My fiancée wants to buy an RX-8. *edit* The search is over.

[McLaren]

I drove a manual '08 or so, it felt just about exactly like my cousins S2000 did. A manual one "should" outrun a Focus.

EDIT: Wait, but you said sarcasm. Which is really isn't...

Maybe it felt like it, but it certainly does not run like a S2000. I've got no problem putting lengths on the torque-less wonder that is the RX-8 in either form. The S2000 is a completely different car to run against.

Which is why I'm confident a SVT Focus would probably have somewhat of a fighting chance against a manual RX-8.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Whereas the S2000 has mountains of torque?

 

[McLaren]

Whereas the S2000 has mountains of torque?

The RX-8 will make anything look like it has torque.

 

[JCE]

Oh, well compared to a Cavalier anything would be an improvement.

True, but for the most part it was good cheap reliable transportation.

Maybe it felt like it, but it certainly does not run like a S2000. I've got no problem putting lengths on the torque-less wonder that is the RX-8 in either form. The S2000 is a completely different car to run against.

Which is why I'm confident a SVT Focus would probably have somewhat of a fighting chance against a manual RX-8.

Actually, funny thing is the AP2 S2000 and Series I RENESIS have relatively the same torque. 159tq (RX-8) versus 163tq (S2000). However, having driven both now I'd definitely say the S2000 is a marginally faster car. The S2000 just feels impressive, the RX-8 feels lazy. That having been said, I still maintain that my SVTF however would be faster than an autobox RX-8 and possibly a manual but I doubt it.

The RX-8 is 3,070lbs and the S2000 is 2,860lbs. The S2000 has more peak power and less weight. That would definitely make the S2000 the much faster car.

FOR REFERENCE:
2003 SVT Focus ZX5 = 170bhp 145tq @ 2,750lbs
2007 RX-8 = 212bhp 159tq @ 3,070lbs

I'd say the SVT would be the winner? Plus, the most important part is I can take corners better in my SVT than the RX-8.

BUT, I'm getting off topic!!! This is her car since she is making the payments. Its a great alternative to the Cavalier she had before. She's just thrilled to have power windows/central locking and steering wheel audio controls.

Whereas the S2000 has mountains of torque?

Quite a bit more torque versus any other Honda I4!

The RX-8 will make anything look like it has torque.

Versus maybe an Si or RSX? I kid, I kid...

 

[McLaren]

Actually, funny thing is the AP2 S2000 and Series I RENESIS have relatively the same torque. 159tq (RX-8) versus 163tq (S2000). However, having driven both now I'd definitely say the S2000 is a marginally faster car. The S2000 just feels impressive, the RX-8 feels lazy. That having been said, I still maintain that my SVTF however would be faster than an autobox RX-8 and possibly a manual but I doubt it.

I get the exact same impression. I've driven an RX-8 once before & have driven a few of my friend's AP1 & AP2 S2000's stock & w/ various mods. Every single one of the S2000's pulled so much more in the mid-range. It's only up at the very top end that I notice that they start to lose pull against my TL.

I'd say the SVT would be the winner? Plus, the most important part is I can take corners better in my SVT than the RX-8.

Not to start a debate, but I'm pretty positive that, like the S2000, the RX-8 is actually the clear victor once you hit the twisties. That, as far as I've seen, is one area the Mazda does amazingly well in.

 

[JCE]

Not to start a debate, but I'm pretty positive that, like the S2000, the RX-8 is actually the clear victor once you hit the twisties. That, as far as I've seen, is one area the Mazda does amazingly well in.

I would love to debate this but this is a thread about my fiancée's car and whatnot. I'll just end with this: the SVT Focus is extremely brilliant at going 'round corners. Its not fast in a straight line but handles unbelievably brilliant.

 

[McLaren]

I would love to debate this but this is a thread about my fiancée's car and whatnot. I'll just end with this: the SVT Focus is extremely brilliant at going 'round corners. Its not fast in a straight line but handles unbelievably brilliant.

Til' it understeers.

 

[Tornado]

While I'm sure they would understeer eventually, the SVT Focus I drove a few months ago when my dad was car shopping certainly didn't seem like it was going to plow anytime soon.

 

[mazdaman]

RX-7s are even worse.

I'd simply be honest with her: You don't think she will end up liking it even if she loves it at the start, because Wankels need much lovin' and dedication to be usable.

Yup yup must treat it like a lady, to be honest if she got it for power she will find none. I hated the idea of the Reneis motor but the car can handle.

 

[Tornado]

Its not rotary hate. Its you-may-not-be-able-to-put-up-with-the-foibles-of-a-rotary-engine.

 

[mazdaman]

Its not rotary hate. Its you-may-not-be-able-to-put-up-with-the-foibles-of-a-rotary-engine.

If she treats that baby right it'll do the same in return.

 

[JCE]

If she treats that baby right it'll do the same in return.

And that's what she is going to do. I will help her along with whatever she needs to make sure this car lasts as long as it takes before she gets her next one.

 

[Eric.]

You guys both know the do's and don't's of Rotary ownership?

 

[eSZee]

The RX-8 will make anything look like it has torque.

Doesn't the rx8 out-torque the s2000 til almost 7k rpm? After that the s2k climbs while the rx8 drops.
I haven't driven an s2k on a track but the rx8 didn't really feel like a torqueless wonder.

 

[Murcie_LP640]

Hence the "power" of VTEC. Or rather the "useless for everyday driving" pro of it.

The RX-8's handling is what makes it hold a candle to the considerably more powerful Nissan 350Z around a track. In the twisties it is very good.

 

[Tornado]

Doesn't the rx8 out-torque the s2000 til almost 7k rpm? After that the s2k climbs while the rx8 drops.
I haven't driven an s2k on a track but the rx8 didn't really feel like a torqueless wonder.

Being a couple hundred pounds lighter or so goes a long way towards canceling out the 6 more pound feet the RX-8 has.

 

[mazdaman]

You guys both know the do's and don't's of Rotary ownership?

I do I do

 

[McLaren]

Doesn't the rx8 out-torque the s2000 til almost 7k rpm? After that the s2k climbs while the rx8 drops.
I haven't driven an s2k on a track but the rx8 didn't really feel like a torqueless wonder.

The RX-8's torque does fine from 0-50. After that, it pretty much decides it's done. Car is definitely not suited for pulling anywhere in the mid-high range after that which is why it's perfectly suited for the track as it won't hardly ever need to go faster than 50Mph before braking.