Own an S2000, will the RX-8 disapoint?
#51
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Originally posted by cmb
[B]totally disagree. once you go convertible, you almost NEVER go back...except by compromise...
i have been debating for a while now on whether to get an rx8, but that would mean me considering giving up my s2k, and that i can never do! top down, spirited driving in the s2k is pretty good as it gets.
totall agree with you here!
[B]totally disagree. once you go convertible, you almost NEVER go back...except by compromise...
i have been debating for a while now on whether to get an rx8, but that would mean me considering giving up my s2k, and that i can never do! top down, spirited driving in the s2k is pretty good as it gets.
totall agree with you here!
#52
I think Gordon got it right about RWD in the winter... Turn the DSC off in town and you can steer with the throttle, make s the car much more placeable. Four years ago I moved back to Bozeman Montana after being in Dallas Texas for three years. I had two cars, a FWD Civic and a RWD 325i. Wintertime the car of choice was the BMW. The softer suspension was also nice in slippery conditions. I HATE FWD on ice, get off the gas too fast and you lose your steering.
If you think about it the main advantage to AWD is acceleration. An AWD car doesn't stop or turn any better than RWD or FWD. Remember, a RWD car will out-accelerate a FWD car in all but the most slippery conditions, because of the weight transfer. Most AWD cars are really FWD with the rear drive added, so in the end they are front-heavy understeering pigs. BMW is the exception, making AWD right with good front/rear weight distribution and torque bias to the rear.
Overall, what determines handling limits in all conditions are weight, weight distribuition, and COG.
So what I am saying is that what makes a car handle well in the summer also makes it handle well in the winter. So a low center of gravity, 50/50 weight distribution, and RWD is really the way to go unless you have mega deep snow, where more ground clearance and AWD will have an advantage.
I speak with knowledge, driving 40,000 miles a year, commuting over a mountain pass in Montana every day. Right now my daily driver winter and summer is a Series 5 Turbo II. Blizzaks and relatively soft near-stock suspension make this car able to run circles around most of the AWD/FWD cars and heavy-pig SUVs out there. I do a lot of high speed highway in inclement weather with extreme (up to 90MPH) crosswinds. A higher profile car or a heavier car would require me to slow down more in slippery conditions. I drive past SUVs and FWD cars in the ditch all the time. It cracks me up when ignoramuses out there talk about how FWD/AWD are so much better and then they have the cheapest costco-crap all-season tires on their stupid FWD car.
Remember this if nothing else:
Blizzaks RULE. Punto, period the end.
Two weekends ago I got up in the mountains on a back road where the snow was so deep and rutted that I had to drive out of the ruts to keep the Rex from high centering. No problem.
Dude, I bet that little S2000 will be a great winter car, throw a hardtop and some Bizzaks on it and you are set. You will have a blast driving it in the snow, the great steering will give you feedback as to what front tires are doing.
Turn off that traction control and have fun!
If you think about it the main advantage to AWD is acceleration. An AWD car doesn't stop or turn any better than RWD or FWD. Remember, a RWD car will out-accelerate a FWD car in all but the most slippery conditions, because of the weight transfer. Most AWD cars are really FWD with the rear drive added, so in the end they are front-heavy understeering pigs. BMW is the exception, making AWD right with good front/rear weight distribution and torque bias to the rear.
Overall, what determines handling limits in all conditions are weight, weight distribuition, and COG.
So what I am saying is that what makes a car handle well in the summer also makes it handle well in the winter. So a low center of gravity, 50/50 weight distribution, and RWD is really the way to go unless you have mega deep snow, where more ground clearance and AWD will have an advantage.
I speak with knowledge, driving 40,000 miles a year, commuting over a mountain pass in Montana every day. Right now my daily driver winter and summer is a Series 5 Turbo II. Blizzaks and relatively soft near-stock suspension make this car able to run circles around most of the AWD/FWD cars and heavy-pig SUVs out there. I do a lot of high speed highway in inclement weather with extreme (up to 90MPH) crosswinds. A higher profile car or a heavier car would require me to slow down more in slippery conditions. I drive past SUVs and FWD cars in the ditch all the time. It cracks me up when ignoramuses out there talk about how FWD/AWD are so much better and then they have the cheapest costco-crap all-season tires on their stupid FWD car.
Remember this if nothing else:
Blizzaks RULE. Punto, period the end.
Two weekends ago I got up in the mountains on a back road where the snow was so deep and rutted that I had to drive out of the ruts to keep the Rex from high centering. No problem.
Dude, I bet that little S2000 will be a great winter car, throw a hardtop and some Bizzaks on it and you are set. You will have a blast driving it in the snow, the great steering will give you feedback as to what front tires are doing.
Turn off that traction control and have fun!
Last edited by nucleus; 03-03-2004 at 01:01 AM.
#53
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No..not at all..having both.. and having several other RWD/FWD vehicles.. I can tell you, with 110% certanty... the S2000 is fookin scary (to say the least) in high-water/snow/slick roads.
I won't attribute it to tires, suspention, or driver... just fact of the matter.... Get those conditions, and unless you have chains on the s2k (ouch, would you reallly do that!?)... the S2K is down-right scary... of course, in a big-open parking lot...its fun.. but going to work..oh NO..NO NO NO.
There's a lot to be said for the TSC/DSC of the RX-8... wouldn't want it for auto-x..but in poopy weather.. heck, just a drizzle.. I tell ya, its really goood stuff.
I won't attribute it to tires, suspention, or driver... just fact of the matter.... Get those conditions, and unless you have chains on the s2k (ouch, would you reallly do that!?)... the S2K is down-right scary... of course, in a big-open parking lot...its fun.. but going to work..oh NO..NO NO NO.
There's a lot to be said for the TSC/DSC of the RX-8... wouldn't want it for auto-x..but in poopy weather.. heck, just a drizzle.. I tell ya, its really goood stuff.
#54
Originally posted by cmb
[B]totally disagree. once you go convertible, you almost NEVER go back...except by compromise...
i have been debating for a while now on whether to get an rx8, but that would mean me considering giving up my s2k, and that i can never do! top down, spirited driving in the s2k is pretty good as it gets.
totall agree with you here!
[B]totally disagree. once you go convertible, you almost NEVER go back...except by compromise...
i have been debating for a while now on whether to get an rx8, but that would mean me considering giving up my s2k, and that i can never do! top down, spirited driving in the s2k is pretty good as it gets.
totall agree with you here!
I agree that for top down driving the S2000 is the hands down winner.
#55
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To be honest, if I wanted a two-seat convertible sports car, the S2000 would be the only one I'd choose... over the Miata, Boxster, etc.
But since I need a fun, 4-passenger sports car with a hint of practicality, the 8 it is...
But since I need a fun, 4-passenger sports car with a hint of practicality, the 8 it is...
#56
These threads are lame.
If you want a sporty practical car, the choice is obvious.
If you want a sports car and don't need to worry about practicality, the choice is obvious.
If you want a roadster, the choice is obvious.
If you want a fixed roof, the choice is obvious.
Equally as lame are 8 owners who take on a myopic view of their cars because Motor Trend placed the RX first in a sportscar comparo due to the fact that it has back seats, a softer suspension, and a quieter cabin.
8, Z, S2K.... I wish I could have them all. All of them... and a C6, so I could romp on Zerobanger and his 7 when he gets mouthy.
If you want a sporty practical car, the choice is obvious.
If you want a sports car and don't need to worry about practicality, the choice is obvious.
If you want a roadster, the choice is obvious.
If you want a fixed roof, the choice is obvious.
Equally as lame are 8 owners who take on a myopic view of their cars because Motor Trend placed the RX first in a sportscar comparo due to the fact that it has back seats, a softer suspension, and a quieter cabin.
8, Z, S2K.... I wish I could have them all. All of them... and a C6, so I could romp on Zerobanger and his 7 when he gets mouthy.
#57
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And I wish I had Mille Factory, 999R, CBR1000RR and R1. Any one of which would not only get the gas mileage of a Prius or other hybrid, it would romp all over any car you put forward outside of the 8sec drag cars. It also carries the same number of people as the S2k and with exception of the 999R, costs about half the price and offers the ultimate open air experience.
In a nutshell... I'll never buy a roadster when I can have a bike instead with plenty of change.
In a nutshell... I'll never buy a roadster when I can have a bike instead with plenty of change.
#58
In a nutshell... I'll never buy a roadster when I can have a bike instead with plenty of change.
#59
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Being a car enthusiast does not exclude one from being a bike enthusiast.
People we discussing open aired bang for the buck.... not practical, uncompromising roaster sports cars. And it is a perfectly fair statement to say that a bike is very similiar... seats only 2, can't carry much of anything... but it's also much faster and a better "bang for the buck." That is just fact.
Now if you're not info bikes, or can't afford one... or simply would rather have a car/truck.... then that is a matter of personal opinion and choice.
People we discussing open aired bang for the buck.... not practical, uncompromising roaster sports cars. And it is a perfectly fair statement to say that a bike is very similiar... seats only 2, can't carry much of anything... but it's also much faster and a better "bang for the buck." That is just fact.
Now if you're not info bikes, or can't afford one... or simply would rather have a car/truck.... then that is a matter of personal opinion and choice.
#60
Now if you're not info bikes, or can't afford one... or simply would rather have a car/truck.... then that is a matter of personal opinion and choice.
As for opinions... here are my two cents... I still think it's silly to throw a bike into a bang for the buck conversation about CARS.
We all know a fast bike will rape any fast car performance wise, but attempting to suggest that a bike is a good substitute for a roadster is... about as gay as it gets... I mean... I thought the gayest thing I ever saw was two guys kissing in the park... untill I read that comparison.
#61
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Your opinion is your own. IF you don't like bikes, then get a roadster. *I* like bikes. I could care less about roadsters. So I'll buy a bike. You're happy, I'm happy. NO need for name calling or fighting.
The whole thing comes down to personal preference and finances... as such a bike is a fair option for any mechanical nut (loves cars and bikes).
NO I wouldn't want to carry a male passenger, but I'd rather only have females in a roadster too.
The whole thing comes down to personal preference and finances... as such a bike is a fair option for any mechanical nut (loves cars and bikes).
NO I wouldn't want to carry a male passenger, but I'd rather only have females in a roadster too.
#63
And BTW... a slow 400cc bike will still rape any fast car.
BTW, the comments werent directed at you personaly, just your idea of comparing bikes and cars.... I can be crude and abrupt, but I'm not an a-hole.
#64
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Originally posted by ToRX-8orToZ
Well, I think most of us could afford to spend 13K on a nice bike... considering most of us spend 3-4 times that on a single car; but I digress.....
As for opinions... here are my two cents... I still think it's silly to throw a bike into a bang for the buck conversation about CARS.
We all know a fast bike will rape any fast car performance wise, but attempting to suggest that a bike is a good substitute for a roadster is... about as gay as it gets... I mean... I thought the gayest thing I ever saw was two guys kissing in the park... untill I read that comparison.
Well, I think most of us could afford to spend 13K on a nice bike... considering most of us spend 3-4 times that on a single car; but I digress.....
As for opinions... here are my two cents... I still think it's silly to throw a bike into a bang for the buck conversation about CARS.
We all know a fast bike will rape any fast car performance wise, but attempting to suggest that a bike is a good substitute for a roadster is... about as gay as it gets... I mean... I thought the gayest thing I ever saw was two guys kissing in the park... untill I read that comparison.
Ride Free
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#65
It came down to the RX8 and S2000 for me. I dont think its silly to compare them. I am going with the RX-8 because I am 6 foot 2 and more comfortable in it. And its more practical. Those s2000s are a blast though.
#69
The answer to the original question is....YES! Everyone knows the average trabeant can kick our cars ***...hell my sons mighty might batter powered John deer replica goes faster, and gets better gas milage. :p
#70
Originally Posted by Buffalo66
It came down to the RX8 and S2000 for me. I dont think its silly to compare them. I am going with the RX-8 because I am 6 foot 2 and more comfortable in it. And its more practical. Those s2000s are a blast though.
Gee, perhaps because they're such very different cars; not one better than the other, just very, very different (and, just maybe, the S2000 owners generally are not worried about whether their car is better than the RX-8, while the reverse can't seem to be said for some RX-8 owners?).
Let's see;
Similarities: High revving, low torque engines, which do the twisties well.
Differences: four door coupe/roadster; soft/hard suspension; roomy/compact; quiet/noisy; compromise&practical/elemental&impractical.
I can't imagine how anybody can come down to a choice between these two very different cars. If you love convertibles, you don't choose an RX-8 over an S2000. Likewise, if you need or want four seats, you don't choose an S2000 over an RX-8. Etc., etc., etc....
In my opinion (owning both), they are both fine cars, but intended for very different applications, and bought, generally, by very different drivers (our RX-8 is my wife's daily driver; she really does not like my S2000 much. The S2000 is my daily driver, which I would always choose over the RX-8 if room is not an issue).
Different strokes for different folks, but these two cars are _very_ different strokes.
p.s.--I'm also 6'2", and fit just fine in the S2000; there's no room to wiggle, but there's not supposed to be. Plus, I have more head room in the S2000 (though more leg room in the RX-8).
Last edited by 124Spider; 04-26-2005 at 02:41 PM.
#71
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
I know a particular RX8 left a number of S2000's feeling disappointed in Houston in early April ...
#73
Originally Posted by 124Spider
Why is it that, on this board, people are so frequently trying to compare the RX-8 to the S2000, but on the S2000 board, that almost never happens?
Gee, perhaps because they're such very different cars; not one better than the other, just very, very different (and, just maybe, the S2000 owners generally are not worried about whether their car is better than the RX-8, while the reverse can't seem to be said for some RX-8 owners?).
Let's see;
Similarities: High revving, low torque engines, which do the twisties well.
Differences: four door coupe/roadster; soft/hard suspension; roomy/compact; quiet/noisy; compromise&practical/elemental&impractical.
I can't imagine how anybody can come down to a choice between these two very different cars. If you love convertibles, you don't choose an RX-8 over an S2000. Likewise, if you need or want four seats, you don't choose an S2000 over an RX-8. Etc., etc., etc....
In my opinion (owning both), they are both fine cars, but intended for very different applications, and bought, generally, by very different drivers (our RX-8 is my wife's daily driver; she really does not like my S2000 much. The S2000 is my daily driver, which I would always choose over the RX-8 if room is not an issue).
Different strokes for different folks, but these two cars are _very_ different strokes.
p.s.--I'm also 6'2", and fit just fine in the S2000; there's no room to wiggle, but there's not supposed to be. Plus, I have more head room in the S2000 (though more leg room in the RX-8).
Gee, perhaps because they're such very different cars; not one better than the other, just very, very different (and, just maybe, the S2000 owners generally are not worried about whether their car is better than the RX-8, while the reverse can't seem to be said for some RX-8 owners?).
Let's see;
Similarities: High revving, low torque engines, which do the twisties well.
Differences: four door coupe/roadster; soft/hard suspension; roomy/compact; quiet/noisy; compromise&practical/elemental&impractical.
I can't imagine how anybody can come down to a choice between these two very different cars. If you love convertibles, you don't choose an RX-8 over an S2000. Likewise, if you need or want four seats, you don't choose an S2000 over an RX-8. Etc., etc., etc....
In my opinion (owning both), they are both fine cars, but intended for very different applications, and bought, generally, by very different drivers (our RX-8 is my wife's daily driver; she really does not like my S2000 much. The S2000 is my daily driver, which I would always choose over the RX-8 if room is not an issue).
Different strokes for different folks, but these two cars are _very_ different strokes.
p.s.--I'm also 6'2", and fit just fine in the S2000; there's no room to wiggle, but there's not supposed to be. Plus, I have more head room in the S2000 (though more leg room in the RX-8).
#74
Originally Posted by klegg
what year is your s 2000..Is it original, or whrn they redid the dash/engine powerband?
#75
Originally Posted by 124Spider
Why is it that, on this board, people are so frequently trying to compare the RX-8 to the S2000, but on the S2000 board, that almost never happens?
Gee, perhaps because they're such very different cars; not one better than the other, just very, very different (and, just maybe, the S2000 owners generally are not worried about whether their car is better than the RX-8, while the reverse can't seem to be said for some RX-8 owners?).
Let's see;
Similarities: High revving, low torque engines, which do the twisties well.
Differences: four door coupe/roadster; soft/hard suspension; roomy/compact; quiet/noisy; compromise&practical/elemental&impractical.
I can't imagine how anybody can come down to a choice between these two very different cars. If you love convertibles, you don't choose an RX-8 over an S2000. Likewise, if you need or want four seats, you don't choose an S2000 over an RX-8. Etc., etc., etc....
In my opinion (owning both), they are both fine cars, but intended for very different applications, and bought, generally, by very different drivers (our RX-8 is my wife's daily driver; she really does not like my S2000 much. The S2000 is my daily driver, which I would always choose over the RX-8 if room is not an issue).
Different strokes for different folks, but these two cars are _very_ different strokes.
p.s.--I'm also 6'2", and fit just fine in the S2000; there's no room to wiggle, but there's not supposed to be. Plus, I have more head room in the S2000 (though more leg room in the RX-8).
Gee, perhaps because they're such very different cars; not one better than the other, just very, very different (and, just maybe, the S2000 owners generally are not worried about whether their car is better than the RX-8, while the reverse can't seem to be said for some RX-8 owners?).
Let's see;
Similarities: High revving, low torque engines, which do the twisties well.
Differences: four door coupe/roadster; soft/hard suspension; roomy/compact; quiet/noisy; compromise&practical/elemental&impractical.
I can't imagine how anybody can come down to a choice between these two very different cars. If you love convertibles, you don't choose an RX-8 over an S2000. Likewise, if you need or want four seats, you don't choose an S2000 over an RX-8. Etc., etc., etc....
In my opinion (owning both), they are both fine cars, but intended for very different applications, and bought, generally, by very different drivers (our RX-8 is my wife's daily driver; she really does not like my S2000 much. The S2000 is my daily driver, which I would always choose over the RX-8 if room is not an issue).
Different strokes for different folks, but these two cars are _very_ different strokes.
p.s.--I'm also 6'2", and fit just fine in the S2000; there's no room to wiggle, but there's not supposed to be. Plus, I have more head room in the S2000 (though more leg room in the RX-8).
I think you may be reading a little too much into this comparison. Why only compare cars with the exact same suspension or noise characteristics for example? These things are not scrutinized so much by some. For instance, when I was searching for a new car my only priorities were that it was midrange sports car and within my price range. I researched and test drove everything I could think of that fit that criteria, S2000 included. I just happened to like to overall package of the RX-8 best. The fact that it had 4 seats and 4 doors definitely was not a requirement for me but more of a bonus. If I had liked the S2000 more, the convertible top would have been a bonus. So yes, the S2000 and RX-8 are very different in some respects but both have a similar feel and soul and are therefore subject to comparison. Not everybody has such restrictive requirements; I'm sure I'm not the only one who looked at both.
-S