Who has test-driven an RX-8?

Remember people...Mazda needs a little help in the ECU department. The Renesis is just as capable of big HP #'s as any 13B motor. My argument here is that the RX-8 is a "sports car". If you think having 2 "half" doors that open suicide style and a back seat disqualify it from "sports car" status I think people need to look at the total package. Remeber that not all RX-7's were 2 seaters and it is a pretty outrageous claim to call the RX-8 a 4 door. It has no B-pillar.
 
Mazdaspeedgirl said:
Excellent insight! (thumb)
Glad to be of help.
You know it would have to be a special car for me to sell my VW Corrado "Storm" and i think it is that's why i'm getting one! :)
 
Brian MP5T said:
Perhaps it's not as slow as everyone thinks. (silly)
I just thought the 911 Turbo would do a hell of a lot better than just .8 seconds quicker around the track than the M3, Z or the RX8. Afterall, it's more than triple of the RX8's price!
 
PreFknLude_SiR said:
I just thought the 911 Turbo would do a hell of a lot better than just .8 seconds quicker around the track than the M3, Z or the RX8. Afterall, it's more than triple of the RX8's price!

It's still a 911 Turbo, I'd love to have one :cool:

I know what you are saying. It's like the EVO vs. The Jag XK that C&D tested. The EVO out performed it in every category and did a 0 - 100 - 0 in 16 seconds.:eek: The car is 1/3 the cost. However, a Jag is still a Jag!!

Later...Brian
 
Diane,

I've had 2 MX5s (love this car and the way you rightly point out that Mazda are not the competetive type...they just wanna make a fun car) but having been for 2 long drives in the 8 I just had to order one!! Am gonna miss the whole open top thing but hey...in the UK we are lucky to get a few days a year when it don't rain!!!

You can see the UK views on www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk

Have fun...

Craig
 
The deceptive thing about the RX-8 is the way the power is delivered. The rotary's power is delivered so smoothly and evenly that it is faster than it feels. There is no real surge as the engine hits its power band it just goes faster. Many manufacturers talk about a "smooth turbine like" power delivery. The rotary is in fact a "smooth turbine like" power delivery.

This causes you to underestimate your speed until you start searching for your "get out of jail free card". I once got part of this as a lecture from a kindly highway patrolman in lieu of a BIG ticket when mine was expired. That was in my old RX-7.
 
nope, that was believed to be the reason why it was so rich but I spoke with somebody with MNAO who confided to me that they ran the motor extra rich to save cat. convertors over the long haul. The ecu is flash programed so as soon as some makes a proper map, bam the hp returns at the exspense of cat life over 80K~ which is ok b/c you wanna buy a header anyway.
 
if you had 26,000 @ 4.9% for 60 months with $3500 down makes for $466.71

they were putting you together on a 60 month lease @ 299/mo with $3500 down. Just so you know whats what.
 
I test drove it a few wqeeks ago. I must say, I enjoyed it very much. While driving, I thought I was close to redlining when I was shifting at 6500RPM's. after a couple of times of that, the salesman looked at me like WTF. I said what? He said, the car redlines at 9000RPM's.....FLOOR THAT s***!!!! I said, ok, you got it. Once you hit 8500rpm's you'll hear a little beep that warns you that you're close to redline. In 1st gear at redline I'm up to 49MPH. I slammed 2nd gear and the rear tried to come out but quickly got back in place (traction cntrl off) 2nd maxed out at 69mph. Slammed 3rd and before I knew it, I easily slid past 100 and didn't know it. I must say, the car is smooth and the gears are precise. The only thing I didn't like was that the car had a little body roll in turns. But nothing that wider tires and a couple of strut bars can't cure.


I must say, the car is very impressive and quite comfortable. Me, being 6'4" 235lbs, I was pretty comfortable in the car. As a matter of fact, I had to move the seat up a little to feel comfortable with the pedals. Too bad I can't say the same for the S2000 or the 350Z. Although I did at least fit into the Z (couldn't close the door while sitting the S2000, knee was caught between the door armrest and the steering wheel) I can't see myself driving it on a long distance road trip.

Now, while in comparison with the 350Z, the G35, the BMW 3series, and the S2000, I would probably still go with the RX-8. Mainly because of the extra goodies that's available on the "8" (heated seats, mirrors, traction control with the manny tranny, sunroof) and can still stay under 30k. Not too many sport cars can do that. And to clarify something, according to insurance companies, the RX-8 IS considered a sports due to the absence of the B pillars
 
Last edited:
doogy said:
Diane,

I've had 2 MX5s (love this car and the way you rightly point out that Mazda are not the competetive type...they just wanna make a fun car) but having been for 2 long drives in the 8 I just had to order one!! Am gonna miss the whole open top thing but hey...in the UK we are lucky to get a few days a year when it don't rain!!!

You can see the UK views on www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk

Have fun...

Craig
Congrats on the car Craig! (thumb) I know what ya mean about the top down thing, but you're right--the feel/personality of the 8 would outweigh the lack of ability to put the top down on the miata. :)

I'll have to check out the UK reviews.

Oh, and I'd LOVE to hear your accent...;)
 
Sdrotary2 said:
if you had 26,000 @ 4.9% for 60 months with $3500 down makes for $466.71

they were putting you together on a 60 month lease @ 299/mo with $3500 down. Just so you know whats what.

You're absolutely right. You have to watch them or they'll sneak that kinda stuff in on you.

What does a lease say?--balloon payment at the end if you want to keep the car (cash or :eek: refinance for another few years), you can't mod the car or drive it excessively (a sin in such a car that was designed to be driven).
 
Last edited:
NOPE! any accent is good. mmm...my friend James (from New Zealand) gets annoyed that I marvel at his accent. :D
 
I wish I could but I don't think the people at the Mazda dealerships will let me since I'm not buying.Same goes for the Evo too.
 
Dragon Wagon said:
I wish I could but I don't think the people at the Mazda dealerships will let me since I'm not buying.Same goes for the Evo too.
Go to Alhambra Mazda. They let anybody test drive.
 
Pros:

  1. 9000 RPM redline.
  2. Standard LSD with 6 spd model.
  3. Amazing handling.
  4. Beautifully designed interior.
  5. Dealers are selling them at or below invoice.
  6. Rear seats are actually comfortable for a 5'9 adult like my self.
  7. More practical as a daily driver than a 350Z or S2000.
Cons:

  1. Tourque issue.
  2. Love it or hate it styling. I love the front. I hate the tail lights and the suicide doors.
Bottom line, for the money, it's a great car.
 
Back