Some of you may recall my thread showing an RX-8 and S2000 side by side.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...threadid=139146

Because the dealership was closed, MyBad and I could only look at the exterior of the Mazda RX-8. However, the other day, my wife and I had the opportunity to drive it.

I was trying to absorb as much as possible when we visited the dealer. I really *wanted* to know more about the RX-8 and wanted to see if it had our S2000 beat. Not that I really cared, but I wanted to see, nonetheless. I'm sure you can relate.

We drove to the dealer with my wife's Accord. Upon our arrival, a salesman came out to greet us. We asked to look at the RX-8 and without hesitation, the saleman said "Absolutely, let me grab the keys." I was pretty shocked. A large 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper clearly stated that "Pre-Approval" was necessary. So, we walk over to the RX-8 and he (the salesman) opens the driver's door and then the suicide door (known to Mazda as a "Freestyle" door). Instantly, my wife reacts, saying "Cool!" I sat in the driver's seat and I really liked the dash and the way it felt. I inserted the key and my first reaction was to the very cool Navigation screen that looked to be dancing as the car came to life. It automatically tilts upward from the dash. Simply awesome, IMO. I was really impressed by it (obviously). Also, the screen was large and very easy to read. I also liked that you could tilt the screen with the touch of a button or completely fold it out of the way, again, with the touch of a button. Then I noticed the mileage, a whopping 390 MILES! Guess a whole lotta "Pre-Approved" folks have been driving this car.

I felt very confined with the interior of the RX-8. My hair was brushing against the fabric of the roof (lining) and I really *hate* that. I adjusted the power seat a few times until I could no longer feel my hair making a connection, but the closeness bothered me. I'm not a big guy, tall-wise. I'm 5'9" and weigh about 220, width wise, I was fine, but I thought about folks taller who may have trouble. Not sure. Then again, I really like my seat posture to be straight, so folks who are taller may solve the issue all together by leaning back more in the seat. Not sure, just know that I did not feel comfortable. Another thing I did not like was the very glossy looking plastics inside the car. It simply resonated "DOLLAR STORE." I think a brushed aluminum or satin plastic finish would have done the interior more justice. But hey, that's just my opinon. I loved the (what seemed like endless) creature comforts. Lots of "stuff" to make this RX-8 a great daily driver.

Uuummm, yeah. Drive. That's where I need to get to. Well, we leave the dealership with the salesman driving and telling me a bit about the car. I'm noticing this horrible sounding whiney noise. Reminded me of a supercharger. Uuuggghhh, I hated the sound. It was really annoying. I thought it would go away after warm up, but it never did. We drove onto a back road that has 3 nice S curves. The salesman was extremly conservative in the curves and I respected that.

Now it was my turn.

My wife sits up front and the salesman sits in the back. I get in and make my adjustments (again ). I then start her (yeah, it's a she) off and take the first curve slowly. By the second curve, I'm getting a better feel of the car and by the third curve, I'm ready for ACTION! As I come out of the curve, I really stepped on the gas and I actually (through all the obnoxious whinning noise) prepared myself for a BOLT of power. Something like my baby would do, say around 6300 RPM's. But nothing happened. The RX-8 seemed to simply bottom out. It was sooooooo disapointing. I looked over to my wife and she had the same look. As if we were in bed and I was unable to perform. Seriously, it was that much of a let down.

As I drove her back to the dealer, the salesman asked how I liked it. I simply said, "I don't. It's not fun to drive." And it just wasn't. All the feelings aside, I was really disapointed with it. I guess my expectations were too high. Unfortunate in a way.

Don't think this is an attempt at starting a flame war between the S2000 and Mazda RX-8. This is simply *my* opinion. Folks who know me on the board know that I am honest and fair when it comes to comparing automobiles. Sure, I have a Honda loyalist side, but who doesn't. I urge anyone who can (and will) to take a test drive of an RX-8 soon.

 

Nice report, thanks.

 

At least you were honest Nice report

 

Thanks Airgate, I always enjoy your reviews.

 

Nice report. What did the salesperson say when you said you didn't like it? Last time I said that about a car (350Z track model - last week) He couldn't believe what I was saying... but then he took my S2000 for a drive (he had said he's never driven one, so wanted to see what it was like). He took my car on a quick drive (I'm very open with other people driving my car if they seem responsible)... He's like if you decide to get a 350Z off me, I want to buy your S2000!

Too bad that wont happen!

 

I was honest with him from the beginning. I shared with him that we owned an S2000. He seemed mildly impressed with that piece of information. At any rate, he really had no rebuttle. I think he knew that there's no real comparison. Just kidding around.

To be 100% honest, I think he saw my reaction when we came out of that 3rd S curve. He knew.

Ahhhh, S curve. Has a great sound to it.

 

Thanks airgate!

That's the first driving impression of the RX8 I've read so far. I appreciate you posting it here.

This was a car I was considering since it can seat four people. (have two young daughters). But the more research I do, the more inclined I am to buy the S2000. We've already got a family car (2001 Mazda Tribute) and now we want a FUN sporty car. Plus I really want a convertible. I say screw practicality. I haven't drivine the S yet, but if it makes me jump with anticipation to drive it every day, then I'm sold.

 

You're a ing moron, you're sitting here bitching about the interior on a ing RX-8? Have you sat in your S2000 recently? 5'9" 220(you must be a chubby fella), either way, the S2000 is a nice car, but it's not the freaking Godly piece of machinery you all make it out to be. I've driven an S2000 for a few weeks, watched it for my friend, and I was impressed, but to say the RX-8 engine was annoying? It's a freaking rotary, that's like saying VTEC kicking in is an annoying noise. And that bolt of power you were expecting? Yeah, the S2000 has VTEC and the RX-8 doesn't. The S2000 bogs in lower RPMS, whereas the RX-8 has more pull in the lower rpms. You can say what you want, but to say that you're review is totally unbiased is total BS. Yeah, this is my opinion too, so I shouldn't recieve any heat for this, theoretically speaking.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by LightEmUp
[B]You're a ing moron, you're sitting here bitching about the interior on a ing RX-8?

 

Well, stating your opinion is one thing. Using profanity and making insults is another. Obviously, being 5'9" and 220 doesn't have me modeling in GQ, but that, IMO, is irrelevant.

You are obviously biased towards the RX-8 and it's natural to be that way when you own/want to own a specific car. Sure, I'm a little biased, but I still stated my overall opinion and did so without 1 profane word or insult.