Both are great cars but totally different. If you are looking for the a blend between the two, consider Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX Sti. I know the Lancer can be had for about the same price as the TSX and the RX-8 (I just got one) and has more seating/cargo space than the RX-8 without giving up engine power or the FWD dynamics of the TSX. That said it has nowhere near the finesse of the TSX or even the RX-8.

If you want pure performance with all-around practicality of all-wheel-drive and a small sedan shell, but not a fancy package, get an EVO. If you want a nicer looking package and the thrill/balance of rear wheel drive and rotary engine, get the RX-8. If you want a fun to drive practical sedan with great reliability and resale value and precision Honda quality, get the TSX. They are all completely different though.

 

I test drove both. Decided to buy the TL over the 8. I just ordered last week, so do not have 'real world' info on TL.

However, it was quick, roomy and handled great. I do not think that it will be close to an 8 on twisties, but it is plenty fast for me. However, it does appear to be faster in the 1/4 by a very slight margin.

My final decision came down to the various problems that the 8 currenly has. Flooding, engine failures, no spare tire etc. Just did not feel right. Now, if the 8 proves to be a good car in a few years I might trade my other one in for one.

 

You can't go wrong with that car. However, although it's basically a good-looking car, I feel some of the exterior elements seem tacked-on. Still, I would definitely enjoy owning the TL, just like I would enjoy having the TSX, the G35 coupe, and the RX8 (which is what I have).

I had the same concerns with the RX8 as you did. However two factors enabled me to move forward. First, I drive conservatively and I feel any car of unknown reliability or known poor reliability should last relatively longer with me driving. Second, I would keep my 10-year-old econocar that has over 250,000 miles but no mechanical problems and still gets 36 mpg (care to guess the make?) and split the driving time between the two cars.

 

It's my opinion, but either of those acuras just look so bland to me. They may last till I start growing hair in my ear, but I'd still choose the 8 w/o hesitation. Life is too short.

 

The RX8 is made in Japan bro.

Fiat owns a good portion of Nissan, but Nissan's are not made in France.

Ford also owns a lot of Volvo, but Volvo's are not made in the U.S. last time I checked.

And most Ford vehicles are made in Canada and Mexico.

The Volkswagon Jetta and some of their other vehicles are also made in Mexico I believe.

And so forth....

 

This is what decided it for me. I just couldn't get excited about any other car. They are sooo bland and a dime-a-dozen on the road.

 

I suppose as a math Ph.D., you do need another avenue to get your excitement. Have you been able to meet super hot women in the same field? That would be pretty cool.

 

Sadly, the supply of hot available women in math is low, and the demand is high (at least among mathematicians). So I've met some fairly hot women in math (by my standards anyways), but they're usually already spoken for.

I don't think I'll be going for an academic research position, so at least careerwise I may have more excitement.

 

Yeah, but what does a mathematician think is a hot woman as opposed to what do the rest of us think is a hot woman?

 

Actually, a recent Consumer Reports lists reliability by manufacturers, and Mazda wasn't near the top. Fortunately, it was in the top half, but just barely. Also, the fact that it doesn't leverage much off other cars is usually a reliablility minus, as is the fact that it is the first year for the car.

That said, over the years I have been very happy with the reliability of the various RX's I have owned.

 

I have driven both the Rx-8 and the TL. I would find it hard to be torn between them, because they are so different.

The TL is FWD, ok handling, very practical.

The RX-8 is RWD, good handling, medium practical.

I chose handling over practicality. The factors you are trading off are clear, you values are all that makes it hard to chose.

 

I noticed the survey, but when I look at the individual Mazdas in Consumer Reports, the 6, Protege, Miata, and the MPV have "better than average" or better reliability.

The others (Tribute, B2300), I think are rated low (due I think from influence from Ford)

 

Renault owns majority of Nissan. BTW Fiat is Italian.

 

Yes, I am the same as you. I have two cars and the TL is going to be my second. However, I have owned a Firebird Formula 350 for 17 years and am tired of taking it in for work. The intake manifold gasket went out twice, the transmission mount went out for the third time etc. in less than 100K miles. It is fun to drive, but the repair record is terrible. I WANTED a car that has a good repair record. In a few years when I get rid of my 8 year old car the RX8 might prove to be a good car for repairs (it is great for driving and looks without question) and I would then have no problem buying one.

 

ozbot, I was in the exact same boat as you.

Acuras are great cars, no question. I've owned a CL and a TL and I really liked them both. I had driven both the new TSX and the new TL and enjoyed driving the TSX more. I had my heart set on that car and was even looking forward to a lower car payment.

I can't honestly say I was passionate about my Acuras, though. They are nice cars but they didn't really inspire me.

That's why I test drove an RX-8 after reading many of the threads on this forum, particularly "The Little Things." I ended up buying one that same evening.

It all boils down to: Do you need "practical," or "passion?"

 

More passion than practicality, but I would still like the idea of packing my bags and taking a cross-country trip by myself or with a friend...

The RX-8 would still be my first choice. I can't help but to love its sexiness...)

 

If I were to choose, I'd pick the TL over the RX8. Someone said it before, you can't beat/compare the TL's technology, refinements, resale, name and it's 270HP.

 

This thread compares pears with apples

 

You can certainly do this with the '8, though I wouldn't go cross-country with more than two of us in the car.

 

Another alternative...

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/Albu...a=30946375&pw=

 

Nice

 

That car just ruined my head !! Congrats !
Who sells them in USA???

 

Ah yes, the Lotus Elise...

Isn't an entirely new model coming out in 2005?

 

That is the 2005 U. S. Lotus Elise, appearing at your friendly Lotus Cars USA dealer in May 2004.

 

I am as single as can be. So I can lug two people long distance no prob. As for four people, I really don't carry four people regularly. And it's good to know that the capability is there when I need it.

If the RX-8 can be almost as reliable as the TSX, then I would not hesitate to buy it. Let's hope that the 8 stands up against the tests of time and wear.