I completely agree with everyone elses response to your post. I'm pretty sure you've mistaken us for making our 8 seem like the fastest car within a lap 'in our minds'. We all understand that our 8's aren't about the quickest numbers. We feel that this car is more than just that. We have these strong feelings because the 8 is a very unique, rich, and ultra-involving sports car to drive, and that's very hard to find in solid performance vehicles these days. That's all we're trying to say.

 

Car and Drive did a similar handling test:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

1. Boxster Spyder
2. Elise
3. RX-3 R3
4. M3
5. Nissan GT-R
6. Corvette Z06
7. VW GTI

 

Which is funny because on more than one occassion, while stuck in traffic on I-95 or the Blue Route I have had people yell "Nice car" at me. The only other vehicle I've ever owned that ever got any similar type of response for me was my old '94 Ford Splash pickup truck. With it's stepside, it was sweet.

 

Lets not also forget the 2010 season of Grand-Am Rolex series. The GT class was dominated by the RX-8. The model placed 1st in 6 of the 13 races in the series, and overall dominating the podium. When going up against Cameros, Corvettes, 911 GT3s, and M3s that is very impressive.
All the stock RX-8 needs is a turbo-charged engine like in the RX-7.

http://www.grand-am.com/schedule/ind...es=r&cat_id=89

 

Out of the ridiculous amount of 911 models, I would think the Carrera 4 is probably the least involving and fun to drive. I can't say from personal experience. But think about it, AWD = heavy, understeering, takes care of putting the power down so the driver doesn't have to. Add to that it was the base 4, not the 4S which would have more HP to push that extra weight of of the AWD system. 911's are designed as RR cars, the AWD is added as an afterthought for those who want to look cool in a 911 but cant be botherd by the tricky RR setup. And then it was the automatic with unresponsive paddle-shifts, a standard manual adds a ton to the driver-involvement department.

I wonder how the RX-8 would compare in driving feel to a base Carrera or Carrera S with a standard manual gearbox. I would think those would be much more involving.

 

^ wut a subjective comment.... the c4 is badass to drive, this I know.

But seriously... you should be committed if someone where to say "hey, you can have a carrera or a rx8 no cost to you" and you pick the 8.... im jussayin


was considering the carrera as a next car

 

I don't know if this was directed at the OP or me, but considering this whole thread is about driving feel I would say the whole thread is pretty subjective.

About as subjective as it gets...

 

i think rwdlsd meant "speculative" :]

 

Yeah, I read that. All your points are well taken, what gets me is when somebody says that so and so car will blow the RX8 away in sheer speed (0-60, 1/4 mile, etc. ) and then it's remarks like "take them to a track, or you'll get them in the twisties". It just isn't so. Plenty of cars beat it on tracks, as in the C&D article. I'm not saying it's not a good car, it's just not the halo some of you think it is. I've been on the forum since 2004. I've read all kinds of rediculous claims.
I also know that there is more to a car than sheer HP or speed. I love my 911, even though it has only 180HP. I don't care that some Accord or Camry will beat me off the line. I just like the way it drives, handles, and looks, much like you people like your 8's. But I know it's limits and don't try to have an excuse everytime someone tells me it's slow. I'd rather drive a slow 911 than a fast Mustang or Civic. After all, once up to speed and you still have several miles to travel what would you rather be in?
Sorry to rant, it's just been building up over the years.

 

There is no doubt that the RX-8's feel is phenomenal and I would keep the 8 over any model Porsche (not a fan personally...).

That being said *flamesuit on* I wouldn't consider the 8 THAT much more fun to drive than my STi. They both have their pros and cons, the RX-8 is nimble and feels very balanced while the STi has massive grip and the DCCD does an excellent job keeping traction regardless of the situation (including punching it through turns). Obviously this opinion might change if I got some track time in both cars but for spirited driving on mountains and backroads I have about equal fun in both cars.

 

I'm on your side on this one. My 116bhp Miata was more fun to drive than my 8, but the 8 is a better car. It is exactly what I want in a car, but I understand it isn't the car for everyone.

 

Turbo is what give the rotary engine the undeserved unreliability perspective from the public. Thanks to the FD's horrendous reliability (partly due to owner's stupidity), the rotary is still recovering from its negative reliability image.

I had the good fortune a few years ago to contribute to a local rag for its automotive section and therefore got to drive many cars. Some boast higher hp and all that. But at the end of the day like Mazdamaniac said, the rx-8 provides that visceral thrill and sublime handling that the other sports cars/coupes just couldn't deliver. The only car that gave me a similar driving feel was the Audi R8. So until I can cough up 100k, I will just keep driving my RX-8.

 

lol thanks for rev

totally went with the wrong word there

 

I think John Lennon said it 1st.

"All we are saying is give RX-8 a chance." OK altogether now. All we are saying is give RX-8 a chance.

 

Well said.

 

I own Porsches. They are remarkably good for being rear engine cars. I sold the 911 and went for a Boxster S (much more lady-friend acceptable than a (911 with CF seats that literally bruised a chick's legs). It really felt like Porsche was just holding back on what could be greatness, just so it wouldn't kill the Carrera sales. I then decided that the open top part of the Boxster wasn't too fun (idiots cutting the top to try to steal it), so I got a Cayman S. Even better -- but again they held back. I finally was able to get an LSD when I ordered the Cayman, but that's because they finally have a torque vectoring diff out for the 911. Which might be for the better, because the cars I have driven with torque vectoring differentials felt like GrandTourismo. Fun--but not as engaging as driving. The same goes for PDK -- I stick to manuals.

When it comes down to being fun to drive, the RX-8 wins for me every day until you want to go stupidfast. The Porsche wins at stupidfast speeds, the gorgeous carpets, and wonderful leather smell. That and opening the "trunk" for search at events on the Porsche is great -- it has two -- one up front and one in the rear.

 

I have driven a Porsche GT3 mainly because my buddy works not far from here where they work on and build them. I would happily trade in my RX8 for one. Its faster, handles better, and is a nicer car all around.

I understand there is a love for the 8, and I really like my 8. But its not a Lotus, Porsche, Maseratti, Ferrari, or even a ZR1. Which is why its priced the way it is. For the price you get a good handling vehicle. Stock that is. If we owned Porsche GT3s we wouldn't need to upgrade the sways, and move to coil overs. We wouldn't need to look at different turbo systems because Porsche already has one.

This is a loosing battle. There are people that will swear by crap products simply because they are fan boys. We don't have a 80-100,000 dollar car. Even the 370Z can give the R3 a pretty good run for its money. Thats not the point, we all enjoy our 8s or we would have sold them. Why is everyone trying to convince others that very nice, very well engineered cars are crap?

 

You'd have to try hard to find a track that's worse suited for the 8 though.