I own an RX8 because I liked it best. I drove the 350Z, Porsche Boxster S (used), Dodge Crossfire (not that bad if you don't look back), and the Lotus Esprit V-8.

The 350Z felt great, kind of like the best Camaro ever. Boxster wonderful and classy, a little light in front, and rubbery in the shifter. Lotus salesman, more afraid to get in the car than I was (I could actually afford the car). Lotus was still a little kit like, engine not quite worked out and suspension dodgey (I hit a tiny bump under braking, and the car leapt to the side like a scared gazelle). Nissan has a wonderful motor with lots of torque that helps in the van and sedan, but like the Camaro and Mustang makes it hard to shift gently, and avoids high RPM.

Mostly; I drove an RX3, and RX4 when I was a kid. Mileage was awful, which I got the cars cheap. I loved to surprise 240Z's, drive 'til the buzzer came on, and pull out hard. A rotary is special. No other motor sounds, or feels the same. Numbers notwithstanding, this car feels the best. Or just different in a good way. Sweet smooth, balanced. These cars may go out of production - forever.

With hybrids, better pistons, and emissions, I may never get another chance to drive a rotary. I will tell my grandchildren what it was like to rev to 9K, and drive a front mid engine car. I was really bummed when the RX7 went out of production, and I doubt that there will ever be a next generation rotary. I am taking it while I still can, I am driving the Wankel!

 

Double that. I looked at 350Z, S2000 and Corvette. I bought what I liked most and I don't care if some people tell me that 350Z or Camaro is faster than my car. I could buy 350Z for the same price or a Camaro for my cheaper but I wanted to buy a nice looking car with a rotary engine.

 

I cannot believe, it was my first post after several months on the board

 

Congrats, on your new purchase. Unlike you, the RX8 was my first experience with the rotary. I actually bought the car because of the way it look, handle and has for door. The rotary engine is a new experience for my and so far I love it.

 

This is the reason why I'll probably keep this car forever. And hopefully add an FC convertible to the stable. And maybe someday an FD and an FB. For some reason I really like the FC convertible...closest thing we'll get to a rotary roadster I suppose...

 

Don't be suprised if the RX-8 comes out in a convertible. If Mazda was smart they'd produce a convertible RX-8, because it would be a huge hit! I really see a million and one people buying that car if it were convertible.

The RX-8 will not fade guys, I have a feeling that with the new Renesis motor and the new found reliability, despite the recalls, that the RX-8 will be here till at least 2010, or 2015. It's just one of those cars that has a buzz, that's really fun to drive, that people more and more will be craving and giong after.

My personal opinion.

 

Rotary engine is a drug nothing feels like it, I buy a fc coupe in 1993 now own a fc convertible fc coupe, fd, fb , just purchase a jc cosmo and building a fc race car and planing to make a repu ( 1989 b2000 pickup 13b twin turbo swap).My wife is getting a RX-8.

 

i'd love an fc conv. 3 rotor :D

 

I have a 20b and the vert, but funds are runing a little low right now, but that must be fun.

 

I am right there with you, I used to have a 3000GT and thus test drove the EVO when I was looking at cars (could not get past the rally looks although it handles like a dream), I test drove some other cars and was going to drive a 350 for fun, I was not planning on buying a 2 seater because of the storage room and I saw an ad for a deal on an RX-8...well that one was sold but they convinced me to go for a drive...I had researched it and the gas mileage was the initial turn off but as soon as I got up close to one and drove it, I was sold...thankfully the dealer took me to a remote road with some mad curves and said "bring it up to the higher rpm's and let it fly..." I think she enjoys going on test drives! Sat down and inked it that night. I've been loving it ever since...might not be the fastest in a straight line but no one can argue the "whole package" comment. 4 doors, good acceleration, handling and the smooth whir of the rotary...I am a music guy and rarely turn on the radio...windows open for me!

 

True enough. It's easy enough to complain about the Bose being mediocre but I'd just as soon listen to the rotary generated symphony that's front and center.

 

I shut off the stereo and I can hear the gears whine, and the motor gears ratchet. When all is quiet, you can hear and feel everything.

I drive in socks so that I can feel the clutch engage and the brakes grip. Driving with running shoes on is like making love to a beautiful woman with a rubber.

 

Hahahaha thats great

 

When I test drove the Rx-8, I just loved how the rotary made a howling echo thru the area I was test driving it in :D
First rotary I've ever purchased

 

take your socks off for pure pleasure in that case. :D

 

for almost a month i couldnt drive the 8 with shoes on cause i couldnt hear the engine at low rpms i was so used to pistons i had to have the feedback to shift from a stop i still drive with bare feet just for the feel of it the last time i got pulled over i couldnt get my sandals back on when the cop asked me to get out of the car so i stood there barefoot on the side of the road then since im in the military he made me volunteer to do some push ups so i wouldnt get a ticket i imagine it was quite the site

 

add an intake and an exhaust, and then the aural pleasure of driving this car is even more stimulating.

i too had always wanted a rotary car, i lusted after the first gens when i was in high school, because i could afford them, at the time the third gen was still new. I was sold the day i got up close to one, and then i drove it. I plan on keeping this car as long as it will still drive down the road.

 

i like you're writing style, nice to hear your background on rotaries

 

classic

 

You test drove three $30k cars and a $80-$90K car. I don't get it. If you 're looking at cars like the Lotus why did you not look at cars like the NSX, 911, AMG, two Corvettes, Viper, etc. If you're tryingto convince me that you chose the RX8 over the Lotus it ain't gonna work. But then again.............

 

I'd have to agree with 911SC

At minimum the Corvette would be an obvious choice, and if you have the cash for a Lotus then the new AWD 911 is a no brainer.

Although he is into good audio so....eh maybe it's the truth....

 

Drive a corvette???

Are you mad?

They let me SIT in the Corvette, start it, and sit around at the dealer for an hour before I could get a date to come back and drive the car. What a bunch of low brow struck ups!!

I got home and my wife said that I couldn't own a Corvette because it was too "blue collar". I would have argued with anything else. She knows nothing about cars but can name all the designer labels. Once she said it, the label stuck. I asked about the Mazda and she said that it was sensible, not high or low class.

The Lotus was a bright yellow, out of print Esprit, I think that they would take a lot less than $94K. The 911 is a great car just didn't get around to it. I figured that I had covered my bases with the Boxster (the wife liked the Boxster definitley high class).

As for having the cash, my brother in law refers to me as a "cheap son of a bitch". This from a guy that bought the base Camry and had it reupholstered in leather to save the dough on the sunroof that came in the factory leather package.

I appreciate a good deal, and the RX8 is it. Just a different kind of deal.


A dodge Neon SRT can be had for less than $17K. That is bang for the buck.

The RX8 is not numbers for me. The smoothest motor ever, smoother than the Porsche, 350Z, and Lotus. Precise direct shifter that doesn't feel rubbery (Porsche and whoa the Lotus), or heavy (Vette even sitting still). Refined suspension, carbon fiber driveshaft, stability control, excellent brakes.

In short balanced, smooth, well finished, genuine.

 

Your kidding me right? Please tell me this is a joke.

A 45-50k car that will run circles around an 8 is low brow? Yea everytime I drive by a trailer park or a wallmart the place is just packed with new C6 corvettes.

 

If you are tall the lotus is really uncomfortable, the pedals are too close together and the seat does not move far back, the shift pattern is not short an its extrange, if you drive the car for a long time you will feel relive wen you get out.

 

Silverx8 has his head on straight...I'm 200% thinking as he does. There is no forgeting the impression a rotary engine car can make on an impressionable young dude ... even over the decades you don't forget ... or stop looking for the next rotaty fix... it's that bad I'm happy to say. It took me 30 years to get the 8 after my first RX-2. But the "what tha %$&^#" look I could get in my frompy little orange 4 dr sedan leaving some 'detroit muscle car' sucker in the dust was.. and for ever will be a priceless memory.

The 8 takes this addiction to a whole new life altering level LOL :D

Congrats Silverx8