Thinking about the RX8 vs E36 M3
07-27-2005, 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by clyde
If competitiveness in autocross is a concern and you want to compete anywhere above the local level, cross the 325 off your list. Except at the odd National Tour or Pro Solo where DS entries are really, really light, it won't have a chance against the E46 330s or Integra Type Rs (not to mention the E90s once people start running those).
The E46 330Ci is proven in DS (and the 330i should be able to do just about as well depending on a few things), but even with that car, you'll spend a lot more time driving around its weaknesses than you would be driving to the RX-8's strengths. Having autocrossed on both sides of the fence, what I'm sure of is that regardless of what level you're competing on, the RX-8 will be a whole lot more fun to run than any Stock classed E36 or E46 (whether it has an ///M badge or not). The RX-8 has proven to be a competitive B Stock car this year at the National level. It may not be "the" car for the class, but I wouldn't let that stop me...especially if I was cross shopping it with an E36 M3.
The E46 330Ci is proven in DS (and the 330i should be able to do just about as well depending on a few things), but even with that car, you'll spend a lot more time driving around its weaknesses than you would be driving to the RX-8's strengths. Having autocrossed on both sides of the fence, what I'm sure of is that regardless of what level you're competing on, the RX-8 will be a whole lot more fun to run than any Stock classed E36 or E46 (whether it has an ///M badge or not). The RX-8 has proven to be a competitive B Stock car this year at the National level. It may not be "the" car for the class, but I wouldn't let that stop me...especially if I was cross shopping it with an E36 M3.
Just interested what is "the car" for B stock?
07-27-2005, 05:54 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by clyde
If competitiveness in autocross is a concern and you want to compete anywhere above the local level, cross the 325 off your list. Except at the odd National Tour or Pro Solo where DS entries are really, really light, it won't have a chance against the E46 330s or Integra Type Rs (not to mention the E90s once people start running those).
The E46 330Ci is proven in DS (and the 330i should be able to do just about as well depending on a few things), but even with that car, you'll spend a lot more time driving around its weaknesses than you would be driving to the RX-8's strengths. Having autocrossed on both sides of the fence, what I'm sure of is that regardless of what level you're competing on, the RX-8 will be a whole lot more fun to run than any Stock classed E36 or E46 (whether it has an ///M badge or not). The RX-8 has proven to be a competitive B Stock car this year at the National level. It may not be "the" car for the class, but I wouldn't let that stop me...especially if I was cross shopping it with an E36 M3.
The E46 330Ci is proven in DS (and the 330i should be able to do just about as well depending on a few things), but even with that car, you'll spend a lot more time driving around its weaknesses than you would be driving to the RX-8's strengths. Having autocrossed on both sides of the fence, what I'm sure of is that regardless of what level you're competing on, the RX-8 will be a whole lot more fun to run than any Stock classed E36 or E46 (whether it has an ///M badge or not). The RX-8 has proven to be a competitive B Stock car this year at the National level. It may not be "the" car for the class, but I wouldn't let that stop me...especially if I was cross shopping it with an E36 M3.
07-27-2005, 09:27 PM
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gaspony,
I've been in the same boat...looking at 97-98 m3 sedans, b5 s4, rx-8 and g35. And for all the reasons mentioned above, I'll probably rule out the older m3, as well as the audi...can't seem to find 'em in good condition and reliability is an issue with me. Which leaves the 8 and the g35. I also have a 1 year old and the back seat worked great for a test drive. My wife thinks the 8 looks too odd (I prefer the latest rx-7). But the G35 was better than I thought and is definitely in the running.
I've been in the same boat...looking at 97-98 m3 sedans, b5 s4, rx-8 and g35. And for all the reasons mentioned above, I'll probably rule out the older m3, as well as the audi...can't seem to find 'em in good condition and reliability is an issue with me. Which leaves the 8 and the g35. I also have a 1 year old and the back seat worked great for a test drive. My wife thinks the 8 looks too odd (I prefer the latest rx-7). But the G35 was better than I thought and is definitely in the running.
07-27-2005, 09:38 PM
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I just went from an E46 to the 8 about three weeks ago and do not miss the M3. The leather in it has a funky smell. My wife has a BMW X5 and the same scent with the leather. It always made me sick. The M3 was a great car but I switched because the 8 just fits me perfect. As for the insurance, I have State Farm and was expecting a grand decrease in my rates. I have a perfect driving record and the difference was nominal. State Farm told me that they just re-evaluated there rates recently. I was quoted about a $150 difference for the year in Feb. when I called for a rate quote. When I bought the car several weeks ago I find myself paying the same for the 8 as the M3.
07-27-2005, 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by pabloarchitect
gaspony,
I've been in the same boat...looking at 97-98 m3 sedans, b5 s4, rx-8 and g35. And for all the reasons mentioned above, I'll probably rule out the older m3, as well as the audi...can't seem to find 'em in good condition and reliability is an issue with me. Which leaves the 8 and the g35. I also have a 1 year old and the back seat worked great for a test drive. My wife thinks the 8 looks too odd (I prefer the latest rx-7). But the G35 was better than I thought and is definitely in the running.
I've been in the same boat...looking at 97-98 m3 sedans, b5 s4, rx-8 and g35. And for all the reasons mentioned above, I'll probably rule out the older m3, as well as the audi...can't seem to find 'em in good condition and reliability is an issue with me. Which leaves the 8 and the g35. I also have a 1 year old and the back seat worked great for a test drive. My wife thinks the 8 looks too odd (I prefer the latest rx-7). But the G35 was better than I thought and is definitely in the running.
07-27-2005, 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Bigdog6060
Just interested what is "the car" for B stock?
07-27-2005, 10:39 PM
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there are quite a few choices and theres not one that's obviously a better choice than the others, get any of the popular ones, because in the end its the driver that will matter and just because your car is slightly better than another doesn't mean you'll really have a much better advantage considering how much skill level can vary. the RX-8 is alright, i auto-x an 89' rx7
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