The folks over at the 350Z and S2000 forums can joke all they want, #1 The RX-8 even with the "missing HP" issue still gets the same times, 14.5 in the 1/4 mile, which competes pretty close to the 350Z and S2000. #2 The missing HP issue has been solved, and information has been shared from knowledgeable folks like Paul Yaw, showing that the RX-8 has problems with the ECU throwing errors that the car isn't moving anywhere so it applies less throttle. #3 Gas Mileage issue has been solved, its everybodies lead foot, and the RX-8 gets comparable gas mileage to similar performing cars i.e. the 350Z and the S2000. I have been getting 24MPG almost all the time with my RX-8 because I drive like a granny all over, and my 350Z demo car gets 14-15MPG when I drive it quick. The G35 coupe is slower than an RX-8, less ridigity, and poorer handling, much less the G35 Sedan. Plus IMO the RX-8 has better build quality inside and outside than any of these cars, and is mean to compete against cars above these.

 

Well once again I find myself completely confused.

I thought we already determined that the RX-8 was more likely to be be class(ifi)ed as a sports sedan than it was to compete with 2 seaters. In that class(ification) I remain adamant that it is designed to compete with the high horsepower grocery getters like the Evo and WRX. Why do we insist on bringing 2000s and 350s to the table.

C'mon guys.... apples to oranges arguments impress me NOT.

If I were looking for a "grocery sport vehicle" (hereinafter remember that I coined the term "GSV") I would be owning an 8 tommorrow. It is more upscale with better attention to detail and "wow" appeal than anything in its class(ification).

 

You are correct, the RX-8 is a Sports Sedan, but it is a midrange model, not an economy car that has been turned into a no-nonsense no compromises speed-racer. The Evo and STI have high boosted engines, uncomfortable seats, cheap interior finishing, tight suspension (and harsh ride), and wild looks that appeal to a small range of people. Awesome performing cars, but still economy cars in wolfs clothing. Mazda considers its key competitors the Audi TT 180, BMW 330Ci, and Infiniti G35Coupe, all of which the RX-8 top model has a lower price MSRP than the entry level models of the other cars, more standard features, more room, better performance, and better handling.

 

There seem to be a lot of comments like this from folks here (not just volley1, so don't think this is directed at you) and I'd just like to say, reserve the emphatic discrediting of the rx8's handling and so forth until after you've driven one...

I have a '95 FD (wit a DP and Bonez hi-flow cat) and a rx8 and I must say the rx8 is definately slower than the FD (duh) and is most definately slower than it should be. BUT - it handles at least as well as my FD does (the FD has Tein coilovers) and it brakes better than my FD (the FD has Brembo rotors and EBC greenstuff pads). It comes stock with Bridgestone RE-040 tires (225/45R18) (my FD has 225/55R16 Bridgestone RE-730's on it) and this is my first experience with those tires, but so far so good.

So my point is, before you can factually state that the rx8 is anything, you probably need to drive one - otherwise you're just gushing BS and speculation based on some HP numbers and whatever other emotional spin you want to put on it.

So - in my experience so far, the 8 doesn't have anywhere near the frenetic acceleration/power the FD does, but it is extremely well balanced and it handles and brakes exceptionally well (indeed). It is a lot of fun to drive and while it's definately down on power (in general, but especially if you try to compare it to the FD) it's most definately not clumsy or a pig, nor is it in any way a version of the rx7 - it's a new, completely different car.

 

GSV?

You WILL be remembered - for coining a new classification! VERY FUNNY...

 

Mazda also claimed 250hp out of the RX-8 renesis... it doesn't make it true. They also claim the miata as a roadster, yet is has roll-up side windows. The miata, in fact, is a sports car.

The RX-7 is a GT. Mazda primaraily raced seconds gens in the GTU class (Grand Touring Under 2.5 Liters).

As soon as you put a fixed roof on a sports car, it becomes a GT.
Example:
-Ferrari GTO (notice GT in the name?) was a GT car, where as the 268SP of the same year was a sports car (S stands for Sport).
-MGB was a sports car. Put the hard top on it and it became the MGB GT.
[It should be noted that just because a car is a convertible, it does not make it a sports car either.]

Ever notice what the classification was on a FD3S Touring model? Its in the name. Obviously, Mazda ALSO thought the FD was a GT. Also notice: there was never an FD "Sport".

The RX-7 is an outstanding performance vehicle, offering performance exceeding many true sports cars. It as a fantastic GT car, but it is not a sports car.

You have to be rigid in defining these terms, otherwise, any performance sedan can make a claim as a sports car.

 

If one is to use the traditional definition of "sports car" then yes, said car must not have a fixed roof.

The RX-8 is obviously aimed at a different segment of the market than the FD was so to compare the two is a bit pointless.

 

Well, there 'ya go! - after all these years I'm driving a freakin' GT! I guess I'm the HOSER after all.

But what exactly then is a Gran Turismo Omologato?
(just bustin' your ***** )

 

There is nothing wrong with the '8'. All the major car mags (R&T, C&D, MotorTrend) have said it is an outstanding handling car. No, it's not a 2 seat sports car or turbo-charged. Mazda is leaving that for the new '7'. If you want a better appreciation for the car, go to the www.rx8forum.com and download the huge press pack. The '8' has much in common with the FD and at 3000 lbs is pretty light as 2+2 cars go. I'd keep my FD and put an 8 in the garage for my 'grocery-getter'. Obviously you don't need to get groceries The '8' is a great sports car in the same mass-appeal light as the NA 1st and 2nd gen RX-7's (which I've both owned). Don't forget that FD's come with rear seats in Japan...

So many here are on their FD high horse, geeeez