What does the 8 really compete against? Seems like it's a class to itself as a sports car with sedan-like access to the rear seats.
So, what other cars have:
-usable rear seat
-sports car handling
-rear wheel drive
-better mpg

The only cars I can think of are bmw 3-series, but that's sporty handling, not sports-car handling. Z does not have the same kid-hauling capabilities so that is out.

 

I cross shopped the G35c, but the rear seats and 2 doors were not nearly as practical for the occasions when my two boys or clients or colleagues are in the car. The G35 sedan just didn't do it for me at all. My father-in-law has one and I do like the low end torque it just doesn't handle like a sports car. Also test drove the Mustang a couple of times, but it's just not practical as a 4-seater.

It's always amazed me how favorably the RX-8 compares with the 350z or s2k since those are 2-seater sports cars. On the other hand, a lot of RX-7 devotees have always been disappointed with the 8 because it's seen as a poor replacement for Mazda's flagship sports car. But it was never really intended as such. Instead, Mazda decided not to have a flagship sports car. Sad, but true. Yet it's an amazing handling car for a true 4-seater. If they bring back the RX-7, it will take some of the unfair pressure on the 8 and let it be the fantastic compromise sports car for dads that it is. Sorry, if that offends all you guys that have spent so much money on body kits! I'd still love to have a turbo someday.

 

LOL, ion redline has suicide doors. If it werent for the 8, I'd go for a z. But I don't have kids

 

135i.

 

04/05 MR2 spyder.

 

My price ranges vary but I am looking at speed6, used M3, 330, or s2k.

 

^lol ( avatar )

 

I work at a car dealer and drive almost every make and model car, i rarely if ever see a car i would trade in for my 8, and that moment only last long enough until i see my car again. but the Infiniti G35 is quite an amazing ride, a little pricier but a sweet car. for the 20k range a used boxster would be sweet as well, but does not have practicality of the 8. and i am not down with $400 dollar oil changes

 

I traded for GTO
I have two kids, and I get them and the child seats in and out with no problem at all. The back seat of the GTO is comfortable for adults, it's just harder for them to get in an out than the RX8. Kids, it's easy.

Usable rear seat, rear wheel drive, and better mpg (yes, absolutely true, I get much better gas mileage), so 3 out of the 4. Does it help any to know it can crush an M3 from a roll? Our goals were similar... I wanted the rear seats, independent suspension rwd, and I wanted it as fast or fast than an M3, but at a lower cost to buy, maintain, and modify. It just wont ever subjectively handle as well.

 

I thought about a GTA Twin Turbo VR4 (3000 GT VR4 in the US).

 

I couldn't think of any other 4 seater, thats as fun, handles like its on rails, and puts a grin on my face everyday.

 

exactly. end of discussion

 

I always wondered what I'd buy if I didn't have the rx-8 but then I looked at gas prices and I don't **** dollars, so I always wondered about the honda civic SI. Now its on a whole different level compared to the rx8 and I know it could never replicate what the 8 can do for me. I haven't driven it myself but thats a car I would look into...

 

BUT I'm just turned off by FWD so I really do not know what I would do without my 8

 

98 viper

 

My only serious competitors were a speed 6 (hard to find used) or spending a LOT more money. I'd prefer a Porsche Cayman. I was also casually considering very different vehicels in the form of a new 4 door Wrangler unlimited or a Toyota FJ Cruiser. I test drove a GXP Solstice but that was as far as that went. I too used to work for a dealer and drove pretty much every car imaginable and don't consider any of the Nissan Variants, or s2000 to have nearly the fun/practicality factor.

 

00 Turbo

 

Porsche 911 Carrera S
Porsche GT3
Porsche GT

 

I would buy a 2008 Mitsubishi EvoX if I had to chose an alternative.

 

New: BMW 128i with Sport Package

Used: Porsche 968 or BMW M3 (E36 version)

 

my alternate vehicles were the lexus is300 mt or 85-86 toyota supra p-type..

 

135i might be the spot but I'm unsure of how big the rear seats are.

 

doesn't have 4 seats but if i were to choose another toy car it would be a lotus elise.

I don't think theres anything with 4 seats that can compete with it. definitely not anything under 30 grand.

 

-usable rear seat
-sports car handling
-rear wheel drive
-better mpg

How about Nissan skyline R34 4-door sedan?

here's a link:

http://images.google.fi/imgres?imgur...icial%26sa%3DN


Don't know about mpg, and the steering wheel is on the wrong side. But it would have a lot of potential, like this

http://www.vastaheitto.com/gallery/d...ge.php?pos=-54

 

mine second choice was a G35