I know, I know, this topic has been addressed again, but I wonder. What will the comparison tests be with the RX-8? Will it be the RX-8 vs. the Z or rather the RX-8 vs. G35C vs. 330ci? That answer would say a lot about the target audience of the 8.

Also, on an unrelated topic, does anyone wish Mazda was bringing over the low power RX-8 with the 5-speed for ~24K? I know the high power motor is where it is at, but a 207-hp RX-8 for that price would seriously affect the sales of the RSX and Celica. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have heard people wanting a RWD car in that price range. I guess you could say it would infringe on the Miata, but which would you rather have- a RWD, rotary, 4 door sports car, or a FWD RSX with another boring pistin engine? :o

 

That's a very good point. I would buy a 5spd RWD 210HP RX-8 over a similarly priced FWD RSX or Celica in a heartbeat. On the other hand, most Americans prefer automatic trannies anyway. I think this is exactly the WRX is selling so well. A lot more HP and AWD for a little more than the forementioned FWD competition.

I also don't think that the low powered RX-8 would cannibalize sales from the Miata. They are totally different vehicles even if the RX-8 came with a manual tranny with the lower power rotary for a similar price as the Miata. The Miata is a two door, two seat, convertible. Miata owners are very particular about these traits.

Regarding comparisons to other vehicles, any fair comparison will have to involve other cars with at least a 2+2 configuration. So the Z will not be valid. Comparison with luxury brand will also not be valid since Mazda is not a luxury mark and the RX-8 is not a luxury model, unlike the Millenia. So that will also exclude the G35, 3.2CL (Type S), 330ci, etc...

Of course, this will not stop magazine from conducting these types of comparisons. I predict that these types of comparisons will only show that one can buy a sportier, more powerful, better handling, more stylist and unique car for thousands less in the RX-8.

 

Hey, if it is priced like a car from a luxury manufacturer, what is not valid about comparing them? If anything, this should work AGAINST the luxury marque. Compare the Merecedes CLK230 sports coupe abomination to the RX-8... no comparison in performance, and comparably priced when you option up the M-B. The RX-8 is a much more sophisticated car at the price, with the Mercedes you are paying for the name and the snob appeal.

In the case of the G35, it works against the Mazda in a lot of ways beyond "prestige" or snob appeal, whatever you get from buying an upmarket brand. For instance, the Infiniti dealers treat you really great and you get a nice service loaner when you get your oil changed, etc... it's usually a G35 or a QX4. My Mazda dealer happens to be great, but I don't get a service loaner when I have the oil changed. The buying process was very professional too... no messing around or games played. It's gratifying.

As for snob cars, from reading the various message boards, it seems the snobs are all finding their ways into BMWs. I kind of like the Z4, but I may not buy one just because I don't want to be associated with some of the people driving them! The Ferrari owners are more down to earth...

 

i started a thread about this shortly after i joined... here's the link, it's a fair sized one too:

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=322]REAL Competitors of the RX-8[/URL]

 

Yeah I know the thread has already been made, its kind of touching on that thread and mentioning in the last half about the low power stick version of the RX-8 in Europe. Kind of mis-titled but thats the way it is.