Hindsight RX-7 vs Rx-8 which is or was the better Car?
11-13-2007, 10:51 AM
#152
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Hahahaha... all I see are a bunch of insecure FD owners coming in to make a point about their 15 year old car. hahahah.... shouldn't you be driving and enjoying the rx-7? Oh wait, it's sitting on a puddle thanks to blown seals again? 
No No No... must be waiting for replacement hoses.
No No No... must be waiting for replacement hoses.
11-13-2007, 10:52 AM
#153
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11-13-2007, 11:50 AM
#155
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I'm curious, Rootski. You've never driven or ridden in an FD RX-7, have you?
Also, you guys realize the RX-7 came with 330hp stock for the late model 99-02s, right? You're talking about marginal gains in the 10 years between the last RX-7 and the first RX-8 in America, but you don't realize in Japan they made a boatload more power in the later years. You also probably fail to realize they came with other upgrades. But just talking strictly about the engine, the highest powered RX-7 made 98HP more than the MSP, and did so with a car that weighed 80lbs less than the lightest USDM RX-7.
Also, you guys realize the RX-7 came with 330hp stock for the late model 99-02s, right? You're talking about marginal gains in the 10 years between the last RX-7 and the first RX-8 in America, but you don't realize in Japan they made a boatload more power in the later years. You also probably fail to realize they came with other upgrades. But just talking strictly about the engine, the highest powered RX-7 made 98HP more than the MSP, and did so with a car that weighed 80lbs less than the lightest USDM RX-7.
11-13-2007, 11:58 AM
#156
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Hahahaha... all I see are a bunch of insecure FD owners coming in to make a point about their 15 year old car. hahahah.... shouldn't you be driving and enjoying the rx-7? Oh wait, it's sitting on a puddle thanks to blown seals again? No No No... must be waiting for replacement hoses.
RX-7s (except for the pop-up) are exceptionally beautiful cars. Unfortunately its owners have an uncanny talent in destroying its clean lines with kamikaze bodykits and park bench wings. That is just too bad. They go for quite cheap on Craigslist here. Nobody seems to buy them except high school kids that watched one too many F&F franchises. Reminds me of the Eagle Talons/Eclipse.
When I was out looking for a replacement FC GXL, I asked my local rotary indie mechanic about the FD and he told me that he won't want one even if it's free. But they are great for business, their owners help put his kids through college. True story!
No No No... must be waiting for replacement hoses. RX-7s (except for the pop-up) are exceptionally beautiful cars. Unfortunately its owners have an uncanny talent in destroying its clean lines with kamikaze bodykits and park bench wings. That is just too bad. They go for quite cheap on Craigslist here. Nobody seems to buy them except high school kids that watched one too many F&F franchises. Reminds me of the Eagle Talons/Eclipse.
When I was out looking for a replacement FC GXL, I asked my local rotary indie mechanic about the FD and he told me that he won't want one even if it's free. But they are great for business, their owners help put his kids through college. True story!
If you know how to take car of something and don't hack it up (unfortunately like 90% of the 7club) then the car won't have issues. It's when you don't have the money to properly fix the car and do a shoddy job on it is when you have problems, and thats where the poor reputation comes from. I guess the only real difference is if something went wrong on my 7 I would have had to pay for vs if an 8 owners motor goes Mazda pays for it.
Last edited by fdtt19; 11-13-2007 at 12:01 PM.
11-13-2007, 12:12 PM
#157
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Originally Posted by RootSki
"massive" power? It was rated at only 15 more horses than an 8, and it took two turbos (that the 8 doesn't have) to do it
The point (again) of this thread was to compare them for what they were. The FD utilized a twin turbo system to optimize the driving experience 14 years ago. The 8 utilizes a finely computer tuned engine management system to optimize the driving experience 3 years ago. Compare their accomplishments based on that.
and if you can find a stock 7, that's the power it made 14 years ago.
It does have character, though, I'll give you that, but I think the 8 does too. Give it time.
It does have character, though, I'll give you that, but I think the 8 does too. Give it time.
Originally Posted by Kinshu007
For a sports car enthusiast (not someone that just wants to hit the go pedal and feel oooomph), the RX-8 is the best offering in it's price range by far in my opinion. Mazda has made it possible for me to own a reliable daily driven rotary for $2,500 down and $330 / month. Thank you Mazda!
My single-turbo FD on the other hand is still what I consider to be the best sports car I've ever owned or ever driven. Without having owned an FD I never would have truly understood how someone could buy a car and spend hundrends of dollars a month on maintaining it and still consider themselves lucky to have owned it. There's something about the FD that makes you fall in love and that's undeniable...the 8 tries hard but just doesn't deliver in that area.
More credit does need be given to the 8 in this feild, however. While almost no 8 owner would ever shrug off the amounts of abuse that an FD owner does, both owners will cry just as hard when forced to sell their car. The 8 isn't far behind the FD when it comes to how many owners dream about somehow making the car run for the rest of their life.
Originally Posted by N rider89
generally
performance=FD
style=subjective
practicality=Rx8
performance=FD
style=subjective
practicality=Rx8
The fd is a great ***** to the wall sports car and with that you sacrifice practicality(ie repairs/2 seats/ rougher ride/ect.). The rx8 is a great sports car that is more practical at the expense of pure performance(less power but also less repairs/4 seats=more overall weight/ect.)
Once again, let's not make this about the differences between the cars themselves. Let's rate the cars on how well they accomplished the goals they sought after. That way we don't end up bashing one another over performance stats, drivability, and other pointless bullshit.
neither car is obviously better, they are built for different goals. the rx8 was never meant to be that all out sports car to take off where the fd left, it instead provides a practical 4 seated sports car to see if the rotary could sell.
The 8 did not deliver any kind of "Holy Mother of God" feature(s) in 2004 like the RX-7 did in 1993. And, other than it's fun-to-drive factor, the 8 has nothing going for it down the road that will make it a highly sought-after car. It's got all the makings of a DAMN good car, but nothing phenomenal or legendary.
Conclusion: The RX-7 is a better car.
just wait till we get the 16x in a new car.
Think about Mazda's patern with their rotary cars. They set their goals and then achieve them with flying colors.
FC: Out-perform Porsche while maintaining a significantly less-than-Porsche pricetag.
FD: Out-perform every production sports car on the market by as large of a margin as possible.
8: Prove to as many people as possible that a rotary engine can be quick without FI, and still be reliable enough for a daily driver, while being as fun to drive as previous rotary cars.
All three objectives were accomplished with extreme prejudice. The 16X looks to be continuation of the "NA rotaries can be quick and reliable" campaign. And given the current state of affairs, I'm willing to bet we'll see a fuel-efficient rotary come out before another *****-to-the-wall rotary does.
11-13-2007, 01:56 PM
#160
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Hate to break it to you, but the FD in Japan only came with 276, I'd like to know where you pulled 330 from. The FD was and is still capable of making a boatload of power but it def didn't come from the factory with a ton, though you can't say either of those statements about the RX8.
yeah, rated at 276. That was ~276whp, ~330bhp. There's a guy on this forum who has dynoed Spirit Rs who confirmed that.And for $800 I can get a cat-back and downpipe. Good for putting me around 240ish whp...but of course, you'll reply with "obviosly, turbo cars respond better to flow mods". And we'll just go deeper into the pissing cycle.
I like that answer. That's my backup plan if I change my mind about the s2k.Funny, because all I see are a bunch of insecure middle aged people struggling to make sense of their go-fast car that just doesn't go fast...but damn if it doesn't hold a lot of groceries, and that makes it a better sports car!
Last edited by SLWASFK; 11-13-2007 at 02:04 PM.
11-13-2007, 02:24 PM
#162
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Of course that I have owned almost every model RX-7 (and still own a 1988 10th Aniversary RX-7 Turbo as well as my '8). Just FYI, I have owned a 79 GS, a 84 GS, a 87 Sport, an 88 GTU, a 88 10th AE, a 88 Vert, a 90 GTU, and a 94 PEP.
And I am an Admin there, not a Supermod. Being a moderator or Super moderator or even an admin, should have no effect on whether or not you think that Mazda screwed the pooch with one model of the car. I think Nissan screwed the pooch with the 350Z too (as the Infinity version the G35/G37 coupe is a much better z car than the current Z)
But everyone in this thread seems bent on comparing the FD to the FE, and forgetting all about the SA/FB and FC. The real RX-7's... the ones that the public actually bought and drove. Not the ones that a few teens and wishful dealers put a poster up on the wall and wished they had because they heard the tales of dream like experience driving one.
The FD is a niche car. It was Mazda's flagship car for 11 years. People saw the FD and said "wow, I want that, but I can afford this instead." to get a little piece of the pie. Like when someone sees a Ford GT or Shelby GT500 and buys a V6 Mustang instead, because that's what they can afford or would go best with their garage.
As for the original topic or this thread..it's just ridiculous. The RX-8 is a nice car that you can drive to auto-x, then go grocery shopping with your wife and kids in. The FD is a nice car that you can drive on a sunny day after you've run your errands and finished your housework. Both cars have their place for different or even the same people.
If I wasn't a 21 year old bachelor with too much disposable(lol) income, I'd probably look into an 8. But with no wife, no kids, no worries, I don't need anything with a back seat and especially not 4 doors.
If I wasn't a 21 year old bachelor with too much disposable(lol) income, I'd probably look into an 8. But with no wife, no kids, no worries, I don't need anything with a back seat and especially not 4 doors.
Last edited by Icemark; 11-13-2007 at 02:39 PM.
11-13-2007, 02:57 PM
#163
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I find it hard to believe that a 55shot will knock over a second off your time with no other mods(exhaust and whatnot). Because you know so much, you'd know people are turning out mid-low 13s in their bone stock FDs, not the "magazine times" of 13.9+.
And for $800 I can get a cat-back and downpipe. Good for putting me around 240ish whp...but of course, you'll reply with "obviosly, turbo cars respond better to flow mods". And we'll just go deeper into the pissing cycle.
And for $800 I can get a cat-back and downpipe. Good for putting me around 240ish whp...but of course, you'll reply with "obviosly, turbo cars respond better to flow mods". And we'll just go deeper into the pissing cycle.
2. You could add an "exhaust and whatnot" or you could easily read the million threads here that establish that exhausts do nothing for RX-8s.
3. You could buy those parts for your FD, but that's after you take care of your hoses, tank, 5th gear synchro, etc. right?
Look. I like FD's. I think they're great cars. But you're not going to convince me that it's an all-around better car than my RX8. If performance was the only qualifier, then we'd all drive Caterhams.
11-13-2007, 03:40 PM
#164
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Maybe if they put some of that money under the hood rather than gluing it to their cars, they might be able to keep up with me on a track.Don't get me wrong, they lose credibility from me when they're (body kits) on an FD, too... but please don't try to bash the 99 spec front end, your argument is worth nothing.
I'm trying to keep this as civilized as possible, but the weak comments from some of your inexperienced FE owners just baffle me...
11-13-2007, 03:43 PM
#165
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11-13-2007, 03:55 PM
#167
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I was looking at 8s for almost a year, but never found the right one. I stumbled across a FD, and snatched it up. I am loving it. The 8 is a bit nicer inside, and a more pleasant place to sit.
As far as power goes, no contest, FD.
As far as handling goes... I'm not in a place to make a fair judgment, I've only spent a few hours seat time in a 8, so I never got super familiar with it. But based on initial handling feel, it goes to the 7.
If I come into some money, or a raise, I will be buying an 8 for a DD though. Hard to compare the two. I think the FD is more of the sports car, and the 8 is more of the compromise, more and more as I get older, the compromise is looking better.
As far as power goes, no contest, FD.
As far as handling goes... I'm not in a place to make a fair judgment, I've only spent a few hours seat time in a 8, so I never got super familiar with it. But based on initial handling feel, it goes to the 7.
If I come into some money, or a raise, I will be buying an 8 for a DD though. Hard to compare the two. I think the FD is more of the sports car, and the 8 is more of the compromise, more and more as I get older, the compromise is looking better.
11-13-2007, 03:57 PM
#168
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11-13-2007, 04:11 PM
#169
Drive it like u stole it!
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the fd and the 8 should not be compared......one is an all out pure 100% sports/street (race) car, it was made to do one thing look cool and go fast thats all. the other is a sports car, that looks cool has a power package, but also has all the luxurys of a high dollar sports coupe, and is very practical. its the answer to every wife who says what about a back seat or a decent trunk. thats why i bought it, so its not a race car, i knew that when i bought it, i'm sure that all the fd drivers that cant drive there car to work everyday, or to the grocery store, would love to. you know what.......... i can.
11-13-2007, 04:14 PM
#170
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Oh God. It was only a matter of time before this thread stated to glow.
When I first saw this thread come up I wasn't even going to bother reading it. It's such an ambiguous question. Which 7 are we talking about? How do you define 'better'? But of course it's open ended questions like this that are so much fun to answer.
No one needs to be insecure about their cars. Every version of the 7 achieved greatness in some way as does the current 8. Our roots are all the same: the Cosmo.
Which car is BETTER? It's been said before, but that completely depends on what 'better' means to you. Which color is BETTER, red or silver? Which cola is better Coke or Pepsi?
It's all subjective folks, no need to whip out your johnson's. The RX8 is everything I want it to be. For me it is the 'better' car than any RX7. Yeah, I do wish it accelerated quicker (like an FD) and had a few less rattles (like the FC). I also wish it had automatic climate control and auto headlights (like a CX9). There is no perfect car, for me the 8 is damn close. Oh an BTW> I am 28 with no family and a great income. I would have bought the 8 if it only had 2 doors and no trunk. I would have bought a Z if it wasn't F U G L Y inside and out. Of course, it doesn't sing like a rotary.
Last edited by Zephyrzone; 11-13-2007 at 04:17 PM.
11-13-2007, 04:39 PM
#172
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So a 2007 KIA is better than a 65 Vette?
Fail.
*btw, I'm not comparing your FEs to a KIA, I'm just pointing out that this is one of the uneducated people I was referring to. This is a prime example of a tool posting an open ended question, with absolutely horrendous logic.
Fail.
*btw, I'm not comparing your FEs to a KIA, I'm just pointing out that this is one of the uneducated people I was referring to. This is a prime example of a tool posting an open ended question, with absolutely horrendous logic.
Last edited by MADDSLOW; 11-13-2007 at 04:41 PM.
