Revolver

Latest Wheels mag has a comparo between the sub-$100K coupes most people cross shop the RX8 with.

Makes interesting reading. Although the RX8 suffers in the straight line contest (predictably), it's far from written off.

For starters, it makes the BMW and Audi look VERY overpriced, but then I suppose there still lingers enough demand for a Euro badge to allow them to get away with it.

They also noted the RX8 is 100kgs lighter than the 135i, which makes a difference in the handling stakes. Indeed, the 8 is rated better than the others so far as that's concerned, though not by a huge margin given the ability of the other cars here.

So, if you can avoid adding too much weight with your turbo or supercharger kit, you have something which rivals the 135i for pace that is still some $10k or so cheaper after allowing $15K for the kit and the bump up of the BMW's price with the inevitable 'options' (and a better looking car to most eyes, not to mention bigger rear seats).

In the end, the mag's journo goes for a fence sitting verdict. Cars are all different, no losers, yada, yada, yada - reinforcing once again (as if we didn't already know), that comparing the RX8 to anything else is difficult. You either like it or you don't.

takahashi

The downside of 135i is that it will never handles like an RX-8 because there is no LSD.

For engine wise the turbo in the 1 is as hot as a tubro 8 when modified. And 240kW is the best it can do atm for the 135i without too much mod. RX-8 tubro can match it for sure.

Interior you have to go for the 135i, it is superb. Hmmm it is a tough choice between a tubro RX-8 or a 135i.

Most stuff in 135i coupe is standard, the only thing is active xenon that moves when you corner (otherwise you can have std xenon), the sunroof, and front sensor; of course there is sound system and all that you can buy, but you can resist.

I am very much looking into a 1 Dave . A white 135 coupe is nice for me, although I really want a vert.

DavidM

Latest Wheels mag has a comparo between the sub-$100K coupes most people cross shop the RX8 with.

What months issue is this in?

Most stuff in 135i coupe is standard...

Except for the 'sports' options like big brakes and Recaro seats. Each seat is somehting like $4k option ... not cheap.

Interior you have to go for the 135i, it is superb.

That's intreresting Taka. I find it very poor ... well bellow par of the RX8 in terms of ergonomics or layout. Also the rubber pedals is what you get in a Civic.

takahashi

Recaro is pointless I found the stock seat is very comfortable and holding on the track.

You don't mean in the picture big brake? Stock is already a 6 pot so I don't see the point. And it brakes well with pad change.

Interior is personal but I found the leather is much better in BMW, instrument is equal in both car. I don't find plastic pedal an issue. You can change it.

Oh if you spend another $1000 on the sound system, it is much better sound system I believe if the new bose is the same as the old bose in my car.

I love both of them, since I have one RX-8; I will get the 135i.

Kafka

NICE one...Got links to the article? thanks!

Revolver

November

Revolver

It's in a hard copy mag.

It may eventually get on their website though - http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/ - so you can check that out in a couple of weeks...

Revolver

For me the real downside is still looks. I also don't like that it's so heavy and that the back seats aren't as user friendly.

I think the interior thing is subjective. I reckon the new RX8 interior does the job. I find current BMW interiors a little drab and bland.

I guess what tips the 135i a bit higher though is you get the performance out of the box and factory backed with warranty, etc, whereas with the RX8 you're having to go aftermarket with all the risks that entails. If I could live with the looks, I'd put up with the weight and back seats for that reason alone.

Who knows. The current 5 series has grown on me. If I see them enough I might grow to like it......or just keep saving for a 911...

RXP33D

I cannot justify the look of a 135i. I'd need it at least 6k to make it look anywhere as decent as the RX8. (Awful front bar, 'Banana' side skirts' and bad choice of wheels).

But then again, BMW had to make it look silly, or else it'd defeat the purpose of 335i.

Taka, in regards to LSD, I've noticed with Exige owners, alot reckon LSD isn't essential if u only plan to do track and street driving, only for auto-x, where its handy on tighter stuff. It'd be interesting to experiment (myself) a non-LSD rx8. Hard to say..

Thought I'd share a pic of my new gary...

RXP33D

I 2nd dave's opinion.

Great all-rounder, bar the looks.

takahashi

I can see the difference when I drive the 135 on the street. Then again, what do I know about hard cornering....?

I need to see the difference after my friend's 135 added an LSD.

It is not about faster time with or without LSD, I doubt you lose too much time with LSD. It is all about driving pleasure when you have an LSD, it feels better and more confident accelerating out of a corner, rather than the inner wheel spinning crazy at you.

timbo

Thought I'd take the opportunity of this thread to post a pic of my new wheels (yes, I know...it's not red )

I test drove the 135 coupé among many -- it's a nice car, but got a great deal on the S3. The 135 feels 'edgy' on the road (and a bit harsh, with the run-flats), whereas the S3 feels really planted.

Availability of 135s was an issue, although I'm told there's plenty of stock around now ...generally, plenty of bargains to be had in coming months, methinks

Revolver

Congrats Timbo! They're a good little jigger and have more than enough poke. When's your next Wakefield Park trip? I'll try to get there to see the S3 in action...

Definitely a good time to buy. Will get even better next year, which is when I'm planning to decide whether and what to replace the revolvermobile with...

takahashi

Nice Timbo. Can't go wrong with an S3.

Revolver

BTW, although in time it may become a collectible like the 2002, I wonder in the short to medium term what resale will be like on the 135i? It has limited uses and will only appeal to the narrow enthusiast market. I'd venture to say the 335i will retain more of its value over 5 years.

coolingmist

I had a 2004 Rx-8 which I drove for 2 years. I had a 94 Rx-7 for 8 years and even had FB for a few years many years ago. This as well as 3 different miatas. Hence I have a favor toward mazdas.

Here is my non bias review of the Rx-8 vs 135I conserding I have owned both.

I greatly have missed my Rx-8. I traded it in for my Elise in 2006. What I liked about the Rx-8 was the interior, looks and handling.

What I hated was:

Gas mileage is below poor. Cars with 500 HP get better gas mileage.
Power. While the car never feels slow, it does not have enough power.


having said that, I now own a 135I. In terms of interior looks I will say its a tie. In terms of interior quality the BMW is superior. In terms of fit/finish I give both a tie.

The Rx-8 handled so well, I still remember. I have not had the BMW enough to fairly compare.

I got tired of mazdas constant "balance" argument. The 135I proves you can have balance and alot of power. Hit the gas on the 135I it and it just bolts forward. 300 lbs tq at just 1400 RPM makes a massive difference. Real world gas mileage is far better as well.

If mazda can get more power I would love to have one again, but until then I would never buy one again. In 2003 when the Rx-8 was released so was the G35 which was its primary competitor. It had 260 HP vs the 239 HP from Mazda. At that time you can debate which was faster and better. Today the G37 makes 330 HP and the Rx-8 is still the same.

I hope mazda fitst he new 1.6 rotary and is able to make alot more power. It will make one amazing car.

The 135I is an amazing drive.

takahashi

You have the new 09 iDrive

I went for the automatic as well. ... me getting old ... the Alpine White with Boston red leather. Waiting for delivery.

Hey do you know... how much is the front black grill and the rear CF diffuser in the US? Planning getting it?

coolingmist

I have not even looked into aftermarket yet, too many goodies just come with it stock to try to figure out LOL.

I drive is awesome.

rotarenvy

I don't see how you can add 100kg with a kit. you usually strip out a wad of gear to make the kit fit. I think mine would be way under 30kg without the bits I have removed. probably more like 15kg of which the supercharger and intercooler are the biggest weight items. compressor is 5kg and I'm being generous at a 5kg for the intercooler (very size dependent I have one that weights more like 10kg).

a kit should be more like 6K-7K complete we are currently getting screwed for kit pricing.

twelch

Link to article:

http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/Road_Tes...late=domWheels

Z1NONLY

I drove a 135 on a track a couple months ago and was very impressed with both power and handling. The stubby little wheelbase seems to help it’s handling a lot. (I don't like what it does to the looks of the car though.)

My Z's suspension hasn't been stock in over a year, but I'm sure the 135's handling is better than my stock Z's was. I also have the 287 HP motor, so the 135's power is better than my Z's (No HP mods on my Z)

The HR motor Z's I have driven (306HP) match up better (power wise) with the 135, but the low-end grunt is still slightly better in the 135

It's been a while since I drove an 8 on a track but, while the 8's handling impressed me, its power was adequate at best. (I still think it's one of the better-looking cars on the road though.)