drb007

I am planning on a new car in Spring, and really like the RX8. But it does seem pricey to me. What are your thoughts on getting a used C5 convertible vette for less than the cost of the RX8? I have even found a few Z06's for the same price! While I love the look of the Vette, I have not yet driven one. Any experiences would help. Any previous vette owners out there?

Sin

Well I speak for most...RX-8 of course

Sin

If you want a Vette...think about how many others are out there. You will kinda look like everyone else and probably wont turn that many heads. I also think you will enjoy the ride of the 8 better compared to a vette(not a Z06). Now if you get the C6, thats different!

drb007

I certainly agree that the RX8 will turn more heads...but I am not worried about that. I am buying the car based only on the driving experience for me...no one else. I figure there are a lot of vettes out there, they must be a decent car, right?
I just need to figure out where to spend the 30 grand...I will have to go drive the vette and see what I think!

Switchbacker

I was in same predicament given that I have always been a vette fan (owned five of them). I really am into autos that have pedigree and (racing) history behind them, and the vette has always been "Americas Sportscar", even with the Viper lurking about. But three things swayed me to the RX-8:

1). The vette is a two seater, and the RX-8 gives you four comfortable seats. Considering I now have a 5-year old who wants to cruise with Mom and Dad, there was no argument that the RX-8 would be more practicable. Also, until the new C6 comes out, the vette interior still has that low rent feel (much like the G35 and 350 I was also considering).

2). The balance and whine of the RX-8 engine just reminds me more of the Ferraris I have driven (both addicting to hear reving up). With some exceptions. Ferraris are known for lacking low end punch but scream when the revs move up. The RX-8 just has the more refined feel and sound to it; makes you feel you're driving an exotic. The vette's bottom and midrange power is awesome, but there is something about driving with high rpm that feels more engaging.

3). Until Mazda sells a lot of them, the RX-8 is still a rarity compared to the vette's current model (even the Z06 doesn't look much different). I see more G35s and 350s out on the road than the Mazda. This will probably change, but for now it is fun watching people stare at it. All four have great designs (IMHO), but again I felt the RX-8 was more distinctive.

It all boils down to what you want. The Corvette, espeically the Z06, will give you all out performance that no car can match at any price until you bump up to cars that cost at least twice as much (Ford forums for the Cobra will tell you otherwise, but they are always trying to out race the vette in 0-60 and 1/4 times and never even consider real track driving against the vette). However, if you do go with the RX-8, you'll soon find those wonderful (engine) sweet spots that will surprise a lot of people, and probably out handle most of what they're driving, that will put a smile on your face.

But if you want something that is more practicable on a daily basis, has unique looks, fine detailing, great balance, and provides spirited driving when you want to really engage, then I think the RX-8 will make you happy too.

BTW: check insurance costs between the two as that might weigh in if cost is a major factor.

Just some thoughts. Good luck.

TheColonel

The Vette will eat up the RX-8 and spit it out. It'll also surprising get better mileage. It's a 2 seater though. RX-8 is more practical in my opinion and probably less on insurance.

If performance is your formost concern, buy the Vette. If you want more utility and also a new car that'll probably last longer, buy the RX-8.

rotarymagic

The ZO6 will beat the rx-8 in performance, but other Vette's...This is questionable. Consider this...

There was a video posted in another thread that stated the the RX-8 had the same lap time as a BMW M3. I am shady on the details, but this says one thing...

The RX-8, all around, can compete with cars that are considered to be much "faster" than it, just due to its overall performance package.

IWANTMYRX8

Hmmm. Very good delima. Both cars are in a different class though. I'm dealing w/that decision right now as well. My choices are as follows :

1} Get my fully loaded 8. Has already been ordered and is sitting at the dealers lot awaiting my decision.

2} get a '00-'02 Vette. Can buy a decent Vette, even a Z06, w/less than 30k miles on it and still be under bout a year of factory warranty for bout the same price as my fully loaded 8.

3} Screw the Vette, screw the 8, and get my brother's 3rd Gen 7. It is very nicely equiped, but I know it would need constant maintnance, as most highly modified 7's do : https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=15375

Alot of it has to do w/my auto accident insurance settlement that I'm awaiting. I should have it within the month. Still don't know how much though. If i get enough, the choice will be between the 8 and the Vette. If I get less than 25k or so, I'm automatically going w/the 3rd Gen.

I love Vette's. Great performance, reliable, classic design. But, it doesn't have the practicality of an 8. However, the 8 is in it's first year of production, and everyone knows how that can go. The honor of owning a first year can be very rewarding as well though.

Like I said, the are two completely different beasts. It is ultimately your decision. Go out and test drive both cars. See what you like, and what you love. You gonna love the way a Vette slams you against the seat when you floor it, especially if you get a Z06. The 8 just doesn't do that. But then again, the 8 is just so damn sexy. :D

Whatever you decide, let us know. Good luck, and may the car Gods be w/you.

6speed8

A USED Vette or a NEW RX-8...hmm. A USED pair of shoes, or a NEW pair. It all depends on your wants and needs. Personally I never buy a used car.

Ike

The RX-8 will turn more heads for now because it's a new model, and will not remain so uncommon. The yearly sales figures for both cars will be in the same ballpark with the Vette having a headstart due to more model years. The vette is a classic and if you can deal with the only having a 2 seater I say go for it. The C-5 is a great car and kind of one of those you only live once type purchases. The thrust in that LT-1 is addictive, it's a blast to drive whether it's in the twisties or in a staright line, and it WILL turn heads. I know I take notice every time I see a nice looking C5. The handling characteristics of the RX-8 may shine a little bit over the vette, however the vette is no slouch and that difference will hardly be noticed unless you're on a twisty little race track. Slam the pedal on a C5 and you'll quickly forget about how that RX-8 handles a little better.

When it really comes down to it this is a tough comparo, the vette is a ***** out american sportscar with little practicality, the RX-8 is a good all around performer with practicality that is tough to beat in sports/sporty cars. If you don't need the praticality now then go for it, because someday you may be shopping for a new minivan or SUV. But whatever you do, drive both cars and make your decision from that.

Ike

bkterry13

I love the RX-8 and if I had the money, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. There's is not way, however, that an RX-8 will beat a vette on any type of track with equal drivers except maybe a really tight autocross course.

Non-Z06 C5's actually handle really well, and though they may not be as balanced or easy to drive as an RX-8, I'd say they're pretty even of cornering speeds in most situations. The Z06's will out-handle the RX-8 stock vs. stock. Now an RX-8 with better tires and stiffer springs may be equal in the handling dept.

Any in a staight line, forget about it, the C5 wins hands down, and the Z06 will destroy the RX-8.

Oh, and that test where the RX-8 put down a time equal to an M3 is only one test. The tests were performed in different conditions. Also, if you saw the video when the tested the M3, you'd see that the driver almost lost it several times, swinging the tail wide and losing a lot of time. It was not a good run. In best motorings tests the E46 M3 ran a 1:08 on Tsukba, and the RX-8 ran 1:11.

Before you think the RX-8 is a track monster take a look at the best motoring videos and the C&D streets of willow runs. The RX-8 didn't get beat too badly, but lost to all the competition in both (excluding the miata).

Don't get me wrong, I love the RX-8 and it's more fun to drive than anything I have even driven, and it better balance and more neutral handling than anything I've ever driven. But It's not a vette competitor. It wasn't built to compete with vettes.

Personally, I'd buy the 8 for the following reasons:
- handling feel
- high-revving engine (i hate torque monsters)
- transmission (the one in the vette feels notchy to me)
- warranty
- back seat
- softer ride

the Rx-8 is certainly a better daily driver, but I think the vette would be a great second car.

Genom

I was making the same exact choice as well about 6 months ago and the total end of the line cost fator clinched it for me. Well, I loved the 8's looks as well, but the MUCH cheaper insurance as well as the new car factor. (warranty service for those first few years vs repairing a used car that can get very expensive)

I figured I had a better chance of saving some money down the line with the 8. Now that I actually have ahd the 8 for a while I lvoe the rear seats for going out, can fit a full load of groceries or whatever in the trunk and just love the rotary power band. Very happy with the end result.

paendragon

a few year ago I owned a 94 C4 vette. I bought it used.

if you've not owned a vette before, allow me to state for the record that it is EXTREMELY inconvenant if you like to do outdoors activities, sports that require equipment, grocery shopping, hardware store...life in general.

on the other hand, the RX8 allows for SOME comfort.

also, as people have mentioned above - the newness of the RX8 at the price range of 30k'ish versus someone else's used, possibly ragged-on vette would say get the RX8 in my book.

I loved my vette and would still have it today if a woman hadn't ran a red light in a truck and t-boned me and totalled it (lawsuit still pending), but I wouldn't buy another used vette if I could have a sleek car like an RX8 at the same price brand new.

paendragon

one other thing - in 8 months or so - that C5 goes from maybe a little eye-catching and nice to look at to yesterday's news as the C6 hits the scene....that's what I went through when I bought my C4...sometimes it sucks driving the most-recently "outdated" model - particularly when you could have bought something else that is still new and exciting ...

RX8-TX

It'd be more like: a user pair of Air Jordan's, or a new pair of Adidas. Depends on what you do with them.

cruzdreamer

My brother sells cars for a living......some 20 years now....and he drove my 8 for the first time and said the ride was just like a vette...maybe even better in the handling dept. He sold chevy's for a long time and would take Corvette's home alot. He could not stop talking about the superb handling and was shocked at how inexpensive this car was for what you get!! My sister thought it looked like a Jag and a few others asked me if it was an Infiniti! Good comments from all! Try the Vette and see what you like better. The RX 8 is unique in styling and the fact of the Rotary engine which makes a sweet sound. I am happy to report that now that I have over 1000 miles she's driving like a dream more amd more each day. This car is awesome!!

cueball

I can't help you on which car to choose because it is ultimately your decision when you factor in your needs and uses for your vehicle.

I will recommend that you wait until the C6 comes out before purchasing a C5 (if this is how you decide). A new model will lower the costs of the previous generation.
Just a word to the wise.

pgtr

Why is this thread allowed in 'Rx8 Discussion' when the thread I authored on 'C5 vs Rx8' was MOVED to 'General Automotive'?

zoom44

because this thread died and went away before someone had the time to deal with it. quit your bitchin.

rossle

oooooo quite the proposal. wish i had that kinda tough decision to make. im stuck with white or grain bread in the morning...

ross

rx-cars_rock

I have driven both. Well, I actually own a Z06, but anyways... Both cars are a damn good bang for the buck. The Z06 is a monster. The 8 is a smooth crisp feeling 4 seater. Anyway I will just give you my driving impressions. Z has great handling and power everywhere. Just driving in a straight line on average roads tends to bounce you up and down a bit but the seats help cushion your body. The cornering is spectacular and has a very solid feel. I get a nice rush every time I drive it. It is most certainly a car that my driving skills cannot yet match. The first time driving the 8 I was very impressed with the smooth ride and crisp responsive handling. It is much easier to drive at its limits than the Z06. This is probably because the limits of the Z06 are much higher, but I digress. The 8 just has a better feel and lets you be more connected with the car and the road. The first time I drove the 8, I had 2 people with me and I forgot they were even there. Half way through the drive I was in love. I am in love with the Z06 too, but in a different way.

wayneside

took a ride in my friends corvette...the ride sucked compared to the RX8. i would rather get a new car than inherit someone else's problem...

KC_Prelude

My main problem with the vette is that the interior materials and overall workmanship resemble your average chevy cavelier. Every freaking part on the car is made of plastic and I can't stand looking at it. I would say the vette is also considerably less practical of a daily driver than the 8 (2 seats, no space, insurance). Obviously it is a performance monster and that is where every dollar you spend on this car goes. Wheras the 8 takes you to the brink of danger the vette lives on the edge and can cut right back on you if you are not judicious with the throttle (ever seen the autox video where a vette loses control and a by stander flies over the hood?)Really just depends on what you plan to do with it. Daily = RX8, Racing/ toy= vette.