Well, I went and test drove an RX-8 and it is simply too small for me. I put the seat all the way back and the wheel all the way up and my knees were right up against the wheel. On the way out I bumped my head. I love the style of the car, I just wish it was a bit bigger. So, my search for a $24,000-$30,000 sporty car continues. I was wondering, I know this is RX-8 forum, but im sure you guys would know. It the 350Z roadster possible a better choice? I wouldn't mind only having 2 seats if I have enough room for myself. Plus, I don't really need a lot of room for other people since it will usually be just me driving. Since it is a convertable headroom shouldn't be a problem too often. I know you guys can help me out. Thanks

 

How tall are you?

 

if i had to guess, i would say 8'10" ...judging by his username. i have my seats 2 clicks from last and i have TONS of room, not to mention i can't even push the clutch all the way down when in normal driving position...so maybe 8'10" isn't too far fetched =p

 

There is probably less headroom [with the top up] in the 350Z Convertible than in the RX-8. One suggestion in your price range might be a used 3 series BMW. Sorry you don't fit, the RX-8 is a great car. At 5-6 head room has never been a problem for me.

 

ok, I'm slightly over 6 foot four inches and seat back, tilted back I have plenty of leg and headroom, it would be entirely possible that you are built differently, longer legs etc. (I'm pretty much split 50/50), I did test a Z, there was more headroom and you sit lower so your legs are more straight out. I will go ahead and tell you cars that are smaller than the 8: Honda S2000, and of the BMW Z's, same with Miata, and the Boxter all feel cramped, didn't try to drive the Miata, friend's car. The Supra a friend had felt smaller. I think the 350Z was a little bigger, but I liked the style and handling of the 8 so much better. The 1st thing I did when I looked at the 8 was sit in it before talking about it to make sure it felt comfortable.

 

How big are you? Actually the RX-8 has a tad more legroom than the 350Z 42.7 inches for the '8' vs 42.6 inches for the Z.

headroom is identical, but the '8' is an inch taller, I would think getting in/out of it would be easier than the Z for a tall person.

Perhaps the G35 would better suit your dimensions.

 

I am about 6' 3" 265 lbs.......im a bit more leg then I am top The RX-8 I sat in had the sunroof. Maybe im a bit clostrophobic or something but it just felt too small. I have driven in 3 series BMWs and felt comfortable, same with a WRX. But neither really impressed me looks wise. The 350Z doesn't look as good as the 8, but since it is offered as a convertable I can live with that.

 

aw poop, guess i was pretty way off on the 8'10" have you thought about the evo?

 

Might I suggest the Sport package? You gain some headroom without the moonroof and I am very happy with mine. Of course, you give up leather, but for miami, I am fine with that.

 

I rode in one of those BMW convertables and felt like I was going to suffocate. I do have to throw my legs out first, and I'll pivot in with my foot on the dead pedal, but it is the smallest car I felt comfortable in.

 

Also, did you make sure to adjust the seat height vertically to its lowest position? I could see you bumping your head and knees if it was all the way up. You'd think the salesperson would have mentioned it, though.

 

I'm 6'3 (220lbs) and I actually moved the seat up a tad for the test drive (no purchase yet ). It actually didnt feel claustrophobic to me, which I was worried about.

The back seat (with sunroof) was a little tight at the head when I tried it out.

Wahoo

 

The 350Z convertable is nowhere near your price range. I'm 6'3" and 250 lbs and I have to put the seat up a couple of inches, I definately need the seat all the way down. I have about an inch and a half of head room in a GT.

 

haha im 5'4" no such thing as being too small of a car for me. and a car is never too big just move the seats up and ur fine.

 

6'3" -- 280lbs. You should have plenty of room in the sport pkg. version. I am comfortable in my GT but little room to spare -- drove a sport and had tons of headroom. Drove a 350Z for a week last Fall and my impression was no more room than my GT.

 

Following up on these suggestions, I saw in another thread that RX-8s without the sunroof, such as the the Sport Package, actually have an inch and a half of additional headroom. That, and lowering the seat all the way (although I'm sure you tried that) could make a huge difference. I also have to wonder whether the manual seat of the Sport or base models is the same height as the power seat.

 

I tried to sit in an RX-8 with and without a sunroof. What a HUGE difference. With the sunroof, even with the manual seat lowered all the way down, my hair brushed up against the ceiling. Without it, there was plenty of room. I'm 6'2" with a 34" inseam, by the way.

I wonder if the '05 RX-8 will let you get leather without the sunroof?

 

Does anybody out there know if there is an aftermarket bracket that could lower the factory seats in the RX? Do Momo seats or other aftermarkets have a lower profile? You'd give up the airbags, but...

I have been told by the dealers that the power seats do decrease headroom, and most on the thread are right, the Sunroof also eats an inch to an inch and a half.

I talked to a local body shop about a special bracket, but they wouldn't touch it due to potential liability in the event of a car crash.

 

Try a used C5 Corvette....plenty of room and should be in your price range.

 

I'm 6'3" too, but more limber coming in at 170 lb. I have not problem fitting into my RX-8 as long as the vertical alignment is all the way down. I have just about an inch of head room with the sunroof.