RX8 Kill...
03-27-2009, 04:42 AM
#41
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
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I'll take a 93 Turbo FD Rx7 please. Handling + power = win.
Not to mention the fact that the engines are practically EVERYWHERE in the junkyards now, so you can blow one up, go out, and get another one for practically NOTHING.
Great car line, I really wish they could have improved on the Rx7, and used the same body lines.
Like I said, we'll see if my car steps up handling wise when i get my Manual steering rack in. It's a closer ratio than the stock one, and it'll put my car at almost a PERFECT 50/50 weight balance.
Not to mention the fact that the engines are practically EVERYWHERE in the junkyards now, so you can blow one up, go out, and get another one for practically NOTHING.
Great car line, I really wish they could have improved on the Rx7, and used the same body lines.
Like I said, we'll see if my car steps up handling wise when i get my Manual steering rack in. It's a closer ratio than the stock one, and it'll put my car at almost a PERFECT 50/50 weight balance.
03-27-2009, 05:10 AM
#42
corner carver
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 4,371
03-27-2009, 05:33 AM
#43
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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It's subjective to the driver as are many facets of the driving experience. Unfortunately I haven't had any seat time in a 370Z, of which I'm a huge fan. Although I'd prefer the droptop S2000 for it's looks/high spinning VTACK/close ratio gearbox, and roadster configuration, the fact that it is long nosed and short backed didn't seem to inspire the same degree of confidence the RX8 did. The S2K is very nimble and quick but did not have the level of neutrality that the Mazda did, for me anyhow. All 3 cars are demons in the twisties, I just happenned to be akin to how the RX8 read my mind...
Last edited by Baddog; 03-27-2009 at 05:36 AM.
03-27-2009, 05:44 AM
#44
corner carver
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 4,371
It's subjective to the driver as are many facets of the driving experience. Unfortunately I haven't had any seat time in a 370Z, of which I'm a huge fan. Although I'd prefer the droptop S2000 for it's looks/high spinning VTACK/close ratio gearbox, and roadster configuration, the fact that it is long nosed and short backed didn't seem to inspire the same degree of confidence the RX8 did. The S2K is very nimble and quick but did not have the level of neutrality that the Mazda did, for me anyhow. All 3 cars are demons in the twisties, I just happenned to be akin to how the RX8 read my mind...
03-27-2009, 06:06 AM
#45
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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I do bro, totally understand. I'm far from professional but with the characteristics of both cars I know I'd put down faster laps in the RX8 given similar power to weight ratios. I think the longer wheelbase and steer in feel catered better to my liking. I'd be faster around a road course in it for sure. But for weekend thrashings I'd prefer the S2K for my above stated reasons and I'd never get it's *** around in wreckingball fashion on the street anyway. That only happens white knuckling on undulated pavement on public roads and I don't play that way. To be honest my fave is the 370Z as an all 'rounder and I've already been flamed for touting it's prowess. It wins in an all around comparison but it better handle something this side of Christ to be better on a road course than the RX8, it's tractability is nothing less than inspiring. The RX8's motor albeit smooth and linear sharts itself when compared to the others however...
Last edited by Baddog; 03-27-2009 at 02:01 PM.
03-27-2009, 01:58 PM
#48
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 1,491
When my wife and I bought our Mazda 6i back in 2004 I was trying to convince her to get the RX8... unfortunately she didn't bite.
Anyways, I remember from the research I was doing the the original RX8s were advertised to have 238hp however many test confirmed that the automatics were putting out around 222hp. Both numbers were NOT rwhp, this was flywheel hp.
Well, I remember asking the one of the service guys at the dealership we bought our 6i from and he said that Mazda was actually offering the buy back the car from those who were unhappy with the discrepancy. For those who didn't want to have the bought back, they were giving them some sort of monetary compensation for it.
I've never heard anything else about it, so I think they tried to keep it hush hush.
But I agree with some of the others here, they are pretty fun cars. The engine certainly isn't exhilarating but for most people's needs they are just fine. The bad thing about them is that the mileage is horrible!! A girl I used to commute with would get around 16mpg highway.
Anyways, I remember from the research I was doing the the original RX8s were advertised to have 238hp however many test confirmed that the automatics were putting out around 222hp. Both numbers were NOT rwhp, this was flywheel hp.
Well, I remember asking the one of the service guys at the dealership we bought our 6i from and he said that Mazda was actually offering the buy back the car from those who were unhappy with the discrepancy. For those who didn't want to have the bought back, they were giving them some sort of monetary compensation for it.
I've never heard anything else about it, so I think they tried to keep it hush hush.
But I agree with some of the others here, they are pretty fun cars. The engine certainly isn't exhilarating but for most people's needs they are just fine. The bad thing about them is that the mileage is horrible!! A girl I used to commute with would get around 16mpg highway.
03-27-2009, 02:01 PM
#49
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 1,491
Ok, my numbers were a bit off... but I had to go back and research it just to get things straight. :-)
The first version of the RX-8, chassis code FE3S, was produced from model year 2003. It is powered by the RENESIS 13B-MSP (multi side port) Wankel rotary engine displacing 1.3 litres (2x654 cc). At launch, the RENESIS was available in standard and high power versions. The 4-port standard RENESIS produced 210 hp (160 kW) and was coupled with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The 6-port high power RENESIS was only available with a six-speed manual transmission and was rated at 250 hp (190 kW). For the North American market, Mazda revised the reported output rating of the standard and high power RENESIS soon after lauch to 197 hp (147 kW) and 238 hp (177 kW), espectively.[1] With exhaust ports now located in the side housing, the RENESIS boasted improved fuel efficiency and emissions rating over the 13B-REW employed by the last RX-7, thereby making it possible to be sold in North America.
03-27-2009, 02:27 PM
#50
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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RX8's are slow and guzzle a lot of gas for what they do. They are also butter smooth and deliver their power unlike anything else. The motor never complains and labours the same at 2000rpm's as it does at 8000. All damn day...that's a quality I admired from my first go in an '85 GSL-SE...
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