First things first! Hi guys

I have been reading this forum for a while and got some basics down. I am planning to buy an Rx-8. I was thinking about getting a second hand car but due to the fact that a lot of people treat it like a normal car and are not interested to give it special care (wankle engine) I have decided to buy one straight from the dealer.

So... now the questions

I know about the cosmetic differences between the 2008 and 2009 versions but I have read that it can take more oil than the older years and might burn up more fuel. I have also read that it is slower (0-100km/h). I would like to ask for the differences because I might be able to buy a new 2008 model.

oh.. and is the R3 lighter than the standard model? It looks great but... what else?

cheers

Oz. from Poland

 

As far as 0-100km/h goes, the R3 is basically the same as any of the previous models. If you test drive both, I am sure you will not be able to tell the difference in speed (people report a .1 second difference) which is hardly anything and in my opinion, not worth the extra few thousand you will be paying. If speed really is a concern, I would save those few thousand dollars, and get a turbo. Of course this will more than likely void your warranty, and reduce the reliability of your vehicle, it will give it a significant speed boost and much needed torque boost. As for gas/oil, both models require lots of it. This is the one downside to owning a rotary powered car. You will probably have to top the oil off every 2-3 fill ups and gas will burn like crazy in comparison to a prius.

I hope this answers your questions

 

gas is a killer for rotaries...i get 300km per tank or so, but i went 100% hwy today and managed to get 400+ kms from one tank which is nice =) as for oil, you need to fill it up quite often (as shamusodoofus said)

Personally, I would get the R3, but it depends on how strapped you are for cash. the Recaro bucket seats are much better than the '04-'08s, but neither r seats you can sit in for an extended duration.

 

If you're buying it for speed, get something else (Speed 3?). The real reason to buy one is the world-class handling, coupled with the nowhere else "feel" of the rotary engine. Silky smooth.

 

Turbo 8 will smoke a Speed 3. Easy.

Speed 3 can up the boost of course, but wouldn't catch up to a proper tuned 8 (FWD ftl)



but. if u have to ask, 8 is not for you. simple

 

yeah it does! I know quite a bit about the 8 since I have been lurking around the forums for two weeks undercover >-). My friend has a 2004 model and it's great! I love the car. Everything about it is just so cool. I was just wondering if the R3 is worth it.

The first thing I am going to do with the car is lose some weight and since the R3 has no weight reduction except from the wheels (I am guessing here because I haven't seen any info on this) the standard version should be lighter (without wheels).

Please correct me if I'm wrong, that's why I'm here