I believe so - the hp is lower by about 10-20 depending on AP1/AP2.

 

[QUOTE=Saki GT,Feb 16 2009, 09:43 AM] S2000 has 237 hp, RX-8 has 238.

 

The new rating for the RX8 is 232hp, not 238 hp. But even that is a bit optimistic. RX8's usually dyno in the 185-190 whp range, when the AP2 S2K's were doing 205 whp. In Europe, the RX8's were rated at 228 hp. The engine is probably putting out in the 210-220 hp range.

It's really like an S2000 with extra seats, from a handling, braking & slightly slower straightline perspective.

People are now using the Cobb Access Port tuner, intake, exhaust, hi flow cat, pulley & are getting around 205-210 whp range. That's about as far as you can go with bolt ons.

 

RX8

 

its a great car, and when i drove it i felt that it handled better than the s2000. longer wheelbase and wider track.

ppl also fail to note that the rotary engine is much smoother than f20/22. its shifts like butter, i loved it.

i bought the s cause it was a convertible, i didnt need back seats and the gas mileage is too low on the rx8. also, i believe mazda will release an rx7 in a few years.

 

I wish Mazda would bring back the RX7

 

I can't see an RX-7 making a come back now, but we'll see I guess.

 

My roommate has an RX-8. I ride it in regularly and have driven it on a few occasions.

It's definitely not as fast as my AP2, but it isn't too far behind. My car does feel a bit torquier, he said. Both cars need high revs to really be accelerating hard obviously.

The RX-8 is a tad softer. It isn't as sharp with steering response, but it does handle in a very neutral manner like the S2000. There's a little more body roll too.

It's still a really capable car if you can look past the quirkiness of the rotary engine and the love/hate styling. The S2000 does out-class it in SCCA if that's any indication of their relative performance. For a DD, the RX-8 is nice.

 

supposedly they are developing the new 16x engine to put in a fourth gen 7 (2500 pound curb weight and 280 hp is the rumor), but with this crap economy, all bets are off

 

I would shoot for an FD RX7. They're pretty awesome, and if you can DD a S2k, RX7 is no problem. Not to mention the RX7 is so much sexier, imo.