Just looked at the new RX8 and it looks even better than in the photos. We're seriously thinking about buying one, but how does the performance compare to a series III RX7? We have one until 2 years ago and our replacement Celica is beautifully built but lacks any real get up and go. We'd like to think that the RX8's performance is very similar to the RX7.
Rob
Take a test drive and decide for yourself. The 8 should be slower than a twin-turbo 7, but without the aggravation of turbo maintenance. It's also alleged to handle better than the 7. If you need a rear seat, there's no comparison.
The 8 doesn't have the accelleration of the twin-turbo 3rd gen, but it's pretty peppy. Definitly more oomph than an M1. I just don't like the body styling though -- it's too busy. I also didn't like digital speedo and the non-DIN stereo. There isn't an MP3 capable CD players available from Mazda at any price, and it didn't look like there was any hope of upgrading with an aftermarkent unit.
The one I drove had a defective top that wouldn't fold down...
I'm not going to even consider it at that price. Here's hoping japanparts.com or one of the other importers can get hold of some.
-- Mat.
Yep, that's the show-stopper for me as well.
The US sales-droid that rode along said there wasn't one available. Should have known better than to listen to a car salesman.
I took a test ride and opened it up. Like the RX7, it takes turns like it's on rails and the acceleration is pretty amazing. Problem is, you are looking at 34-35K out the door. If I could get the car for around 24-25K I would probably get out the checkbook. Great car. Too pricy. Every year another tier of jobs are sent to India and China. Now they are targeting white collar professional folks. Being 50+ I may as well have a bullseye taped to my back. 35K is hard to do when you are seeing hundreds of your coworkers getting the axe.
SR
Here in the UK its priced at £22,000 for the 220bhp version, which looks cheap compared to the Audi TT, BMW and the new Nissan coupe. Do I understand from what has been said that the RX8 is not a turbo motor?
Correct. No turbo. Impressive, no?
If they can nearly match the performance of the twin turbo RX7 then I am very bloody impressed. I'm on to the dealer for a test drive!!
Yeah, i've seen a few RX8's around in australia, and i've gotta say, i really dont like the look of them. IMO, the shape is just not right. I much prefer later series rx-7's
but hey thats just my thought on the matter
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