The RX8 did come out of Mazda's "grass roots" platform; its design origins go back to the RX-01 concept from 10 years ago. Yeah, the RX8 is significantly bigger and heavier than the RX-01, but it still starts at <2900 pounds (and only a little heavier than the FD). It's lighter than any other RWD 4-seater currently in production, except for a couple cars in Europe (that make a hell of a lot less power than the RX8) and the RX8's weight is more concentrated towards the center of the car.

The 8 is not about power, but is about balance. It's slower than the FD, but it's more comfortable, practical, and cheaper. You can add a turbo, sway bars, strut tower braces, stiffer suspension, etc and still be <3000 pounds.

 

You might as well scratch the gas mileage complaint, because the STi will get SLIGHTLY better mileage. In my first 3000 miles I've seen equal or slightly better mileage than my 8. On the highway, both my 8 and my wife's STi are pretty much even on gas mileage.

 

sometimes...you hit the nail DIRECTLY on the head, Ike...well-said. People confuse things all the time. Some think to gain power up-high in the rpm band, means you'll have to lose it 'down low'. People think 15hp peak gain at ONE rpm is better than 10hp gain between 2000-9000 rpms. People think for a car to go fast in a straight line, it HAS to be slow in the 'twisties'. Frankly, I'd be surprised if 98% of RX8 drivers would soundly out-handle 98% of drivers of (insert whichever make of car listed above) on a road course...When it comes to great-driving/road-course cars, there isn't that much difference between 'sports' cars the driver can't compensate for.

When I was looking at a 2004 GTO, I read a story about a guy with a stock GTO on a road course passing C5s.

(shrug).

 

Why do you doubt the 238 hp claim? Compared to other cars that I have owned or seen reviews on it seems just about right. Looking at weight and acceleration then 0-60 at around 6 seconds and 1/4 mile at 14.5 would be appropriate.

If you take the 238 hp car and give it a 26% increase in power the result would be 300 hp. I certainly would expect a performance difference.

 

Mazda 6S 220hp: 170-180whp
Mazda RX8 '238hp': 170-185whp.

(shrug).

Just doesn't add up that with all the the parasitic reductions planned into the RX8, it'd lose MORE HP thru the drive train than a fwd'er.

 

Pauliewalnuts: I didn't mean the 7 was faster, just that it was a more engaging car to drive. It felt like it was pulling free of it's leash at high RPMs, where the 8 feels like it's running out of steam.


Darkmaz8: Nothing but genuine eucalyptus in my (and all) STS. That's what listening to the "anti-GM" masses will get you, misinformation. The STS was just nominated for Ward's Interior of the Year Award.

 

ls430 w/dvd navi $61,875

A similarly equiped STS $60,835

The picture makes the sts look alrite but in person there is no comparison.

The sts doesnt even have a center rear seat headrest and comes with a shitty bose, which can't even compare to the entry lexus nakamichi system nevermind the mark levingston. Not to mention all the other options that come standered on the 430. Like the perferated air condishion leather seats.

 

(*Editor's note: I can't believe I'm about to argue logic with a person who actually wrote "Perferated, air condishin seat". Sigh.....*)

My last comment on this because we're hijacking his thread:

My STS has perforated and ventilated seats from the factory. And perhaps you were unaware, but Lexus does not offer Magnetic Ride Control, keyless pushbutton start, intellibeam forward optics, or a four color HUD. Add in the better 0-60 and 1/4 mile of the STS, and I don't see your point.

And by calling the world's only BOSE 15 speaker, 5.1ch. personal studio surround system, complete with Bluetooth integration, DVD audio, DTS and Dolby Digital playback "shitty", you sir are making yourself look silly. Not all BOSE systems are as bad as the RX-8's, my friend.

And not all GM cars suck. I know, it hurts to admit it, (and you won't) but it's true. I doubt anyone here will agree that the above interior looks "cheap" (higher res. Nav screen, BTW...).

That's all for me, it's rude to hijack this gentleman's thread. I told him what I traded for and why, and you felt the need to (attempt) to critcize my car. But don't throw your showroom brochure knowlege at somebody who actually owns one and shopped both.

And if you want to **** all over GM, pick a different car, because that dog won't hunt.

Sorry for the sidetrack in topic.

 

Obviously you are biased but in REALITY the Lexus is the better car. GM has stepped it up a bit but remember that the 2005 ls430 is no different(other than tranny) than the 2001 and it still can't compare. Sure it does the 1/4 in 14.3 but the lex is a 14 second car as well. If you know anything about business you would know that GM is in a terrible position financially. The lexus/toyota sells for sticker while GM can't sell a car at sticker if their life depended on it. Sorry to burst your bubble but GM is still playing catch up as Toyota has taken a huge market share. Why do you think an import would be outselling a domestic? B/C it is better. We'll see how your STS stands up in 10 years. Go drive a 10 year old LS. It still drives better than new. The STS is a good car to lease but I'd never own one.

BTW GM makes cars to last the warrentee. Their income is from leasing, service and parts not by selling cars.

Your not gonna win this one buddy. You'll eventually see the light.

 

GM is going down fast. Now they have a big recall on trucks, SUV, Hummers, Caddy SUVs. When will they wake up? I think the big executes who are up there in their ivory towers should have their benefits cut, big time until they turn the company around.

 

I was talking about a car, not GM's business strategy, which includes 10 divisions. This is not representative of what's happening at Cadillac.

I swear that this will be my last comment, because it's rude as hell to hijack this thread. If you feel this bitter, start a thread in "General Automotive" called "Why Lexus is better than Cadillac". But since we're here, I'd just like to point out that your opinions of Cadillac are based on the cars they made 10, 5 or even 3 years ago. This is a revitalized brand, with a product just as fresh. If Consumer reports, Kiplinger's, Ward's and the rest of the automotive world don't convince you, nothing will. Keep dreaming of one day being able to afford an overpriced, rebadged Toyota, and maybe it will come true eventually. (At least Cadillac uses their own chassis and engines) The fact that you know nothing about the equipment offered on the STS should be an indicator to you that perhaps you don't know anything about the car. Reading a headline in USA today about GM's stock price does not make you an expert on their products.

But that's the nice thing about the automotive landscape: Choice. You drive what you want, I'll do the same.

The gentleman who started this thread is trying to make an informed choice, based on the opinions of those who have owned and driven the car in question, not a teenager who can't spell "air-conditioned", and we are getting in the way.

 

First off i wrote condish on purpose dummy!

Second, you have no Idea what a quality product is. I do and I have a 98 ls400 bought in 2000. You are in no position to tell me what I can or can't afford. I bought the car knowing that it will last. Not only did it last but it has the maintenance of a camry. Don't worry, I'll be trading her in for an 05 or I might wait to see the ls600 due in 06 and you'll be the first to know.

Third, I am not saying you made the wrong decision. You like what you like and I like what I like. Saying that Lexus is a rebaged toyota might be right but still doesn't prove anything except that Toyota makes great cars.

Lastly, I wouldn't trust all the media hype. Especially media coming from the USA. Considering the problems GM has, I wouldn't be suprised if they pulled some strings. But then again, GM doesn't have anything to do with Cadillac.


Yes this Thread got hijacked, but rightfully so. The original poster should go on other sites to ask this question cause most former 8 owners wouldn't be found here anyways.

 

I traded my 8 for purely practical/financial reasons. I owned the 8 and a Nissan pickup truck. I was making payments on both, and want to get down to one car payment.

I live on the side of a mountain in southwest VA, with a 1/3 mile rutted gravel driveway. I couldn't even get my 8 out of the garage for three weeks this winter (snow & ice). It dragged on the center of the rutted driveway sometimes. I could get the driveway fixed, but it would happen again eventually.

The pickup is great for haulin' stuff, but not as a daily driver. So I traded my 8 for a 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD -- sort of between the 8 and the truck. I still have the truck, but the plan is to sell it eventually.

It was a difficult decision, but it was the right one. I love the S40!