been in a few, never driven one but the interior is just crap, falls apart and the headlights and taillights have lens issues. the engine is weak. that is why its only in one model. i like the concept of rotary i think its really cool that it is contentiously spinning but you think by now they would have made it a lot better

 

Mazdas in general have headlight/taillight fogging issues. I've been in a few too, 2004, 2005, and a 2010. The interiors are holding just fine (Canadian spec).
I'm 5'8, I fit into the back just fine but the front seats are not set all the way back.

 

If I had to pick I'd rather take an RX7 ..always wanted one, its a beautiful car...

some very nice cars...here
http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=485128

 

I test drove one once and the guy really let me open it up. It was faster than my 5gen prelude at the time but deff slower than my S. I thought the motor was very smooth and never seemed to have any issues revving high. The 6 speed gear box was decent. Some of the touring models have some very nice leather and nav system which impressed me. Overall i think its a cool car but not better than the S

 

I've driven one on the street and the track and here are my thoughts:

For a simple every day car, I would pass because of the gas mileage and lack of power. But if you want a canyon carver or track car that can double as a capable people mover, it's very hard to not consider the RX-8. Steering feel is very pure and it can be an amazing handler with zero to very minor mods.

I've always tipped my hat toward Mazda for making such a great and affordable 4 door. I just wished they put a reliable engine in there because that's all it lacks for me to pick one up.

 

Oh, and for prospective tinkering fanatics, you can follow this if you would like an aftermarket solution for the Renesis.

http://www.hinsonsupercars.com/s-942-mazda...03-present.aspx

 

Yet, another S2000 vs RX8 thread. Actually the most recent was this one by kafu.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=767240

 

Gorgeous.

Big fan of the RX-8, enough from for your 2.2 kids and engine runs on double creme.

 

I'm definitely also an RX-8 fan, and even the rotary engine. But in the real world, it just doesn't make sense to sacrifice that much in fuel mileage for so little power, and not so much in terms of space- and weight-savings.

When I bought the S, the RX-8 was the only other car I was considering. I definitely would prefer to have a fixed roof and 2+2 seating over ragtop and 2 seats only for my daily driver (already have a 240Z, my *serious* sports/track car).

Regarding +2 seating in the -8, for me it's not necessary to fit 6-footers back there, just good to have the extra space. Preferably it'd be with a hatchback and fold-down rear seatbacks, though.

I wish Honda had built a family of cars on the S2000 platform, including an RX-8-like 2+2 coupe.

Too bad we'll most likely never see anything like the S from Honda again, and too bad Mazda will probably let the RX-8 die a natural death instead of giving it a proper real-world engine.

Looking forward to the FT-86, hoping they don't screw it up too bad...

 

I test drove a few of them when i was in the market for a new car and thoroughly enjoyed it. It didnt feel horribly slow as many have mentioned and overall was pretty enjoyable to drive. It was on the short list along with the s2000 and 350z but the s2k kept calling my name and here I am 2 years later.