Hey everyone,

I'm very interested in buying an RX-8, but I'm concerned with its safey. It is defenetly a fantastic looking car, sleek, stylish, etc. I love how the engineers designed the engine. But, safety to me is the number one issue. If I don't buy the 8, I would get a Volvo s40.

Can you guys give me some input on what you all know about the 8 in terms of safety (roll over, side/front/rear impact)?

Thanks

Peace

 

Don't quote me on this, but I think the 8 got 4 or 5 starts on all the governments crash test. Plus the dimpled aluminum hood and large space betweent the hood and motor is supposedly going to do very well with the upcoming European pedestrian accident testing (meaning if you personally get struck by an 8, hitting the hood shouldn't feel that bad . :p )

You also have to remember the car comes standard with ABS, EBD, tire pressure monitoring system, 2 stage airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags that will aid in the car avoiding a wreck. Plus you can get traction/stability control as an option.

I'd say its overly safe.

 

There was posted a picture of a RX8 that hit a light pole head on at 90 mph est that had no front end left. They walked away. The passenger compartment was untouched. I think you will be very well protected in this car.

 

I can't find any government crash tests of '8.

See...

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/SList2.cfm

It lists the '8 as 'to-be-tested'.

 

Thanks for the help. I'm still going to try to find more information about the 8's safety, but it sounds like I'll be buying one :D .

Peace

 

There are videos somewhere showing the actual crash tests. Sorry but the link is at home. Plus there are some threads on here with crashed "8" pics that you may be interested to find.

 

There were numerous posts of owners crediting the superb handling and braking of the RX-8 for saving their lives during some close calls. Therefore, besides the great crash test results, you got premium active safety features to protect you, I think you'll be safer in this car that many sedans out there.

 

Here's a link to pictures of a crash test that was posted by someone else (I'd give credit but can't find the original post...just my saved link). Remarks in the pic are in Japanese.

Looks like the passenger compartment of the car held up well.

-Eric

 

Maybe I'm thinking of insurance crash test results, not government.

 

What government agency has crash tested the '8?

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has not. See my previous link.

 

here

 

can someone translate it?

 

As an aside, the Volvo S40 is based on the Mazda 3, more than 40% identical parts. So if you leave Mazda to get Volvo safety, you'll still get a mazda designed car body.
--Dave.

 

Ironicly, the RX-8 has as many airbags and the S40, S60 and the S80. The 8 is heavier than the S40 and as heavy as the S60. This is the logic I use on my wife so I can bring our daughter in my 8

John

 

Translation (from left column to right):

"In the rear end test the rear tires are pushed forwards, making one wonder whether the rear occupant space has been intruded on or not. The fuel tank is under the rear seat.

This is a test simulating an offset collision, the subject of much attention recently. As with the full-frontal collision test, the lack of deformation of the A-pillar can be attributed to the high strength of the frame.

Thanks to the center pillar inside the freestyle door, the occupants are well protected in a side-collision. The fact that it achieves the same safety as a 4-door sedan with a pillar should not go unnoticed."

This appears to have come from a magazine...