MadScientist

... a 2005 Mustang GT or a Mazda RX8... and why did you pick which

Reason why I ask is because I'm split between these two for a purchase. I know these two cars are totally different but the thing is each car appeals to a different side of the enthusiast in me yet both accomodate my day-day needs. Because they are so different its hard for me to cross-shop/compare.

What are your thoughts?

rai

I've tossed this around myself.

While I don't like either car so much where I'm dying to have one, they're both so cheap that I could pick one up without much bother. While a car like a C6 Z06 or 911 S that are also happen to cost real money.

So for a modest $25K for either RX-8 or Mustang GT (maybe less) you can get a real car with real performance both.

I haven't driven either but read enough to think I know what they're about.

Looks I'd have to give to the Mustang

Straight line I'd give to the stang which is just faster than the S2000 while the RX is just slower than the S2000.

Driving/handling/fun-to-drive I'd give to the RX-8

In the end, prolly I'd give the nod to the RX as the car I'd rather buy. But I'd remind myself the C5 Z06 costs just a few K more. That's another thing to ponder.

But new for new i'll say the RX-8 just a pinch over the Mustang.

The RX is a good 300 lbs less heavy and has a better shifter (and 6-speed) and better interior and better rear seats (they say). But the stang has that V8 and it's so cheap for a OHC V8 it's almost like I should pick one up just b/c it's part of being an American. What's more American than a V8 Mustang?

rai

I generally like what CAR magazine has to say, they ususlly don't like "Yank" cars but then most of the time I don't either.

They were talking about the Mustang GT vert, but I think it applies to the tin-top.

[QUOTE]It looks good, it goes like stink and it's a great value

also :

You get big panel gaps, second-rate plastics, a live rear axle and numb controls, it's almost as long as an E-class yet it's rear seats are no more than a parcel shelf.

QUIKAG

I'd take the Stang, though I'm not a big Ford fan.

SpeedxRacer

Why not throw in the GTO with the GM employee discount currently?

DarkEarth

rx8... pretty sure it will handle better and be more fun to drive

boiler

Neither!

That's why I am driving an S2000.

vroom

rai - is that what they say? Is that about the 05 or the previous gen? OMG - I've been kind of lured by that car just for giggles, but that bit about numb controls, stiff yet rubbery shifter and handling going to pot when exercised, would diminish any exhilaration brought on by the power.

Just goes to show - Over here, the mags claim it handles well and the shifter is excellent.

I really think that these cars are so radically different in everything they do that it should be an easy decision, whether you are a power guy or handling guy. Even if you mix both, you usually lean one way or the other, and it gets pretty easy to pick between these two (which isn't saying either is bad).

eyescream

neither

MadScientist

1) I'm not a GM employee

2) GTO's arent available up here

3) even if it was, I'm not interested in paying money on a car that although performs pretty good, looks like a grand am on roids... I'm just not feeling it