This frustrates me...

I'm trying to find out whether or not to buy an S2000 or an RX-8. I currently drive a 1991 RX-7 (in sig) and I have to say I don't mind not having a back seat. I love hardtops, but Convertibles are also awesome (only if it's made to be a two-seater roadster)

I also plan to have my next car for 5 years or so, and I love things like Autocross, and will probably attend some track events...

Reliability is also a concern... although I know the NA Rotary can last just as long as the honda if treated with care, I have my doubts.

Performance wise, I've seen videos of the S2000 beating the RX-8 in everything... and Car & Driver thinks differently. Both are in the Car & Driver top 10... similar price for what I'm looking at... and man, I just can't decide!! Can you guys help me decide?

Thanks,
Troy [DRIV300]

 

Troy,
If your a big guy (like the Baller) then go with the RX-8......
If your small boned the S2000 is very nice, but given all of the variables, go on a long trip and the RX-8 is the only choice.
The S2000 while superb also rides a little on the rough side.
On the plus side it's a ragtop.....in a hard-top world.

The Baller

 

Yeah I've got a very small frame, 5'10" and 135lb.

 

One thing to consider if you're planning on autocrossing your car is the "broomstick" rule. In order to participate in SCCA (and many other sanctioned) autocross events in a roadster, you must first pass the broomstick test. The test basically says that when a broomstick is placed from the windshield header across to a roll hoop (which must be functional and not just cosmetic), there must be 2 inches or more of space between the top of your HELMET and the bottom of the broomstick.

Without a true roll cage, depending upon your height this test can be extremely difficult to pass.

-Eric

 

When I test drove the s2000 it was a bit small and my left arm was cramped. The ride was much more jolting than the 8. The rag top makes for alot of road noise. The s2k is a nice car but I opted for the 8. I thought it easier to live with on a day to day basis. Superior comfort on long trips.

 

That is not true - there is no such test for Solo II (the most popular form of autocross). At some track events, such as driver ed days, etc., they do have such a rule but I don't think you'll find too many S2K drivers that have been restricted from track days - I certainly wasn't in my Miata with it's aftermarket rollbar, even though I don't qute meet the "broomstick" test.

The S2K is a great car - especially the '04 model with it's enhanced engine & suspension (although some would argue the earlier cars are better). Great track & autocross cars, and it's a convertible, which is a huge bonus for me - I'd never be without a ragtop. Downsides? make sure there is enough cargo space for you - I think your RX-7 has more. Also, stooks can be a bit "Jekyl & Hyde" in their personality - a little boring when you are just puttering about, but transform into the wild child when you put your foot into it. That's one reason I liked the RX-8 better - it's still fun at part throttle, mid-range use, which is most common in traffic. Also, the electric steering is a bit numb, but I think the '04s have enhanced that as well.

Go drive both, they are different beasts.

George

 

Same reasoning here. The S2000 is a better car at the limits, and more fun to drive but on a day to day basis... would be weary. I found the noise inside the car, the crap stereo, and the lack of a back seat all plusses for the RX-8.

For raw performance though, the S2000 tops out the 8 in my opinion.

 

I couldn't agree more. There is a compromise in deciding which car to buy, as there is with any purchase. If I were your position, I would make my decision based on if this is my one and only daily driver or not. If this is your only car, and you plan on putting 15k miles or more a year on it, I'd recommend the rx8, due to it's features and better overall daily driver/luxury feel. If this is an extra Sunday fun car for summer, or your commuter miles minimal, then ultimately I think the S2000 is way to go. It's kind of funny how since there is really nothing in the rx8's class, we need to find the closest matches possible to compare and decide on, even though they are still diferent vehicles designed for different consumers. It's unfair to compare any sporty/fast convertible, let alone an S2000 to an rx8. It's simply gotta be more fun to drive performance and warm weather wise IMO.

 

Interesting. I was always under the impression it was an SCCA rule. All of the events I've attended through the BMW CCA and Audi Club NA supposedly followed SCCA rules. Maybe the test was an add'l CCA or track requirement on top of the SCCA rule?

Anyway, ya learn something new every day. :D I was always discouraged by the rule because I could never meet its requirements and never wanted to add a roll cage to my car. That kind of breathes new life into my ability to participate in events with my car. :D

-Eric

 

Yup. For Solo II you are fine. For track events, just talk to the organizers - it will vary even to event.

 

I drove both, and was frankly disappointed with the s2K. Seems like you really (and I mean REALLY) have to get it spooled up to get the power out of it. Granted, the 8 needs to rev also, but the power band seems more fun for lack of a better term. Both are great cars, and I love the ragtop after having an '01 black miata. But having a rear seat to ferry people /junk around and having the ability to put a couple of golf bags in the trunk definitely helped. Sounds like the new 2.2 liter engine has remedied some of that (I drove an '01 2.0 liter). Don't know if this helps, but that's my $.02. I don't think you'll make a mistake either way - I like the looks I get in the 8, and washing it is like caressing a shapely woman - SEXY!

 

I chose the RX8.

Like others have already mentioned, the S2000 is a rougher, more raw sports car. In my opinion, it is also less forgiving when pushed to extremes.

The RX8 is not an all-out screaming hotrod like the S2000, and for that I am grateful. The RX8 is much more liveable and gets plenty of positive remarks from the onlooker.

Your call, but the RX8 is getting better day by day for me.
(Only had it for about 4 days now)

 

see my sig and av