I own an Sti, but may move to RX8
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: St. Helens, OR
I traded my 02 RS in on my RX8.
I had a full Cobb exhaust, short shift, and lightened pulleys.
I planned on getting a S/C kit when one was available, but with all the horror stories I heard of with boosting the 25RS, I decided to get rid of it.
The 8 IMO hands 10x better. But, I could thro the Suby into almost any corner and not worry much about it.
I am constantly trying to remember the 8 is RWD, already flipped an unintentional bitch once.
I had a full Cobb exhaust, short shift, and lightened pulleys.
I planned on getting a S/C kit when one was available, but with all the horror stories I heard of with boosting the 25RS, I decided to get rid of it.
The 8 IMO hands 10x better. But, I could thro the Suby into almost any corner and not worry much about it.
I am constantly trying to remember the 8 is RWD, already flipped an unintentional bitch once.
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by Deslock
1) That's your opinion... guess we'll have to agree to disagree.
2) Too small, and has been designed for chassis stiffness, balance, perfect weight distribution, low yaw moment. That adds some cost and it wouldn't make financial sense for Mazda to use that in a higher production wagon/SUV. I'm still hoping someone will come out with a cheap RWD platform that has those features and allows for more platform sharing (beyond a couple sports cars). Maybe Kappa will end up doing it, but last I read the Chevy Nomad isn't happening and the only planned cars based on it are the Pontiac and Saturn roadsters... and they weigh 2860 pounds! (~400 more than the rumored weight of the upcoming NC Miata) And they're not design for mass production. I think I answered your other questions in previous posts.
3) That doesn't add up to 150 pounds going from the prev generation to the current one. I attribute the increase partly to that stuff, but mostly to it being a larger car now (the greenhouse dimensions have grown quite a bit, yes?)
4) So you're saying we should spend $6k to make the RX8 as pretty as the STI? :p
5) Yes it does. Mazda lists 3029 with popular options... why they decided to list it that way has been a source for conjecture, but if you do some research you'll see that many have weighed their RX8s at ~2880 pounds (and some mags have reported 2933 pounds, though I forget if that was with the sport package or not).
6) Nothing too drastic: swaybars, short throw, exhaust, a few other things. I was going to replace the suspension, but after driving a couple WRXs with modified suspension, I was less impressed than I expected. And I was unhappy with my local Subaru service department (who lied to me a couple times and were generally incompetent) and I was afraid if I went too far with mods, they might start to give me a hassle over warranty work (suspension was just one of many things I had planned).
While the WRX was the best car I'd owned till that point (easy to mod, grin-inducing boost rush, AWD), there were some things I found lacking.... I disliked the understeer and I missed the nimble feel, steering feedback, instant throttle response, and quick short-throw shifter of my old GSR (the fastest cars aren't always the most fun). Mods can mimimize some of those things, but not all... at some point, you need to start with a new foundation. So the idea of getting something else had been floating in the back of my mind anyway and while I was figuring out what mod (if any) to do next, we decided to have a second child. The WRX having only one child-seat anchor pushed the decision over the edge and I started looking at other cars such as a used 328, G35s, EVO, and Forester XT (I wasn't about to go back to FWD). Drove the RX8 a few times and decided it was more fun than the others, despite being gutless down low (I previewed before posting and realized the last paragraph goes beyond the scope of your mods question... but it's relevant to the whole RX8 vs Impreza / sports car vs performance vs fun car discussion, so I left it in)
2) Too small, and has been designed for chassis stiffness, balance, perfect weight distribution, low yaw moment. That adds some cost and it wouldn't make financial sense for Mazda to use that in a higher production wagon/SUV. I'm still hoping someone will come out with a cheap RWD platform that has those features and allows for more platform sharing (beyond a couple sports cars). Maybe Kappa will end up doing it, but last I read the Chevy Nomad isn't happening and the only planned cars based on it are the Pontiac and Saturn roadsters... and they weigh 2860 pounds! (~400 more than the rumored weight of the upcoming NC Miata) And they're not design for mass production. I think I answered your other questions in previous posts.
3) That doesn't add up to 150 pounds going from the prev generation to the current one. I attribute the increase partly to that stuff, but mostly to it being a larger car now (the greenhouse dimensions have grown quite a bit, yes?)
4) So you're saying we should spend $6k to make the RX8 as pretty as the STI? :p
5) Yes it does. Mazda lists 3029 with popular options... why they decided to list it that way has been a source for conjecture, but if you do some research you'll see that many have weighed their RX8s at ~2880 pounds (and some mags have reported 2933 pounds, though I forget if that was with the sport package or not).
6) Nothing too drastic: swaybars, short throw, exhaust, a few other things. I was going to replace the suspension, but after driving a couple WRXs with modified suspension, I was less impressed than I expected. And I was unhappy with my local Subaru service department (who lied to me a couple times and were generally incompetent) and I was afraid if I went too far with mods, they might start to give me a hassle over warranty work (suspension was just one of many things I had planned).
While the WRX was the best car I'd owned till that point (easy to mod, grin-inducing boost rush, AWD), there were some things I found lacking.... I disliked the understeer and I missed the nimble feel, steering feedback, instant throttle response, and quick short-throw shifter of my old GSR (the fastest cars aren't always the most fun). Mods can mimimize some of those things, but not all... at some point, you need to start with a new foundation. So the idea of getting something else had been floating in the back of my mind anyway and while I was figuring out what mod (if any) to do next, we decided to have a second child. The WRX having only one child-seat anchor pushed the decision over the edge and I started looking at other cars such as a used 328, G35s, EVO, and Forester XT (I wasn't about to go back to FWD). Drove the RX8 a few times and decided it was more fun than the others, despite being gutless down low (I previewed before posting and realized the last paragraph goes beyond the scope of your mods question... but it's relevant to the whole RX8 vs Impreza / sports car vs performance vs fun car discussion, so I left it in)
2.) I still don't buy the chassis stuff, yes the RX-8 has a nice one. However explaining how nice the RX-8 chassis is does nothing to dispute my claim the the Impreza chassis is great as well.
3.) The safety stuff could easily add up to 150 pounds with upgraded bumper beams and extra airbags.
4.) Nope, I'm saying the STi is cheaper than a loaded RX-8 yet more expensive than a base model. Therefore I think it's a fair comparison price wise.
5.) What people have reported weighing their cars is not curb weight. I've been led to believe the 3029 was the sport package, but maybe that's not the case... No matter how you add it up the STi isn't 400lbs heavier unless the curb weight of your RX-8 is sub 2900 which I've never seen a claim that low.
6.) TBE? And did you have wheels and tires or the stockers?
I can understand why you made the switch and I can certainly see why someone would like an RX-8 better than a WRX. They're very different cars each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Kaiten Kenbu Rokuren
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Central Valley, NY
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
1.) Find me one person on that planet that's driven an STi a fair amount that thinks an STi doesn't feel connected to the road. I'm assuming you haven't driven one much simply from that statement but correct me if I'm wrong.
2.) I still don't buy the chassis stuff, yes the RX-8 has a nice one. However explaining how nice the RX-8 chassis is does nothing to dispute my claim the the Impreza chassis is great as well.
3.) The safety stuff could easily add up to 150 pounds with upgraded bumper beams and extra airbags.
4.) Nope, I'm saying the STi is cheaper than a loaded RX-8 yet more expensive than a base model. Therefore I think it's a fair comparison price wise.
5.) What people have reported weighing their cars is not curb weight. I've been led to believe the 3029 was the sport package, but maybe that's not the case... No matter how you add it up the STi isn't 400lbs heavier unless the curb weight of your RX-8 is sub 2900 which I've never seen a claim that low.
6.) TBE? And did you have wheels and tires or the stockers?
I can understand why you made the switch and I can certainly see why someone would like an RX-8 better than a WRX. They're very different cars each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
2.) I still don't buy the chassis stuff, yes the RX-8 has a nice one. However explaining how nice the RX-8 chassis is does nothing to dispute my claim the the Impreza chassis is great as well.
3.) The safety stuff could easily add up to 150 pounds with upgraded bumper beams and extra airbags.
4.) Nope, I'm saying the STi is cheaper than a loaded RX-8 yet more expensive than a base model. Therefore I think it's a fair comparison price wise.
5.) What people have reported weighing their cars is not curb weight. I've been led to believe the 3029 was the sport package, but maybe that's not the case... No matter how you add it up the STi isn't 400lbs heavier unless the curb weight of your RX-8 is sub 2900 which I've never seen a claim that low.
6.) TBE? And did you have wheels and tires or the stockers?
I can understand why you made the switch and I can certainly see why someone would like an RX-8 better than a WRX. They're very different cars each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
WWFSMD?
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Massachusetts, USA
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
1.) Find me one person on that planet that's driven an STi a fair amount that thinks an STi doesn't feel connected to the road. I'm assuming you haven't driven one much simply from that statement but correct me if I'm wrong.
2.) I still don't buy the chassis stuff, yes the RX-8 has a nice one. However explaining how nice the RX-8 chassis is does nothing to dispute my claim the the Impreza chassis is great as well.
3.) The safety stuff could easily add up to 150 pounds with upgraded bumper beams and extra airbags.
4.) Nope, I'm saying the STi is cheaper than a loaded RX-8 yet more expensive than a base model. Therefore I think it's a fair comparison price wise.
5.) What people have reported weighing their cars is not curb weight. I've been led to believe the 3029 was the sport package, but maybe that's not the case... No matter how you add it up the STi isn't 400lbs heavier unless the curb weight of your RX-8 is sub 2900 which I've never seen a claim that low.
6.) TBE? And did you have wheels and tires or the stockers?
I can understand why you made the switch and I can certainly see why someone would like an RX-8 better than a WRX. They're very different cars each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
2.) I still don't buy the chassis stuff, yes the RX-8 has a nice one. However explaining how nice the RX-8 chassis is does nothing to dispute my claim the the Impreza chassis is great as well.
3.) The safety stuff could easily add up to 150 pounds with upgraded bumper beams and extra airbags.
4.) Nope, I'm saying the STi is cheaper than a loaded RX-8 yet more expensive than a base model. Therefore I think it's a fair comparison price wise.
5.) What people have reported weighing their cars is not curb weight. I've been led to believe the 3029 was the sport package, but maybe that's not the case... No matter how you add it up the STi isn't 400lbs heavier unless the curb weight of your RX-8 is sub 2900 which I've never seen a claim that low.
6.) TBE? And did you have wheels and tires or the stockers?
I can understand why you made the switch and I can certainly see why someone would like an RX-8 better than a WRX. They're very different cars each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
1) Many reviews picked the EVO over the STI because the EVO has tighter steering and quicker reflexes. However, I don't think I wrote that the STI feels disconnected from the road, but rather that it doesn't feel as connected. Yes, I've driven the STI (I was lucky enough to play with a 2005). I wasn't in the driver's seat for more than 20 minutes and I only hit 100 once, so - as I wrote before - my experience is limited (though I should mention that we went 130 while I was in the passenger seat). Again, let me say that I fully understand the STI's performance advantages: it crushes the RX8 in pretty much every way. The STI's acceleration is amazing and the power is on tap at mid-range RPM (you don't need to constantly work the shifter like you do with the RX8). Handling (apart from some understeer) is also excellent and steering, while not quite as tight as the RX8's, isn't bad by any means (both of those were improved going from 2004 to 2005). However, while the STI turns quickly, it feels heavier than the RX8, which seems almost like it *enjoys* changing directions.
2) Never said Impreza chassis was bad. It's just not as good as the RX8's.
3) The current Impreza is larger and taller than the previous one and it looks like it has more glass up high. The extra 150 pounds is not all bumper beams and extra air bags.
4) It's a fair comparison, as long as the price ranges are noted. My 6-speed RX8 was $7-8k cheaper than the STI. And if you want to compare a loaded RX8 to an STI, than you might as well compare a loaded WRX to a base RX8 (since the loaded WRX is more expensive).
5) 3029 is loaded with options. I've read several articles that reported the weight as 2933 (not sure if that was the base model or sport package). Many owners have weighed their cars and come up with 2875-2880 pounds. If that's not curb weight, then what is it? In any case, that puts the base 6-speed RX8 somewhere between 365 and 423 pounds lighter than the STI, which is why I wrote 400. Even if you discount the sub 2900 numbers, 365 is a substantial difference and within 10% of 400 pounds. And as much as I love the boxer with its low COG, the STI has a fair amount of stuff mounted above it and it's a taller car. Plus the boxer is not midship and the STI fuel tank is not mounted in front of the rear axle like the RX8's (so the RX8's mass is concentrated closer to the center of the car).
I can understand why people would choose the STI... I've noted my admiration for it multiple times now.
One final note: while I don't like the STI's stiff ride (very punishing for an everyday driver), understeer (though it's pretty mild), heavier feel, inferior shifter (not as quick and smooth), huge seats (I slid all over the place in them), and slightly looser steering, I likely would've bought one instead had it cost the same as my RX8. But my point was that the RX8 does have some driving dynamics advantages and some of those things are sports-car-feel. And with that, I'm done with this thread.
I see you
Joined: Aug 2003
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I still think the sti is not a daily driver. And I also think most of the owners do not take it to the track.
But, I agree it is not a comparison between the two cars. The 8 is a GT, the sti and evo are something else. Not really sports cars, in the classic sense. I guess ralley car is the best discription (shrugs)
But, I agree it is not a comparison between the two cars. The 8 is a GT, the sti and evo are something else. Not really sports cars, in the classic sense. I guess ralley car is the best discription (shrugs)
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I would classify them as true rice rockets (in a good sense). A 1988 CRX with 95HP is no way a rocket.
I feel guilty for saying this but if the RX8 had a high output turbocharged engine like the STI or Evo, I can say the RX8 can be close to perfect. Those I4 are pretty small and comparable to the 2 Rotor Renesis if you mount them transverse. Imagine getting at least 260HP crank and no flooding issues and 25MPG at least. I for one love the RX8 as a car, but not the powerplant.
I feel guilty for saying this but if the RX8 had a high output turbocharged engine like the STI or Evo, I can say the RX8 can be close to perfect. Those I4 are pretty small and comparable to the 2 Rotor Renesis if you mount them transverse. Imagine getting at least 260HP crank and no flooding issues and 25MPG at least. I for one love the RX8 as a car, but not the powerplant.
Dooky Booty
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: So Cal baby!
i just got done catching up with this thread. IMHO, u guys are stupid freakin stupid stupids. yes, i called u guys stupid three times in the same sentence. how can u compair these cars, so different. 8 is a pimp ride, sti is rice rocket. 32k, u want fast, get evo 8, well, maybe not 32k, prolly around 35k. 32k u want something that will get respect from grown ups when u drive through, rx8. i guess i have to apologize for being so harsh, i just spent past hour reading this thread, and there is no point to it. 
I see you
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Originally Posted by nsxpowered
. I for one love the RX8 as a car, but not the powerplant.
The point to the car IS the powerplant, and you can not do this car without it.
Really, the car is more then fast enough for any "real world" driving need.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
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Originally Posted by mike0615
i just got done catching up with this thread. IMHO, u guys are stupid freakin stupid stupids. yes, i called u guys stupid three times in the same sentence. how can u compair these cars, so different. 8 is a pimp ride, sti is rice rocket. 32k, u want fast, get evo 8, well, maybe not 32k, prolly around 35k. 32k u want something that will get respect from grown ups when u drive through, rx8. i guess i have to apologize for being so harsh, i just spent past hour reading this thread, and there is no point to it.
I don't know why you think you get respect from 'grown ups' because of the 8, I certainly don't respect people I don't know because of their car. But, lets say it does get you respect, I am sure as soon as you open your mouth, it all that goes out the window. I am confident in making that call because of how "stupid freakin stupid stupid" your post is.
Grand Chancellor
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Home of the NIMBYs
so what did the sti driver do? did he get an RX-8 after all? Perhaps a Legacy GT may suit him better. It is has a claimed 250hp detuned STi engine. And the interior is worlds better than the STi. More refined and classy.
I see you
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Originally Posted by BlueEyes
We were comparing two sports cars, that was the point of this thread. They're really not all that different in their goal, only their exectution. I guess we forgot the 'pimp' aspects of each car, how stupid of us. You can find lots of other threads dedicated to how 'pimp' the 8 is and how many highschool chicks you can pick up with it. I couldn't care less, I would rather talk about driving them.
I don't know why you think you get respect from 'grown ups' because of the 8, I certainly don't respect people I don't know because of their car. But, lets say it does get you respect, I am sure as soon as you open your mouth, it all that goes out the window. I am confident in making that call because of how "stupid freakin stupid stupid" your post is.
I don't know why you think you get respect from 'grown ups' because of the 8, I certainly don't respect people I don't know because of their car. But, lets say it does get you respect, I am sure as soon as you open your mouth, it all that goes out the window. I am confident in making that call because of how "stupid freakin stupid stupid" your post is.
Tell us how you really feel...no, do not hold back...
Thread Starter
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Well, not to hijack my thread back, but the Sti is gone, I did NOT buy a RX8. I took one out for a test drive and while its a nice enough car it just didn't do it for me. While cruisin around looking at various cars I bumped into a 00 s2000 with 25k miles. I took it for a spin for grins and the next thing I knew I owned it.
What can I say... I LIKE the RX8, I even liked my sti, but I LOVE the s2000. I liked it so much I'd rather go buy a beat old jeep to drive if I need something bigger from time to time.
Ah well, thanx for the info guys.
Laters.
What can I say... I LIKE the RX8, I even liked my sti, but I LOVE the s2000. I liked it so much I'd rather go buy a beat old jeep to drive if I need something bigger from time to time.
Ah well, thanx for the info guys.
Laters.
9000 RPM Viagera
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Long Island, NY
Originally Posted by BlueEyes
I have no 8 
I have a solara. The 8 is intended to be the dd in a year or so. I am not worried about hte maintenace, I can do most if not all of it myself, the part prices might be a little steep. If I could find a well maintained e30 I shouldn't have too many problems, they're supposed to be pretty reliable if properly maintained.
I have a solara. The 8 is intended to be the dd in a year or so. I am not worried about hte maintenace, I can do most if not all of it myself, the part prices might be a little steep. If I could find a well maintained e30 I shouldn't have too many problems, they're supposed to be pretty reliable if properly maintained.
Dooky Booty
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 245
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From: So Cal baby!
Originally Posted by BlueEyes
We were comparing two sports cars, that was the point of this thread. They're really not all that different in their goal, only their exectution. I guess we forgot the 'pimp' aspects of each car, how stupid of us. You can find lots of other threads dedicated to how 'pimp' the 8 is and how many highschool chicks you can pick up with it. I couldn't care less, I would rather talk about driving them.
I don't know why you think you get respect from 'grown ups' because of the 8, I certainly don't respect people I don't know because of their car. But, lets say it does get you respect, I am sure as soon as you open your mouth, it all that goes out the window. I am confident in making that call because of how "stupid freakin stupid stupid" your post is.
I don't know why you think you get respect from 'grown ups' because of the 8, I certainly don't respect people I don't know because of their car. But, lets say it does get you respect, I am sure as soon as you open your mouth, it all that goes out the window. I am confident in making that call because of how "stupid freakin stupid stupid" your post is.
Registered
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Sounds like the STi was just a bad purchase for you in the first place. They're great cars but certainly not for everyone, you sound more like you should be driving an Audi A4 than a sportscar.
Registered
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From: Los Angeles, CA
also i'm offended at your audi comment ike, my dad's s4(looks like a a4 in case you didn't know) would rape most sti's out there(and all stock ones too) so audi isn't that bread and butter of a car.
Senior Geek
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Richardson, TX
Originally Posted by StealthFox
also i'm offended at your audi comment ike, my dad's s4(looks like a a4 in case you didn't know) would rape most sti's out there(and all stock ones too) so audi isn't that bread and butter of a car.
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by StealthFox
also i'm offended at your audi comment ike, my dad's s4(looks like a a4 in case you didn't know) would rape most sti's out there(and all stock ones too) so audi isn't that bread and butter of a car.
I hope your dad's Audi isn't stock
Also, my last car was an A4 so what would you like to tell me about them They're boring cars with really nice interiors that can be fast, and I'll never own another one again.
Blue By You
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From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by StealthFox
the sti is not a sports car.
Regards,
Ike
Last edited by IkeWRX; May 13, 2005 at 01:18 AM.
Registered
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From: Los Angeles, CA
bump a whole not even a month old thread :D
lol sportsy car, im not even going to start in with that. either way, neither audi, subaru, or mazda currently produces a sportscar
can we agree on that ike?
lol sportsy car, im not even going to start in with that. either way, neither audi, subaru, or mazda currently produces a sportscar
can we agree on that ike?
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Milwaukee
Originally Posted by StealthFox
bump a whole not even a month old thread :D
lol sportsy car, im not even going to start in with that. either way, neither audi, subaru, or mazda currently produces a sportscar
can we agree on that ike?
lol sportsy car, im not even going to start in with that. either way, neither audi, subaru, or mazda currently produces a sportscar
can we agree on that ike?