Hi All,

I hope you guys don't mind me hanging around even though I sold my S2000. I still like this board

Anyways, I thought I would give you my impressions of the RX-8 compared to the S2000.

The S2000 is more fun hands down. The convertible and VTEC kick is just about as much fun as you can have.

My initial impression was the RX-8 was a lot slower and more docile than the S2000. Now, I will say the S2000 is faster but once I found out that you can hold down the DCS button and completely turn off the DCS/TCS, the RX-8 is much more of a sports car. I guess I understand why Mazda would have the CPU adjust to prevent people from wrecking, etc but I am purist and prefer to control the car and not the otherway around.

Here is my pros and cons list and please don't flame. I am calling as I see them.

Fun -- S2000 Wins hands down
Acceleration -- S2000 is a little faster and the VTEC is the edge
Handling -- The S2000 does handles a little better
Comfort -- The RX-8 wins due to it's creature comforts
Stereo -- No contest. The Bose 9 speaker, 6 CD changer/mp3 player is fantastic sound
Ride Quality -- This is almost impossible because the cars are so different. The S2000 is "hard" and allows you to feel every little bump in the road while the RX-8 is a little softer and seems to roll over the bumps but not too soft. I have to rate this as a tie just because they are going for different approaches.
Space -- RX-8 easily. No one buys a S2000 for it's roominess.
Gas Mileage -- The S2000 wins. I got about 2 mpg more in the S2000 in normal driving between highway and city. On the highway, the S200 wins by a larger margain.
Breaking -- This has to be a tie or close to it. Both cars are very light and have fantastic breaking.
Reliability -- Unknown at this point since the RX-8 is new. However, it is nearly impossible to beat Honda's reliability.
Transmission -- I will probably get some disagreement here from others but I find the transmission better on the RX-8. It seems smoother and quicker to switch gears.
Styling -- I am not even going here because this is too subjective.
Warranty -- RX-8 since it has the 4 year/50k compared 3/36 for the Honda
Price -- Actually at this point the RX-8 is the better deal because Mazda made way too many so you can get them for a deal. I purchased mine below INVOICE price on a fully loaded.
Interior -- I like the S2000 better just because of all the creature comforts such as heated seats, gps, auto dimming mirror, garage door opener built in, power seats, etc.
Practicality -- RX-8 wins easily. The tires dont wear as fast, it holds 4 people, and it makes a more feasble every day driver.
I really think these cars compliment each other quite well. The Honda is the more performance oriented true roadster while the RX-8 is a sports car with some sedan like qualities. They have a lot similarities such as the 9k redline, 6 speed, 155 max speed (stock), similar feel changing gears. The meximum speeds per gear are extremely close also.

If someone asked me which car to buy, I would tell them it depends on what they want. If they were in for fun and performance, go with the S2000 no questions asked. If they wanted something sporty and fun that could be a daily driver and needed more than 2 seats then I would recommend the RX-8/

Dean

 

Well Dean, you pretty much give the props to the S2000. I will be the 1st to share that the transmission is by NO WAY better than our S. Especially an '04 S2000. I've yet to drive a car with a better tranny.

As for styling, you did good to state it's subjective.

As for the tires wearing, how do you know they won't wear quickly? They are RE?? from Bridgestone, correct?

I remember my 1st test drive of the RX-8. In the back of my mind, I wanted it to be "better" than the S because of the room and creature comforts, but the drive was no COMPARISON to the crisp handling an awesome VTEC feel when you are coming out of a curve. When I accelerated that RX-8 out of the last curve and did so, HARD, I expected it to fly like a rocket. But it did'nt. I was disappointed. But I am happy that I kept the S.

The fuel mileage part just has to suck. If the Rotary is not fuel efficient and not power inspired, why the hell even have it? Why not just throw in a Supercharged V6 or something and let that car fly?

 

Raul,

I am guessing the tires last longer than the S02 just because they are rated at 40k. Yes they are also Potenzas.

There are a couple of things to consider when you tested drove the 8, did it have the M Flash firmware and did it you completly turn the DCS off? The difference is night an day.

The mods are actually adding power to the RX-8 and it already can be chipped to to 251hp easily.

I have already conceeded the S2000 is more performance oriented and faster. However, for 500 bucks and a free firmware upgrade, it gets close enough to be a drivers race.

The S2000 has better handling though. The turning off of the DCS/TCS makes a huge difference too.

If you ever test drive one again, hold down the DCS button for 5 seconds until you get an icon light that shows a car with skidmarks. This is not documented in the manual the Mazda salespeople dont know about it. If you just hit the DCS for once, it turns of DCS but hold it down it prevents the computer from breaking or changing the f/a ratio to slow the car down.

I think part of the problem with the RX-8 is people want to compare it the 3rd Gen RX-7. I don't think it can be done today because of the EPA2 requirements.

Dean

 

Yes, styling is subjective....but we all have our opinions.

One looks classy,, sleek, lean and rakish while the other looks bulbous, trendy, tacked on, a little bit too "JDM" boy racer.

There is no doubt that the S2000 will " Age " better than the RX8.

 

i've never driven a pre my04 s2000, but i definantly prefered the geerbox on my 04 to the rx8 i drove......to be honest with you the TT i drove was better imo as well


just my 02

justin

 

You liked the TT gearshift better? Wow, that surprises me. I test drove a Boxster (before S version) Z3, S2000, and Audi TT before I bought my S2000 and I liked the TT the least and there was something I didn't like about the stick shift but I cant recall exactly.

I don't know if it has been released yet but Audi was saying in '05 or '06 they were going to have a 350hp version of the TT. I can gurantee it costs.

I just cant help but think the TT looks like someone drove a hummer over a volkswagen Bug. Of course, that is just me

VFROOM,

I think the S2000 style will last longer but who knows with the way styling is changing. I am leasing the RX-8 for three years anyways. Part of the reason I didn't want to buy it is because Mazda has produced too many thus the good deals on them.

I personally think the Z is the car with the styling which will age the worst but just my opinion. I was really keeping my eye on the Z too when I heard about the new version as I use to be big into 240z, 280z but I just hate the Z and the weight on the car.

Dean

PS: What happened to email notifications? I don't get them anymore on this board.

 

Guys,

Dolemike and myself are going to race from a roll sometime in the near future. Anyone in the Triad what to come along and videotape for us.

I think Dolemike will win by about 2-3 cars. However, I do want to race again in a few months when I have the Canzoomer ECU on it.

However, I think it would be good for both communities to do a basic stock vs stock race.

I need to find out how much I need to mod the 8 in order to get it as fast as the s2000

Dean

 

Dolemike will RULE! Kidding.

 

It'll be fun, Im looking forward to the race. Aside from window viewing the Rx8 ive not seen or really heard them run, ill be quite inquisitive. This is gonna be fun! Also, Im gonna try to get another member on the board in the triad area. A guy that lives in a friend of mines neighborhood just bought an 04 s2k.