Im on the m3f, and I have a mazda 3. I've gone back and forth between the ms3 and the rx8, and then other cars. I'm sticking to mazda, but I'm having second thoughts.

I love the way the rx8 looks and sounds, but it really does have low hp and torque.
I like the ms3 too, but just can't decide. What can be done to increase the hp on the rx8? besides cai and exhaust

Probably sound like an idiot, don't flame me!

 

RX-8 = RWD Sports car = Apple
MS3 = Turbo'd Compact car = Orange

Both are great cars! You just need to decide whether you want an apple or an orange

 

The mazdaspeed 3 is based off an econobox and it doesn't matter how you look at it. It's still an econobox with a beefy motor. Great car none the less (according to reviews).

THe RX8 was built from the ground up to be a sports car with practicality. Sure it's no pure bred sports car but it's no econobox either.

+1 with apple and oranges.

 

Get RB intake RB exhaust, and Access Port from Mazda Maniac and you are good to go.

Besides, what do you need speed for?

Its a DD and gas prices are going up.

You need to put your pants on one leg at a time.

We are not going to help you.

You choose, you live w/consequenses

If you join us we will welcome you.

 

i understand what the above people have said.

but seriously... wtf? rx8 all the way. :P

 

You're funny.

 

2 great but very different cars. The Rotary changes everything. It's like nothing else.

 

get an ms3

 

A vigorous back to back drive of both will probably give you an answer. You either into almost neck snapping torque and arm snapping torque-steer on a compromised FWD, econo-car chassis that has lots of storage space due to it's breadbox styling or a perfectly weight-distributed, RWD chassis with razor sharp steering/road feel and sports car styling that makes most cars on the road around you all look dull and boring.

 

I guess.
Care to post anything resourceful other then a useless statement?

 

Great description, hah.

 

Intake and exhaust have been shown to add (or sometimes subtract) insignificant quantities of power. Care to search?

 

used crossfire!!!



beers

 

Might as well get an Altima Coupe V6. Similar power atleast it looks sporty.
Drive both. RX-8 is not all about numbers it is about how it makes the competent driver smile. But if stomping on the gas pedal is your thing then there are many other choices too.

 

These threads are never ending

 

WOuld you rather understeer into a wall while or oversteer into a wall, thats the question you should ask yourself RX8 all the way IMO. THink about it, any normal person wont even be able to tell you have an MS3, theyll think its just another gay 3.

 

Just go test them both. i have an 8 and my brother has a MS3. They both rock and you will not be disappointed with either car. In the end you have to like driving it! Good luck.

 

Get the RX-8

ALWAYS get the RX-8.

 

Well, since I'm trying to figure out the same thing. I'll chime in.

I test drove both and own neither.

I won't lie to you. I really felt that the 8 was the hell of a lot more civilized, but is willing to take off the business suit and become a corner eating monster. To top that off, there is the 9000 rpm. Taking it there is ecstatic and there is nothing else out there that is quite like it sans Honda's s2k.

The MS3 feels like my mazda3, it'll get the job done and take care of you without much problem. If you need your straight line fix, here is your best bet. The thing I did not like was the fact that I could feel the wheel fighting with me when I'm trying to add throttle in a turn. The steering did not have as much feel as the 8 did.

Cost per cost, the MS3 will be, in fact, cheaper to mod and will go faster both on track and in a straight line. But, because it is cheaper to mod does not mean it has more potential. The 8 has a lot more potential [with the right amount of money, of course] than the MS3 imho due to the RWD and the already great weight distribution.

In reality, if you want a great daily driver, get a mazdaspeed3. If you want something unique, something that turns heads, and something that is quite exotic for an unexotic price, get the rx8.

 

if you want a sports car get the RX8, if you want a *mazda 3* *FWD* *Hatchback* that is .3 faster in a 1/4 mile, then get the MS3. Different people have different opinions, I went out looking for a 350Z and wound up in an RX8 two years ago. IMO, uniqueness, handling, rotary, and the right to hold 4 friends and still take an offramp at 80 mph, wasnt worth .3 on a 1/4 mile to me. If acceleration is that important to you, Id recommend the MS3, or something with more power thats cheap like a Mustang GT, at least thats rear wheel drive. But all in all its your decision and you need to drive it all and figure out exactly what youre looking for in a vehicle. BTW, make absolute sure you LOVE the RX8 if youre buying new bc youll have some serious inequity by year #2. Good luck in your search and make sure youre happy with what you get

 

RX-8 all the way

 

the 8, just cus your asking in the 8 forums

 

I hear ya man, I keep tossing up the MS3, a used RX8, and now the upcoming 2009 Mini Cooper S JCW. I love autox'n and had a built RX7 so I've always favored the RX8... but devil's advocate keeps playing the gas mileage card. I think the RX8 is almost as DD practical as the MS3 so thats a wash.... You can get a Used RX8 for hella less than a MS3 tho. I vote RX8 and join the cult as it be.

 

I just like hearing everyones opinions about these threads. I will need to test drive the 8. I've driven the ms3 many times, and I love it. But I do like the looks the rx8, but dont know much about them. I think the ms3 will suit my needs, but I've never had a RWD car and hear the handling is phenomenal, especially with the 8. I hear you cant drive the 8 for less than 10 minutes before shutting it off? Is this true?