So my boyfriend and I have planned a road trip next month. We are starting out from just north of Cincinnati, OH and first going to Shenandoah, WV staying there for two nights and then moving on to The Great Smoky Mtns. (Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC area) for three nights. We plan on splitting the driving 50/50. Included in this trip will be a visit to the Tail of the Dragon.

So, our problem is we cannot agree on which car we should take. Our choices are either my bone stock 2006 RX8 or his modified 2004 WRX (mods include: lowered suspension, short shifter, equal length headers, full cat-less exhaust, intake, and stage 2 ecu reflash). Here's what I was thinking:

The Subie gets better gas mileage and is AWD (which is good for shortcuts on gravel roads). But the Subie has close to 90k miles on it already, the cat-less exhaust and headers make for a very loud ride which gets pretty grating after a while, and it's not a very comfortable ride (the seats are terrible/ cheap, and the stiff suspension is pretty jarring). Also we did a similar trip last year and we took his car.

The RX8 is quieter and has a smoother ride. It also has a better audio system. But It doesn't get as good gas mileage as the Subie and RWD + nice paint job means no short cuts along gravel roads. Also he is a tall guy and doesn't seem to fit as well in my car (not enough head room). And it worries me because sometimes when he drives my car he misses 3rd gear. Plus since last year we took his car I would love to get the chance to run my car on the Tail of the Dragon. This is my biggest reason for wanting to take my car.

So what do you guys think? Please help me settle this "discussion".

 

its a roadtrip screw the shortcuts take the 8 and have some fun with it. IMO youll already took the subie so now its the 8's turn plus if your worried about the paint get painters tape and tape the front end up

 

Rx8 = comfortable, and smooth ride. Subie = loud, uncomfortable ride, but more space.

Comfortable>space

 

If it was stock vs stock it would have been a tougher decision. But the rx8 is a great grand tourer, and with then the wrx's exhaust which will start to drown on the long stretches of free way, rx8 hands down!

 

if you don't want to mess up the paint job on those roads don't take the 8. Simple as that.
I think you may end up regretting it if you get a bunch of chips all for one ride.

 

Before I actually read the thread, I was going to suggest the WRX as honestly I feel the WRX is a better roadtrip car than the RX-8 on the basis of it's softer stock suspension, bigger trunk, and better gas mileage. However, the decision was basically made for me at "cat-less exhaust". I wouldn't be able to take being pounded away at a cat-less exhaust for multiple days. Noise fatigue is a very underrated source of irritation on roadtrips. Take the RX-8.

 

Personally, I would say it's a no-brainer for the RX8. Better and quieter ride > all when it comes to long distances. It sucks that it gets less mpg, but whatever. I am with Lion on this one, you'd be amazed how much that noise gets to you over the course of a couple hundred miles.

And how does he manage to miss 3rd gear? Maybe this trip is a good chance for him to get some practice

 

Battle of the Rex's haha.

 

If your going to be driving on the dragon, take the 8.

You will have a blast.

 

I've got tons of rock chips from 'normal' highway driving. Take the'8 and enjoy its grand touring capabilities. It's just a car after all.

 

I would of taken the wrx if it was stock. but since its not, the 8 will be my choice. btw have fun

 

You should buy my car bra, so your 8 doesnt get any rock chips along the way

 

take the 8 you won't regret taking it one you hit the dragon.....I was at the dragon with almost all AWD's (Evo, WRX, STI) and I was right with them through all the turns so this car can easily keep up with any AWd on the dragon....also I know I wouln'dt want to sit in a super loud car for A LONG time....take the 8 you won't regret it.....

damn I wish I was goingto the dragon.... maybe tomorrow!!! haha

 

^You're so close, you should go every weekend. I would if I didn't live 6 and 1/2 hrs away! haha

 

Well seeing as how I see more pros for the 8 and more cons for the WRX I'd go with the 8. Plus you also have more of a reason to go on the 8.

 

8

/end thread

 

I have to say though, on a mountain road it's very much the skill and bravery/stupidity of the driver over the car's ability, much more so than on track or autocross. On track as long as a Carrera GT has a halfway competent driver, you're unlikely to be able to keep up in the RX-8. However, with every corner being different and road camber and condition issues that you'll never see on track, a mountain road will often even the odds much more. I've chased down all manners of exotic machinery with ease up in the mountains, but I've also been completely left in the dust by a Fit on just RT615s, which was actually the fastest driven car I've ever seen up there. Though to salvage some pride, that Fit driver was cutting the corners by using some of the dirt and doing some other... "brave" things.

 

and if you worried about the gas miles... just change the spark plugs, change oil and make sure a 4 tires have same pressure. but change the sparks and oil like a day or 2 before you leave

 

I'd go with the WRX.

 

I definately should be going every weekend I'd have to get some of the Charlotte 8's to head out...but actually some of my friends are still going to school in FL for a couple months and they live in the Sevierville, Dandridge, Piegeon Forge TN area so once they're back I'm sure I'll making alot more trips over that way!....

Then it will be a wild time out of 129!..

 

Loud noise uncomfortable ride................ pretty easy to choose.

RX8

 

And then they'd end up spending more than they can possibly save by getting the slightly better fuel mileage...

 

rx8 FTW!
Seriously take it, I took it to Toronto and had a lot of fun And I got 25mpg.!!

 

Pretty clear cut IMO . Take the 8 .
Gas mileage should be very similar on a trip like that so don't even consider that as a reason not to take it .

 

8,,