not that old but the Z caused all sorts of aches that I didn't know I could have.
Combined with the horrible rear view and the not so awesome shifter made me not want to drive it -- so after a while I just drove it around the block once a week.
Combined with the horrible rear view and the not so awesome shifter made me not want to drive it -- so after a while I just drove it around the block once a week.
07-16-2010, 12:03 PM
#37
BS article. How do you compare an Audi R8 to Mazda RX-8...just because they both have '8' in their name? The other comparisons were decent but really the article was very heavily biased in the RX-8s favor. I would have liked to see this car compared to a Mustang, Camaro, and Genesis instead, it would better sever to compare price range, build quality and excitement.
07-16-2010, 12:16 PM
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I think you are missing a few points....
1 - This wasn't a typical magazine comparison, other people at that office were tossing out cars that have traits in common with the 8 to compare it to, and the 1 guy was providing counterpoint to why HE finds the 8 still a better value or better car.
2 - Nearly every point is subjective in nature. Which is natural in an honest review of an RX-8, because the CAR is very subjective in nature. (not saying that this is a review of the RX-8, but reviews that are only on performance data points are hardly honest in my opinion)
3 - This isn't the first time the RX-8 has been compared with the Audi R8, Motor Trend (I believe) did a handling comparo, where the R8 was the only car to beat the RX-8. Randy Pobst, the driver that drove each and rated them, has VERY similar comments for the RX-8 as the R8, with power and cost being the biggest differential. Both have fantastic handling and both complement the driver rather than being an opponent.
4 - If you find that comparing sports cars in price, build quality, and excitement is how you find the best one, my hat is off to you. Just because someone compared traits other than those doesn't make it a BS article. Just simply one you can't use personally.
1 - This wasn't a typical magazine comparison, other people at that office were tossing out cars that have traits in common with the 8 to compare it to, and the 1 guy was providing counterpoint to why HE finds the 8 still a better value or better car.
2 - Nearly every point is subjective in nature. Which is natural in an honest review of an RX-8, because the CAR is very subjective in nature. (not saying that this is a review of the RX-8, but reviews that are only on performance data points are hardly honest in my opinion)
3 - This isn't the first time the RX-8 has been compared with the Audi R8, Motor Trend (I believe) did a handling comparo, where the R8 was the only car to beat the RX-8. Randy Pobst, the driver that drove each and rated them, has VERY similar comments for the RX-8 as the R8, with power and cost being the biggest differential. Both have fantastic handling and both complement the driver rather than being an opponent.
4 - If you find that comparing sports cars in price, build quality, and excitement is how you find the best one, my hat is off to you. Just because someone compared traits other than those doesn't make it a BS article. Just simply one you can't use personally.
07-16-2010, 12:18 PM
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BS article. How do you compare an Audi R8 to Mazda RX-8...just because they both have '8' in their name? The other comparisons were decent but really the article was very heavily biased in the RX-8s favor. I would have liked to see this car compared to a Mustang, Camaro, and Genesis instead, it would better sever to compare price range, build quality and excitement.
The Audi R8 has been considered the best handling supercar (or at least comparable with the Porsches) by many reputable sources. So of course you should bring it up in a discussion about the handling abilities of the RX-8.
Read the article, dude... all 5 cars on that list have or had a history of great handling.
07-16-2010, 12:41 PM
#40
The RX-8 is not a better car than the R8. The R8 is a supercar. I has a Lamborghini Gallardo chassis for crying out loud. As far as both cars sharing similar components, name one part in the RX-8 that is made of carbon fiber, because I can name about a half dozen on the R8.
I understand the point of the article and I find it entertaining, but comparing the Mazda to an Audi is simply absurd. I don't know about the R3 since I know they stiffened up the back suspension, but I watched the Best Motoring special on this car and the handling wasn't ungodly good as everyone seems to think, and because of the engine's lack of performance, it was beaten by an Acura RSX on the track. (an FF car)
Any person that tries to compare cars on only a handful of dimentions is full of BS. Anybody that tries to defend a car by the same standards is full of **** as well. I do agree with you though, car magazines are full of **** because they compare cars on only a few dimensions as well.
Don't get me wrong, the RX-8 is a great car, I have driven one and plan to buy one, and I love Mazda for taking a chance at this car, and to sticking by it even though sales aren't too hot. However; it is no Audi R8.
I understand the point of the article and I find it entertaining, but comparing the Mazda to an Audi is simply absurd. I don't know about the R3 since I know they stiffened up the back suspension, but I watched the Best Motoring special on this car and the handling wasn't ungodly good as everyone seems to think, and because of the engine's lack of performance, it was beaten by an Acura RSX on the track. (an FF car)
Any person that tries to compare cars on only a handful of dimentions is full of BS. Anybody that tries to defend a car by the same standards is full of **** as well. I do agree with you though, car magazines are full of **** because they compare cars on only a few dimensions as well.
Don't get me wrong, the RX-8 is a great car, I have driven one and plan to buy one, and I love Mazda for taking a chance at this car, and to sticking by it even though sales aren't too hot. However; it is no Audi R8.
I think you are missing a few points....
1 - This wasn't a typical magazine comparison, other people at that office were tossing out cars that have traits in common with the 8 to compare it to, and the 1 guy was providing counterpoint to why HE finds the 8 still a better value or better car.
2 - Nearly every point is subjective in nature. Which is natural in an honest review of an RX-8, because the CAR is very subjective in nature. (not saying that this is a review of the RX-8, but reviews that are only on performance data points are hardly honest in my opinion)
3 - This isn't the first time the RX-8 has been compared with the Audi R8, Motor Trend (I believe) did a handling comparo, where the R8 was the only car to beat the RX-8. Randy Pobst, the driver that drove each and rated them, has VERY similar comments for the RX-8 as the R8, with power and cost being the biggest differential. Both have fantastic handling and both complement the driver rather than being an opponent.
4 - If you find that comparing sports cars in price, build quality, and excitement is how you find the best one, my hat is off to you. Just because someone compared traits other than those doesn't make it a BS article. Just simply one you can't use personally.
1 - This wasn't a typical magazine comparison, other people at that office were tossing out cars that have traits in common with the 8 to compare it to, and the 1 guy was providing counterpoint to why HE finds the 8 still a better value or better car.
2 - Nearly every point is subjective in nature. Which is natural in an honest review of an RX-8, because the CAR is very subjective in nature. (not saying that this is a review of the RX-8, but reviews that are only on performance data points are hardly honest in my opinion)
3 - This isn't the first time the RX-8 has been compared with the Audi R8, Motor Trend (I believe) did a handling comparo, where the R8 was the only car to beat the RX-8. Randy Pobst, the driver that drove each and rated them, has VERY similar comments for the RX-8 as the R8, with power and cost being the biggest differential. Both have fantastic handling and both complement the driver rather than being an opponent.
4 - If you find that comparing sports cars in price, build quality, and excitement is how you find the best one, my hat is off to you. Just because someone compared traits other than those doesn't make it a BS article. Just simply one you can't use personally.
07-16-2010, 12:58 PM
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http://www.motortrend.com/features/p..._8_bmw_m3.html
A subjective view from a pretty good driver I think, putting it above a Porsche, and up there with the M3 and R8. Look, of course the R8 will beat the RX-8 on a track. It handles better, and has 200 more horses on it. Same thing goes for a shitload of other cars. But on driving feel, I think it's a pretty common feeling that the RX-8 has one of the greatest driving feels out there. Why must a car be compared on dimensions other than the ones that matter to the driver?
A subjective view from a pretty good driver I think, putting it above a Porsche, and up there with the M3 and R8. Look, of course the R8 will beat the RX-8 on a track. It handles better, and has 200 more horses on it. Same thing goes for a shitload of other cars. But on driving feel, I think it's a pretty common feeling that the RX-8 has one of the greatest driving feels out there. Why must a car be compared on dimensions other than the ones that matter to the driver?
Last edited by JinDesu; 07-16-2010 at 01:06 PM.
07-16-2010, 01:00 PM
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"Better" is an insanely subjective word
And one that is actually appealing, well designed, well made, and worth driving. Unlike almost every single other one.
I'm sure. That's one reason the R8 is $82,000 more. Carbon fiber doesn't make something "better". Just makes it "lighter" and "more expensive". I wouldn't want carbon fiber tires for example. Or seat belts. Or electronics.
Yeah. The defender of the RX-8 made that point in the article, but went ahead with the comparison anyway. He didn't choose the R8 to be included, someone sprung it on him.
Suddenly this all becomes clear. I see below that you don't actually own one yet. So...have you driven an RX-8 greater than 7-10ths of your ability? If you can't say yes, then you can't comment on this point. Wait till you own one, and take it out for a good back road wankle spanking and re-visit your current opinion.
I'm glad. Because then I wouldn't own it.
And one that is actually appealing, well designed, well made, and worth driving. Unlike almost every single other one.
Yeah. The defender of the RX-8 made that point in the article, but went ahead with the comparison anyway. He didn't choose the R8 to be included, someone sprung it on him.
I'm glad. Because then I wouldn't own it.
07-16-2010, 01:09 PM
#43
Hummmmm...
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07-16-2010, 01:16 PM
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We think that the RX-8 is one of the top HANDLING car in the world. This is an opinion echoed by a shitload of other reviews, professional drivers, etc.
07-16-2010, 01:22 PM
#46
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We aren't arguing that it is the best out there. We are just arguing that your points and reasoning are VERY VERY faulty, and/or missing the point entirely.
Get better ones
07-16-2010, 01:51 PM
#47
The RX-8 is missed
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strata...calm down. what do you not get about this???? we didn't say the rx8 is BETTER than the rx8. we didn't say people cross-shop them. the point is that the rx-8's handling, shift feels, and balance are on par with many super cars. no course it's not as nice as an r8, it's a ******* mazda.
quit getting your panties outta whack. the rx8 DOES compare to the r8, m3, 335, boxter, etc. in terms of balance, handling, steering response, shift feel, and braking. but again, no way said the rx8 is 'better than' the r8. jesus christ.
quit getting your panties outta whack. the rx8 DOES compare to the r8, m3, 335, boxter, etc. in terms of balance, handling, steering response, shift feel, and braking. but again, no way said the rx8 is 'better than' the r8. jesus christ.
07-16-2010, 02:08 PM
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strata...calm down. what do you not get about this???? we didn't say the rx8 is BETTER than the rx8. we didn't say people cross-shop them. the point is that the rx-8's handling, shift feels, and balance are on par with many super cars. no course it's not as nice as an r8, it's a ******* mazda.
quit getting your panties outta whack. the rx8 DOES compare to the r8, m3, 335, boxter, etc. in terms of balance, handling, steering response, shift feel, and braking. but again, no way said the rx8 is 'better than' the r8. jesus christ.
quit getting your panties outta whack. the rx8 DOES compare to the r8, m3, 335, boxter, etc. in terms of balance, handling, steering response, shift feel, and braking. but again, no way said the rx8 is 'better than' the r8. jesus christ.
if i could afford an R8 (or even an m3 or boxster for that matter), i would get one but i can't so the RX-8 is MY supercar. No other new car <$25k compares in handling and balance.
07-16-2010, 02:45 PM
#49
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07-16-2010, 05:56 PM
#50
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The RX-8 came in 3rd, only beaten by a Porsche and an R8 (for memory).
The Mazda had many so called "super" cars behind it, including the Vette, GTR, etc, etc, etc.
http://www.motortrend.com/av/roadtes...deo/index.html
The next Year MT Best Drivers Car.... the current MX-5/ Miata, also came in 3rd...
Learn a lesson,a Great car in not always about power or speed.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/p...x_5_miata.html