I was wondering...wouldn't the Base model RX8 outrun and handle better than a loaded RX8 (GT or Shinka) simply because all that luxury adds alot of weight. I was looking at a thread in one of the forums and all that luxury adds up significantly. My question is is whether it actually translates to anything while you're driving. Anyone try both and notice any differences?

 

i havent driven the shinkas, but i doubt the extra luxury will make a difference in terms of performance, n neways i read that the suspension on the shinkas is tuned differently than the non-shinkas, my $.02

 

The only thing I've ever heard is that the extra weight will hurt the gas mileage. I don't know that it is true, since mine is fully loaded and I average 22.5-23.5 MPG consistently with about 60/40 highway/city (darn traffic!) for my work commute now. I am also hauling a passenger while doing this. I have never driven a base model so I couldn't say if the handling is different but I wouldn't really think so.

 

I would go for fully loaded less the Navagation.

As far as I know it's still not that good.

 

basic physics 101. The same car, tuned the same way will have performance advantage with less weight. Thats why the truly **** hates a full tank of gas "ugh extra weight"

There is no question that added features will add weight (although I would love for some knowledable person here could offer the numbers)

However, that advantage will probably never be noticable in you case cause you'll be admiring all that leather around you......)

 

only the sun roof make the most different.

 

And I can't live without it!

 

sunroof makes the most difference but all the extra speakers and the leather seats add some too. yes the base model is quicker than the fully loaded. but would you see a big difference... no cuz since our whp varies so much from car to car.

 

those are in between the front and rear wheels, so it will not hurt the conering only pick up speed, the sun roof will hurt both, so not a good idea to get a sun roof.

 

Hey, I just love this argument.. So tell me, is the base 8 driven by someone 110 lbs while the loaded one by a 250lb person or what? If 40 lbs makes that big of a deal to you, go on a diet :0

 

I've driven both. Base feels much quicker to me!

 

much quicker? Okay, tuning grapes' opinion out...