Notices
RX-8 Media News Report the latest RX-8 related news stories here.

Consumers Reports does the RX-8

 
Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 11-07-2003, 06:55 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
bztips's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Consumer Reports article on rx8

Latest issue of CR just came out -- compared rx8 to STi, EVO, 350Z and Crossfire. The 8 came in 2nd in overall score to STi, but didn't make the "recommended" list because it's new.

Highs -- Smooth-revving engine, handling, ride, shifter, braking, 4-passenger capacity
Lows -- fuel economy

As a point of comparison, since 350Z seems to be the most popular comparison car on this board:

350 Highs: Acceleration, braking, fuel economy
Lows: Ride, noise, visibility, trunk capacity

Other comparisons:
0-60: rx8 6.7, Z 5.4
Quarter mile: rx8 15.2, Z 14.0

Article also claims that 8 requires premium fuel.
bztips is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 07:19 PM
  #2  
Ike
Blue By You
 
Ike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The STi is such an ugly piece of crap and they don't handle as well as the RX-8, I can't believe they would chose the STi over the RX-8. The wing on the STi is useless and ugly unless you use it for having picnics on. Lastly, everyone knows AWD cars don't handle well and the interior in the STi is made of recycled milk cartons. I'm canceling my subscription to Consumer Reports!

That should about sum it up...
Ike is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 07:22 PM
  #3  
I see you
 
klegg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Smile

Originally posted by IkeWRX
The STi is such an ugly piece of crap and they don't handle as well as the RX-8, I can't believe they would chose the STi over the RX-8. The wing on the STi is useless and ugly unless you use it for having picnics on. Lastly, everyone knows AWD cars don't handle well and the interior in the STi is made of recycled milk cartons. I'm canceling my subscription to Consumer Reports!

That should about sum it up...
I can not beleive this is the IKE I know and love...bashing an sti?

My god, people CAN change
klegg is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 07:45 PM
  #4  
100% Italian
 
mikeb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: orange,ca
Posts: 9,422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ike is using sacarsm

I think its a good review and pretty accourate
mikeb is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 08:41 PM
  #5  
Registered
 
Gord96BRG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally posted by IkeWRX
That should about sum it up...
Not nearly! You missed the Blue350Z et al Z lovers replies about how there's no possible way the RX-8 could rank ahead of the 350Z, why just look at the 0-60 and 1/4 mi times, CR doesn't have a clue about testing sports cars, they should stick to washing machines, Mazda must have paid off CR big time!

Hey Ike, how about you and us go find a 350Z forum and brag about how our tarted-up economy cars and wimpy no-torque rotary cars beat the 350Z in that CR test? :P :D

Regards,
Gordon

Last edited by Gord96BRG; 11-07-2003 at 08:44 PM.
Gord96BRG is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 08:51 PM
  #6  
Ike
Blue By You
 
Ike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by Gord96BRG
Not nearly! You missed the Blue350Z et al Z lovers replies about how there's no possible way the RX-8 could rank ahead of the 350Z, why just look at the 0-60 and 1/4 mi times, CR doesn't have a clue about testing sports cars, they should stick to washing machines, Mazda must have paid off CR big time!

Hey Ike, how about you and us go find a 350Z forum and brag about how our tarted-up economy cars and wimpy no-torque rotary cars beat the 350Z in that CR test? :P :D

Regards,
Gordon
What's it worth to you? And keep in mind I can be really annoying, and put up a pretty damn good fight when people try to shoot me down :p
Ike is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 08:54 PM
  #7  
Registered
 
Charles Cope's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Alto, Michigan
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Consumers Reports does the RX-8

Just got the December 2003 issue. They review the WRX STi, RX-8, Mitsubishi Evo, 350Z and the Crossfire.

They gave the WRX the highest score, but it appears to be because they don't have crash and reliability data on the RX-8.

CR's "Recommended" status evidently cannot be given to a car they haven't crashed and "long term tested".

Only significant bone I had with the article was the statement that rotary engines "emissions aren't as clean" [as piston engines].

I've been trying to find the actual emissions numbers for the RX-8, after reading a great thread authored by Buger. A Road & Track article states that the Renesis engine has "reduce[d] exhaust emmisions to one tenth the amount recorded by the previous generations of Mazda rotaries".

If CR is unfairly slamming the 8 on emissions, its time for some reader feedback!
Charles Cope is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 08:54 PM
  #8  
Ike
Blue By You
 
Ike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
By the way, did the Crossfire or Z finish last?
Ike is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 09:16 PM
  #9  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
bztips's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Crossfire finished last by a wide margin.

"Although a new model, the Crossfire relies on a 7-yr-old design and can't compete with newer sports-car designs."

Highs: Engine, acceleration, braking, fuel economy
Lows: Ride, steering feel and response, shifter, controls, visibility, interior room
bztips is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 10:48 PM
  #10  
Registered
 
Elara's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,447
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Crossfire is interesting, but not interesting enough, it appears. They aren't selling at all- there's something like an average 103-day inventory of them at dealers currently.
Elara is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 11:31 PM
  #11  
Registered User
 
mental pimp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: miami,fl
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i thought that the 8 did under 6.0 seconds to 60mph, wat the hell
mental pimp is offline  
Old 11-07-2003, 11:41 PM
  #12  
uhhhhh....hello?
 
P00Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
diff magazines get diff numbers...

anywho, i recall someone emissions testing their rx-8 at inspection and it had 0 emissions. now i dont know for sure, but i think 0 emissions is pretty clean
________
Vermont marijuana dispensaries

Last edited by P00Man; 04-16-2011 at 08:48 PM.
P00Man is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 12:34 AM
  #13  
Ike
Blue By You
 
Ike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by mental pimp
i thought that the 8 did under 6.0 seconds to 60mph, wat the hell
Those were pre production cars and also with a 8k clutch drop, perhaps CR wasn't as hard on it... there's also a lot of other factors that could be involved. But 5.9 is the best time I've ever seen and 6.2-6.4 seems fairly common as well.
Ike is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 02:19 AM
  #14  
Registered User
 
350 Formula's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Spring
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by mental pimp
i thought that the 8 did under 6.0 seconds to 60mph, wat the hell
You must not be a Consumer Reports reader....

They ALWAYS test starting at idle. They do 'real world' testing, not track testing. It is more like the 5 to 60 times the mags get.
350 Formula is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 02:25 AM
  #15  
New Member
 
takahashi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 9,944
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
The Australian MOTOR magazine did the Australian model at 6.99 sec for 0-100kmh - I did one later on but I am sure I will go under 6.5 as factory claim is 6.2
takahashi is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 02:46 AM
  #16  
Registered User
 
MrWigggles's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Consumer Reports probably didn't turn off traction control and they were probably very easy on the clutch.

Think of your grandma with a racing helmet driving a car; that's CR's style. They are 100% unbiased though. I don't 100% agree with their conclusions at times, but at least no Manufacturer persuades their views.

They tested a Montero and got it to rollover pretty easilly. CR made their views known and provided a tape to anyone who wanted a copy. Mitsubishi threatened to sue them, but CR don't take **** from nobody and stuck to their evaluation.

Gotta love 'em.

-Mr. Wigggles
MrWigggles is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 03:17 AM
  #17  
Ike
Blue By You
 
Ike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd like to take a look at the new issue, do only subscribers have it so far or is it at the news stands already?
Ike is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 06:17 AM
  #18  
Registered
 
Charles Cope's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Alto, Michigan
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by IkeWRX
r is it at the news stands already?
My copy came in the mail, yesterday. Their website doesn't show the December isssue, yet.
Charles Cope is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 07:35 AM
  #19  
Registered
 
Omicron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Boulder County, Colorado
Posts: 7,966
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally posted by mental pimp
i thought that the 8 did under 6.0 seconds to 60mph, wat the hell
CR has no idea how to drive performance cars. I've subscribed for years, and have noticed this time and again.
Omicron is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 08:09 AM
  #20  
Registered User
 
selmeralto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree with Omicron that CR isn't really sensitive to reasons why people buy sports cars. These reviews are a little better than other CR reviews I've read in the past but their main criterion is still very much "practicality."

They don't award a "Recommendation" because they lack sufficient reliability and crash test data to make a decision. Fair enough.

But they also list the RX-8 second to the WRX STi on the basis of overall performance in the tests. This in spite of the fact that, after raving about the handling of the RX-8, they say this about the WRX:

"The Subaru WRX STi combines race-car-like acceleration and handling with the practicality of a four-door five passenger sedan... The trade-off is a stiff ride that is jittery but tolerable. There is also constant noise from the engine, drivetrain, and, particularly, the tires. For $6,500 less, you can buy the 227- hp Impreza WRX sedan or wagon. "

A wagon?
selmeralto is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 12:54 PM
  #21  
Ike
Blue By You
 
Ike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by selmeralto
I agree with Omicron that CR isn't really sensitive to reasons why people buy sports cars. These reviews are a little better than other CR reviews I've read in the past but their main criterion is still very much "practicality."

They don't award a "Recommendation" because they lack sufficient reliability and crash test data to make a decision. Fair enough.

But they also list the RX-8 second to the WRX STi on the basis of overall performance in the tests. This in spite of the fact that, after raving about the handling of the RX-8, they say this about the WRX:

"The Subaru WRX STi combines race-car-like acceleration and handling with the practicality of a four-door five passenger sedan... The trade-off is a stiff ride that is jittery but tolerable. There is also constant noise from the engine, drivetrain, and, particularly, the tires. For $6,500 less, you can buy the 227- hp Impreza WRX sedan or wagon. "

A wagon?
Yes, a wagon I LOVE the sound of the boxer engine, probably in the same way you guys love the sound of the rotary. With a nice exhaust it rivals the sound of some V8s IMO. and is certainly the sweetest sounding 4 banger I've ever heard.

Last edited by IkeWRX; 11-08-2003 at 01:03 PM.
Ike is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 12:59 PM
  #22  
Ike
Blue By You
 
Ike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In fact the current SCCA STX Solo2 and Prosolo champ drives a WRX in wagon form. But I shouldn't say that because everyone knows the the WRX doesn't do well in autox... :p
Ike is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 02:51 PM
  #23  
Registered
 
Gord96BRG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally posted by IkeWRX
Yes, a wagon
YEAH, a wagon! Aside from the WRX, think of the Legacy GT-B, or Audi S6 and RS-6, S4, etc. Sporty performance, room to haul your gear and a few of your family or friends. Performance wagons are the real sport utility vehicles - not those stupid dressed-up overpriced trucks that never go offroad anyways!

Regards,
Gordon
Gord96BRG is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 03:06 PM
  #24  
Ike
Blue By You
 
Ike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by Gord96BRG
YEAH, a wagon! Aside from the WRX, think of the Legacy GT-B, or Audi S6 and RS-6, S4, etc. Sporty performance, room to haul your gear and a few of your family or friends. Performance wagons are the real sport utility vehicles - not those stupid dressed-up overpriced trucks that never go offroad anyways!

Regards,
Gordon
I really really wish Subaru would bring the STi wagon to the US, I would be all over that. The legacy B4 wagon may be a great alternative, we'll see what they finally decide to put in the US spec for an engine. A wagon in the 11s would be quite the sleeper and with an STi engine and turbo that's not all that much in mods. <drools> Though I think if I end up with an STi it will be prepped for the track with the ocassional trip to the strip. Seems the STi guys are starting to make some great impressions at the track as well.

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/showth...threadid=41274

Ike
Ike is offline  
Old 11-08-2003, 04:14 PM
  #25  
Registered
 
The Red One's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I like the Sti alot. It's one heck of a car. If it was'nt for the dealer mark ups and demand, I'd have one instead of the RX-8. Hopefully next year if I save enough money.
The Red One is offline  


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Consumers Reports does the RX-8



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:27 PM.