Motor Trend Gives RX-8 4 Stars - New Car Buyer's Guide
08-04-2009 | 11:10 PM
#1
Thread Starter
2005 Black RX-8 GT 6M
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,350
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From: San Jose Area
Motor Trend Gives RX-8 4 Stars - New Car Buyer's Guide
In the latest issue, Sept. 2009, Motor Trend gives the RX-8 four stars out of five.
"SUM UP: ONLY ROTARY ENGINE CARE YOU CAN BUY IN THE U.S."
They gave the MX-5, five stars.
For reference, G37 and 370Z only got 3.5 stars.
"SUM UP: ONLY ROTARY ENGINE CARE YOU CAN BUY IN THE U.S."
They gave the MX-5, five stars.
For reference, G37 and 370Z only got 3.5 stars.
08-04-2009 | 11:54 PM
#4
In the last Motor Trend issue, August 2009, Motor Trend gives the RX-8 four stars instead of five.
"SUM UP: ONLY ROTARY ENGINE CAR YOU CAN BUY IN THE US."
They gave the Crossfire five stars.
For reference, G37 and 370Z only got 3.5 stars.
It's true but I can't find the link, you just have to trust my words.
"SUM UP: ONLY ROTARY ENGINE CAR YOU CAN BUY IN THE US."
They gave the Crossfire five stars.
For reference, G37 and 370Z only got 3.5 stars.
It's true but I can't find the link, you just have to trust my words.
08-05-2009 | 10:32 AM
#6
Huge hole is huge
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 1
From: Joplin, MO
Ah, I should have expected this thread whenever I googled "Motor trend rx8 4 stars"
http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6363...rx8/index.html
http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6363...rx8/index.html
Originally Posted by Ignorant *******
volkswagon GTI, mini clubman, lancer evo, mustang, audi a5/a8, and the RX-8 ????? The corvette c6 LS3/c6 Z06 is not better to any of the cars I mentioned in motortrends opinion. Thats right they gave the oil burning, crappy gas milage RX-8 got the same 4 stars as the 2008 vettes. The mustang even got 4.5 stars. Maybe they forgot it is capable of 27mpg hwy at 65+mph speeds as corvette quarterly said. The LS3 can do under 12.4 qm for only 45000 and the z06 has done 10.80 just by changing over to slicks and the z06 can do 7:30s around the nurburgring with a flying start like the carrera gt had. Now how thats not better than a 197-240hp RX-8(can't make their mind up with the hp on the rx-8, sucks for those first 5000 buyers that got 197hp when they thought they were getting 238)THE aveo only got 1 star and the cobalt 2 even though its soon going to get the 2.0 turbo from the solstice/sky. Did japan do your ratings for this article?
08-05-2009 | 12:17 PM
#9
Huge hole is huge
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 1
From: Joplin, MO
I love how his only arguments are.....
AGAINST the 8 - Crappy Gas Mileage, Oil Burning, Low HP.
FOR THE VETTE - Fast, decent gas mileage
Apparently in their world, money grows on trees, so price is not an issue.
AGAINST the 8 - Crappy Gas Mileage, Oil Burning, Low HP.
FOR THE VETTE - Fast, decent gas mileage
Apparently in their world, money grows on trees, so price is not an issue.
08-05-2009 | 12:23 PM
#11
Huge hole is huge
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 1
From: Joplin, MO
Wait, who's this guy?
I mean, I'm all for a defense, but get some of the facts straight first. Youcan't say it's "not bad for a 1.3L engine" because if you know the math, it's not that. Then you compare it to a 1.3 piston engine, which is just wrong *kinda like what they are doing comparing a corvette Z06 to the RX-8*. Also, there is no 10k RPM redline.
Otherwise, props to you.
Originally Posted by bnlguy
You guys really are the most ignorant people I have ever heard. A Corvette costs at least $45,000. A Rx-8 costs $25-32,000. A Corvette may be slightly faster, but you guys are totally missing the point. The Rx-8 is a better looking on the inside and out. The car still goes 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. Not bad for a 1.3 liter engine. The fastest 1.3 Liter (piston engine) engine will not even be underneath 10 seconds. So shut up. You guys are so funny. With the right driver who understands shifts points and the torque curve will easily keep up with a Corvette. That is a fact! It is not meant to be compared to a Corvette. It is meant to compete with much more expensive sports cars such as BMW, Mercedes. For $30,000, it is a much better value! If I was a millionare I would buy a Corvette. But the Rx-8 offers a great value. Also, the Rx-8 is a reliable car. People that abuse its 10,000 RPM redline will have trouble!
Otherwise, props to you.
08-05-2009 | 12:23 PM
#12
Registered
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,027
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From: Austin, Texas
Ah, I should have expected this thread whenever I googled "Motor trend rx8 4 stars"
http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6363...rx8/index.html
http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6363...rx8/index.html
08-05-2009 | 12:30 PM
#14
Registered
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,027
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From: Austin, Texas
I love posters that name their selves after a verb. such as Drifting arounds the world, or drifting all day long. but this one takes the cake. Heel and Toe, his name means he knows much more then any driver for a car tv show, car magazine etc even though about 99% had said millions of times that the rx8 handling is one of hte best.
also only an idiot only post signatures about what he cant do. makes up for his lack of skill.
HeelToe
Addict | Posts: 3641 | Joined: 02/07 Posted: 07/28/07
06:51 PM
I really agree with you. The RX-8 is a car that can't decide what it is. Coupe of four door? Sports car or compromise. The engine is pure sporting as is the handling, however the weight and passenger capacity hold back what this car could be. The RX-8 is a compromise which is what most of these writers reward. I think if you do one thing and do it better than anyone else then you have no apologies to make. The RX-8 is full of apologies. I'm sorry my great engine doesn't have enough torque for this body. I'm sorry my need for light weight requires me to have such a small back seat. I'm sorry about my gas mileage. I'm sorry my performance isn't equal to that of cars far cheaper. I'm sorry you have a family so you couldn't get the S2000 like you wanted. The Corvettes say "I'm sorry you lost yet another race to me."
---------
If you go to hit the gas and hit the brake at the same time, that's bad. If you go to hit the brake and hit the gas at the same time, that's skill. [/B]
also only an idiot only post signatures about what he cant do. makes up for his lack of skill.
HeelToe
Addict | Posts: 3641 | Joined: 02/07 Posted: 07/28/07
06:51 PM
I really agree with you. The RX-8 is a car that can't decide what it is. Coupe of four door? Sports car or compromise. The engine is pure sporting as is the handling, however the weight and passenger capacity hold back what this car could be. The RX-8 is a compromise which is what most of these writers reward. I think if you do one thing and do it better than anyone else then you have no apologies to make. The RX-8 is full of apologies. I'm sorry my great engine doesn't have enough torque for this body. I'm sorry my need for light weight requires me to have such a small back seat. I'm sorry about my gas mileage. I'm sorry my performance isn't equal to that of cars far cheaper. I'm sorry you have a family so you couldn't get the S2000 like you wanted. The Corvettes say "I'm sorry you lost yet another race to me."
---------
If you go to hit the gas and hit the brake at the same time, that's bad. If you go to hit the brake and hit the gas at the same time, that's skill. [/B]
Last edited by alfy28; 08-05-2009 at 12:33 PM.
08-05-2009 | 12:47 PM
#15
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 21,958
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From: portland oregon
responding to the comment that alfy quoted (why? i dont know..) the back seat of the rx-8 has more head and leg room than the Mustang or Camaro. I still havent figured out how those are so much bigger overall and so much less room. Maybe the RX-8 is a Tardis.....
08-05-2009 | 01:43 PM
#17
The Michigan "WANKEL"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Lansing, MI
The Corvette would have received 5 stars, but it got dinged for the K-Mart interior. 
I considered the Corvette (although it would have been a bit of a stretch financially, as I will only buy new cars), but there's no way I would pay $50,000 for a car with an interior that's completely put to shame by the interior in my $20,000 2005 Mazda3. Other than that Tupperware interior, I like the Corvette a lot.
I considered the Corvette (although it would have been a bit of a stretch financially, as I will only buy new cars), but there's no way I would pay $50,000 for a car with an interior that's completely put to shame by the interior in my $20,000 2005 Mazda3. Other than that Tupperware interior, I like the Corvette a lot.
08-05-2009 | 02:22 PM
#18
The Prototype
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,793
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Ignorant or mis informed people will never get it no matter how one explains it. It has nothing to do with price,gas mileage, comfort, etc., it all boils down to both cars are excellent examples of a drivers/enthusiast cars , both cars shine in there own light and offer the driver of either vehicle a rewarding experience behind the wheel.
Enthusiast get it, period. Clueless and mis informed people miss out.
Enthusiast get it, period. Clueless and mis informed people miss out.
08-05-2009 | 03:52 PM
#19
RX Lectriod from Planet 8
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga.
Ignorant or mis informed people will never get it no matter how one explains it. It has nothing to do with price,gas mileage, comfort, etc., it all boils down to both cars are excellent examples of a drivers/enthusiast cars , both cars shine in there own light and offer the driver of either vehicle a rewarding experience behind the wheel.
Enthusiast get it, period. Clueless and mis informed people miss out.
Enthusiast get it, period. Clueless and mis informed people miss out.
08-05-2009 | 04:17 PM
#21
Boosted!!!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 960
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From: Puerto Rīco
Well I understand the RX8 is great and all. I had one and I loved it but it does need more power. Even if it is great how it is it would be better with more power and we all know that.
Still it is a nice car, but it is already dated and needs a complete overhaul. To me mazda is complaining that the RX8 is not selling but the car is old already and has to be updated. Hopefully the next rotary will be great and with a fair ammount of power. Until then I will prefer my Evo over the RX8.
Still it is a nice car, but it is already dated and needs a complete overhaul. To me mazda is complaining that the RX8 is not selling but the car is old already and has to be updated. Hopefully the next rotary will be great and with a fair ammount of power. Until then I will prefer my Evo over the RX8.
08-05-2009 | 05:06 PM
#22
Huge hole is huge
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 1
From: Joplin, MO
You can prefer whatever you want, that's not what anybody is discussing. It's about the people pissing and moaning because of a few journalists enjoy the RX-8 about the same amount as the 'vette, so they throw around over-exaggerated claims and just act like morons.
08-05-2009 | 06:18 PM
#24
Yea the 8 sure does need more power and fuel economy.. people always throw out the "Its a sports car" "Its supposed to get back gas mileage" but who are we kidding? its a sporty car.. i dont consider it a sports car by anymeans. sports car to me is more like : Corvette, Porche, GTR, smaro, mustang cobra, ETC ETC. people dont normally push the cars limit in daily driving. they use the gas pedal in daily driving
08-07-2009 | 03:56 PM
#25
The Michigan "WANKEL"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Lansing, MI
Oh, I definitely consider the RX-8 a sports car, just as the MX-5 is clearly a sports car. Sports cars don't have to be fast by any stretch of the imagination. Some of the greatest sports cars in history are horribly slow, especially by today's standards. The only thing that makes it even remotely debatable in the case of the RX-8 are the rear suicide doors. The Evo is *not* a sports car. It's most definitely a performance car. I also don't consider the Mustang to be a sports car, and most Mustang fans don't appear to, either. It's a muscle car. There's a difference. I'm not slamming the Mustang--I nearly decided to go with a 2011 Mustang over my RX-8; it just isn't a sports car.
Years ago _Road & Track_ magazine had what I consider to be the best definition of a sports car I've ever heard or read. It went something like this. "A sports car is a car that puts fun-to-drive above all else and has very little practicality." That's a paraphrase because I don't remember the exact wording, but the idea is that a sports car is not at all practical, but is seriously fun to drive. Steering response and handling (and shifting, etc.--your connection to the road and machine) is more important than all else, including 0-60 mph and quarter mile. Another way to say it: a sports car *loves* curves (and by extension, so will the driver).
By this definition, the RX-8 is definitely, in my not-so-humble opinion, a true sports car: the fun, high-revving engine that sounds like music; the very low center of gravity; near perfect weight distribution; the (front) mid-engine layout that sacrifices interior space for that little bit extra handling sophistication; the fantastic steering precision, feel, and feedback; the quick throttle response; the willingness to get miserable fuel efficiency even though the car isn't all that fast (by today's standards) just to have the other, typically overlooked benefits of a Wankel rotary engine mounted low and back; the impracticality of oil consumption and having to check the oil level at every other fill-up; and the oh-so-sexy sport car design, inside and out.
The lame attempt at some sort of practicality with the rear suicide doors doesn't change that for me. I sometimes make use of those rear doors, as I have a 7 year old son who travels in my RX-8 once in a while, but as soon as he's 8 and isn't required to be in a booster seat, he'll be riding up front where it's not such a PITA and he can get himself out of the car without my help (which itself can be a dangerous situation).
All these people who think the RX-8 is worthless now need to understand that a truly great sports car will always be great and will always induce passion in the few who "get it."
Years ago _Road & Track_ magazine had what I consider to be the best definition of a sports car I've ever heard or read. It went something like this. "A sports car is a car that puts fun-to-drive above all else and has very little practicality." That's a paraphrase because I don't remember the exact wording, but the idea is that a sports car is not at all practical, but is seriously fun to drive. Steering response and handling (and shifting, etc.--your connection to the road and machine) is more important than all else, including 0-60 mph and quarter mile. Another way to say it: a sports car *loves* curves (and by extension, so will the driver).
By this definition, the RX-8 is definitely, in my not-so-humble opinion, a true sports car: the fun, high-revving engine that sounds like music; the very low center of gravity; near perfect weight distribution; the (front) mid-engine layout that sacrifices interior space for that little bit extra handling sophistication; the fantastic steering precision, feel, and feedback; the quick throttle response; the willingness to get miserable fuel efficiency even though the car isn't all that fast (by today's standards) just to have the other, typically overlooked benefits of a Wankel rotary engine mounted low and back; the impracticality of oil consumption and having to check the oil level at every other fill-up; and the oh-so-sexy sport car design, inside and out.
The lame attempt at some sort of practicality with the rear suicide doors doesn't change that for me. I sometimes make use of those rear doors, as I have a 7 year old son who travels in my RX-8 once in a while, but as soon as he's 8 and isn't required to be in a booster seat, he'll be riding up front where it's not such a PITA and he can get himself out of the car without my help (which itself can be a dangerous situation).
All these people who think the RX-8 is worthless now need to understand that a truly great sports car will always be great and will always induce passion in the few who "get it."