I've been looking at purchasing a new S2000 for a couple months now, but I've realized that the S is just too small for my needs in terms of seats...

My question is this: Is the Mazda RX-8 generally considered to be a competitor to the S in terms of power and handling? Is it even in same league performance-wise?

I obviously know that the RX-8 isn't a convertible, but that wasn't why I liked the S in the first place so it doesn't bother me. If it helps at all, I'm looking at new 2009's.

 

Handling is definitely on par with the s2k. The power is not however, but it's not bad.

You might want to hop onto the RX8 forum and do some research. I'm not an expert, but I do know that the fuel mileage is not that great and the reliability will not come close to the s2k.

 

If you can put up with the fuel economy, then it's a great car. Even its transmission is pretty smooth as is the powerband. Plus their resale value sucks so you can pick one up for dirt cheap, probably with a warranty.

 

reliability, handling, or speed of S is better than RX8 anyway. also, RX 8 has poor MPG. i heard it eats oil, so you need to pay attention on it frequently. i will pick civic SI over RX 8. btw, you can get a 07 or barely new 08 350z for that kinda money.

 

the sound that car makes is teh sex.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I've already driven the new STi, the Evo IX, and the Evo X, and none of those really excite me that much (they are mega-fast but a bit boring at normal speeds...). I'm hoping this will be a good compromise, being more of a sports car and a 4 seater at the same time.

 

reportedly the 2004 in particular has numerous gremlins, buy a newer one and you should be fine

I can't imagine a non turbo 13b, it's too gutless, but if you're a natural born rotorhead, you'll dig it anyhow

 

man, we went through this already...


the rx8 is a great car

it would be perfect if it had a normal engine and 2 regular doors.

 

Yeah, I have one. I would recommend an 05' or after. But it is similar to the S2000 in terms of revving the engine, shifting, handling feel. But obviously with back seats and additional doors it adds weight. It's like an S2000 with another 200 lbs. added to it. Overall it's a fun car to drive.

As for the gas mpg & eating oil, or the stalling issue, many of these issues were solved with the ECU flashes that the car has had over the years. MPG is not horrible, it's not great, but it's not horrible. The oil consumption is largely a thing of the past. You maybe check it every few months if you fill up the oil in the beginning. Not really an issue on the 06's & up.

Try to get an 06' & later if you can.

 

The RX-8 is a four seat S2000. Handling is almost identical, skidpad is slightly higher for the RX-8. Hp is about the same - 238 for the manual. Accel and braking are about identical - same gear ratios just about.

That said, it gets bad gas mileage, so as a DD, tough call. If I needed four seats, I'd be getting a Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd and adding a Cobb chip, but the RX-8 is the closest thing you can get to a four-seat S2000.