Hey bros,

I want to say hello first off. I'm from the the 350Z forum's and by no means am I hear to bash the RX-8.

I will tell you know that I've always loved the RX-7's alot. Love the design and performance of the car. I was very excited when I heard that Mazda was going to come out with a new or updated version of the car. I think that the RX-8 is a great looking car with a good future (if Mazda can fix some things).

Basically I just wanted to know and find out what RX-8 owners really think about there cars. What they like and what they dont like.

How are the races going?? On the street or on the track?? I've ran twice againts the same RX-8 and it was a fun run. ( on the street).

so now its your turn..........

 

Ilya95,

Thanks for stopping by. First of all, I wouldn't compare the RX-7 to the RX-8. Mazda did not mean for the 8 to be a replacement of the 7. What they were wanting was a sharp looking vehicle, with good perfomance, handling, and yet practical enough for the average Joe to purchase. It's a daily driver. In my opinion, Mazda created a wonderful car in the 8. I mean, how many other cars with 4 seats are out there that have the sharp looks and performance of the 8 at an affordable price? My wife would not let me have another 2 seater (I'm coming out of a Miata) because we are planning to have kids in a couple of years. As soon as I saw the RX-8, I was so excited because before that I was looking at cars like the Mazda 6 and Nissan Maxima. To me, the RX-8 is a perfect blend of sportiness and practicality.

 

hmmmmm...don't take my car to the track....it's my daily driver and don't want to do that to my daily driver. I've got a well worn Mustang GT for that.

As far as street challenges, there are two 350Z owners that don't want to race because they have too much respect for the RX8s (as I do for their rides). Plus, as one of them said to me recently, he's not so sure he could take me as we don't have many real straight aways around our neighborhood.

As far as the rest of what I think of my RX8....it is, by far, the best, most rewarding car I've ever owned in 25 years of driving (that includes some very well regarded iron from Germany, Japan and the U.S.).

 

Yeah, what he said.....Allstate summed it up perfectly.

I'm sure most people outside of rotary owners think that the RX-8 is a replacement for the RX-7 even though it was designed for a different market. The RX-7 is still built in Japan and may appear in North America again hopefully, this car is a better comparison to the 350Z although it was quite a bit more expensive. The RX-8 really has no comparison to it on the road, I'd say the closest match for sporty fun and practicality would be the G35 Coupe which again I think is tageted for a bit different market segment than the RX-8.

As for your questions, I'm still waiting for my 8 to arrive so I wouldn't be the best to answer likes and dislikes but I did plenty of research before deciding on the 8 and it's exactly what I was looking for, an upscale sports car that's practical, fun to drive and most of all affordable. I'm not concerned about the power complaints others have, it's got more than any vehicle I've owned. The only thing I wish it had was auto temp controls like the Japan model has.

 

Lol, haven't raced mine yet, still breaking her in gradually.

Anyhow, I never got a chance to try a FD, the 93-95 RX-7. My brother did briefly own a 88 FC, it was naturally aspirated, so by no means was it a beast or anything, but it was fairly quick in it's own right. The suspension was a cut above the rest though. With a light body, a very well balanced weight distribution, and a crazy *** driving, it was a formidable car. It offered very little compromises to the passengers, it's main purpose was to be sports car, through and through.

The RX-8 is heavier. The engine doesn't put out very much torque for it's weight, due to the lack of turbocharger(s). It's suspension is softer than the RX-7's are known for. Their are a lot of creature comforts. The suspension REALLY SHINES though. Most roads that require me to put out maximum effort in a on a well tuned Honda Civic, I do so at 60% effort on my stock RX-8.

In my eyes...the RX-8 is to RX family as the Boxter is to the Carrera family. Basically it's sustaining a broad support basis for those that would normally not be able to justify buying a sports car. If all goes well, then hopefully Mazda can go back to making a pure sports car once again, the RX-7.

PS: My girlfriend and I love our RX-8 to death! :D

 

Hi and welcome to RX 8 world! I agree...it's not like the RX 7.....more or less a daily driver for people like me who have a family but love the handling, looks and utility of a back seat in a sports car!! This car is beautiful, handles like a dream and is a blast to drive!!

 

Welcome! BTW, where are you from?

 

I'm only reinforcing whats already been said, but the RX8 was never meant to be a replacement for, or even an evolution of, the RX7. Mazda has made three quite different variants of the RX7 in the last 25-ish years, all called the RX7. I've no doubt there will be a 4th, also called RX7 and have seen 'preview' pics which may or may not be accurate.
The RX8 is a new slant on the theme, and serves a different purpose. It is however the test bed for the new generation of rotary which Mazda hopes to put into the next 7 - and maybe other cars.
JH

 

Evolution of the RX-7? Man, I think it is targeted for the "evolved" sports car owner who now has a spouse, two kids, dog, pot belly...

Just kidding.

I think they did a smart thing by creating a more refined sports car to begin luring us back from our SUVs and jumpstart the all but dead Japanese sportscar market.

 

Very nice way to introduce yourself, Ilya95. Welcome to the forum.

To find out how people feel about their RX-8's, read these two threads:
https://www.rx8club.com/violations-53/little-things-9437/
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=15032

 

Remember that there is no street racing stories on this forum.

Just an advanced warning to keep things civil.

 

I have never driven the an RX-7, but I never expected my 8 to be anything like the 7. This is the first sports car that I have own and I must say I love this car. My only complaint that I have about it is the gas mileage. I never expected to get good gas mileage, but wish it was at least what they advertised.

I have autocrossed it once. Had a great time. Im still trying to get use to the rear wheel drive. I will be taking it to 1.8 mile track soon. I have had it up to 140mph. It was very smooth at that speed.

I have a great car thats pratical and affordable. Its perfect for me.

 

I've owned 2nd and 3rd gen 7's as daily drivers...still have my 2nd gen....3rd gen burst into flames....First off the Rx-8 (so far) doesn't have near as many problems as either 7....overall I think the Rx-8 is a better all around car bumper to bumper...You don't get the torque out of the 8 that you get from the 2nd and 3rd gen turbo's but thats about it....if your solely into racing the car then yeah the 7 is your clear winner, but if you want a class automobile the 8 blows 'em all away...IMO

 

Hey! I resemble that remark although I have two cats!:D

 

Okay this is happening again. It posted my above quoted message as srmd22 instead of me! WTF?

 

GREAT RESPONCES!!!!

I really enjoyed reading them. Thanks to the warning's about street racing as we talk about it alot over at the Z forums .
I myself am from Plano Texas and I see some are not far by (maybe a nice weekend stroll??)lol.

One more question for all of you RX-8 owners. Do feel that Mazda should come out with an version of the 8 thats turbocharged?? Again like the 7. I do now understand that both cars where made for different reasons but maybe like a high end performance model?? I know that I myself however would not but a turbocharged car seeing as to how it is a huge pitfall to realiablity. Kinda hints as to why I choose the Z (its N/A).

Thanks!!!!!!!!

 

Last 3rd Gen RX-7, for sale in Japan, came off the production line in August 2002.

Kevin

 

Anytime!
I wonder if yours is a black Z ??

 

nope.

I've got a Performance model in sliverstone.

 

I love the 8 and it defiently is nothing like the 7. I still have a '93 7 and it will destroy the 8 in every aspect performance wise.

The 8 is a different beast. True, it's marketed differently (hardcore 7 guys still hope there will be a new 7 some day). Guys that had the 7 at one point may want that same feeling in an 8... so Mazda hopes, but from this forum, it doesn't seem that way? (poll question!)

Until the 8 gets forced induction, it will not get much respect as a fast ET type car but will be feared once you hit the curves. Although my 7 is faster it is much more difficult to drive and the 8 is far easier to drive. It's got a much stiffer chassis than the 7 (rigidness) and the potential is huge to make the 8 a beast.

Mazda's running them in the SpeedGT series with a supercharger on it, so I'm sure there will be a few cars that 350 guys will fear as well. The car's pretty new, and I haven't seen too much aftermarket in America. Japan is starting to produce quickly so it's only a matter of time before this car starts to whop on the power and handling.

The RX-8 is the smoothest car I've ever driven my whole entire life. It's extremely neutral handler unless it's a slow and sharp turn--it pushes a lot... but most cars would.

Plus you can fit someone in the back. The RX-7 was a race car in a box (expecially the 3rd gens) but the RX-8 benefits in modern design. Look for Mazda to up the ante on the 8 soon. I just hope some of these boneheaded mechanics learn how to work on them.

 

I don't own an 8 yet but have gone to do my obligatory test-drive and it was a fun car to drive. I do own a 94 and a 91 RX7.

Comparing it to the 7 is really not fair you are talking about a two-seat sports car with twin turbos. Drop a nice turbo or supercharger on that renesis and than you can compare the two.

Funny story though, when I went for the test-drive the salesman jumped into the passenger seat and out I went. I promptly ran her up to 9k rpm's (yeah!) a few times and the salesman turned to me and said, "You have one of these rotary vehicles, eh?" I nodded in the affirmative and he said he could tell because usually he has to convince people to quit shifting at 4500 rpm's.

He told me his stock line is, "Rev it up, this ain't no honda"

 

And thank god for that...

 

I own a 93 7 and an auto 8, and they are both incredible cars and fun to drive. The 8 has everything I wish the 7 could have while cruising; heated seats, firm suspension, and that new car feel, but I don't miss a thing when it comes to the pure power delivered from the 7. Even with my 7 feeling sick right now, it will still hand the 8's bumper on a platter.
As for turbocharging the 8, I think that we will see a mazdaspeed version soon enough. (Just in time to deflate our heads from thinking our 8s are the baddest car out there.)

 

I disagree with that statement - I think handling and braking wise the 8 is at least as excellent as the 7 is. Now, my 7 isn't highly modified (stock size wheels, coilovers) and it may be a different story with a suspension-modded 7, but certainly in my experience the 8 is an extremely well handling car and is very comparable to the 7 in that respect.

Simon.

 

I would agree. The 8 will outbrake my 3rd gen 7, and not tax the system doing it. It is at least an equal in handling. Accelleration is another matter, however. Comfort - well I don't have any in my 7 (no room). I've ridden in the back (and front) of an 8 and it's comfortable. I was not interrested in owning the 8 a month ago, but I'm coming around now. It's a car I could live with. Very nicely appointed.

One thing I do and don't like about the 3rd gen 7 is the good looks attract too much attention. I think the 8 is equal in this respect. When we travel together, Canzoomer and I attact equal attention. Makes it hard to be "stealthy".