Alright as a disclaimer, I tried doing a search for this, didn't come up with anything. Whether through the search function or scanning through the forums. So I'm sorry if there are previous threads out there that cover this, I'm not used to this board system so I haven't learned all the intricacies (like doing an advanced search type thing?). So that's my disclaimer, please don't flame on that .

Through my searches I did come up with some basics, some ideas, but not quite specific for what I'm looking at/for.

Anyways to the title to start off with.

I've limited my selection down to 2 cars. A RX-8 or a S2K. This car would be my summer/fun car while I would keep my beater for winters/bad weather. As a preface, I'm tall (6'6" with extremely long legs ). I fit in a s2k rather snugly, but courtesy of the sensitive steering/steering wheel I don't have to make revolutions with the steering wheel so it doesn't hamper my driving (taken 3 test drives so far, eventually going to try to pay someone to let me test drive it for a longer period of time to make sure). Have yet to get into a rx-8 but I'd imagine it's probably nearly the same length. But I dont' want that to completely affect my decision, I want a car that's fun, etc.
I'm looking at probably getting either used, but that laguna blue is looking DAMN nice (as is the Shinka RX-8)

Both are pretty high revving engines, both have pretty low torque numbers. Both are aimed more for tracks and turns rather than straight line drag strip performance. Both are light RWD cars that cost relatively the same. (Surprised I haven't been able to find this comparison anywhere else).

The first big difference is the whole convertible/coupe comparison. Which, I guess, is the reason why nobody really compares these 2. Obviously the convertible thing automatically gives the S2K an advantage for me (love the convertibles). But as for the rest of the differences. Big thing I've noticed is the RX-8 has alot more amenities (be it good or bad). Heated seats, navigation system, better sound system etc etc. Be that a good thing or a bad thing, it depends on how you look at it.
Rotary engine could be a kicker for me, because I'd ideally want to be keeping whatever car I get for a 100k miles, hopefully over that . I know finding people to do work on Rotary engines can be a massive pain, so that's a drawback. Both seem to have random quirks, none really defining for either one.

Thoughts on this comparison?

Also for anyone that has a S2K, which MY do you feel would be the 'best' for a used one? I'm trying to stick with 2002+ because of the change from plastic to glass window. That and more time for Honda to get rid of the quirks. 2004+ would be nice, but they seem to cost a bit more, is it worth it for the torquier engine and the new styling? (from pics I seem to like the pre 2004 better). Also losing a bit of the engine redline with the 2004 (gotta love being able to get 9000). Basically it comes down to the money. Which year becomes the best at this point? It's not because money is tight but rather to get the best bang for the buck. Which is why I don't want to necessarily get a new one. (even though I really do love that blue!). Anything in particular I should know/keep in mind for each model year past 2002?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks guys!

 

not too sure about the RX8's, you may have better feed backs by posting the RX8 questions in a mazda forum. but this FAQ post will be helpful in finding some answers for yourself about the S2K.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=154011

 

Freakazoid,

I'm moving your thread to Car Talk for more feedback. Frankly, I could give you an off-the-cuff reply like "there ain't no comparison," but I don't think that'd be doing the Mazda justice.

I like the RX-8 just fine, and kudos to Mazda for building it, but I can't imagine swapping my S for one.

 

I have owned a 2005 pearl white Rx8 gt 6 speed and now a 2000 GPW S2k. I sold my Rx8 because i moved back to Guam from Oregon.. miss the rx8 and picked up the a white s2k .



here's a quick comparison since its already 2am.
Rx8
Pros
1. Great handling RWD
2. More options (heated seats, tire pressure monitoring system, more safety features, extra two seats)
3. Highrevving motor and sounds great at wot.
4. Smoother ride than the S2k. a little softer suspension.
5. Traction control system. u can turn it off.
6. 300 watt Bose Sound System although it doesnt sound like its 300watt.
7. Great Steering response
8. Short precise shifter although the 2nd gear is a bit notchy until it warms up.
9. The Renesis 13b will be more reliable than the FD3s Rx7 since its not force inducted.
10. The interior design in the Rx8 is a little more fun than the S2k.
11. Better practicality than the S2k unless u plan to use the S as a weekend car.
12. Trunk space is bigger but not by much. the opening of the Rx8 is small.
13. When you hit the redline, you get a warning beep .
14. Plenty of rebates for the Rx8...you can get a GT for around 27-28k grand and a shinka for 28-30k
15. Harder to break into than a S. The only thing about the S is that you ahve to worry about thieves slashing you top unless plan to get a hardtop (defeats the purpose of convertible).


Cons
1. Rotary motor tends to burn gas and motor oil fast. I got about 13-15mpg in city and 20-21 mpg highway.
2. Interior Quality not as well fitted as the S2k.
3. Rx8 doesnt holds it value as well as the S2k.


you cant go wrong if you pick either the Rx8 or S2k. I like the S2k because of the topdown and its great quality. I have a 2000 model with 33k miles on it. running just great. my plastic window is still visible and in good condition. you just have to take care of it. But i would prefer the glass. so get 02 plus model. If you plan to mod your car, both car are quite expensive to mod. The S2k has a stiffer ride and feels more a of race car than the Rx8. You gotta love "Engine Start" button in the S. To me, the Rx8 is a 4 door S2k. Go take a drive in the Rx8. that's it for now..im falling asleep. i hope it helps somewhat.
Happy New Years.

 

The RX8 has a very well developed chassis with room for 3 more folks. In terms of acceleration it is similar to the S2k without VTEC. Slower for sure, but not by much.

The fuel mileage and oil consumption issues are a concern with the RX8 -- but it is the more practical choice if you don't want a convertible.

 

Hey thanks for the response guys. And thanks for the move, wasn't sure where to put it, so I put it down as low as I could go in terms of the technicality of the thread

Practicality isn't too much of a concern because I don't have a family, I already don't transport anymore than 1 other person at a time (except on VERY rare occasions). And I'll also be keeping my beater for bad weather days. Grocery shopping I never get a LOT when I grocery shop or do wahtever shopping, so between the passenger seat and the little trunk I feel I'd be alright.

I'm going to go for a test drive tomorrow for the rx-8, judging by the online inventories, there are a couple places about 20 miles from where I live that at least from online apparently have a good 10-20 freakin rx-8s in their inventories??? Sounds like a way for me to get one hell of a deal Buuuut I like the S2K quite a lot, the test drive might be the determining factor.... or it might just make it worse and keep me completely torn!

And as for oil burning/usage I've heard that before as well, how much we talking? That gas thing would be a big kicker because there wouldnt' be too much highway driving in it for me.


and as for the off the cuff response, that's actually sorta what I'm looking for, like to hear both sides of the story, the more biased you are, the more willing you are to focus on the strenghts of your car and the weaknesses of the other .


Oh and probably the number one reason I'm looking for a S2K. I've only seen one in this area in quite a while, and that's because the guy lives near me. But I see probably a good 6 RX-8's running around. That combined with the convertible factor... mmmmmm...

Any more thoughts would be appreciated though, thanks!

 

I have owned my S2000 for 3+ years. So at the time I was looking time there was no RX-8 or Elise.

I'm 6-3 and find the S2000 a bit tight, but OK. One thing my leg was getting a numb spot (right leg). I figured it was from the way I was resting my leg on the center tunnel when the cruise control was on. I have since changed the way I rest my leg with cruise. Still I don't fit well in the S2000. But well enough.

You def need to test drive the RX-8 to see what you think.

Here are some random thoughts:

S2000 drop top (big plus). I also have a hardtop which makes it feel like a coupe. I leave the top on all winter. Makes the car almost feel like/look like a different car (s2000 coupe).

I love driving the vert on nice warm days, wind and sun make you feel different than just driving an ordinary car.

The S2000 is proven to be able to run a long time. Many have 100K+ miles on them. I think at least one has near 200K miles.

The RX-8 hasn't been around that long so who knows what it's engine longevity will be?

The RX-8 has issues with gas mileage (don't bother me that much). I get 20-22 mpg in the S2000. I've read where an RX-8 (long term test) was getting mid-16s mpg. That's not good for such a small light car. SOme SUVs get better than that.

My biggest issue with the RX-8 is that it has had reported problems with flooding the engine if you turn it off when it's not been warmed up. And you can't re-start it. That's un-acceptable (IMO). This is 2006 cars should be able to turn on/off without having to think about it.

I think if you get a S2000, get an 03+ they cost more but they probably will be worth more at resale. Have some extra features and improvements. I'd get a 06+ with stability control, airbag shut off and glove box etc..

 

Another car to look at is the e36 M3 which was made 96-99 and you can get a coupe or sedan. They have 240hp but more TQ than a RX-8. They can be had for $20K (plus or minus). It looks classic while the RX-8 is a bit quirky.

the e36 M3 was one of the best cars of it's day and still would be nice even tho it's 6+ years old.

Other cars to look at:

Mustang GT V8 ~25K
GTO vette engine ~30k
Elise fun second car (I would consider one for myself but cost me a lot to trade my S2000)
Boxster great all around vert
350Z (tho I think the S2000 is a better sports car)
C5 vette, you can get a Z06 in the low $30s

If I didn't have a S2000 already I'd probably go with an Elise, a new Boxster a new S2000 or a C5 Z06.

 

Hey rai thanks alot for the response, good explanation. I didn't realize the RX-8 hasn't been out that long. Makes sense now that I think about it, but never really thought about it, just sorta knew it had been there for a few years. Also thanks for that info about the S2Ks going over 100k miles, that's exactly the sorta data I'm lookin for.

I've heard about the flooding thing, didn't know it was that much of an issue, thought it was a first model year bug type thing. On that note when was the first year of Rx-8's?

Oh and why 03 over 02 for the S2K MY? 02 makes sense to me, honestly not even considering the 2000 MY (true there was no clock, right?).


And for the cars you mentioned.

First the elise, have you actually sat in one? You mentioned being tall and the S2K being alright, but not the best fit in the world. The Elise for me AFTER getting in... was ok but with no power steering, how many steering wheel revolutions to lock? That was the savior for the S2k, what is it like 1.25 to lock? Elise I wouldn't have the manueverability with my legs and hands and whatnot if I had to keep on turning the wheel a lot to make some turns. I need to test drive one, I do LOVE the car, a LITTLE expensive, but acceptable.... the biggest kicker for me with that car though is, if you've ever tried to sit in one with the top up with our/your height? That is just AMUSING. That car would be the completely most unpractical thing I could possibly EVER buy. But that's no reasont o stop me I think it took me a solid minute to get my legs in with the top up. Top down just took me having to step OVER the steering wheel and sliding in, just a matter of getting used to it. like I said I' mreally curious to see how many revolutions we'd be talking, because with how close my legs were to the steering wheel, having to make a 3 turn revolution I could end up in trouble .

Next. The M3. I'd probably actually very much consider that if it wasn't for how much I've heard about the repairs being an arm and a leg in terms of price? I could be wrong about that, and PLEASE correct me if I am. But I couldn't afford/want to pay alotta money to do the repairs on the car. Especially if I got unlucky enough to buy a used one that happened to need alotta stuff soon after buying. RX-8 is definitely quirky, but for whatever reason, with the right CF hood that car is just SICK looking imo. (i like the rear end better than the S2K too for whatever reason)

Mustang... too popular. At least around here, that and as much as I like the domestic scene I just don't feel the mustang would offer me any real reliability. Same complaint about the GTO, while a lot more rare, same other complaints, and the styling is just way too blah for me to fork over that much cash. Freaking looks like a Grand Prix/Grand Am, nahhh.

Boxster, too expensive, if I were able to get a decent deal... MAYBE but just too expensive for the performance (comparable to the S2K while costing 20k more? ehhh). Also for that price I'd rather get a vette probably... explain that later.

350z, nice car, but to get what I'd want.. the price racks up WAY too quickly. It starts off at like 29k, but add some 'typical' options that I'd want, and the price starts get damn near 40k for a car that as nice as it looks just wouldn't give me the performance/advantages I'd want at that price tag.

And to the vettes.... I haven't sat in a C5, but I sat in a C6 black on black vert. And oh....my... I fell in LOVE with that car. One, I can't go back to the old headlight style. At first I thought it was stupid, but after seeing it and getting used to it, it's absolutely beautiful, especially on a black vette. So no C5s for me That and if you've sat in them they fit SOOOOO nice for tall people. At first it was a typical tight fit, but then with some seat moving around and voila, it was BEAUTIFUL. I was sitting there and I was just like wow.... this fits... this fits REAL nice. That car is just sooooo good looking, and the fact I fit in it... when I turn 25 (decreased insurance rates) I DEFINITELY see that as being my next car.. I would consider buying one now if I could find a decent deal, but I'm not too certain about the longevity of the car. Heard there's a few quirks for the C6s as well, I think I'd prefer to give them another year or 2 to iron them all out?

As much as I like the S2K, if it I could find a vert c6 for remotely the same price I would have to go with the c6... just LOVE that car

 

Go with the rx-8 bro.

Other then 4 seats and more room, there is not a single category that the rx-8 is better.