Test Drove an RX-8
08-23-2003, 04:32 PM
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Yea, drove an RX-8 the other day, and i have to say, I have mixed feelings about the car.
Clutch: The clutch was fairly similar to our car as far as engaging points, but felt a bit softer, which i did not like
Brakes: Brakes are awesome, very comparable to the S.
Acceleration: You can feel the weight in this car. Low RPM's were awesome, but unlike our car, past 6000 it seemed to be somewhat of a dog! I will say i was expecting that VTEC kick, but still, it almost seemed to fall slowly onto its face.
Shifts: I did one hard shift from 1st to 2nd, and the suspension is too soft in my opinion...car lurched, squatted, and lurched again, to the point that i was somewhat tossed around in the seat (and im a somewhat big guy 5'10" 215lbs)
Tranny: Very smooth, had that oh so familiar 3rd gear notch, and reverse was the same too.
Handling: Seemed to be comparable to our car, but still had a lot of body roll, at least more than i would like to have.
Fit'n'Finish: Everything seemed to be very well built, and finish was very clean, but some things i did not like. Taillights, exhaust tips, and all the plastic covers in the engine bay.
Space: Back Seat is small, i see no point to it. Leg room up front is the same for the driver, more for the passenger.
Trunk Space: About 1.5 - 2 times our trunk...not to shabby!
Exhaust Note: Sounds like the old carbureted RX-7's, but a little quieter. Very whiny, and high pitched. Definitely a big turn off.
Overall, for 34K fully loaded, with navi, heated seats, traction control, GT package, Sunroof, Leather etc....not a bad car, but could be better.
One other thing i did not think was right....no sports car should have traction control, and heated seats....it then becomes a luxury sports car, and thats no fun at all! If you cant controll it yourself, then you shouldnt be driving it!
Clutch: The clutch was fairly similar to our car as far as engaging points, but felt a bit softer, which i did not like
Brakes: Brakes are awesome, very comparable to the S.
Acceleration: You can feel the weight in this car. Low RPM's were awesome, but unlike our car, past 6000 it seemed to be somewhat of a dog! I will say i was expecting that VTEC kick, but still, it almost seemed to fall slowly onto its face.
Shifts: I did one hard shift from 1st to 2nd, and the suspension is too soft in my opinion...car lurched, squatted, and lurched again, to the point that i was somewhat tossed around in the seat (and im a somewhat big guy 5'10" 215lbs)
Tranny: Very smooth, had that oh so familiar 3rd gear notch, and reverse was the same too.
Handling: Seemed to be comparable to our car, but still had a lot of body roll, at least more than i would like to have.
Fit'n'Finish: Everything seemed to be very well built, and finish was very clean, but some things i did not like. Taillights, exhaust tips, and all the plastic covers in the engine bay.
Space: Back Seat is small, i see no point to it. Leg room up front is the same for the driver, more for the passenger.
Trunk Space: About 1.5 - 2 times our trunk...not to shabby!
Exhaust Note: Sounds like the old carbureted RX-7's, but a little quieter. Very whiny, and high pitched. Definitely a big turn off.
Overall, for 34K fully loaded, with navi, heated seats, traction control, GT package, Sunroof, Leather etc....not a bad car, but could be better.
One other thing i did not think was right....no sports car should have traction control, and heated seats....it then becomes a luxury sports car, and thats no fun at all! If you cant controll it yourself, then you shouldnt be driving it!
08-23-2003, 06:26 PM
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Mazda also admitted that it doesn't really produce 247 HP either. Maybe the morons at Mazda need to invest in a dyno after they lied about the Miata HP a few years back and then screwed up the RX-8 this year.
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08-23-2003, 11:21 PM
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i guess if thats the case, then fine, but traction controll, seriously!
Im thinking (if its available) of adding butt coolers to the seats! That would be a very nice feature!!!
Im thinking (if its available) of adding butt coolers to the seats! That would be a very nice feature!!!
08-24-2003, 06:14 AM
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oh yeah don't forget, mazda got caught lying about the hp figures of the RX8. they first said ~250 hp but now its been knocked down to 238 HP. i don't think if even makes 238 hp, since some rx8 owners are dynoing at only ~175 whp. mazda did this with the 2001 miata, they should've learned from their mistakes. i don't think ill ever buy a mazda...
08-24-2003, 08:50 AM
#10
That's really sad when my little Vibe GT with a little 1.8L four banger (2ZZ motor out of Celica GT-S) makes 170whp with just a cold air intake.
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