I have seen a reported 0-100 KPH time of 6.5 seconds. I think 100 kmh is about 62 MPH (correct me if am wrong). Since the speed was in kph it would lead you to beleive that was the european model with 240 HP. Could 2 less MPH and 10 more HP bring the 0-60 MPH time to under 6 seconds. Looks like we will have to wait and see. And for those of us who want a sub 6 second time there is still a glimer of hope.

 

This is a question for Buger

Do the math!

 

I suck at math (not to mention I am lazy). Buger if you could do the math it would be much appreciated.

 

Aren't the euro models also equipped with a 5 speed instead of the 6 speed we're getting here? If so, that could cut a decent amount of time off the 0-60 as well.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that 6 speed miatas are faster 0-60 than 5 speed miatas....maybe somebody with more miata knowledge than me can confirm?

 

And just as importantly, I'd like to know if the 0-60 times that are reported can be hit consistently, not just a 'when you launch it just right' kinda thing. I remember that were some very good 0-60 times for the S2000 when it came out, except that you really had to practice to be able to hit those times since it's a little trickier to launch than some cars with more low down torque. Some people got into the 5's easily but many could barely get into the 6's for awhile. So if the RX8 can hit even very low 6's easily and consistently, than that's a real good sign for me.

 

Nope, there is a 5-speed manual instead the 4-speed automatic, but the high-power RX-8 is getting the same 6-speed manual than US.

 

100km/h is equal to approx 62.15 mph.

Using a US spec 247 hp car, a 6.5 second 0-100km/h is the same as a 6.23 second 0-60 mph.

I believe the 6.5 sec 0-100km is just another estimate though. Estimating the US 0-60 time from the Euro spec estimate is also a problem because the Euro RX-8 will have less horsepower and torque than the US version.

Since the Euro version has lower hp and torque figures, one would expect that the US version will have a 0-60 time a bit lower than 6.23 if the weight fo the US and Euro version are the same.

The weight of the RX-8 is still the major factor that we don't know. We have gearing, tire size, torque and power curves but weight estimates still vary from 28** to 30** lbs! Recent weight estimates for the Japan and Euro version seem to be around 2850 - 2900 lbs while recent estimates for the US version seem to be around 3000 - 3050 lbs. Is there any precendent for this? Do US regulations really add about 150 lbs of weight?

I don't have the time to look this stuff up now but it would be great if somebody can compare the weights of some different cars from several different countries/areas. For example:

Mazda6 weight (Japan spec): ..... ? lbs
Mazda6 weight (US spec): .......... ? lbs
Mazda6 weight (Ero spec): ......... ? lbs

350z weight (Japan spec): ..... ? lbs
350z weight (US spec): .......... ? lbs
350z weight (Ero spec): ......... ? lbs

Will someone accept this homework assignment? :D

Brian

 

Gotcha Thanks for the clarification.

 

Hi nk_Rx8,

The RX-8 should have very consistent times due to it's wide powerband. The s2000 does not have the same mid-range torque as the RX-8 so launching it is very tricky since the power is all up high. There have been wildly varying 0-60 times for the s2000 because of this. Another reason for the wildly varying times is that I believe most magazines test a car with the weight of the driver and a full tank of gas. Most enthusiasts will try to test their car with the fuel guage close to E and after they have taken a large dump.

Brian

 

I did some looking around to try to find the weights. The US weight were 3042 M/T (not sure what that means) and 3091 lbs federal for the 4 cyl. I'll go with the federal weight. The Japanese wieght for the 4 cyl is 2948 pounds. I couldn't find the 6 speed because it was all in Japanese. The European weight was 2959 pounds for the 4 cyl.
Quick rundown on the weights of the 4 cyl. version.

Mazda6 weight (Japan spec): 2948 lbs
Mazda6 weight (US spec): 3042/3091(fed) lbs
Mazda6 weight (Euro spec): 2959 lbs

 

You really can't compare the weights of the US-spec Mazda6 to the Japan/Euro versions because they have different engines...

350Z Japan (Base 6MT) 3153lbs
350Z America (Base 6MT) 3188lbs
350Z Europe ??? (I checked several UK sites, but none of them had it)

 

rofl

 

Australian RX-8: 1320kg/184kW manual 6 speed. That is 2904 lbs
Australian Z350: 1460kg/206kW 350Z. That is 3212 lbs.

That is nearly exactly the same power/weight ratio.

 

Sorry I wasn't aware of that. I just took the weight I saw.
I also have not been able to find the euro weight.

 

The 350Z will only be available in the UK in oct 2003, that is after the release of the RX-8(!) The specifications of the UK car are not yet known. The UK website says: All specs are based on USA spec models and are not confirmed for the UK.

 

Everyone's 0-60 measurements are going to be a little off one another, possibly even a half second or so.

All you have to do is factor in the experience level of the driver, the road condition, the temperature outside, and if the 0-60 was done while the engine was cold, just warmed up, or after a hard hour long lapping session, etc., etc., etc.

There are a lot of variables that can enter into the equation so there is an inherent fallacy in trying to precisely compare one 0-60 time to another and say one is right and one is.

It's the same situation for the 1/4 mile time everyone is quoting.

I mean who knows Mazda could have done 100 0-60 tests and 100 1/4 mile tests and then either taken the mean or the average from the tests, heck or even done both and chosen the best of the two and said "OK here is the 0-60 we will use and here is the 1/4 mile."

I know I am digressing but you get the point... ?

-Quick

 

Not sure if anyone's reported this but, AUTOCAR magazine in UK dated 22/10/03 has reported these figures, following Laguna Seca.

0-60mph 6.00sec est
Top Speed 150mph est

25mpg est

Max power 237bhp @ 8200rpm
Max Torque 156lb ft at 5500rpm
Specific output 181bhp per litre
Power to Weight 182bhp per tonne

Their Verdict:
Cleverest and most user-friendly rotaryengined Mazda yet, but a sharp chassis and great looks deserve a punchier engine.

They suggest a V6!

I have to say, this car has more than enough performance for me and anyway, I've fallen for the whole package/concept having 2 small children to transport around.

Mines ordered!
Oilman

 

God as my witness you will never see a V6 anything in a Mazda RX-(insert whatever integer you like)

LONG LIVE THE ROTARY!!!

 

Lets hope you're right.

The RX8 will never be "any old car" it will be a CLASSIC!!!

Oilman