Why they compare these to vehicles is crazy the only reason could be the Ford conection with both companies . They ride diffrent they handle diffrent .Pure fun for the money RX8 hands down...perhaps bias .
The mustang although diffrent from past stangs still has that tired feel to it .
They were all compared for the same reason: RWD sportscoupes under $30k. AFAIK, they got the only three contenders that meet that criteria. And yes, these three WILL be cross-shopped to a certain extent.
mugster...can't disagree with anything you say with the exception that the new Mustang has that "tired" feel to it.
As SHFITY has said on more than one occasion, there's definitely a different feel that American iron exhibits. You can really tell the difference between an RX8 and a Mustang GT when driven back-to-back. The RX8 has "cat like" reflexes and feels more conntected to the driver. It's quick in its own right, but won't beat the Mustang GT in the stop light war.
On the other hand, if you drive the Mustang GT back-to-back with the 350Z, you realize how ponderous the Z feels when driving it.
That's a shame, given that the Z has only been out 2 years. Nissan has some serious suspension work that needs to be done to that car to keep pace with either the Mustang GT and even more to keep pace with the RX8. They have to improve the ergonomics, the interior and the buuld quality, too.
I suspect that the Mustang GT will steal quite a few potential customers away from the Z.
I still say the Mustang GT is a nice piece as a modern interation of the all Amercian Muscle Car.
Maybe it is time for a little less biased opinion from a former Z car and RX-7 owner.
I'll leave out the Mustang because I have not driven one and it doesn't particularly interest me.
I drove an RX-8 every day for over a month. The RX-8 is a outstanding car. It has impeccable handling and a great engine. But for me, the 350Z is a more exciting sports car. The 350 looks and sounds more like a sports car. Although the RX-8 is fast, it has so little torque down low that I don't think you could break traction under acceleration on a sheet of ice. Its ride is harsher than the RX, but it makes up for it by having less body roll. The RX-8 is more nimble, but the 350 is only ponderous in comparison to an Elise or some such car.
350Z owners don't have to make nearly as many excuses about flooding or drivability issues. It doesn't need reflashes to perform as expected. It gets better gas mileage, even though it is significantly faster through the quarter mile (about 5mph) and will obliterate the RX in a rolling start.
I really like the RX-8, but I started thinking that an RSX Type S will basically match it in acceleration and passenger space, and it will get another 8-10 mpg with a comparably equipped cost savings of maybe $5-$6K. And don't forget far better reliability. It gives up mainly just a slight edge in handling.
Before I get accused of any unfair bias, maybe it will help if I will say that my first generation RX-7 was absolutely superior to the 260Z that I owned.
Just shows how what's one person's gold is another person's trash.
I found the Z lacking in every respect with the exception of 0-60 when compared to the RX8. And the difference in 0-60 times weren't significant enough to warrant a second thought be me.
I've not heard much, if anything, about recent flooding issues with the RX8 (which were more of an issue with some of the very early production pieces) . I believe the reflash of the ECU took care of that issue for most, if not all.
That's not even speaking to the interior and build of the RX8 compared to the Z....nor of it's ability to communicate with the driver like no other car I've driven.
The torque issue hasn't been one with me. It still plasters my backside firmly in the seat whenever I squeeze the throttle. Plus, with so many RPMs at play, you have to try really hard to catch it napping in the lower ranges.
That doesn't even begin to address things like the lack of room in the Z or its "bathtub" seating arrangement.
mugster...while I do agree. It's hard to find space to go anywhere else when it comes to retro styling. But, they are still selling the daylights out of the PT Cruiser since Chrysler keeps updating it while keeping the concept in tact.
The new Mustang has that american muscle car feel. There's nothing quite like it. That said, you either like that feel or you don't. I stradle the line. I was born and raised with American muscle. So, to me at least, I like that feel. I'm also fortunate enough to appreciate the real sports car feel of the RX8. So, I could live with either.
That said, the last real muscle car I drove was one very well preserved Plymouth Road Runner. Driving that and then jumping into a new Mustang GT and you'll see how very far the muscle car niche has come.
I kind of agree with the articles I've read recently saying that the 350Z might be a better sports car, but the RX-8 is a better car in general.
However at that point, I start thinking that maybe a TSX or a 325i is a better overall car for around the same price. Which is all well and good if that is what suits your needs. It just depends on how much you want to compromise. For instance, the guy in the TSX or 325i might think with an RX-8, you are sitting in a bathtub with poor build quality - and I suppose you are compared a BMW or Acura sedan.
Either way, I think the RX-8 is a great car, and I would not rule out buying one. I can find something I don't like with just about any car. It gives me an excuse to buy something new every couple of years.
I've owned two BMW 3 Series....fine cars. I would say that the build and material quality of the RX8 is as good as the BMWs. BMWs are good sports sedans. For all out sports car performance, I'll still take my RX8 over something along the lines of a BMW 3 Series.
Didn't say the Z was trash....just pointing out that what one person likes is not desireable to another.
Over the years, I've looked at lots of Acuras. They just leave me wanting. Good all around cars. They just don't "grab me" or stir any driving passion. Plus, the most desireable one in the TL (haven't driven the new RL, though) really made a major mistake in leaving it FWD. Same can be said for the TSX and RSX. FWD just can't cut it in the sports car world...no matter how refined.
Sit in a Z and then sit in an RX8. If you were like me, I always felt that the window sills were way too high in the Z giving me that "sitting in a bathtub" feel. I don't have any issues with cars that are low slung.
I've yet to see any professional review comparing the Z to the RX8 that picks the Z as the winner.
I agree with graphic , BMW three series are great cars took one for a test drive while looking into the 8 . Great car , but didn't excite me the way the 8 did . Although the price once you put everything you get with the 8GT is almost double out the door . acura's are just boring (great quality) , perhaps if they would have made them rear wheel drive i might have considered.
What does everyone think of the future RX8 Convertible (AKA RX7)
mugster....all kinds of rumors floating around about the next gen, which is supposed to hit in the '06 MY.
Convertible is supposedly in the works....and supposedly either an update of the RX8 (maybe called RX7 on the same platform as the RX8?) to around 300 HP.
My dealer's GM told me of this a couple of months ago. Now, that's coming from the dealer and not the factory, but I'd hope that the GM might have a bit more insight than I would.
Bottom line....whatever Mazda's doing, they're keeping mighty tight lipped about it.
I was considering a c6 Corvette as my replacement for the RX8 someday. But, if the RX8 (or RX7) is going to have 300 HP, I'd probably stick with the Mazda.
I've had such good luck with my RX that I'd consider the next gen if some of those rumors prove true.
pathstar is closer to those prospective RX rumors than I am. He might chime in here.
Mazda have always been very good at keeping secrets when they want to. The 3rd gen RX-7 was pretty much a complete surprize to everyone (the rumours had it looking much like the 2nd gen). Mazda seem to expend great effort to keep their premium sports car a surprize, and great pride when they accomplish that feat.
Having said that, I -suspect- we will see a replacement for the RX-7, though it's anyones guess what they'll call it. -I- think it will be based on the RX-8 chassis, perhaps shortened as much as 30 cm, perhaps with a supercharger, perhaps with a larger displacement engine (but not both - this would be the first change in displacement per rotor since the first gen. RX-7). It's unlikely it will be a triple rotor as the costs to build that are rather high and it requires a lot of length in the engine compartment.
Look for the paddle shifting manual transmission, and lots of cool electronics - it will be the flagship model, after all!
I also suspect we will see it at the next round of auto shows - next winter (if it survives the Inquisition of beancounters and sales forcasters - I hear via the grapevine that's where it's at now).
I don't think it's possible. The reason is the instruments on the dash are controlled by a microcomputer. There is one buss that inputs data for all instruments, including speed/distance, oil pressure, coolant temp., etc. The micro interprets all that data and operates the instruments. For example, the tach is just an analogue milliameter. The micro puts whatever current into it that the digital signal indicates is correct.
His option would be to purchase the car rather than lease it, then sell it when he's finished with it - claiming the payments and mileage rather than the lease payments - I presume he claims them as expenses. I suspect he would be further ahead this way anyway because he wouldn't be paying a leasing company their profits.
Lately I noticed my Nokian tires on my Pilot has a rougher ride, kind of jittery, felt like running on a graveled pavement at speeds of 60mph and over. Did your pathfinder ever had this problem? The Nokian 1800 no. I called told me it's a wheel balancing issue. I hate to fork more money for something that may not really solve this. You were right about its handling capability, but the ride is so rough, its too obvious coz the Pilot really rides smoothly even on the lousy integrity tires.
For some reason, I'm thinking you're not going to be a member of the Edmunds community for very long. You start in the Townhall, today, and already you're slagging one of the more senior members.
I have read a lot of talk about a new RX-7 on this board, but I have to wonder why Mazda would go BACKWARDS in their naming? Even if they do a new "flagship" 2 seater with twin turbos, supercharger, NOS or whatever, why would they call it an RX-7? That name is DONE. It is also too recent to go back to yet. Else, they would have used it on their current Rotary Flagship.
Mazda will probably do something to enhance the performance of the RX-8, and they may do a convertible. It'd be great to see it as a 4 seater. That is one of the things that I LOVE about my car.
The RX-series has always represented Mazda's rotary powered cars (with the exception of the old Mazda Cosmo and early rotary powered pickup).
The RX-7 is simply Mazda's rotary powered, 2-seat sportscar. IMO, ANY rotary powered, 2-seat sportscar which Mazda produces will be, by definition, a RX-7. That is the reason why the RX-8 COULD NOT be called the 'new' RX-7 when it was introduced: it wasn't a 2-seater.
Are you saying that Toyota CAN'T bring back a 'new' Toyota Supra?
Were you upset when Nissan brought back the 'Z'?
Are you upset that Dodge is reintroducing the Charger? Wups, bad example........
Ok, I appreciate your point, and you have some good ones, but I still can't see Mazda going backwards on the name designation. It is too soon. Nissan brought back the "Z" as the 350Z instead of as a 300Z. Granted, I know what the numbers stand for (engine displacement.) Now, Nissan knew they couldn't bring back a 300Z with a gap in time between the old and new models. It wouldn't make good marketing sense to do so. They are selling RX-8s for a lot of reasons, the main ones are behind the driver and passenger. 2 extra seats that fit real adults, and 2 extra doors to help get them in and out. I know that without the back seats/rear doors, I wouldn't have bought my 8. I am a target demographic of this car. Mid-late 30's with enough income to afford a 25-34k car. The back seat sells this for a LOT of People
I think I need to add that the RX-7, Supra, and 300ZX for that matter all died because they became too expensive for the market they were trying to reach. They couldn't make the numbers to make them profitable for their company.
Why do you think GM killed the "F Body" cars? Firebirds, and Camaros didn't sell enough to justify keeping producing them. They outpriced their demographic.
I'm really trying hard not to think about the Charger, Dodge will either sell quite a few of them or it will be a huge disappointment for the brand. Which will probably be the case, because they aren't going to make any that have the muscle car grunt of the 1970's Chargers.
Stock Analysts and Beancounters really run the Auto industry. it's a sad truth.
Agree on why the previous RX-7, Supra, and 300Z were taken off of the market. Which is one good reason Mazda needs to be leary about a new 'super' RX-7: cost. In regards to naming convention: if Nissan's bread'n'butter V6 was still a 3.0l unit, the new Z car would have been the 300Z. And any new 2-seat, rotary sportscar Mazda comes out with will be.....an RX-7. (Which is one reason future editions of the Miata will be 4-cylinders).
Agree with you on the 4-seat/4-door issue on the RX-8. Personally, I hope that Mazda does bring back the RX-7. I've always had a soft spot for them even though I've never owned one. But, being married with 2 kids, I HAVE to think practically. Right now, the RX-8 is on my short list (very short list) of contenders for my next new car purchase because of the fact that it offers 4 real seats and better access to them than a 'regular' coupe.
Charger and muscle car grunt? What, a 5.7l V8 with 420hp isn't enough to qualify? The only problem I have is the fact that they are dropping the Charger name on a largish 4-door sedan. (Kinda like if Mazda had called their new flagship performance car the RX-7, even though it had 4-doors/seats)
Oops, missed on my guesstimate re: Charger grunt. Initial engines will be either a 250hp V6 or the 340hp 5.7l Hemi.
But I wouldn't be surpised if the 425hp 6.1liter Hemi makes it's way in within a year or so of introduction (engine from the Magnum SRT or the Chrylser 300C).
First, the rotary engine doesn't seal well below about 1000 RPM. Mazda had to drop the idle below there to keep fuel consumption "reasonable" (I leave it up to the owner to decide what reasonable means ;-). The poor sealing upsets the air/fuel mixture, resulting in poor idle. This explains poor or rough idle from day one.
Second, the spark plugs are chosen for "all around" use. That is they are hot enough to avoid fouling and cold enough to avoid detonation for the "average" owner - world wide or at least North America wide. I see you used km, so I presume you are in Canada. It's colder here or wetter if you're on the west coast. Check with your dealer. There are extra hot plugs that can be used in the winter - they resist fouling much better.
Thanks for your comments pathstar , im glad its nothing to serious . After reading some of the horror stories in this rx8 room , i thought a new engine might be in the future .
About the Charger, I just don't think that most of them will be equipped with the V8. They will probably sell about 70% of them in V6 config. I also expect that Dodge knows this.
I say, go for the 8, RX-8 that is!
I loved the 3rd generation RX-7, it looked great, handled great, and was just fast as heck. I just couldn't afford one when they were out.
If the trailing plugs are fouled the car will be slightly sluggish, though most can't notice it as it's subtle. Fouled leading plugs will delay or eliminate ignition on some cycles, and that will be interpreted as "sluggish".
Best way to be sure is to change the plugs - on the RX-8 it's easy from above. There are some hoses at the rear left of the engine, just use a large zip tie to move them out of the way and plug changes are a snap! I notice the plugs have dropped in price too - bonus! Keep the cold stock plugs for spring install. Don't use the hot plugs in the summer - it could cause problems! Remember the leading plugs are the lower ones - lower=leading and the top plugs are the trailing ones top=trailing. For those not versed in rotary speak, think of the charge as an oval blob moving clockwise around the engine. Intake on the right 10 o'clock position, compression on the top of the engine, ignition on the left side. The top of the left side of the engine has the trailing part of the oval blob and the lower part of the left side has the leading part of the blob. The power "stroke" is along the bottom of the engine, with exhaust the lower part of the right side. All viewed from the front, of course.
You may be running into the classic "roadforce balance" problem. Find a shop with a Hunter 9000 roadforce balancing machine. It's a common problem with the Pathfinder and that machine can fix it when operated by competant persons. I haven't noticed a problem on my Pathfinder.
OH yea, as a matter of fact I have a judgment pending on a buy back because of it.
I filed a lemon law claim against Mazda because of the very rough idle, Mazda claims there is no problem, my local service manager testified that it does exist and there is no fix.
I will get the decision in about a month, talk about a catch 22, the judge says he may order the car be made to run right the service manager says it cannot be done!
Either way I will not keep this junk very much longer.
ok...ok....this may sound goofy, but can someone tell me the proper functionality of the window roll down lock. Is it 1) you press the lock button and nobody can roll the passenger window down or 2) you press the lock button and the passenger can't roll the window down BUT the driver can...??....
Either my button just broke OR it just fixed itself. According to a friend the lock is supposed to lock out everybody in a 2 door car. And my 8 just started to do just that. But it didn't do that before.......and now my tiny brain is all confused!...
Pick door #2.....the passenger window is locked and can't be rolled down by the passenger (presumably, for children's safety), but can be operated by the driver.
I've never used mine, so I have no idea whether it works right or not.
Mazda RX-8 owners: are there any out there with my problem? Yes, the cold starting problem: the car must be "properly warmed up" (in Mazda's after-the-sale words) or it will not restart. What a hassle: if I drive to the bank machine, I have to leave it running...if I move it from my garage in the laneway to the front of the house, I must leave it running, etc., etc.. Mazda denies there is any problem saying the car just needs to be "properly warmed up", despite this wording being NOWHERE in the manual. Is there any other car in the entire world that you cannot turn off cold and restart it???? Are any of you having problems like this? What can we do? The car drives amazing, but what use is that if I have to worry every time if it's warmed up before I turn it off!
ummmm.....no problems here. I pull it out of the garage, wash it, pull it back in. I drive to the bank, turn it off, come out of the bank....no problem. I go to the grocery store, turn it off, shop, load my groceries in the trunk, start it right up.
IF you're having problems, ask the dealer to do an "M" reflash of your PCM.
Well, it took a year and a half...but I FINALLY drove a RX-8.
First off the car is as wonderful of a performer as billed here on this thread. You'd think it had more horsepower than it really does, imo.
The car I drove was an 04, yellow 6 speed, loaded- 35k msrp. Before we left the lot to go on the test drive I checked the build date- 06/03. That sounded like a pretty early 04 that was susceptable to the bugs discussed here. It was bothersome that after it was fully warmed up, the car stalled twice for no real reason.
The two things(stalling aside) I really didnt like were a)the rearview mirror obstructed my view out the front and b)the blind spot on the left side is terrible.
WOW....that car has been sitting around for a while. My build was July of '03 (same month I bought it).
Dealership has taken care of all the TSBs with no hassle and my car runs like a top. Starts every time, regardless of the condition. Did they have some sort of body kit on it. Totally loaded up, you can't break the $34K MSRP barrier on an '04. I don't know if there's been a price increase on the '05s though. Mine is totally loaded, with NAV, and the MSRP was a shade over $33K.
Can't comment about obstructed views. But, that's more a case of how short/tall you are while sitting in the car. I'm 6'/190 lbs. I see out of mine just fine.
Did it stall while idling? I wonder how old the fuel was sitting in the gas tank if the car had such an early build date? If the car has been sitting around for that long, the dealer should have had all the current TSBs already done to it. Those cars sold like hotcakes when they first came out. I don't think there was one anywhere in the country that sat more than a day or two before it was purchased. We really didn't see anything in the way of dealer stock until Sept/Oct of '03.
I'd question the dealer about where this car came from.
you can take care of the mirrow problem the way I did - just spin the arm 180 degrees!...it will fold up nice and then the mirror can be adjusted anyway ya want!....that's what I did.....works fine for me...
Has anyone ever seen their RX-8's "windshield washer fluid level warning light" come on? I ran out of windsheild washer fluid today, but I had never seen the warning light come on.
Meanwhile, the last couple of weeks, the coolant level warning light has been coming on (it would stay on for about 10 seconds after I started the engine). After I refilled the windshield washer fluid, the coolant level warning light stopped coming on. I wonder if the two lights on my RX-8 were wired incorrectly.
First, I buy cars based on MY perception of the car; not someone else's.
Second, you're in the RX-8 forum. What kind of answer to you expect from that question? Do you honestly expect most of the owners here (male) to answer "yep, it's a girly car"?
Third, Why In The Heck Do You Go To The Trouble To Capitalize Every Word In Your Post?
Well, I'm FINALLY getting ready for another car after all this time lurking here, drooling over the RX8. I had sat in one when they first came out, but only very briefly. Now that I am serious about shopping, I went to the dealer to try it out again. Imagine my great disappointment when I found out that I don't fit! Arrrrrggggg....
Now, its not necessarily something Mazda did wrong, because I have now tried out almost every coupe and roadster I can think of, and, so far, the only one I could get even close to comfortable in is the 350Z. I would say the fit of the Mazda comes closest to the TT coupe ... close, but having my legs pushing against the door and center stack becomes very irritating after about 15 minutes in the seat. I'm so disappointed.
OH, hey, I just went back and found the post from when I first sat in it in July 2003. I commented that I didn't like the visibility, but I did say that I JUST fit in the car. I suppose after actually getting to spend more than 10 seconds in it, it no longer seems the seating position is viable. Or at least all of the test driving I've been doing is showing me what I should look out for. Its such a shame. I will always think this is a beautiful car.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Nothing wrong with putting aside the RX8 because you don't fit. The Z is a nice car. Not my cup of tea, but I think you'll be happy with it since I've seen you wring your hands over your choices for a while.
On a sour note, it was a beautiful day on Saturday....sunny and about 55 degrees. Decided to take the 8 out. Having a blast driving through the back roads and hills of the OH valley. I'm stopped at a red light in a little quaint town about an hour from where I live. I look up in my rearview mirror and notice a Dodge Ram closing in fast behind me. I keep watching, watching and watching....you guessed it. The pick-up driver was paying "zero" attention to the light. I brace. AAAAHHHHHHHH NOOOOOO! Then "wham"....the guy plows into the back of me. I in turn, am pushed into the person in front of me (an Accord). My airbag goes off. That's an experience I won't soon forget.
After a couple of minutes to get my wits about me, more shaken than mad, I get out of my beautiful 8 to survey myself and the damage. I've got "burns" all over my arms (which turned into bruises in short order from the airbag). I had thrown my sweat shirt in the back seat and was wearing just a T-shirt since it was so nice while driving. My face hurts but is intact. Trunk looks like an accordion. The tailights and trunk are all smashed. Front is crumpled to the radiator. Both front 1/4 panels are buckled. The windshield is smashed from what I assume is the force of the airbag deploying. Nasty, hissing sounds are coming from under the buckled hood, but no noticeable fluid seepage.
Long story even longer, the pick-up guy was cited for "failure to control" and "failure to keep a safe distance". His insurance is picking up the tab for both cars.
I went to the local hospital. They gave me some sort of salve for my arms. I got home and took pictures of my bruised/burned arms and the black eyes I'm now sporting (just in case there's any sort of question about my personal physical outcome from the crash).
My 8 had to be "flat bedded". The person I hit was able to drive their car away, but their trunk look like it was hit with an anvil from where I was pushed into it.
Insurance adjuster is looking at my car this a.m. as it's sitting in the back lot of my dealer.
I've been hit from the rear by someone not paying attention, and that takes a while to get over, from the..."Are they going to STOP????" (and they are like 5 carlengths away while you have YOUR panic attack)
Hopefully, you will be taken care of their insurance company to your satisfaction.
Please tell us that your car isn't Sunlight Silver, by the way... there's rumors of a curse on that color.
Thanks. Aside from being sore and having my face, arms and chest sporting colors I never thought I'd ever see, I'm fine.
It was a feeling of helplessness. I could see what was going to happen, but there wasn't a thing I could do about it except to brace for impact. There was no place for me to go. Once I noticed the pick-up guy had no clue, all I could do was watch it happen in my rearview mirror.
I know what you mean though. I actually said outloud to myself "what's he doing?" I remember honking my horn at the guy ahead of me right before impact (like that will stop the truck behind me). Then POW...sicknening sound...sickening feeling. I'll be OK, though.
My RX8 is a different matter entirely. Insurance adjuster looked at my car this a.m. I called him and he said he was still totalling what the repair bill will be. He said if the repair bill is 80% or above of the actual worth of the car, they'll total it.
I had a lot of questions for him. Is the car's worth a wholesale price, a retail price, or something in between. Who determines the value of the car? The adjuster asked me if I was OK. I told him I was really sore and I wasn't sure how long I'd feel this way. He already had the report from the police and said they'd take care of the charges at the hospital. He also asked if I'd sign a medical waver. I told him I wasn't prepared to do that and e-mailed him the pics of my face and arms. They did have a rental car delivered to my house, which was nice of them (although, it's a Cavalier).
The dealer said they won't know the total extent of the damage to the car until they "tear into it". I told them to be thorough as I didn't think it was merely cosmetic damage. The interior was a mess with all the glass and the airbag explosion.
I spoke to my insurance company. I've got an appointment to see my family doctor later today.
I'm real sorry to hear the news. I'm glad it was nothing more serious, though.
Hmmmm... ya know, this could either be good or bad for you. I know you were looking at trading the car for a Vette. IF it gets totalled, you MAY get more than you would have gotten on a trade. But, IF it doesn't get totalled, its going to kill the trade value. Tough spot. Keep us informed. Good luck.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I've been on the phone with insurance people all day. Doctor wants me to come in for a couple more days straight to make sure the burns on my arms don't get infected, but really, all I need is some time for the bruises and burns to heal. I'll be fine (won't tell the insurance people that, just yet).
I've thought about what you said. You may be right. As much as I love the RX8, I want them to total it out....both for financial reasons and, as you said, I'm afraid that the value will plummet on the used market if they decide to fix it.
After this experience, I'm having 2nd thoughts about the C6. I doubt a fiberglass body would have held up as well as the RX8 did in such an accident.
THis is all very premature, though. The dealership service/body shop is supposed to have an estimate tomorrow since they tore the car apart today. Then it's between me and the insurance company.
have turned out very well for its' occupants so far. It seems to be very well designed. Glad you weren't "seriously" injured. The emotional scars will take a while to heal. One day at a time. While the car may have suffered badly, that is what saves the occupants. The car gives up its' structure to protect you. Don't feel bad for it, thank it for protecting you!
I don't know how well designed the new corvette is, but I would suspect to meet regulations, it would act similarly. I think it's heavier than the RX-8, so the forces may average to a lower peak. Crash testing data is posted on the net. if you want to compare it.
Comments
Why they compare these to vehicles is crazy the only reason could be the Ford conection with both companies . They ride diffrent they handle diffrent .Pure fun for the money RX8 hands down...perhaps bias .
The mustang although diffrent from past stangs still has that tired feel to it .
As SHFITY has said on more than one occasion, there's definitely a different feel that American iron exhibits. You can really tell the difference between an RX8 and a Mustang GT when driven back-to-back. The RX8 has "cat like" reflexes and feels more conntected to the driver. It's quick in its own right, but won't beat the Mustang GT in the stop light war.
On the other hand, if you drive the Mustang GT back-to-back with the 350Z, you realize how ponderous the Z feels when driving it.
That's a shame, given that the Z has only been out 2 years. Nissan has some serious suspension work that needs to be done to that car to keep pace with either the Mustang GT and even more to keep pace with the RX8. They have to improve the ergonomics, the interior and the buuld quality, too.
I suspect that the Mustang GT will steal quite a few potential customers away from the Z.
I still say the Mustang GT is a nice piece as a modern interation of the all Amercian Muscle Car.
I'll leave out the Mustang because I have not driven one and it doesn't particularly interest me.
I drove an RX-8 every day for over a month. The RX-8 is a outstanding car. It has impeccable handling and a great engine. But for me, the 350Z is a more exciting sports car. The 350 looks and sounds more like a sports car. Although the RX-8 is fast, it has so little torque down low that I don't think you could break traction under acceleration on a sheet of ice. Its ride is harsher than the RX, but it makes up for it by having less body roll. The RX-8 is more nimble, but the 350 is only ponderous in comparison to an Elise or some such car.
350Z owners don't have to make nearly as many excuses about flooding or drivability issues. It doesn't need reflashes to perform as expected. It gets better gas mileage, even though it is significantly faster through the quarter mile (about 5mph) and will obliterate the RX in a rolling start.
I really like the RX-8, but I started thinking that an RSX Type S will basically match it in acceleration and passenger space, and it will get another 8-10 mpg with a comparably equipped cost savings of maybe $5-$6K. And don't forget far better reliability. It gives up mainly just a slight edge in handling.
Before I get accused of any unfair bias, maybe it will help if I will say that my first generation RX-7 was absolutely superior to the 260Z that I owned.
I found the Z lacking in every respect with the exception of 0-60 when compared to the RX8. And the difference in 0-60 times weren't significant enough to warrant a second thought be me.
I've not heard much, if anything, about recent flooding issues with the RX8 (which were more of an issue with some of the very early production pieces) . I believe the reflash of the ECU took care of that issue for most, if not all.
That's not even speaking to the interior and build of the RX8 compared to the Z....nor of it's ability to communicate with the driver like no other car I've driven.
The torque issue hasn't been one with me. It still plasters my backside firmly in the seat whenever I squeeze the throttle. Plus, with so many RPMs at play, you have to try really hard to catch it napping in the lower ranges.
That doesn't even begin to address things like the lack of room in the Z or its "bathtub" seating arrangement.
mugster...while I do agree. It's hard to find space to go anywhere else when it comes to retro styling. But, they are still selling the daylights out of the PT Cruiser since Chrysler keeps updating it while keeping the concept in tact.
The new Mustang has that american muscle car feel. There's nothing quite like it. That said, you either like that feel or you don't. I stradle the line. I was born and raised with American muscle. So, to me at least, I like that feel. I'm also fortunate enough to appreciate the real sports car feel of the RX8. So, I could live with either.
That said, the last real muscle car I drove was one very well preserved Plymouth Road Runner. Driving that and then jumping into a new Mustang GT and you'll see how very far the muscle car niche has come.
I kind of agree with the articles I've read recently saying that the 350Z might be a better sports car, but the RX-8 is a better car in general.
However at that point, I start thinking that maybe a TSX or a 325i is a better overall car for around the same price. Which is all well and good if that is what suits your needs. It just depends on how much you want to compromise. For instance, the guy in the TSX or 325i might think with an RX-8, you are sitting in a bathtub with poor build quality - and I suppose you are compared a BMW or Acura sedan.
Either way, I think the RX-8 is a great car, and I would not rule out buying one. I can find something I don't like with just about any car. It gives me an excuse to buy something new every couple of years.
Didn't say the Z was trash....just pointing out that what one person likes is not desireable to another.
Over the years, I've looked at lots of Acuras. They just leave me wanting. Good all around cars. They just don't "grab me" or stir any driving passion. Plus, the most desireable one in the TL (haven't driven the new RL, though) really made a major mistake in leaving it FWD. Same can be said for the TSX and RSX. FWD just can't cut it in the sports car world...no matter how refined.
Sit in a Z and then sit in an RX8. If you were like me, I always felt that the window sills were way too high in the Z giving me that "sitting in a bathtub" feel. I don't have any issues with cars that are low slung.
I've yet to see any professional review comparing the Z to the RX8 that picks the Z as the winner.
What does everyone think of the future RX8 Convertible (AKA RX7)
Convertible is supposedly in the works....and supposedly either an update of the RX8 (maybe called RX7 on the same platform as the RX8?) to around 300 HP.
My dealer's GM told me of this a couple of months ago. Now, that's coming from the dealer and not the factory, but I'd hope that the GM might have a bit more insight than I would.
Bottom line....whatever Mazda's doing, they're keeping mighty tight lipped about it.
I was considering a c6 Corvette as my replacement for the RX8 someday. But, if the RX8 (or RX7) is going to have 300 HP, I'd probably stick with the Mazda.
I've had such good luck with my RX that I'd consider the next gen if some of those rumors prove true.
pathstar is closer to those prospective RX rumors than I am. He might chime in here.
Having said that, I -suspect- we will see a replacement for the RX-7, though it's anyones guess what they'll call it. -I- think it will be based on the RX-8 chassis, perhaps shortened as much as 30 cm, perhaps with a supercharger, perhaps with a larger displacement engine (but not both - this would be the first change in displacement per rotor since the first gen. RX-7). It's unlikely it will be a triple rotor as the costs to build that are rather high and it requires a lot of length in the engine compartment.
Look for the paddle shifting manual transmission, and lots of cool electronics - it will be the flagship model, after all!
I also suspect we will see it at the next round of auto shows - next winter (if it survives the Inquisition of beancounters and sales forcasters - I hear via the grapevine that's where it's at now).
His option would be to purchase the car rather than lease it, then sell it when he's finished with it - claiming the payments and mileage rather than the lease payments - I presume he claims them as expenses. I suspect he would be further ahead this way anyway because he wouldn't be paying a leasing company their profits.
Lately I noticed my Nokian tires on my Pilot has a rougher ride, kind of jittery, felt like running on a graveled pavement at speeds of 60mph and over. Did your pathfinder ever had this problem? The Nokian 1800 no. I called told me it's a wheel balancing issue. I hate to fork more money for something that may not really solve this. You were right about its handling capability, but the ride is so rough, its too obvious coz the Pilot really rides smoothly even on the lousy integrity tires.
he might as well go either steal a car or steal the money to pay for his excess miles. Its no different than his current practices.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Not bright.
Mazda will probably do something to enhance the performance of the RX-8, and they may do a convertible. It'd be great to see it as a 4 seater. That is one of the things that I LOVE about my car.
The RX-series has always represented Mazda's rotary powered cars (with the exception of the old Mazda Cosmo and early rotary powered pickup).
The RX-7 is simply Mazda's rotary powered, 2-seat sportscar. IMO, ANY rotary powered, 2-seat sportscar which Mazda produces will be, by definition, a RX-7. That is the reason why the RX-8 COULD NOT be called the 'new' RX-7 when it was introduced: it wasn't a 2-seater.
Are you saying that Toyota CAN'T bring back a 'new' Toyota Supra?
Were you upset when Nissan brought back the 'Z'?
Are you upset that Dodge is reintroducing the Charger? Wups, bad example........
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has anyone else had a similar problem ?
Why do you think GM killed the "F Body" cars? Firebirds, and Camaros didn't sell enough to justify keeping producing them. They outpriced their demographic.
I'm really trying hard not to think about the Charger, Dodge will either sell quite a few of them or it will be a huge disappointment for the brand. Which will probably be the case, because they aren't going to make any that have the muscle car grunt of the 1970's Chargers.
Stock Analysts and Beancounters really run the Auto industry. it's a sad truth.
Agree with you on the 4-seat/4-door issue on the RX-8. Personally, I hope that Mazda does bring back the RX-7. I've always had a soft spot for them even though I've never owned one. But, being married with 2 kids, I HAVE to think practically. Right now, the RX-8 is on my short list (very short list) of contenders for my next new car purchase because of the fact that it offers 4 real seats and better access to them than a 'regular' coupe.
Charger and muscle car grunt? What, a 5.7l V8 with 420hp isn't enough to qualify? The only problem I have is the fact that they are dropping the Charger name on a largish 4-door sedan. (Kinda like if Mazda had called their new flagship performance car the RX-7, even though it had 4-doors/seats)
But I wouldn't be surpised if the 425hp 6.1liter Hemi makes it's way in within a year or so of introduction (engine from the Magnum SRT or the Chrylser 300C).
First, the rotary engine doesn't seal well below about 1000 RPM. Mazda had to drop the idle below there to keep fuel consumption "reasonable" (I leave it up to the owner to decide what reasonable means ;-). The poor sealing upsets the air/fuel mixture, resulting in poor idle. This explains poor or rough idle from day one.
Second, the spark plugs are chosen for "all around" use. That is they are hot enough to avoid fouling and cold enough to avoid detonation for the "average" owner - world wide or at least North America wide. I see you used km, so I presume you are in Canada. It's colder here or wetter if you're on the west coast. Check with your dealer. There are extra hot plugs that can be used in the winter - they resist fouling much better.
I suspect your rough idle is due to fouled plugs.
P.S still lovin the car .
I say, go for the 8, RX-8 that is!
I loved the 3rd generation RX-7, it looked great, handled great, and was just fast as heck. I just couldn't afford one when they were out.
Best way to be sure is to change the plugs - on the RX-8 it's easy from above. There are some hoses at the rear left of the engine, just use a large zip tie to move them out of the way and plug changes are a snap! I notice the plugs have dropped in price too - bonus! Keep the cold stock plugs for spring install. Don't use the hot plugs in the summer - it could cause problems! Remember the leading plugs are the lower ones - lower=leading and the top plugs are the trailing ones top=trailing. For those not versed in rotary speak, think of the charge as an oval blob moving clockwise around the engine. Intake on the right 10 o'clock position, compression on the top of the engine, ignition on the left side. The top of the left side of the engine has the trailing part of the oval blob and the lower part of the left side has the leading part of the blob. The power "stroke" is along the bottom of the engine, with exhaust the lower part of the right side. All viewed from the front, of course.
I filed a lemon law claim against Mazda because of the very rough idle, Mazda claims there is no problem, my local service manager testified that it does exist and there is no fix.
I will get the decision in about a month, talk about a catch 22, the judge says he may order the car be made to run right the service manager says it cannot be done!
Either way I will not keep this junk very much longer.
Sorry to here yo havnt had much luck with your's . Do you have one of the first ones?
Either my button just broke OR it just fixed itself. According to a friend the lock is supposed to lock out everybody in a 2 door car. And my 8 just started to do just that. But it didn't do that before.......and now my tiny brain is all confused!...
BTW, still the best darn car ever. :-)
I've never used mine, so I have no idea whether it works right or not.
IF you're having problems, ask the dealer to do an "M" reflash of your PCM.
First off the car is as wonderful of a performer as billed here on this thread. You'd think it had more horsepower than it really does, imo.
The car I drove was an 04, yellow 6 speed, loaded- 35k msrp. Before we left the lot to go on the test drive I checked the build date- 06/03. That sounded like a pretty early 04 that was susceptable to the bugs discussed here. It was bothersome that after it was fully warmed up, the car stalled twice for no real reason.
The two things(stalling aside) I really didnt like were a)the rearview mirror obstructed my view out the front and b)the blind spot on the left side is terrible.
Dealership has taken care of all the TSBs with no hassle and my car runs like a top. Starts every time, regardless of the condition. Did they have some sort of body kit on it. Totally loaded up, you can't break the $34K MSRP barrier on an '04. I don't know if there's been a price increase on the '05s though. Mine is totally loaded, with NAV, and the MSRP was a shade over $33K.
Can't comment about obstructed views. But, that's more a case of how short/tall you are while sitting in the car. I'm 6'/190 lbs. I see out of mine just fine.
Did it stall while idling? I wonder how old the fuel was sitting in the gas tank if the car had such an early build date? If the car has been sitting around for that long, the dealer should have had all the current TSBs already done to it. Those cars sold like hotcakes when they first came out. I don't think there was one anywhere in the country that sat more than a day or two before it was purchased. We really didn't see anything in the way of dealer stock until Sept/Oct of '03.
I'd question the dealer about where this car came from.
:-)
Meanwhile, the last couple of weeks, the coolant level warning light has been coming on (it would stay on for about 10 seconds after I started the engine). After I refilled the windshield washer fluid, the coolant level warning light stopped coming on. I wonder if the two lights on my RX-8 were wired incorrectly.
Does anyone have the same problem?
What Does Everyone Think? Girly, Or Not Girly
Second, you're in the RX-8 forum. What kind of answer to you expect from that question? Do you honestly expect most of the owners here (male) to answer "yep, it's a girly car"?
Third, Why In The Heck Do You Go To The Trouble To Capitalize Every Word In Your Post?
Now, its not necessarily something Mazda did wrong, because I have now tried out almost every coupe and roadster I can think of, and, so far, the only one I could get even close to comfortable in is the 350Z. I would say the fit of the Mazda comes closest to the TT coupe ... close, but having my legs pushing against the door and center stack becomes very irritating after about 15 minutes in the seat. I'm so disappointed.
OH, hey, I just went back and found the post from when I first sat in it in July 2003. I commented that I didn't like the visibility, but I did say that I JUST fit in the car. I suppose after actually getting to spend more than 10 seconds in it, it no longer seems the seating position is viable. Or at least all of the test driving I've been doing is showing me what I should look out for. Its such a shame. I will always think this is a beautiful car.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
On a sour note, it was a beautiful day on Saturday....sunny and about 55 degrees. Decided to take the 8 out. Having a blast driving through the back roads and hills of the OH valley. I'm stopped at a red light in a little quaint town about an hour from where I live. I look up in my rearview mirror and notice a Dodge Ram closing in fast behind me. I keep watching, watching and watching....you guessed it. The pick-up driver was paying "zero" attention to the light. I brace. AAAAHHHHHHHH NOOOOOO! Then "wham"....the guy plows into the back of me. I in turn, am pushed into the person in front of me (an Accord). My airbag goes off. That's an experience I won't soon forget.
After a couple of minutes to get my wits about me, more shaken than mad, I get out of my beautiful 8 to survey myself and the damage. I've got "burns" all over my arms (which turned into bruises in short order from the airbag). I had thrown my sweat shirt in the back seat and was wearing just a T-shirt since it was so nice while driving. My face hurts but is intact. Trunk looks like an accordion. The tailights and trunk are all smashed. Front is crumpled to the radiator. Both front 1/4 panels are buckled. The windshield is smashed from what I assume is the force of the airbag deploying. Nasty, hissing sounds are coming from under the buckled hood, but no noticeable fluid seepage.
Long story even longer, the pick-up guy was cited for "failure to control" and "failure to keep a safe distance". His insurance is picking up the tab for both cars.
I went to the local hospital. They gave me some sort of salve for my arms. I got home and took pictures of my bruised/burned arms and the black eyes I'm now sporting (just in case there's any sort of question about my personal physical outcome from the crash).
My 8 had to be "flat bedded". The person I hit was able to drive their car away, but their trunk look like it was hit with an anvil from where I was pushed into it.
Insurance adjuster is looking at my car this a.m. as it's sitting in the back lot of my dealer.
I'm sickened by this whole thing.
I've been hit from the rear by someone not paying attention, and that takes a while to get over, from the..."Are they going to STOP????" (and they are like 5 carlengths away while you have YOUR panic attack)
Hopefully, you will be taken care of their insurance company to your satisfaction.
Please tell us that your car isn't Sunlight Silver, by the way... there's rumors of a curse on that color.
It was a feeling of helplessness. I could see what was going to happen, but there wasn't a thing I could do about it except to brace for impact. There was no place for me to go. Once I noticed the pick-up guy had no clue, all I could do was watch it happen in my rearview mirror.
I know what you mean though. I actually said outloud to myself "what's he doing?" I remember honking my horn at the guy ahead of me right before impact (like that will stop the truck behind me). Then POW...sicknening sound...sickening feeling. I'll be OK, though.
My RX8 is a different matter entirely. Insurance adjuster looked at my car this a.m. I called him and he said he was still totalling what the repair bill will be. He said if the repair bill is 80% or above of the actual worth of the car, they'll total it.
I had a lot of questions for him. Is the car's worth a wholesale price, a retail price, or something in between. Who determines the value of the car? The adjuster asked me if I was OK. I told him I was really sore and I wasn't sure how long I'd feel this way. He already had the report from the police and said they'd take care of the charges at the hospital. He also asked if I'd sign a medical waver. I told him I wasn't prepared to do that and e-mailed him the pics of my face and arms. They did have a rental car delivered to my house, which was nice of them (although, it's a Cavalier).
The dealer said they won't know the total extent of the damage to the car until they "tear into it". I told them to be thorough as I didn't think it was merely cosmetic damage. The interior was a mess with all the glass and the airbag explosion.
I spoke to my insurance company. I've got an appointment to see my family doctor later today.
We'll see how that goes.
Hmmmm... ya know, this could either be good or bad for you. I know you were looking at trading the car for a Vette. IF it gets totalled, you MAY get more than you would have gotten on a trade. But, IF it doesn't get totalled, its going to kill the trade value. Tough spot. Keep us informed. Good luck.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I'm also glad it wasn't more serious.
I've been on the phone with insurance people all day. Doctor wants me to come in for a couple more days straight to make sure the burns on my arms don't get infected, but really, all I need is some time for the bruises and burns to heal. I'll be fine (won't tell the insurance people that, just yet).
I've thought about what you said. You may be right. As much as I love the RX8, I want them to total it out....both for financial reasons and, as you said, I'm afraid that the value will plummet on the used market if they decide to fix it.
After this experience, I'm having 2nd thoughts about the C6. I doubt a fiberglass body would have held up as well as the RX8 did in such an accident.
THis is all very premature, though. The dealership service/body shop is supposed to have an estimate tomorrow since they tore the car apart today. Then it's between me and the insurance company.
We'll see what happens.
I don't know how well designed the new corvette is, but I would suspect to meet regulations, it would act similarly. I think it's heavier than the RX-8, so the forces may average to a lower peak. Crash testing data is posted on the net. if you want to compare it.