raji

hey everyone

i don't post here very often but today i just took a test-drive of a few cars and needed your opinion.

Here's the deal. I went out to test drive an Acura RSX Type S which i ended up not liking. I tried it back when it first came out, didn't like it then and still don't like it now. During the test drive i was already talking about how i'd really like to own an RX-8. He said he could get me one that had been used as a rental car (for places like AVIS etc) for about 16-17k... i'm gonna stop right here and ask: Is that even realistic? Is it going to be a beat up RX-8? I mean that's 10k under its new price tag and he suggested there would only be about 30-50k miles on it... The cheapest RX-8 cars i've seen used were still at around 24k (and yeah i'd want the 6MT)

anyway, he told me he'd keep me informed if he could find me an RX-8 at around that price. Fine. So just for fun, he says "hey wanna test drive the Neon SRT-4?" and quite frankly i kept thinking "dude it's just a Neon...". Then i test drove the damn thing... holy **** it was awesome!! Lots of low-end torque and the machine didn't let go as i shifted up. Lots of fun! From the reviews i've read it even handles great although i did notice the car squealing in tight turns... but at a price tag of under 20k, although the SRT-4 looks like ***, it drives great and was lots of fun.

to be fair, i've never gotten a REAL test-drive in an RX-8. The first time i asked for one, i was told i couldn't just take a test-drive unless they could check my credit first to make sure i could afford one. "We can't just give you a joyride in a 30 thousand dollar car sir"... So i found a used RX-8 and the test drive consisted of 6 right turns. 2 right-turns to get out then into the dealership and the other 4 around the block... in 30mph zones... Since then i've given up on test-driving one...

Before i finish, i'd like to make it clear that i'm much more into windy roads than i am into drag races. So the looks and handling of the RX-8 sold me. But now the SRT-4, although lacking in the looks department, seems to have both handling and power... So which one should i go for? I don't mind biased opinions. I do realize i'm posting in an RX-8 forum, i just need as much feedback as possible.

sorry for the looooong post.

cgrx

SRT-4 = Neon - nuff said

raji

hahaha!! have you driven the SRT-4 though? I think my decision to consider the SRT-4 may have been swayed because i still haven't had a proper test-drive in the RX-8

khtm

If you just want power, go for the SR-T, but I guarantee nobody is going to look over in traffic and be checking out your car

I don't know about the rental...sounds kinda sketchy...I personally wouldn't buy one since I've treated some rentals pretty bad myself.

khtm

That sucks you can't get a decent test drive...i had two before i got my 8, one in calgary and one in dallas...i even went in for the first one wearing sweatpants and I hadn't shaved. No questions about my credit were asked. The guy was even encouraging me to push it hard through corners.

Maybe try another dealership?

irish8

8.... nuff said!! The SRT4 is a Neon!! The RX8 is refined, rare, fast, confident, attention getter and amazing to drive. Oh yeah...did I mention resale value?

Good luck!!

- Irish

7'sfalife

These two cars dont even compare in my opinion! Neon= Front wheel drive, this should be the deciding factor alone.

raji

this is what i expected from an RX-8 forum :D

and yes i'll have to find another dealership that'll REALLY let me test-drive the 8. If its acceleration is good enough for my taste (i drive a '96 hyundai elantra, so my "taste" is really easy to shift around), then i'll just mimic rx8wannahave and keep trying until i can afford one. I'll have to stay in touch with the guy to see what kinds of RX-8s he can come up with at the price he was talking about. If something doesn't feel right, i'll just walk away from the deal and work towards getting a brand new 8.

one more thing. The SRT is basically just more accessible. It certainly won't turn heads, it's a FWD, etc etc... but it's a fast car that's easy to afford AND has a lot of practicality to it. The EVO and WRX are supposed to do the same in terms of practicality but they're in the same price range as the RX-8. The SRT offers the same or more power, decent handling (?) for a much lower price... If i had the money i'd definitely choose the 8. No question about it. But i don't have the money... and i'm starting to lose my patience as i wait... and wait.... and wait....

keep the comments comin'!

Ajax

If you're considering the SRT vs the RX8 and you're looking for that kind of practicality, the WRX or Evo might be more your cup of tea. The RX8 is fast, but when compared to an Evo or WRX STI, in a straight line, they blow the doors off of it. With 3k you can get a turbo kit, but when you just bought a car, you should get used to driving it first.

As far as only considering the SRT vs the 8, the 8 handles better in almost every aspect excluding the straight line. The SRT is very quick going straight, but I wouldnt want to be in one that hasnt had major suspension work anywhere else. I've driven a few and yea, they have quite a punch to them, but i didnt have nearly as much fun as I do driving the 8 which has plenty of practicality for me.

It's really up to personal taste. Drive both, buy what you like.

theCATALYST

Personally I would say save up for the 8. BUT, you should never live outside of your means, and if the 8 is taking too long to get, or would cost you more then you are comfortable spending, then go with the SRT, it is a fun car afterall. Good bang for the buck.

For me, it was a no brainer, it was much like when I fell in love with my wife. Love at first sight, my 8 was sitting on the lot, freshly off of the back of the truck, still wearing the protective coverings on the body panels. My mouth dropped and I had to have her. Now I just have to decide if I sleep with my wife tonight, or out in the garage with my mistress. I love em both. Follow your heart and choose the one you can cherish.

khtm

hahahahha :D

raji

dammit... following my heart means an RX-8... it looks better, it fits me better when i sit in it, etc... but yeah financially an 8 drains you doesn't it? I mean there's the insurance, the gas mileage, the price tag... i haven't loved a car as much as the RX-8 for at least the past 10 years. And of course i had to fall in love with a pricey one!

bah i sound like a wuss. haha.

I really need to get a decent drive in it... i'll make it a point to do that next week and let you guys know how i think it compares.

Ajax

my insurance is lower on my 8 than my previous car.. it's considered a 4 door coupe here in tx with loads of safety features (6 airbags!)

theCATALYST

DITTO^^
4 Door Coupe, insurance isnt too bad. And if the price is bothering you, take a longer test drive, aka Mazda Lease. It isnt all that bad really...And you can still opt to keep it in the end, if you put some money away to purchase it.

cas2themoe

Straight Line, yes the STR-4 has it. But anything besides that, There's no way it beats the 8. Looks, handling, sex appeal, comfort, etc. NO WAY, the 8 is the best and I love it!!!! Must I remind everyone about Dodge?

shelleys_man_06

That's odd. My insurance is just the same, probably because I'm still 20, as my old Celica GT-S.

The SRT-4 is a brute, whereas the RX-8 is more of a driver's car. I personally enjoy what Chrysler did to the Neon (finally), so you have to give them a ton of credit. It's up to you what you want to buy.

If you're out of money like you say you are, just invest in the SRT-4. The only things it really need are an LSD, which hopefully Mopar has one or Quaife, and a stock camber which is more leaned toward curvature.

If you do have the money, I strongly suggest the RX-8. It's an all around package for the right price. I don't think there is a better car in its range. Even the plain jane Base Model, which is what I own because I rule, has everything and nothing.

Good luck with your purchase.

Hornet

Well Raji, I have another aspect for you to consider! I had the chance to drive through part of Utah and if you are in an area that gets heavy snow you will have to take into consideration an extra set of tires for the winter. I don't know how the SRT4 handles in snow but I do know that an RX-8 on stock tires is downright scary! The 8 will be great on some of the windy mountain roads if the weather is right but like I said if there is heavy snow the back end will come around on you even with traction control! Believe me, I did it 6 exits before actually getting into Utah from Wyoming!

VikingDJ

I know this forum is filled with totally bias Dodge haters, but I'll give you yet another objective point of view. Naturally the RX8 is a better overall car. It's also a lot more money. You get what you pay for. For the price of an srt-4 you get alot for your dollar, as well as the rx8. The Srt-4 is flat out sick in power for it's price tag, and will take out an rx8 in every category performance wise except handling. It does however handle very well, but isn't the best daily driver. I suggest you drive the rx8. You'll then be able to make a decision whether it's worth the extra money, and the compromise for looks over power. I like the srt-4, even though I would never buy one. Although the book value may drop on it, it will always be an in demand car for future, and will eventually sell for more then it's worth. The rx8 is a much more mass produced car then the srt-4, so if your plans are to keep car for a very long time, you will end up getting more for your dollar in the end. Gas mileage is also a key factor. On highway, the srt-4 will get significantly better gas mileage then the rx8. There's plenty of reasons to argue which you should get, but if money is an issue, I'd go with the srt-4. Like it or not, it's a great value, and if you prefer power and torque more then looks and refinement, it's the way to go. If you are deciding between a used rx8 and a brand new srt-4, well then the answer is simple. A brand new car is the safer better way to go. Good luck!!

Ike

If you can't afford an 8 and don't want a used one then the SRT-4 certainly isn't a bad option. They handle rather well, do well in their SCCA class if you want to be a weekend warrior, have a ton of potential, and the engine is very strong. I think you could probably find a used RX-8 for under 22k if you looked hard enough and were willing to drive to pick it up. Also if you just want something ***** out fast the SRT-4 is a good choice and it would take FI or N20 on an RX-8 to get similar straightline performance.

Most of the people on car forums that bash the SRT-4 have never driven one, don't know much about them, or are intimidated by it's potential. So don't put a lot of weight into statements like "It's still a Neon".

Another option you may want to consider would be a used WRX, you can find nice ones for 16-18k and are even more pratical then the SRT-4, have better handling potential, and have a few more creature comforts. They can also, like the SRT-4, be made much faster with just a few boltons. They're also wonderful in bad weather and where I live that ends up being a few months out of the year, driving a WRX makes you get excited about snow and rain :p

therm8

airbags: I thought there were 8 of them. front driver, front passenger, driver's seat, passenger's seat, driver's side curtain, passenger side curtain, driver's side rear, passenger's side rear

cgrx

No, but I know they HAUL ***. It is still a Neon though.....I'd look for an all-around quality when buying a vehicle...not just the drag times

cas2themoe

"VikingDJ" The only things the SRT-4 is going to beat the 8 in is Straight Line and Gas mileage. For you to say it will beat it in about everything else is a false statement. The 8 would beat it in Braking, Handling, Style, Uniqueness, and so on. I do on the other hand like the looks of the Neon, than say the EVO. Dodge in my eyes has always made ugly cars with a lot of bang. The only car that I can say that dodge makes right now that I would consider purchasing are the 300M and if I had the money the Viper. Besides that forget Dodge. Even with Trucks, I would take a Ford over a Dodge any day.

"Ike" That is basically a Neon with a little better handling and Turbo Engine Dropped in. N20? Come on Ike the SRT-4 is not that much faster.

Dude take a real hard Test Drive in Both and see what I mean. Not saying your doing this, But there are a lot of people that don't know how to drive the 8. You have to keep this car in a certain RPM Range to appreciate its power.

trophymaker

If you want my opinion get the Neon for these reasons:

- the name: Everyone loves Neon, just look at how exciting Vegas is. RX-8 sounds like a part number at a hardware store.

- the looks: Take a Volkswagen Beetle (sooo cuuuuute) and smash it down so the roof descends and the sides bulge out. Now you have that Bean Bag shape of the Neon! Plus that wing SCREAMS JGTC.

- the engine: It has a Turbo that makes its 0-60 go way down down. It isn't an ordinary turbo either, I've heard from a Dodge insider that it is "Mega". A neat feature of this engine is that when you approach redline it feels like there is sand in the cylinders!

- the practicality: What better way to transport your boys than in a 4-door, 4-seat executive express. You gotta see the luxury trimmings on the inside! Its like the best and hardest plastic ever!.

- the gearshift/transmission: Do you want your hand to get fatigued by precise shifts? It hurts bro. The Neon has this rubbery feel that cushions the shifts so your hand doesn't ouchie. Also, the transmission feels like there is sand in it too!

- the resale value: Think about it. The demand for Neons is insatiable.

The choice is clear. Plus remember the Neon commercial where the car pulls up and its like "Hi."?

Dlrosie

Sounds like, deep down, you already know what care you want. You only live once. If you can save up and get the 8, then do it.

Carpe Diem! Carpe Octo!

AbusiveWombat

Actually, it is that much faster. Stock, the SRT4 is capable of high 13's from a good driver. The RX8 on the other hand is capable of high 14's with a good driver.

As Ike mentioned above, most non-SRT4 forums are very biased against the SRT4. For some reason (probably the need to feel better about their puchase) the SRT4 inspires a lot of bashing. Personally I really like the car and if I was shopping for a new 20k car the SRT would be among the top on my list. Dodge has raised the bar with this car and forced the other manufacturers to step up. It's a good thing for everyone.

For those that say the FWD is a hinderance and that it will never compete on a track, need I remind you that the stage1 SRT4 came in 8th / 84 in the 2003 One Lap Of America (http://www.onelapofamerica.com/). Beating the following cars: Diablo, 911, 350z, EVO, WRX, Z06, 911 TT, and M coupe. Now granted, it was piloted by a great driver but this does show the potential of this car as a weekend warrior.

Also, since you're considering a used RX8, you might as well add a used EVO. The EVO handles better and out accelerates both.