Sorry, i need to qualify that 350Z comment. It's faster than an RX-8 but still seem slow to me for a sportscar. However, I'm treating the RX-8 more like a 325Ci.

I don't have "slips"...not into the 1/4mile - more of a cone chaser. And don't reference RX-7 moddings with Supra terms BPU reminds me of the turds on the Supra Forum (Tozer and al.). However, i think it's quite modded (and ricey) :D

http://www.nopistons.com/forums/inde...CODE=12&CID=35

http://members.shaw.ca/wankelhed/gallery.html

And I wasn't considering the SRT4 but was respecting what it offers at the price it's asking for. The STi was good, just seems a tad more racey than my needs are for a daily driver.

 

I am in a similar situation. I love the refinement of the BMW 325 Ci and the fact that you are getting a proven euro-tuners dream but it still leaves me wanting more. If I could afford a 330Ci with sport and premium than I would definately buy it. Having just bought a new house though, it is just barely out of my reach. The 325Ci is a wonderful car and has a smooth as hell inline 6 but it doesn't really have the extreme sports car feel. I was originally interested in the Honda S2000 but they have softened up the car in 2004 and taken too much away from it. I have driven the G35Cpe 6sp and thought it was a very good car, but the interior was not near as refined as the exterior (cheap silver painted plastic instead of true brushed aluminum.) The Audi TT, which I think has a lot of style and a beautiful interior but the reliability seems to be questionable. I recently drove a RX-8 6-sp on a extremely heated test ride with one of the best salesman I ever seen, and came away from the car with a new respect that I haven't felt in a long time. The RX-8 is definately one hell of a car no matter what the HP rating is! Time will tell what I buy but I think it will come down to who is wanting to deal!

 

HedgeHog, I also have had to learn not to compare my FD to the 8. I have the RX-8 A/T and it makes a wonderful daily driver . It also looks awesome in the garage next to my FD. Buy the 8 You will NOT regret it.

 

RX*-IS-SLOW,

You give everyone fron NJ a bad name. Your **** poor attitude is a clear indication to me that you are from NORTH jersey. Thank god.

 

what kleg said

 

dragging this up from the dead....

ne-hoo, thx for all those who offered opinions/experiences/etc. i decided to get the 330Ci M-Sport Pkg. in light of the low availability and issues surfacing re: RX-8, i'll pass on this first iteration.

for those current owners, happy rotoring to ya. mebbe a new RX-7 is in my future (should Mazda release one).

Signing off....

 

As posted by HedgeHog:

"My complaints are clutch is too soft and not very linear in terms of engagement. Gave me the most "trouble" in that I had to focus to drive smoothly. Still not difficult but the rubbery Bimmer ones are more forgiving and the short-travel Subie is more positive. Heel-toe position is great (seems all Mazdas are that way now) but the drive-by-wire throttle either over-blips or under-blips (prolly still in learning mode)."

This is the first time I've seen somebody post this opinion of the throttle and clutch action. As much as I love my RX8, I'd have to agree with the throttle opinion anyway. Most of my cars have been manual transmission models, so I like to think I know how to drive a stick. (don't we all?)

But when I'm stuck in traffic, especially with noisy vehicles surrounding me, I often find it difficult to make a smooth start from stationary, without giving the engine too many RPM, or sometimes, too few.

My previous car (WRX) by comparison seemed to have on/off clutch action even when it was working properly, (after it was replaced during warranty because of judder when cold) and the shifting was always notchy and imprecise.

I wish the RX8 throttle had that linear mechanical action of my '85 RX7.

 

Grats on the new car, I think for your needs you made the right choice, have fun with it. *points out that he suggested the 330 with the sprts package* :p


Ike

 

<----------HedgeHog

 

I actually test drove my friends STi and I think it's a monster on the road, it's turbocharged and its all-wheel drive, not a bad deal. Yet, I still love my 8, It has better handling and it's just so much fun to drive. No offense to any STi drivers, but it kind of looks like a box on wheels. The 8 has the sleek look to it... I agree with everyone here though, test drive each car and carefully make up your mind, in the end it's your car so best of luck.

 

Hey come on now. I have a great attitude