Test Drove An Rx-8 (last Friday)
11-10-2003, 06:33 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: O.C. - CA.
Posts: 840
A coworker brought it in, his sis works for Mazda. He handed me the keys when we went to lunch. 
It has a different sound, maybe like a 1st gen or a gokart. I could swear I heard the engine and not the exhaust.
Anyhow, electric seats, GPS system, no visibilty problems, precise steering, suspension was just right (not too hard or too soft), forgot to turn on the radio (wanted to listen to the engine), power was extremely smooth (more like a two stroke) ...who ever said it drove like a Honda S2000 was stoned!
The power was constant all the way to BEEP
The only problems I had were: Puting the car in reverse and not 6th gear, gauges were harder to read then the 3rd gen (just used the warning beep anyway).
Even though it's a 4-seater, it really would only fit 3 adults because it would be too uncomfortable to scoot the drivers seat forward. I would compare the power to the "stock" 7 (without the turbo kick - more like a 1st gen') and it's more fun to drive then a Subaru WRX. Oh and all the kids drooling makes you feel too cool. I rate it
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Any interest in TITANIUM toe link & trailing arms? ...group buy soon.
It has a different sound, maybe like a 1st gen or a gokart. I could swear I heard the engine and not the exhaust.
Anyhow, electric seats, GPS system, no visibilty problems, precise steering, suspension was just right (not too hard or too soft), forgot to turn on the radio (wanted to listen to the engine), power was extremely smooth (more like a two stroke) ...who ever said it drove like a Honda S2000 was stoned!
The power was constant all the way to BEEP
The only problems I had were: Puting the car in reverse and not 6th gear, gauges were harder to read then the 3rd gen (just used the warning beep anyway).
Even though it's a 4-seater, it really would only fit 3 adults because it would be too uncomfortable to scoot the drivers seat forward. I would compare the power to the "stock" 7 (without the turbo kick - more like a 1st gen') and it's more fun to drive then a Subaru WRX. Oh and all the kids drooling makes you feel too cool. I rate it
__________________
Powered by: M'Trix (S-Port+Oil&Wtr mod's), Superchips, HKS DP, Border Racing Burnout Exhaust & HF Cat', Manual boost controler, Greddy SMIC & Pulleys, Blitz intakes, Fluidyne Rad', silicone hoses, Vitek wires, 17" Volk Daytona Speed's, JIC SF1's, M2 Toe & Trailing.
Any interest in TITANIUM toe link & trailing arms? ...group buy soon.
12-09-2003, 09:50 AM
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Bayou-self Louisiana
Posts: 947
did one yesterday... disappointing.
heavy as a cruise ship sequential shift is very slow and slips couldnt hit the rev limiter( factory block on new car) it handle stable and the shift paddles are cool.
I keep my FD3S
heavy as a cruise ship sequential shift is very slow and slips couldnt hit the rev limiter( factory block on new car) it handle stable and the shift paddles are cool.
I keep my FD3S
12-09-2003, 10:02 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: union, new jersey
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Originally Posted by l8t apex' date='Dec 9 2003, 10:50 AM
did one yesterday... disappointing.
heavy as a cruise ship sequential shift is very slow and slips couldnt hit the rev limiter( factory block on new car) it handle stable and the shift paddles are cool.
I keep my FD3S
heavy as a cruise ship sequential shift is very slow and slips couldnt hit the rev limiter( factory block on new car) it handle stable and the shift paddles are cool.
I keep my FD3S
12-09-2003, 12:06 PM
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Bayou-self Louisiana
Posts: 947
Originally Posted by FikseRxSeven' date='Dec 9 2003, 08:02 AM
you probably drove one of the ***** rx8's with the automatic
I talked to JudgeIto about it. It was the ***** one. Wat the f k...
190 at the fly. You think as much time they spend on design they would put in performance like Porche...with out the BS price. Just steal the Porche brake package, use Downings dyno and engine info and save money on the R&D.
Damn.. I wanted sequential shift that was awsome so I could transfer it out of a wrecked one.
12-10-2003, 01:08 AM
#7
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 2,763
Originally Posted by GoRacer' date='Nov 10 2003, 08:33 PM
It has a different sound, maybe like a 1st gen or a gokart. I could swear I heard the engine and not the exhaust.
no visibilty problems, precise steering, suspension was just right (not too hard or too soft), ...who ever said it drove like a Honda S2000 was stoned!
no visibilty problems, precise steering, suspension was just right (not too hard or too soft), ...who ever said it drove like a Honda S2000 was stoned!
The sound is definately a rotary, but very unique. At low rpm's, the sound is akin to a jet engine spooling up, and the exhaust/intake notes build up as the rpm's climb. I notice the low rpm sound sometimes in my GTU, but my exhaust is too loud to hear it under most cisrumstances.
How the hell did you not have visibility problems??? I couldnt see a damn thing behind the front seats if it wasnt through the rear view mirror. Did you actually back it up in a congested parking lot, or only drive it forward?
12-12-2003, 12:56 AM
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NASA/JSC - Clear Lake, TX
Posts: 870
i drove one, i thought it was quite nice. i wanted more power like my TII, and found myself waiting for boost but never got any.
the steering and handling was great. i loved the electric power steering, i felt quite connected with the road, similar to my TII w/o power steering. the interior was nice, and i fit like a glove, except for my head. i'm only 5' 10", and i still felt like my head was going to hit.
i'd buy one next year when i graduate from A&M...if it had more power. nice car. the shifting was great, too much clutch movement though. i would like a stiffer clutch with less pedal travel.
my perfect car: my TII power and steering + RX-8 refinement and handling. i'm happy with my TII...if only my steering wheel and seats were MOMO and SPARCO
the steering and handling was great. i loved the electric power steering, i felt quite connected with the road, similar to my TII w/o power steering. the interior was nice, and i fit like a glove, except for my head. i'm only 5' 10", and i still felt like my head was going to hit.
i'd buy one next year when i graduate from A&M...if it had more power. nice car. the shifting was great, too much clutch movement though. i would like a stiffer clutch with less pedal travel.
my perfect car: my TII power and steering + RX-8 refinement and handling. i'm happy with my TII...if only my steering wheel and seats were MOMO and SPARCO
12-12-2003, 05:47 PM
#9
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 20
I actually just test drove one the other day I took my 3rd gen down to the local Mazda dealer for an oil change and while I was waiting I went over and checked out the rx8s...I was just standing there and the salesman walks up and asks if I want to test drive it...umm sure. So he hands me the keys and tells me to be safe So I took it out and put it through the paces...It would make a very nice daily driver handels very nice, with decent power but very slow after getting out of a 345hp car What I do love about it though is the looks of the exterior and interior. The back seat is very nice I am 6' and can sit back there fine...Would make a GREAT car for my wife
12-13-2003, 01:02 AM
#10
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Panama City Beach, Florida
Posts: 993
i drove one as well.. i loved it.. The fit and finish on the car are top notch. I just like the way they look inside and out.. very easy to control.. 6speed feels sooo nice..wish the FD had one. I would love to buy one.. if i had the cash.