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RX7 vs RX8

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Old 10-20-12, 02:03 AM
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RX7 vs RX8

Hi,

I am thinking of getting a rx soon. Well, rx7 is my dream car, but I've heard that rx7 gets overheated really easy... While RX8 is a newer car and it doesnt suffer from overheating this easy. So is there any advice?? I have to use the car for long distance travel sometimes
Old 10-21-12, 10:45 AM
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RX-7s do not overheat very easily.

Though it does depend on the year of RX-7 you are referring to.

3rd gens are more prone to overheating due to their ridiculous stock cooling setup but if in working condition, then you won't have issues.
Old 10-21-12, 02:37 PM
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both are nice cars, but for sure ill go for the RX7.


also i think i heard that the newer series comes with dual oil coolers.

correct me if im wrong.
Old 10-21-12, 03:36 PM
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If you get a 3rd gen rx7 (FD) it will either be one of 3 models: Base, Touring and R1/R2

The R series came stock with dual oil coolers, while the other models had 1 but a second oil cooler can be added without too much difficulty.

If you plan on putting many miles on your 7, try to find one that is putting down mid 300's for horsepower at most or less if you like to get any kind of mileage lol.

I'm on my iPhone.. But search for fritz flynns post I believe it was on the daily driven reliable FD.

Good luck!
Old 10-21-12, 08:27 PM
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Rx7, even could save a few bucks depending on what year rx7.
Old 10-21-12, 08:46 PM
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if this was the rx8club, i guess the answer would be rx8....
i've had both. i think deals can be had on the rx8's now, if money is an issue.
they are such different cars. no comparison really. depends on what you like. drive them first, have fun with it.
Old 10-21-12, 10:14 PM
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Ive never had any over heating issues with my 87 and I had to drive with no water pump belt before
Old 10-21-12, 10:55 PM
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I got an 8 but read on them both, if you have mechanicals skills either or is good I got an 8 cuz I need the room , and for me I think working on an 8 is also easier than a FD . Plus an 8 is newer and you don't really need to fix much compare to a 95 or older I have about 1100 miles on my rebuild engine and I hear a lot of negative talk about the 8 but i love my car runs so smooth and corners good etc. I would over a 3rd gen but their more money .
Old 10-21-12, 11:33 PM
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rx7
Old 10-21-12, 11:43 PM
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What are you talking about? FB, FC, or FD? If you're talking about getting an FD I hope you make alot of money cause you'll need it. Otherwise it's going to be a black hole that alot of you're money will disappear into.

Last edited by Clark13b; 10-21-12 at 11:46 PM.
Old 10-22-12, 12:09 AM
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I think the issue with the heating on the rx7s (speaking of FDs here, but probably applies to others) isn't that they overheat easily, it's that if they DO overheat, it can often have a catastrophic result.

I may be lucky but my RX7 has treated me very well. Keep up with maintenance, and if there is an issue - FIX it! No bandaids. This is a car that will reflect its owner.
Old 10-22-12, 02:26 PM
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I have had several RX8's and RX7's Fc's, They dont overheat but do get heatsoaked becuase of how high the fans turn one. (210 degrees.) I have fan switches on both my Rx8's and as well as my fc.
Old 10-22-12, 02:46 PM
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^ my rx8 runs GOOD , my previous 7 never had issues neither,
Old 10-22-12, 02:51 PM
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7's actually had a better track record for reliability. MOST RX8's need a new engine before they tick over 100k miles.

the 8 is a more comfortable car but if you buy one buy an extended service contract that covers the engine.. you will also pay more for a renesis engine than any previous model, mainly because they get trashed much beyond that mileage mark and a mazda reman is still going to be your best bet. i don't even rebuild renesis engines because you simply cannot beat mazda's price for what you get(new housings cost well over $1k alone, how can you build an engine when you will be into it for $2k in parts alone before even adding in labor when a factory reman costs $2k?. only reason to rebuild a renesis is for porting, and you probably will gain squat from that).

but factor in they make about 215whp and average about 120k miles to an engine they fall very close to the twin turbo 13B-REW, except the REW generally has much more usable parts with the same mileage.

add in the slew of fuel problems that the early 8's have and, well, unless you can turn a wrench you may be on the side of the road like that red 8 i saw on my way to work.

Last edited by RotaryEvolution; 10-22-12 at 02:59 PM.
Old 10-22-12, 02:51 PM
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Rx-7 all day...
Old 10-22-12, 02:52 PM
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just *** its an FD3S. period
Old 10-22-12, 04:33 PM
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It depends on how often you will be driving it.
I have both and hands down I would choose the RX8 over the RX7 for anything other than cruising or track days.

But I guess I'm in stage in my life where I don't always need to have my fast car and the compromises that entails such as the loud exhaust, exhaust smell, always watching the temp gauge like hawk, looking out for cops, no cup holders (LOL), etc...
Old 10-22-12, 06:38 PM
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with the renesis you also can be very luck or very unlucky regardless of how you drive. it is very unforgiving to any little thing that is out of the ordinary that you may not even know is wrong before the damage is already done.
Old 10-22-12, 07:24 PM
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Rx7 for sure. Its a much better platform in my mind. The 8s might be newer but I've never liked them. As said earlier in the thread get an fd in the mid 300 range and let her eat.
Old 10-22-12, 08:00 PM
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RX-7, the 8 never felt like a sport car to me.
Old 10-22-12, 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Kevin Yang
I have to use the car for long distance travel sometimes
If that's the case, the Rx8 will be MUCH more comfortable.
Old 10-23-12, 02:36 AM
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rx7 just looks so much nicer
Old 10-23-12, 03:29 PM
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IMO an rx8 is not better in any circumstance besides it being new. Still same faults and issues with any rotory. To me, newer is worse due to more computers, more sensors, more complex. The 13b and 13bt in the rx7 are somewhat simpler than the rx8. Besides, no OBDII inspection is where its at if you want to truly "mod" your RX. Just my .02
Old 10-23-12, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 89NCFC3S
IMO an rx8 is not better in any circumstance besides it being new. Still same faults and issues with any rotory. To me, newer is worse due to more computers, more sensors, more complex. The 13b and 13bt in the rx7 are somewhat simpler than the rx8. Besides, no OBDII inspection is where its at if you want to truly "mod" your RX. Just my .02
obviously you don't have very strict emissions out there. try moving to california where OBD means nothing besides even stricter standards for older vehicles than they had when they were sold new. you basically can't touch anything on any 7 or 8 that affects emissions without an official CARB sticker on it.

in nevada it is a true comparison though, OBDII cars only get a quick scan and are back on the road. pre OBD vehicles can have a lawnmower for an engine, so long as it has underhood emissions on the engine and functioning and passes a sniffer it can waddle off and get new stickers.

but being how problematic that the earlier 8's are, they still have a high resale value and is the biggest reason i have not invested into getting one. they are more comfortable than any other rotary car but the sacrifice is in performance versus even older versions. even a blown 8 with rather high miles still fetches $4k, well running they start at $8k and go up from there which is still not worth it to me with their inherent problems.

other upside is 4 seats, unless you want an old school you simply won't get a roomy car with a rotary engine in it besides the 8. with the kid we couldn't drive all sports cars and i wasn't going to spend $8k on a car that may only last a few years before needing an engine. i opted for a BMW 4 seater vert, which may be a little strange from a rotary engine shop owner to drive daily. heh.

Last edited by RotaryEvolution; 10-23-12 at 03:59 PM.
Old 10-23-12, 04:03 PM
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Thank you so much for replying guys!! I really appreciated it. Getting a 8 before 06s is actually much cheaper than a well-look rx7 where i am at. I perfer rx7.. but Since its an older car, I am worry about that I hav to spend endless money to keep the car fresh. If I drive carefully(dont race or anything) and never riv up 6k, do I still need a lot of maintaince work with the rx7? ....


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