I know, I know this has come up before but given what we know NOW about each car, its reliability, mileage and performance and the fact that both are now out of production, given a choice between the two final versions (not R3) of the cars, which would you prefer? Would you trade your Rx8 for the S2000?

 

From the perspective of performance and reliability, the S2000 wins. The S2000 is in a "faster" class in SCCA autocross and the majority of problems I've heard about from drivers are ones that the driver caused.

However, I'm not a fan of convertibles and I like being able to toss stuff in the back seats so the RX-8 would still be my choice.

 

how many threads on this subject do you need? you just started this one below a few days ago

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...-trade-241093/

 

rx8>s2k I had a choice between the 2 the S2K is awesome but I couldnt even put my fully loaded kit (ruck sack, body armor,etc) in the trunk or in the back seats oh there aren't any!?

S2k is cool if you have another car as well other than that completely impractical even for a single mid 20's no children mgtow man like myself.

 

Veeetaaakkkk

 

RX8 of course...

 

This threads should be banned, they are pointless since you will only get biased opinions

If we thought the S2K was a better car, we would all drive them

Go to the S2K forum and make the same thread, they will all say that the RX8 is **** and the S2000 is better.

You will only get biased opinions on model specific forums

 

Talking Stock vs Stock S2000 is faster than BUT ! Techinal and the equipment way Rx-8 & S2000 same technology level maybe Rx-8 better than.

Tuning Options i saw F22C 320+hp S2000's Also Renesis P-Port Race Engine's 320+hp

With Bolt on's s2000 tuning is easier to get hp with na but 75.000-90.000 engine power loosing
Also Rx-8's same.

But 4 Seat, quality material, daily drive, track use all of this RX has more pros than s2k

I saw bolt on 8's easily race with s2000's such a lightweight car, and 1.3 liter vs 1,997 liter !

 

I have both in my garage. The RX-8 is a reasonable substitute for the S2000 if you hate convertibles or need a back seat, but the S2000 is just more enjoyable to drive. You sit lower, the suspension responds more quickly, it feels like it accelerates more readily (probably due to gearing). I don't make a habit of carrying body armor around town, but I had no problem owning a Miata, then an S2000, as my only car for about 9 years.

As for the materials, the main complaint I have with AP1 S2000s is that there's nothing but carpet covering the center hump. AP2s have a leather cover. All S2000s are equipped with nice leather seats. On the RX-8, leather is a premium option, and Mazda's leather sucks. It's thin and the outer layer wears through too fast. I chose to get the cloth interior on mine, and it's pretty nice cloth.

The RX-8's engine does sound very nice and super smooth.

The RX-8 is nice and fun to drive, but the S2000 is what I would drive all the time if I didn't need the back seat for the kid.

 

Compact Sport Coupe Comparison - Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8 & Nissan 350Z - Motor Trend

...shared here many times, but one of the few (only?) comprehensive comparos I've seen.

Back in 2005 I considered both, still glad I picked the 8, though the S2 would be worth more today.

 

I think the S2000 is a great sports car, but I view my RX-8 as a little more practical. It can haul my RC models to the field.

1.3L

 

I also have one of each in my garage (2007 RX8 Grand Touring, 2006 S2000 AP2). I've owned each of them for about 5 years. They share many things in common, but of course are different cars.

Both are "front mid engine", high-revving (albeit low torque), true enthusiast's cars. The strong suit of both is unrivaled handling, that addictive feeling of the car being an extension of you, directly hard-wired into your central nervous system. Both have that slot car, go-kart feeling that makes every drive feel special. Both are insanely addictive (if you're into this kind of car) and yet grow on you even more over time - I'll never sell either one, and can't imagine ever not having one of each (as long as I can drive stick).

In some ways, the S2000 feels like a smaller, convertible version of the RX8 (of course with the big difference of reciprocating vs. rotary engine). Shrink the RX8 by about 25% and make it topless, and it might be an approximation of the S2000.

The S2000 is more trouble-free (of course, it's a Honda), but that said, I really haven't had any problems with the two RX8's I've owned. The S2000 would be hard for me to imagine as an only car, the interior is very tight with no inside storage whatsoever (no space behind the seats, not even a glove compartment, though the trunk isn't a bad size, about the same capacity as a Miata), but I have used my RX8's as daily transportation at different times.

If you have one car, the RX8 could serve as daily transportation. If you can have two cars, the S2000 is a fantastic play toy - but then, if you can have two cars, get one of each.

 

Haha, that is the only article I've read in which the RX-8 comes first

But it also seems like an unbiased review.

Anyway, once upon a time I also considered the S2000 since I like those cars too. The two I've driven had excellent handling. I was quite impressed.

But obviously I ended up liking the 8 more.

But yeah, some of the S2000s seem to retain their value pretty good.