How .5 seconds impacts the perception of the RX8
03-24-2006 | 02:53 PM
#26
i pwn therefore i am
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Delaware, USA
Originally Posted by Three37ny
Living here on this forum, it's easy to assume that most people "out there" are gearheads obsessed with quarter-mile times. They're not. I think the main reason the 8 hasn't sold in big numbers is because, to the ordinary buyer, it's a strange car with a weird engine that gets terrible mileage. A half-second would not make a big difference in sales.
Anything else is just minor refinement on a car that's in need of something somewhat drastic to shake up sales (especially in the US).
03-24-2006 | 02:59 PM
#27
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From: Planet Earth
The guy promptly said, "I have a 7, I hate this car". Dude, a simple "no" would have sufficed. Don't be such a douche and rain on my parade when it's obvious I'm interested in the car. Even say something like, "no thanks, I already have a 7 -- this one doesn't quite have the power I'm looking for" or anything.
I mean, guy...it's a car not an evil dictator or something.
The more senior members here probably remember me coming here and asking the newbie questions, I RESEARCHED THE HELL out of the RX8 and it's competitors, and honestly when I got my 8 it was the perfect sports car for me.
After just passing 8K miles the other day...I've never loved the car more.
I guess what I'm trying to get at the most is, the little respect it gets from some people because of some ink on a paper. Let me tell you, the 350Z and M3 are significantly stronger (HP) yet the RX8 can match them on a track.
That's why personally I think if it had that magical 50...it would be putting a lot more expensive cars to shame on a track.
...and I'm just talking about power, let alone a the other qualities of the RX8.
03-24-2006 | 03:44 PM
#29
The burninator
Joined: Aug 2005
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I've gotten a lot of compliments on this car, from a wide variety of people and ages. However, other than a 12 year old no one knew what it was, or that it had a rotary.
To me, that's a marketing failure more than anything else.
To me, that's a marketing failure more than anything else.
03-24-2006 | 03:51 PM
#30
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this whole HP is god thing is pretty anoying overall...its like some sort of **** contest. the only questions you really have to ask yourself when thinking or considering your car choice (assuming you are not some mod/ricer/streetracing fanatic)
Do I like the ride?
Do I feel comfortable driving it?
Is driving it worth the value I paid
Does it do for me what I had hoped it would?
Really, there is too much omg my extra 20 HP owns you, my stock rims are better than yours, my car gets 2 miles more a gallon, etc is really wearing.
Shut up (not you guys, these "haters") and drive the car you want. I believe psychologists would call the incessant comparing "projecting"
Do I like the ride?
Do I feel comfortable driving it?
Is driving it worth the value I paid
Does it do for me what I had hoped it would?
Really, there is too much omg my extra 20 HP owns you, my stock rims are better than yours, my car gets 2 miles more a gallon, etc is really wearing.
Shut up (not you guys, these "haters") and drive the car you want. I believe psychologists would call the incessant comparing "projecting"
Last edited by Jeager76; 03-28-2006 at 03:12 PM.
03-24-2006 | 04:26 PM
#31
How much more did a brand new FD cost than the 8? Take the difference, invest in performance upgrades for the 8, and then do the comparo. That's the only fair way to look at it.
The bottom line is, at the end of the day, you can't have a car that pleases everyone. Most people who claim to be a car enthusiast love their own specific car, and think their car is God's chariot, regardless. A true car enthusiast can find appreciation in any car.
The bottom line is, at the end of the day, you can't have a car that pleases everyone. Most people who claim to be a car enthusiast love their own specific car, and think their car is God's chariot, regardless. A true car enthusiast can find appreciation in any car.
03-24-2006 | 04:39 PM
#32
i take it as a personal challenge to try to beat those with supposedly faster cars with my underpowered little car, making it a driver's race 
of course this is done on a racetrack, no street racing allowed!
of course this is done on a racetrack, no street racing allowed!
03-24-2006 | 05:23 PM
#34
03-24-2006 | 05:54 PM
#35
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From: PNW
Only a moron calls this car "slow." But the world's full of morons, so you'll hear that frequently.
0-60 in about 6 seconds, combined with excellent handling, great brakes, and a fine gearbox, in a four-seat, four-door coupe is a remarkable achievement. Whether this car is your cup of tea or not, any car-lover should give it its props.
0-60 in about 6 seconds, combined with excellent handling, great brakes, and a fine gearbox, in a four-seat, four-door coupe is a remarkable achievement. Whether this car is your cup of tea or not, any car-lover should give it its props.
03-24-2006 | 06:24 PM
#36
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 250
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From: North Carolina
Different people look for different things in a car. For example, even when I was a kid I preferred refined performance over sheer power. The rx8 winds up like no other car, has a slick gear box, gets to 60 in six seconds, tops out at around 145 and has sharp handling with a good ride. It takes great engineering to design a car that has all those attributes; any dummy can slam a high hp engine in a car and put a rock hard suspension in and get it to perform. Each to his own, I prefer a boxer over a slugger.
03-24-2006 | 07:35 PM
#37
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From: Planet Earth
How much more did a brand new FD cost than the 8? Take the difference, invest in performance upgrades for the 8, and then do the comparo. That's the only fair way to look at it.
The bottom line is, at the end of the day, you can't have a car that pleases everyone. Most people who claim to be a car enthusiast love their own specific car, and think their car is God's chariot, regardless. A true car enthusiast can find appreciation in any car.
03-24-2006 | 08:15 PM
#39
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 71
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From: Kennewick WA
This whole slow car, mine is faster than yours stuff is getting tiresome. It is suprising how people feel so insecure about themselves 
, that to feel better, they would put down a fantastic car over a matter of .5 sec. So when they return to there 10 year old car, they somehow now feel better about not being able to afford an RX8. Or perhaps it eases their buyer remorse over buying that Turbo neon or Turbocharged impreza.
, that to feel better, they would put down a fantastic car over a matter of .5 sec. So when they return to there 10 year old car, they somehow now feel better about not being able to afford an RX8. Or perhaps it eases their buyer remorse over buying that Turbo neon or Turbocharged impreza.
03-24-2006 | 08:28 PM
#40
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Originally Posted by rx8wannahave
I recently heard a comment at our local rx8 club (flrx8club.net) from a RX7 owner, who did not bash the RX8 mind but he called it a step brother and how the RX7 is the holy trinity of the RX world. Also, as we are all aware the comments fly how the RX8 is slow…it’s not as good as the RX7, it’s a girls car, etc etc etc.
Reflecting on that, I’m amazed what .5 sec in the ¼ mile can do to change someone’s outlook on a car. While I realize there are “haters” out there (not the guy above, he just preferred the RX7) which I ignore with their mindless dribble it’s amazing what roughly .5 sec did to the RX8.
Why .5 sec…because that was basically the difference between the RX7 and RX8 and also what would have put the RX8 slightly ahead, equal, or slightly behind it’s main competition at it’s price range.
So, it makes me wonder what 50HP or .5 seconds of acceleration could have done for the RX8 sales. No, I don’t think that’s the sole reason for lower sales (frankly, misinformation and unfamiliarity with the rotary for the common Joe counts too) but honestly it’s not the looks, quality, comfort, reliability, fun to drive factor, utility, or poor ergonomics that have kept people out of the show room.
I’m aware history and the legend status of the last RX7, hey…I loved that car, but often times the RX8 is treated as a red headed stepchild.
I’m basically new to the Mazda family but from what I hear and have seen they tend to under power their cars a bit while making great handling and very fun to drive cars. The recent MS6 seems to indicate things are starting to change but if anything I hope Mazda has learned a lesson through all of this.
While not all cars at the RX8’s price point are “true” competitors, you can’t afford to ignore acceleration that so many American leadfoot’s out there care about. Yes…I know it’s foolish really to make a purchase mainly based on a number that you won’t be able to test MOST OF THE TIME…but I hope Mazda is listening to us…and those non-haters who simply think the RX8 should have been faster than it is.
I’m more than satisfied with my 8 so this is not a complaint on my part (while yes I wouldn’t mind those extra 50HP)…just more about my amazement on what the impact of .5 seconds has had on what people think of the RX8.
A lot of people are really missing out on the qualities of this car…
Reflecting on that, I’m amazed what .5 sec in the ¼ mile can do to change someone’s outlook on a car. While I realize there are “haters” out there (not the guy above, he just preferred the RX7) which I ignore with their mindless dribble it’s amazing what roughly .5 sec did to the RX8.
Why .5 sec…because that was basically the difference between the RX7 and RX8 and also what would have put the RX8 slightly ahead, equal, or slightly behind it’s main competition at it’s price range.
So, it makes me wonder what 50HP or .5 seconds of acceleration could have done for the RX8 sales. No, I don’t think that’s the sole reason for lower sales (frankly, misinformation and unfamiliarity with the rotary for the common Joe counts too) but honestly it’s not the looks, quality, comfort, reliability, fun to drive factor, utility, or poor ergonomics that have kept people out of the show room.
I’m aware history and the legend status of the last RX7, hey…I loved that car, but often times the RX8 is treated as a red headed stepchild.
I’m basically new to the Mazda family but from what I hear and have seen they tend to under power their cars a bit while making great handling and very fun to drive cars. The recent MS6 seems to indicate things are starting to change but if anything I hope Mazda has learned a lesson through all of this.
While not all cars at the RX8’s price point are “true” competitors, you can’t afford to ignore acceleration that so many American leadfoot’s out there care about. Yes…I know it’s foolish really to make a purchase mainly based on a number that you won’t be able to test MOST OF THE TIME…but I hope Mazda is listening to us…and those non-haters who simply think the RX8 should have been faster than it is.
I’m more than satisfied with my 8 so this is not a complaint on my part (while yes I wouldn’t mind those extra 50HP)…just more about my amazement on what the impact of .5 seconds has had on what people think of the RX8.
A lot of people are really missing out on the qualities of this car…
That being said, I had a RX7 owner here giving me some trouble at a gas station, and just took it all with a grain of salt.
Last edited by dos; 03-24-2006 at 10:39 PM.
03-24-2006 | 11:10 PM
#43
Klingon Grammarian
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,204
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From: Bellevue, WA
Originally Posted by Three37ny
Living here on this forum, it's easy to assume that most people "out there" are gearheads obsessed with quarter-mile times. They're not. I think the main reason the 8 hasn't sold in big numbers is because, to the ordinary buyer, it's a strange car with a weird engine that gets terrible mileage. A half-second would not make a big difference in sales.
And the same thing applies to the relative paucity of mods.
I can't tell you how often I feel like an alien here, as a non-gearhead.
03-24-2006 | 11:31 PM
#44
i pwn therefore i am
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,332
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From: Delaware, USA
Originally Posted by Krankor
Amen and amen and amen!
And the same thing applies to the relative paucity of mods.
I can't tell you how often I feel like an alien here, as a non-gearhead.
And the same thing applies to the relative paucity of mods.
I can't tell you how often I feel like an alien here, as a non-gearhead.
03-25-2006 | 01:15 AM
#45
Wut da F Y'all lookin' @!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 414
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From: Germany
I agree with those who say that the fact that so many people are not familiar with the rotary hurts the RX-8's sales. I had an experience on one particular day where I had some difficulty getting it started. I narrowed it down to it being bad gas early in this particular tank of gas so I already knew what was wrong. Anyway, I pulled into Sonics and after I get my food it didn't fire right up so this numb skull with a mouth full of food yells out "ROTARY". I wanted to hop out he car and tell him "you dumbass, this is my second rotary and the other did over 125k before I traded it in, so it's not a rotary problem". So since I had been through this a few times before I knew I only had to give it a minute and it would start right up which I did and I drove off while the idiot watched me drive away.
BTW, for those who work on military bases I would highly recommend avoiding AAFES gas stations!
Otherwise I think if it weren't for unfamiliarity with the engine the car could get over the lack of grunt in comparison to it's competitors. It gets enough looks and it is faster than the majority of what's out on the roads. As much as some might point out cars like the Altima or Accord as being faster or comparable in a straight line the majority of these particular cars that are on the road are the 4 cylinder versions (definitely not faster) not the V-6. But for those that are stuck on numbers Mazda really needs to flaunt some particular things about this car that are special. I don't know how many of the people here have looked at the numbers in some magazines but there are only about 3 or 4 cars that can handle better than the 8 that are under the $35k mark and it may just share the shortest 60-0 with very few but nothing outbrakes it in the price range. They can also flaunt in the most recent roll over tests it is one of the least likely new vehicle to roll in emergency manuevers. But I don't work for Mazda so I guess I have no choice but to sit back and watch people drool over other cars that may be great but only outdo this car in 1 category of performance!
BTW, for those who work on military bases I would highly recommend avoiding AAFES gas stations!
Otherwise I think if it weren't for unfamiliarity with the engine the car could get over the lack of grunt in comparison to it's competitors. It gets enough looks and it is faster than the majority of what's out on the roads. As much as some might point out cars like the Altima or Accord as being faster or comparable in a straight line the majority of these particular cars that are on the road are the 4 cylinder versions (definitely not faster) not the V-6. But for those that are stuck on numbers Mazda really needs to flaunt some particular things about this car that are special. I don't know how many of the people here have looked at the numbers in some magazines but there are only about 3 or 4 cars that can handle better than the 8 that are under the $35k mark and it may just share the shortest 60-0 with very few but nothing outbrakes it in the price range. They can also flaunt in the most recent roll over tests it is one of the least likely new vehicle to roll in emergency manuevers. But I don't work for Mazda so I guess I have no choice but to sit back and watch people drool over other cars that may be great but only outdo this car in 1 category of performance!
Last edited by Hornet; 03-25-2006 at 01:20 AM.
03-25-2006 | 04:38 AM
#46
Klingon Grammarian
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,204
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From: Bellevue, WA
Originally Posted by saturn
Keep saying words like "paucity" and you're liable to get your lunch money stolen from the tough guys on the forum.
03-25-2006 | 06:02 AM
#47
!!Speed Racer!! VrOoM
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Union city cali
g35
Originally Posted by cleoent
The day I bought my car i was initially out driving a 6spd 540 (to replace my auto 540 i had at the time), and I went to infiniti to take the g35 for a spin (having driven the 350 the night before and loved it but it was too small). The infiniti guys blew me off, no one came out to help me and on top of that there wasn't one 6spd coupe on the lot.
I had some time to kill so i wandered over accross the street to the mazda dealership i had bought a 3 from less then a year prior. Saw my future car. Navi (something i wanted), 6spd, leather etc. I got all excited. I had read so many things about the rx8, but never considered it because my perception was from what i had read, the car was slow. One drive and I was sold. The car isn't slow, half the people that say it is are going by what mags say, it's not as fast as others, but it certainly isn't slow.
When i hear the word slow i think of my old 84, that thing was slow... but a lot of fun!
I had some time to kill so i wandered over accross the street to the mazda dealership i had bought a 3 from less then a year prior. Saw my future car. Navi (something i wanted), 6spd, leather etc. I got all excited. I had read so many things about the rx8, but never considered it because my perception was from what i had read, the car was slow. One drive and I was sold. The car isn't slow, half the people that say it is are going by what mags say, it's not as fast as others, but it certainly isn't slow.
When i hear the word slow i think of my old 84, that thing was slow... but a lot of fun!
I had the exact same experience with infiniti! I was "thinking" about trading in my 8 for a g35, but was completely blown off. After a while of waiting, i finally got to test drive it, and guess what.....? It doesnt feel any faster at all. If anything it feels more sluggish i think. And I guarantee you that nobody who's been in my car with the way I drive, would call the rx8 slow!
03-25-2006 | 08:35 PM
#48
rotorized!!!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 653
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From: San Luis Obispo, CA
Originally Posted by Hornet
I agree with those who say that the fact that so many people are not familiar with the rotary hurts the RX-8's sales.
I don't know how many of the people here have looked at the numbers in some magazines but there are only about 3 or 4 cars that can handle better than the 8 that are under the $35k mark and it may just share the shortest 60-0 with very few but nothing outbrakes it in the price range.
I don't know how many of the people here have looked at the numbers in some magazines but there are only about 3 or 4 cars that can handle better than the 8 that are under the $35k mark and it may just share the shortest 60-0 with very few but nothing outbrakes it in the price range.
In the eyes of the average car owner, it's fuel economy is worse than that of similarly powered engines and it revs higher than some engines, but not all, case in point is the engine from the S2000 which you all know about I'm sure.
The rotary has fewer moving parts, but what does this matter to a person that is just going to lease the car for 2 years, they'll never see it to old age so they won't be experiencing engine troubles no matter what car they buy unless it's badly designed. So what is the practical upshot of buying a rotary powered car for the average joe? well the smoothness... and that's really about it. I must also admit that under the same arguement it shouldn't matter to the average joe if the engine is completely alien since he'll never touch it either under the same 2 year criteria.
Now before you all nail me to the nearest piston engine, I LOVE the sound of the rotary, my next car will be a rotary and it's the oddball-ness of the engine that entices me for the exact same reason. but that's just the point, the rotary only appeals to those who like the uniqueness.
Now, engine aside, I really don't see what's not to like about the RX-8 from an aesthetic and handling point of view because it shines everywhere else. That just said, I'll be buying an 8 primarily because it has a rotary, the fact that it looks good enough to provoke wet dreams and handles just as good only reinforces it. (and yet if it was hideous, had a rotary and still handled well I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole, think rotary scion xB
)I wonder, how many ppl here have run across 8 owners who don't know their car's engine is special?
03-25-2006 | 11:04 PM
#49
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From: California
Originally Posted by daisuke
I may get myself flamed here, but you have to admit that FOR A CAR, the rotary engine simply has no traits that make it superior to a reciprocating engine.
In the eyes of the average car owner, it's fuel economy is worse than that of similarly powered engines and it revs higher than some engines, but not all, case in point is the engine from the S2000 which you all know about I'm sure.
In the eyes of the average car owner, it's fuel economy is worse than that of similarly powered engines and it revs higher than some engines, but not all, case in point is the engine from the S2000 which you all know about I'm sure.
As to the "average joe" who might not appreciate the Renesis, you're probably correct. The RX-8 was not built for the average joe (every day motorist). The RX-8 was built for enthusiasts. And thank god. I didn't buy the 8 because it was something the "average joe" would like. Average joes can buy what average joes like - average cars.
1.3L
03-25-2006 | 11:16 PM
#50
Pining for the Fjords
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 688
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
Originally Posted by 1.3L
First off, the Renesis redlines about 800 RPM higher than the S2000 engine, so you're wrong on that point.