Coming fro a E36 M, RX8 isn't right for you, I would sugget the G35c or the Z, they are much better choices for you than the RX8.

You like the M because it's got the power, the look, and the handling, plus the prestige name.

You like the RX8 because its look and handling.

Therefore you should pick G35 or Z because they got the look, the power and the handling. Don't criticize the weight alone, its the power to weight ratio that counts. G35 is wider so it will feel more stable but of course, they both aren't going to be as quick as the RX8 in the corners, but hey, how often do you really take turns at 50mph?

Get the G35c or the Z

Other than that I suggest you wait, for the next Supra, what about the new S4?

If money is no issue, just get the RX8 for now and if you don't like it switch car after a year or two.

Just my 2 cents and merry christmas to all,

Lucino

 

Joe,

First, I would not trade the 97 M3 with 80K plus miles in at a dealer. You will not get much money out of the car. I think you should try to sell it on your own. Given that you presently drive an M3, I would also look at an EVO or STI along with the other recommendations made by other posters. I do not own a RX8 but I have driven one. Performance wise, I prefer my WRX although the RX8 is a more attractive vehicle.

 

This has got to be the most honest thread in this entire forum. It is goos to see some reasonably objective thought for a change. I, too, think you should check out the G35 coupe. While I love my 8, I'm not so sure it will satisfy an M3 owner. The M3 simply is in a different class and the price reflects it. That's not to say the 8 is less. It is perhaps more fun, more rewarding to drive since you aren't as concerned about destroying a 50k car. And when the warranty goes, the M3 will prove outrageously expensive to maintain/repair. I've never had an M3 (weeping here) but had two BMWs (535is, 325e) and a host of Benzes. They all go before the warranty goes!

 

My last car was a bmw and if you are driving an m3 you'll probably miss the power. I've always wanted an M3 but can't afford it at this time. So i looked in to other cars. I didn't consider the the 350 cause i wanted some back seats. The G35 coupe was nice, but then I decided to try out a rotary. When i test drove the 8 it was so smooth that I wanted it. While I enjoy the 8 and having fun with it won't have the take off like a car with more torque. Handling is great on the 8 and as the years to come when mazda squeezes more hp out the 8 it's going to be awesome.

 

Really you should test drive a 330i, G35, and RX-8 as close together in time as you can. They all have good and bad points, and only you can decide what is more important to you.

I find the RX-8 nimble to drive and enjoy it. My previous car was a BMW540i. I enjoy the handling but miss the torque of the V8.

 

I have an RX8 and a G35, both are great cars. I would take either of those over the Pre-owned M3.

 

Okay, if you had a choice to keep only one car, which one would you take?

 

I also have an RX-8 6 speed and a G35 automatic sedan. If I could only keep one, it would be the G35. My wife does not drive a manual, and I need a bigger trunk for my two kids if we all go on a trip.

If I was chosing one to drive for fun, it would be the RX-8. It all comes down to what you need and what you value in a car.

 

Drive em both a couple timesand you decide.I bought the 8 over the g35c for 2 reasons.4 doors and the 35 interior was way to old looking for my taste being 30.The 35 is a great comuter for a 40 on up.

 

In my opinion the WRX or EVO are in a different class. They do not offer any of the luxuries that the 8 or the M3 offer. They are pure power sports cars with true 4 doors. Even the 350Z can't compete with the 8 or M3 luxury wise.

I would check out the G35 Coupe if you are coming from an M3 but honestly, you will be downgrading whether you choose to go with the G35 coupe or the RX-8. Money wise, both give you similar experiences and will keep the money in your wallet. Remember, you truly do get what you pay for. Just ask yourself if you want to pay that much on a car.

 

Wow - quite a few responses since I last checked the forum - thanks for the replies!

I have test driven the G35 Coupe, and it was fun, but felt WAY too heavy overall. For a vehicle its size, I think the G is at least 300lbs overweight. That is also my issue with the E46 3-series. (The 330 is also too soft - clearly more of a luxury bias). The Z is almost as heavy, lacks back seats, and as far as I am concerned lacks a trunk too.

I have thought of an Evo, and like the hard core edge it offers, but it will be hard to get over thinking of it as a gussied up economy car.

I can't get any solid facts on whether/when there will be a Mazdaspeed RX-8, but I am starting to think that might be more of a car for me. The RX-8 only needs a little more of an edge, IMHO.

Of course, I could test drive an RX-8 again... Salesman will probably start getting frustrated with me, but it is a 30k purchase...

 

Since you're having trouble choosing, my suggestion is that you hang on to your M3 for a couple more years and get the M4 when it comes out. This is gonna be one awesome piece of meat (4+ litre V8). The price tag would be on a different level too, hence the 2 year wait, enough time to save up maybe?

 

The M4 would probably be heavier than the current M3, however. Even if they make an aluminum V8 for it, unlike the iron block they're using for the I6, it would still be fairly massive in comparison to the E36 that he already owns. I doubt that would be the kind of replacement he is looking for, though I may be wrong. I'd go with the MS '8. By the time I get out of college, I hope to be able to afford one of them lightly used...

 

Go to a M3 forum and see what they say. hehe, but I say it's worth saving the money unless you got money to blow.

 

These assumptions make sense, since cars on the whole have been getting heavier, but I think the new M3/M4 will hold the line at about 3400lbs. BMW has been taking weight very seriously in the last few years.

The new E60 5-Series is larger in most dimensions, but is actually lighter by a few pounds than the old 5. They saved a lot of weight by making the car aluminium from the firewall forward.

Also the 4.9 liter V8 from the M5 is only about ~50 lbs. heavier than the 3.25 I6 in the current M3. An all aluminium 4.0 liter V8 would probably end up being lighter than the old 6... especially if BMW M decides to add valvetronic to the heads (gets rid of *8* throttle bodies and plumbing)

So if the E90 (codename for new 3/4 series) follows the trend of the new E60, they should weigh about the same as the E46 cars.

Incidently, the Europe-only M3 CSL weighs ~3170 lbs.


///M-Spec