The RX8 had better be on a completely different playing field. One is a dated econo-sports car that was originally intend to replace another model (but couldn't), the other asserts itself as a modern sports car with a price tag competitive with BMWs and Audis.

-Eric

 

I tend to think the 8 *is* on a different level, a much higher one.

While the Probe/MX-6 was great at what it was, it was not to the level of the 8.

IMHO...

 

87 octane?? Don't you have any problems with the low octane? What about longterm effacts of using lower-than-recommended octane? The Jetta I just traded, our old Audi, and DD's Mini Cooper all need 91. I miss the old days when I had my own high octane gas tank out by the barn.

Melissa in MI

 

As I said earlier, I'm selling my 1993 PGT, but keeping it "in the family." It's still a great car.

Having driven our new RX8 for less than a week, I conclude that the RX8 is on a completely different plane (above) the PGT in terms of overall driving dynamic. I loved my PGT, but I love the feel and experience of the RX8 that much more.

I'm getting ~18.5 MPG so far, far below the 25-26 average I got with the PGT in similar conditions. Small price to pay for more fun, by my estimate.

The RX8 has just as much, if not MORE space in terms of what I came to NEED space for. Namely, I came to use the rear seating area more often than the rear hatch. So, for me, the RX8 actually scores higher on the "utility" equation, as well. Combine that with the fact that the rear seating is ALSO vastly more comfortable for passengers... nuff said.

I'll ALWAYS have great memories of my adventures in the PGT, but I'll never look back.

 

You’ll have to excuse the youthful exuberance displayed by some of our former PGT owners. As I said before, the Probe is a charming little bit of fun that gets under your skin. I still love the car, but I agree that the 8 is on an entirely different playing field from the Probe. As peppy and nimble as the Probe is, you really appreciate the difference after getting back in the Probe after driving the 8 for a while.

Funny, as much as I loved Mustangs growing up, I never even considered it when I bought the Probe. The Probe was cheaper bang for the buck and it was already light years ahead of what I was driving (87 Escort GT). And you're right, the Wild Orchid does demand attention when it is all polished up, much more so than any other purple that I've seen.

 

I agree! before my 1990 Probe, I was driving a 1980 Corolla sport coupe fastback/hatchback ... I've always liked Mustangs, but never planed on ever getting one (although the 05 has a sweet dash with changeable night color gages)

IMHO both gen Probes (although I have a fondness for the 1st gen because of the dash design and fastback/hatchback styling and rear space) were (and in many ways still) light years ahead in their overall styling statment!

 

Before the 8, my old 1993 probe gt was the hottest driving car I had ever had. But now, there is no comparison. Too many differences to list.........

 

Oh, and a couple of other simple little things that I waned to add to the list that I miss from my Probe ... the unique outside door handles ... and the hidaway windshield wipers

:D

 

My only complaint is that it is too quiet. I've got over 230,000 miles on it (MX6-LS) and when it goes I can get my RX-8. Is it wrong to wish for my car to die?

 

I too recently upgraded from a 91 PGT to the RX8. The longer feel, front wheel drive of the PGT was fun for me over the years. It was a good reliable car. And I find it hard to add more than what prior enthusiasts already have said. I will miss my PGT. But I also look forward to building a long history with my new 8. The smaller trunk space, lower gas mileage, and poorer blind spot vision, will not deter me from having a good time with the new 8. I feel more confident and comfortable in the new 8. And it seems to be much easier to get into and out of the rear seats of the new 8, than in the old PGT.

As for the get up and go, its nice to not have that tourqe steer anymore as well.

 

Welcome to the club!

(sadly I'm still without an RX-8 ... yet, hopfly in a few years I'll be able to trade in my 2003 mp5)

 

An interesting discovery I'll share with y'all: the custom Weathertech car cover I had for my PGT fits the RX8 perfectly! The only diffences are that the rear of the cover has about a foot extra length, and the distance between the custom pockets for the side mirrors and the front ends of the fenders is just a hair short -- perhaps a couple inches at most. Apart from those unnoticeable differences, the cover looks like it was made for the RX8.

So... anyone looking for a custom-looking, high quality car cover for their RX8 could probably find a grat deal on a used one for a PGT -- the MX6 cover would probably work, as well -- maybe better.

 

Hey...I still have my '97 Probe GT...anyone want to buy it?

 

Wow...8 years bump!!!