Should this WRX owner go rotary?
 

I have an 02 WRX Sedan that I have done some work with and autocross frequently. My question is how will the handling of the RX8 compare with the sheer grip of the WRX. I know the RX8 will feel down on power since it makes less torque and the power is higher in the rpm band, but if the handling is awesome thanks to 50/50 weigh distro, and I could add some nice wider, grippier tires, and maybe some forced induction, it will start to approach the WRX in grip and power. I am facinated by the RX8, but I would like to hear your views (RX8 owners and knowledgable folks) on the matter.

Thanks,

chris

Also, what is the outlook for power increasing modifications one might be able to add in the future. Nothing will beat the rotary engine in weight or reliability (less moving parts, unless you blow it up through forced induction :D ). Any people know how you can make a N/A rotary more powerful (lighter rotors?).

Thanks,

chris

i don't think anyone can really answer these questions since noone has been able to drive one around a rally test or do any quantitative analysis on them yet.

In the past a good way to power up an N/A or turbo rotary was to port it. The aftermarket tuners will be sharing tech. info on this as soon as they know more.

you make any engine more powerful all the same ways...

anyhoo, the RX-8 has a seriously more advanced suspension system than your WRX... i'll bet it'll hang in the corners.

I've never driven a WRX sedan, but I own a wagon, and I'm a little disappointed in the steering response, and the tendency to plow into corners. It seems it takes the car a while, after lifting the throttle, for it to decide to turn in sometimes. I would guess, the sedan, with its wider track and larger rear anti-roll bar has quicker turn-in from the getgo, and I know tires can make a huge difference, because I briefly swapped the stock wheels and RE 92's with some aftermarket 16" wheels and 205-50 Dunlop W-10's, and steering response was noticeably more precise.

Comparing stock versions of both cars, or modded versions of both cars, I for one, feel the RX-8 will have an advantage over the WRX in handling mainly by virtue of its better centralization of mass, and lower center of gravity. It has been said that the engine's torque characteristics are not ideal for slalom, but driving an RX-8 yourself (something most of us haven't done yet!) is the only way to tell how well it will work for that purpose.

Adding power may not be so easy, but I'm wondering if there will be practical ways to reduce the weight of the car, without giving up good sound, cool air, or other practicalities.

Should you go rotary? Maybe more research after the RX-8 is released is a good idea, if autocross is a big priority.

Good advice. I'll wait a month or two to see how the RX8 turns out, and also test drive it myself. If it provides the nimble handling the magazine are touting, I may replace the WRX with it. If not, well my suspension tuned WRX has made me happy so far, it just doesn't drift :D While not being a fan of turbo lag, I hope the RENESIS will provide that linear power even lower down in the RPM band. Nothing is worse than having my A/C on and getting caught in 2nd gear trying to cross a busy intersection. Its like "Come on you wanna be Honda engine, MOVE!!" Then at 3K when the turbo spools its "HO Schnikes! Two hands on the wheel time!" :cool:

chris

better handling?
 

I havent driven the rx-8, but to say that it outhandles the wrx and that it has a better center of gravity? I'm not saying that you are wrong but the fact that the wrx has the boxter engine, (boxter=lower and closer to center) and one of the biggest points the wrx is trying to make is its center of gravity and ofcourse its AWD for rally. Untill i drive the rx-8, i cannot be convince that it is better. Although i have no doubts that it can keep up. My brother is getting an rx-8(so he says) and when he does believe me, i will test those curves:D :D :D

think rally car and road racing car... which one handles better?

to each his own

both cars handle superbly in their given situation
it took me 30k (slow learner) to figure out how to handle my wrx wagon
the 8 might be easier to learn to drive fast than the wrx cuz it's RWD, not the wrx funky 4wd

the only way not to make your wrx prow thru the corner like a FWD is to take that into account before you turn. Turn earlier and harder and at boost.

if you want a car that feels like it drives on rail, go get an Audi with Trosen diff.

back to the 8, with it's traction control on, you'll have much more confidents in a turn, and eventually, you can kill most of the T/C, and eventually completely disable it (not recommend on the streets tho)

Hey, I haven't posted here much, I have a WRX and my friend has an RX-8 reserved and he'll be getting it any day now (Supposedly, i insist the boat sank). The WRX is far from a rally car, and while the RX-8 may outhandle it stock for stock the WRX w/ some decent rubber and a rear sway will impress. I know it's a lame argument to make, but it's true. The WRX will be faster no doubt, but it's all about prefrences. The RX-8 has a bit more refinment it seems, but it's lacking in any semblance of torque (not that i have huge gobs of it, but still). Just personal preference can decide your choice. Would hate to see you leave clubwrx though.

Unlike when I bought my WRX thanks to my other vehicle breaking down, this time I can afford to wait it out. See how the RX-8 performs and if something with more torque appears from MazdaSpeed. Right now I can't afford anything, so I'll have to wait it out nonetheless :D

chris

UH
don't bother the WRX out handles and out speeds an JDM spec rx-8

Check the vid ... hell the rsx beats the rx-8.

Rx-8 sucks shit
FLUSH

http://www.rasterwerks.com/vid/BestM...Part08.avi.zip

Haven't these morons got something better to do with mommy's computer?

Ugh.

Can I report someone for being a loser?

Your post history clearly shows your dislike for this car. But why is it that you just don't go away? You've been here forever and yet you still have the desire to return again and again and again. You should consider something better to do with YOUR TIME, instead of retuning here and repeatedly posting about a car you clearly don't like. It's attention you're seeking right? You should have a professional look into that psychological disorder.

Truly, if there ever was a troll on this board, you are it....

First time I've used the ignore user feature. It's a shame it's needed.

Don't feed the trolls! Just ignore them.