RX8 vs FC
 

Seriously.


Other than the Renesis what does the RX8 have, performance and handling, that the NA FC doesnt? Is it inherently superior platform to start from, or is the FC just as capable.


Im considering an 8, but for the scratch that I would have to lay down for the 8 I could get ITBs, full exhaust, EMS and a full suspension for my 6PI BP 91 FC. For the money I would be going faster, but would I just be better off going for the 8?


I know this is horribly subjective, thats why I am asking those who know more than I do.


BC

do u need 4 door / 4 seats that seats 4 ?
u need the stock navi system + warrenty + climate control ?

if you dont need neither / if u are going to mod the 8 and void the warrenty anyways then might as well just get the FC

Well, I have the FC. :)

I dont NEED the 4 doors, and the back seats are essentially worthless seeing as I am 6'3". Nav is unnecessary because I am a map person, warranty would be nice, functioning AC would be cool too. :)


The extent of the modding would be RB flash, electric exhaust dump precat, and intake.


I guess I am trying to decide if I want a comfortable quick DD, or a harsh, loud and fast (not TII fast, but fast by my standard) weekend car.


that and I would like to read the discussion. :) I always like learning new things.


BC

Double wishbone suspension
Tighter / stiffer chassis
Bigger brakes
15+ years of better technology


-Ted

u mod the suspension + putting some roll bar / struct bar + good tires the FC will almost out handle a lotus.
as far as loudness ... the turbo ii with a racing beat exhaust is not really that loud. totally livable.
basiclly it all comes down to how much $$ you want to spend, and in the end do u want to spend all that money in a 15 yr old car that u know u can only sell it back for 5k no matter how nice / well u set it up

A lot of electronics that assist drivers. Ya know, like (good) ABS.

You'll spend as much money on maintance on an old beat out FC to get it even half way decent handling because of 15-20 years of constant abuse and wear and tear, as you would for a damn good down payment on a RX-8

The RX-8 has a warranty

The fc is probably on its last leg motor wise and will need replaced soon.

Again the rx-8 has a warranty

For daily driving i wouldget an rx8 and just drive it and be happy with no worries in the world. And if you want performance the tuning market is starting to offer more and more parts. The thrust kit makes something like 350hp and is a complete bolt on.

I've chased a few 8s through Deals Gap, back road runs and on the track. You won't be as fast as one obviously and handling wise if you upgrade it could be a toss up. With an 8 you could have your nice DD and a great weekend car all in one. With the 7 you know you'll have to do a rebuild at some point and all the usuall upkeep and stuff. Car payment and a great car or a car that's paid for and all the "stuff" we love about our 7s? As a thought, I have 2 sevens. With what I payed for them and all the upgrades/repairs (not including tires) I have maybe half of what an eight would cost and that's been over 7 years. Personally, I like the 8s alot but I wouldn't take an 8 over my Vert or T2.

To get the FC to handle better than an RX-8 you'd need...

-Energy Suspension Bushings
-Some sort of upgrade to the shocks/springs, Megan Coils are about $1000 so we can start there
-Sway bars
-Strut tower bars
That there will be about $1600 and will outhandle the RX-8

As far as the engine goes, Kevin Landers will rebuild and port a stock TII for Around $1500
Then a corksport exhaust + a decent muffler welded in where the presilencer is would be around $600

Then get a walbro and an FCD and run 8lbs of boost. About another $500

So for $4200 + the cost of the RX-7 you will outhandle and out accelerate the RX-8, and stock brakes do pretty well, but a set of brake pads is about $200.

So for the money, yes you can get an RX-7 that will beat the hell out of an RX-8, but you wont have a warranty, the small stuff tends to break easier etc.

Personally, I HATE monthly payments. So I don't plan on having to worry about any of that anytime soon, so i'd go with the 7.

dude if you like fc's forget the rx8 and go and buy this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...7540557&rd=1,1

It depends... do what to pay for every little thing that breaks over the next few years, or would you like the dealership to?

Personally the only thing that I think puts them in the same catigory is RWD and Rotary, other than that theyre completely different cars.
Go drive an RX8, the decision will make its self.

I sold my Turbo II knowing I can just get an RX-8 later. (Still have my FD though)

so which is faster? rx8 or fc?

Stock? Most likely the RX-8. Though as has been essentially pointed out, you should be able to modify several FCs to outperform a stock RX-8 for less than the cost of one RX-8.

so lets say if i put headers intake and exhaust on my NA ... do you think it would do the job?

no

maybe a big street port or something as well as the headers, intake and exhaust?

where? we took a stock 25k mile rx8 and an IT prepped fc, and the fc with race tires, full suspension etc was running 1:22's at mazdafest last year. rx8 was about 1 sec slower (with me driving) until the stock tires go away, and the car falls off the track

Stock N/A FC < RX-8.....speed wise.
Stock TII = RX-8.......speed wise.

Just to confirm. I got smoked by an rx8 a couple nights ago in my 89 stock na, rolling start.

sell the rx-7 you have now, and get a TII, or do the whole TII swap onto your car if its a sendimental thing, but if you put in how much money it would cost fort hte rx-8, into the rx-7, you'd haul ass, take corners like no other, and stop on a dime. or you can just upgrade your rx-7 moderately and invest the rest of the money in stocks or a house or whatever. :)

The RX-8 is a better car, period. Much stiffer chassis even compared to the FD in stock form. Double wishbone up front, and multi-link rear suspension; yes, you could make the FC handle better for cheaper, but ultimately, a modified RX-8 will outhandle a modified FC. It even has a much nicer interior and creature comforts. The only downside for the RX-8 I can perceive would be power upgrades...

But it sounds like you really don't need the RX-8, from what you've been saying. So stick with the FC :D

Yeah...damn a car payment. Id rather have a car paid for thats blown up and out of commission for a while, rather than pay on a car for 5 years and not be able to modify it in any form because I'm too worried about voiding the warranty. Buy like a civic and make the FC your toy.

i'll just turbo my fc one day and hopefully spank a rx8

^lol, does it really mean that much to you? Last I checked RX8s are 15 second cars

its all about luxury and sport IMO, pick one. Your FC with a 6 port turbo/TII swap, BPU and full suspension would out perform an RX8 in the twisties and on a drag strip. Of course with similar mods an RX8 would be a little faster, but with just about double the money spent in total. Of course you have the usual things that break on older cars, like electrical problems, AC/heat blah blah, if you don't like troubleshooting/wrenching then go for the 8. 8 = fun daily driver, 7 = project race car.

My opinion in the end, restored/original built rare old school sports car > fun little 4 door that every other 18 year old kid has