As a previous 325i coupé owner, I have to agree with NickG that the RX-8, which I've had for 8 weeks now, is a disappointment on low and mid range acceleration. I commute to work via a hilly road and the lack of torque becomes very apparent going up a gradient. I always have to shift down a couple of gears and make the engine scream when overtaking. I'm not sure whether I get stares because of my great-looking car, or because of the noise pollution I create. Where the RX-8 really comes into its own is when travelling at speed, revving above 5000 rpms. The responsiveness, smoothness of the engine and the balance of the car is hard to beat. The Beemer would be no match there although it is no slug neither.

The 8 has more road and engine noise but wind noise is lower than the Beemer. The engine sounds like an ordinary wimpish 1300cc at low-rev and only starts to sing (quite beautifully) above 4000 rpm. The steering, I find is a bit too sensitive on the 8. Any imperfection in the road feeds back to the steering wheel quite sharply. I've had to get used to holding the wheel a bit tighter than on my Beemer. Overall the Beemer is a much more comfortable car to drive. And I obviously did not buy the 8 for its comfortableness.

The interior is well-designed with good finish, way better than what you'd expect from a Japanes car, although not quite up to the Beemer's standard (The 8's power window controls are really cheapish). What pisses me off though is that the new Mazda 3 uses many of the parts used on the RX-8, like the air vents, climate and audio control dials, steering wheel, among other things; Even the instrument panels have the same shape. Now that takes away some of the exclusiveness of the RX-8, Mazda's flagship car.

Whether you go for the RX-8 or not depends very much on your driving needs. If you are a high speed, high revving freak, wanting sporty handling, go for the 8. If looks and exclusivity are important to you, go for the 8. If you have a more leisurely driving style, only needing short bursts of low-rev acceleration and favouring comfort, stick with the Beemer.

However, I want to add that I do not feel the adrenaline rush when driving the BMW, that I get BEFORE entering the RX-8.

 

My wife has an '01 325xi wagon with sport package, a great car. Leaving my favorite cloverleaf exit ramp, the RX8 is at least 10 mph faster on exit, and is substantially faster even on Dunlop MP3 winter tires on 17" wheels (compared to the 325xi's Conti all-season). There's also no comparison in nimbleness. However, if you value ride comfort, the 325 feels like a great-handling limo, compared to a buckboard. Me, I like the buckboard. My wife likes the limo.

 

Hehe... I liked that comparo shebam.

I'm opting for the buckboard too.

(and I don't even think the 8 is that much of a buckboard)

 

Just wanted to thank everyone for the terrific quality of feedback. You've given me a lot of really balanced, useful info. As a result I think I now have a much clearer perspecive on the pluses and minuses of these cars. Now its up to me to get a decent drive in the 8 (under the right conditions this time) so I can properly assess how its particular strengths will meet my needs.

Thanks again and Happy Christmas to all from sunny Sydney Australia.

 

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(and I don't even think the 8 is that much of a buckboard) [/B][/QUOTE]

Well, of course there are harder riding cars (like the '93 RX7 I understand), but let's put it this way. First time I backed my '8 out of the garage I heard a THWAP and wondered, what's that? It was the tires rolling over the 1/4" gap between two concrete driveway panels. Never heard or felt it on the two Beemers or '88 626 5-door Turbo that had also occupied that garage.

 

I've had only one test drive so far, in a very low mileage demonstrator. Brakes, steering and gearbox all seemed well up to BMW standard

Maybe its because its not a BMW, I dont know just a thought.

 

I think that Car and Driver and several other publications have named the Acura Integra the best handling coupe/ sedan of all time, as far as regular affordable cars go. And from personal experience, i do rate the RX-8 high on the list. But behind the Integra, WRX Impreza, Lancer Evo, and Ford Focus RS.

 

This thread isn't 18 yet, wait a bit before you have your way with it

 

This thread is almost old enough to drink!

Registered just to post! Must be a new of insecurity.

 

IBTL ...... we used to say that back then ....

 

Stock for stock, maybe. My GT's suspension is somewhat soft.

But with some good mods I don't see any FWD hot hatch car being comparable, especially seeing most of the cars listed are gonna cost more, while the 8 doesn't cost much so a level price playing field means that the 8 can get some mods.