SDB

I am trying to make up my mind on the same two cars. I currently own a 1994 Cobra that has spent a lot of time on the track (open track events, not the drag strip). I feel that the new Mustang will be the 'safe' bet because it is going to be faster, better handling, shift better and it definitely looks better than my current car. It is also larger and I don't like the interior. I didn't like the style in 1968 and I still don't. The guages are awful, large with hard to read numbers, there is too much plastic chrome and the steering wheel is odd and uncomfortable. All these are just my opinions though, but I am pretty sure the that Mustang will give many miles of troublefree use. The aftermarket is also going to be better. Many more parts at better prices than for a Mazda.

The RX-8, on the other hand, is more of a gamble. The fuel efficiency question, the constant PCM flashing, the flooding and other problems that don't really seem to be going away. I personally like the RX-8s interior and love the styling in general. The first car I ever bought new was a 1981 RX-7 and it gave me 140000 miles of good service (but they did rust easily) so I am partial to the rotary engine as well as American V8s. The RX-8 engine doesn't worry me but PCM issues do. Why can't they get right after selling 100,000 of them.

When the RX-8 first came out I did some medium speed (40 mph) figure 8s in a parking lot with one and then with my car and my car stuck noticeably better, but I attribute this to tires and the fact that my suspension has been upgraded. I didn't get a chance to compare real handling but I feel that the RX8 would have better turn in, control and other aspects of handling. It generally felt much more nimble while my Cobra had to be man handled.

The new Mustang will probably run away from an RX-8 on the track just because of the power. Plus inexpensive suspension parts and tires will really make it shine.

I will probably end up with a Mazda though. I just plain like it better to drive and to look at. After having spent many hours in a Mustang (both on and off the track), I welcome the opportunity to get back into a real sports car (which the Mustang is not).

Of course I could still change my mind.

Jarred

whoa, WHOA WHHHOOOA!!! First off, the original poster was asking for "OPINIONS" , Mugatu, simply said, FORM YOUR OWN OPINION, and don't listen to ours, which is very respectable, if the poster wanted facts, he would have stated so.

I agree, don't listen to our opinions on buyign a car, don't listen to anyones but you own, ask yourself what you want out of a car, test drive both, and decide. Your not going to get complete objective opinions out of an rx-8 forum.

Read motortrend, check out consumer reports.org, see what they have to say, they present a lot of facts, from which you can form your own opinions.

ya'll are to uptight!

anyone see any track vids of a 8 pitted against a Mustang on track? I'd love to see some of that!

IcemanVKO

Pick...

Nuff Said. :p

1.3L

This hits close to home. Shortly after giving up my mind-set of replacing my aging, basic little truck, I noticed the ads and reviews for the new, yet to be released 2005 Mustang. I was a senior in high school when the first Mustangs hit the street and the pictures of the '05 Mustang really impressed me. The new Mustang appeared to be a nice mix of nostalgia and new.

Then I checked with my insurance company. Reality check... good bye Mustang. Now I remember why I've never owned one.

Further shopping and extensive reading of reviews led me to the RX-8. Actually, I could almost say "back" to the RX-8. I once owned a wonderful 1985 RX-7. When I test drove the RX-8, I knew I'd come home. Light, balanced, nimble, smooth, responsive. A true sports car.

I haven't driven the new Mustang, but here's the way I see it; the Mustang is a muscle car and the RX-8 is sports car. Buy the one that floats your boat.

1.3L

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

wow, finally someone who isn't wound up so tight. everyone loves to read into everything I say around here. That's all I was saying.

Some people's opinions may not be the same as others. Simple as that.

dmp

It's the WAY you reply. Perception is reality for people, and as you can tell in this thread, a number of people perceive you to be an *** by the way you word your replies.

If you are 'not' an *** in real life, maybe take what ppl wrote here, and try to apply a couple changes.

Or not. If you truly don't care how ppl are forming opinions about you then keep on with the very abrupt, and mean-themed replies.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

how about you stop stalking me on EVERY post I make. MMkay?

My original post:

"mark this thread as #1000 as the number of "RX8 vs. XXX" threads...

Honestly, it come down to what YOU want in a car. It doesn't matter what we think. Go test drive both, and choose the one you like better. Don't listen to people citing horsepower figures, gas mileage, etc. These things are matters of preference to the individual."

Oh yeah, that's SO harsh.

Slims8

Just my opinion, but dont' you think the reason he asked for everyone elses opinion is becuase he wanted take our suggestions into consideration? Relax buddy...

Jordan Dalton

I nearly bought a Black 2005 Mustang.....but I loved the options that the Rx8 came with...that and the Rx8 has 4drs, mutiple airbags, lower insuruance premium (for me atleast).....so i bought the Rx8

Ninja

After thinking about this some... in a perfect world I'd own BOTH a rocket on wheels AND my 8. I used to ride a REALLY fast sport bike and it could be a real kick to just slam the throttle and feel the way it literally yanked me back when it was really pulling. But I got frustrated because only about 0.00001% of the time was I able to REALLY stretch it. Add to that the point that it didn't handle nearly as well as one of the smaller bikes. But it sure could be fun.

When I got the 8 I found something that was as quick as I needed it to be most of the time AND could handle like it was on rails. And thats something I can enjoy all the time.

dmp

Boo-hoo'in won't help your cause, little brother.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

ok stalker. i didnt realize how much you loved me. i'm so honored. how about you keep the thread somewhat focused on the thread subject, rather than your continuous posts where you think you get one last word in. so sad.

Rxdriftingaction

mustang like ******* everybody has one..!! forget who said this.. but it's hack true..!
but something want to suggest.. !! if u do not want to drive manual, or u don't know how to drive manual. mustang is a better choice..!!!!(gt) and also.. if u like to race everyday.. I mean drive fast in local road, or like challenge ppl in a short drag race.. mustang is the best choice.. forget rx-8.. it start hall slow..!! even is a mini cooper s could kill u right after the traffic light.
but if u like the styling of 8 and love high rev car..! just go ahead.. we will welcome u to the 8 family.. even u gonna buy a mustang we would welcome u to the club too.. !! :p no worry.. ppl in here is very kind & nice.!!

bmcc49er

I am 1 of 2 8s in this area. I know people who have already ordered their mustangs. Already have seen 2 or 3. They will be all over the place soon. I see at least 4 mustangs everyday of the 03,04 variety.

dmp

jtimbck2

dmp and Mugatu, if you don't have anything positive to contribute to this thread, then don't say anything at all.

RX8_Buckeye

IcemanVKO, to be fair, you should have at least included a pic of the Mustang GT. You showed the V6 Mustang with no spoiler versus an RX-8 with full MS body kit and spoiler. That's hardly a fair comparison. How about comparing this to the MS RX-8?

Hard 8

That name "Steeda" always cracks me up. How dorky can you get? I picture an old Italian dude saying, "Hey-a; that's-a nice-a Steed-a. Can-a I-a please-a drive it?"

Now to my point:

Wow. I don't see these problems in my car at all. I never had a pre-M flood or other problem, I've had one single reflash (to M), and I've never had any problems since, either. As far as I know, the firmware is solid now. (Well, they have some kind of a bug at this moment, but wait a week and I bet it's gone.)

I haven't looked up the Mustang GT's mileage, but I suspect it's comparable to the 8's, and for that matter the 8's is comparable to, and in some cases better than, virtually all other high-performance cars except Hondas.

Maybe I'm crazy, but in my opinion the 8 is a solid car, mechanically, so that really shouldn't scare you off. You should make your decision based upon other factors. Just MHO.

Ninja

Exactly as Hard 8 said it. Just because there are people seeing issues does not mean it's the majority of people. Based on what I've seen, the majority are NOT having continual issues.

That said, I don't have any statistical info and I have not done a survey so that's my informal gut impression.

Jazz-8

Hope this help, but these are just a few things to think about.

1.) Do you need the extra doors for kids or family members?

2.) Do you need the horse power?

3.) Is it a weekend car or a daily working car?

4.) Insurance? It is a little cheaper for the RX8 then the mustang. I think it's because of so many airbags in the rx8.

Again, you should test drive both cars before you make your decision. You know what they say about FORD.......Found On Road Dead......just a joke no offense to anybody.

Benedick

The Mustang became available right after I bought my RX-8 and I did a bit of wondering if maybe I should have waited. That thought has quickly vanished and here's why. If what you want is fast straight-line acceleration, the Mustang is faster but remember that there's always something faster and even Ford will be bringing out a faster version of the Mustang.

The RX-8 is a sports car. The Mustang is not: it's a pony car or a muscle car, whatever you want to call it. Both are types of performance cars but they emphasize different aspects of that word 'performance.' The Mustang is going to be easy to drive fast. Get one with an automatic and any fool can mash the throttle. The RX-8, on the other hand, gets faster the better you are with the 6 speed. (Apologies to 4AT drivers but you do have the de-tuned engine.) And the RX-8 is just so freakin' nimble. It darts around corners and through traffic and always feels light on its feet. The Mustang will not corner as well and will feel heavier.

There's another thread around here started by a guy who is disappointed with the straight-line acceleration of the RX-8. It's more than fast enough to get you in trouble and you really can't explore the full performance of any modern performance car on the street. But if, like that guy you are concerned about the speed of the car next to you, you'd be better off with the Mustang. Until you meet a Corvette. If you enjoy driving and like to slip through traffic, the RX-8 is the better choice.