Uh oh, I smell hippy-speak here:

"We're all winners!"

<cough gag cough>

Bottom line, the STi is faster, a popular rally-style car, more practical, etc. That's why it won.

However, it's key to note that the RX-8 sits in my driveway even after investigating the STi. The RX-8 benefits from NOT looking like *** as well as being nimble, responsive, smooth, and fun as hell to drive

 

yeah i figured it would win...that damn thing hauls though.

 

Take the time, and read the original comment again..

 

Nooooooooooo! :p

 

Ahhhhh, you little fanboy!! Go get yourself a lady 'nana!!:D
And I forgot to say: Congrats to the STi/Subaru community...(yeah! I am actually saying that on an RX8 forum...)

 

Ha, AWD is the reason that many people get Imprezas, AWD = great launches and wheel grip, and great snow performance. Which offsets the driveline loss. I really dont see why there is all this hate for AWD when it is clearly the best. I wish the RX8 was AWD.

 

AWD is the best-performing system in *all* conditions, meant taken as an average. RWD can't touch it in rain or snow. Just a fact.

That said, I'm glad Mazda kept the 8 RWD. RWD is pure driving pleasure. The steering is pure and more communicative than an AWD car, IMHO, because the front wheels only need to steer (duh, and brake).

 

The main reason I got my WRX is because how much I loved my DSM. AWD + Turbo is just a really fun combo! I love RWD cars as well, but AWD wins out by a small amount in the fun factor, and will never be as safe, nor fun in bad weather (which we have our fair share of in Milwaukee).

 

Ike... don't get me wrong, I really like the WRX. I've driven them before and like them.

My wife is the one with the "problems" with it... "it's a hot rod, you'll get tickets, it looks ugly... yadda, yadda."

Like I said, the all-weather, all-around performance is tough to beat.

But I'm a sucker for pure RWD steering feel and dynamics.

 

I hear yeh, by the way I've still got my eye out for a RWD project car. If you happen to see any Turbo MR2s for sale in the area let me know. I've decided to not autox or heavily mod my WRX because it needs to be a good daily driver for a couple more years.

 

i had an eclipse GSX AWD Turbo before my 8 and i agree with ike that it's a great combo.

 

Old news for some, but MotorWeek picked the STi as Best Performance Car for 2004 over others including the RX-8.

I still love my RX-8 .

rx8cited

 

I continue to be impressed by the maturity displayed here. Can you imagine the gnashing and wailing that would be going on over on the Subyboards if the RX-8 had won?

 

Nah, they're a pretty mature group as well. Most WRX and STi guys are huge car enthusiasts and just love any type of car that performs well.

 

Yeah, sorry, I was confusing the Suby guys with the Evo crowd.

 

I just watched the show, and although the RX-8 didn't take first, it did come in second, ahead of the Porsche, the 350Z and the BMW. Not too shabby at all considering the competition.

FYI - The RX-8 was Jay Leno's favorite.

 

Was just going to post the same thing.

And coming from a guy that has driven EVERY good and kickass car known to man, Jay Leno... It's a real treat to see that he picked the 8 over the competition for his personal choice.

I picked it for mine too

 

Actually, Sandi and I just finished watching the show on Speed Channel as a rerun, while we were waiting for the Motorweek show featuring the RX8 vs Z comparo.

All the testers had nothing but good things to say about the RX8. As a "regular guy" driver, I put a lot of weight to Leno's commentary and the tone of his delivery. As a sports car, he preferred the RX8 to all but the GT3, and even then, he suggested the RX8 was impossible to pass up for the price, smoothness, and cool factor...

I, also, think it would be interesting to see the demographics of the voting, as well as the total number of votes cast...

The STi is an excellent choice for a performance car, but like the RX8, 350Z, et.al., it doesn't appeal to everyone. I drove the STi when shopping around. Very powerful, but also quite conventional, and, (sorry, Ike) butt ugly. Aside from the rush of turbo'd horses, I didn't find the driving dynamic or environment particularly satisfying. For me, it would not be a car I could see myself being happy with after the first year.

The show confirmed all the thiings I love about the RX8. I encourage everyone to watch it, if possible. The testers echo all the enthusiasm that's been running on RX8Club.

 

I just it on TV tonight. I can't believe that butt ugly Subaru won. It's like sending home the prom queen and giving the award to the womens wrestling team.

 

Apparently this was more than just a beauty contest.

 

Leno sucks, Letterdude rules :D

 

It's not like this prom queen couldn't run. She was on the track team and had the grace of a ballet dancer. The woman wrestler won cause she could eat more hamburgers.

 

It seems the voting panel preferred more meat on their bones.

 

This wasn't a contest to find the best fried chicken :p

 

After watching the show I think performance value was the main reason for the winner and the STI does have higher performance then the Ate. The Porsche came in third if it was perhaps $60K less it would have won. Glad to see the BMW come in last. If there ever was a more overrated car brand especially now with G35's and RX8's on the market it is BMW.