Discussion
Was thinking about plumping for an Focus RS when today, I got some bumff through on the RX8. It looks great and similar money.
Due to have a test drive next week but would appreciate the opinions of those who know more than I.
I'm guessing that in two years the RS is still likely to be a bit special whereas the RX8 will probably be just another Mazda - albiet a good one.
Due to have a test drive next week but would appreciate the opinions of those who know more than I.
I'm guessing that in two years the RS is still likely to be a bit special whereas the RX8 will probably be just another Mazda - albiet a good one.
I haven't driven either but IMHO the RS seems to be a bit more, erm focused (for want of a better term!) while the Mazda's definately a left-field choice, in fact, for that reason alone I'd take the Mazda.
Reports of tricky stearing on bumpy roads abound for the RS although no doubt someone can tweak it to your liking while the Mazda seems to have a healthy appetite for oil (check and top-up every second tank or something silly).
If you can, drive both and let us know what you think!
Isn't the Focus out of production now?
Reports of tricky stearing on bumpy roads abound for the RS although no doubt someone can tweak it to your liking while the Mazda seems to have a healthy appetite for oil (check and top-up every second tank or something silly).
If you can, drive both and let us know what you think!
Isn't the Focus out of production now?
Got rid of my Alfa GTV the other day and tested the 231HP RX8 in the process. Very good car!
I guess you will have seen Clarkson's review. I certainly can't add much to that although I don't find the looks challenging at all. The reason I didn't order one (and the reason I mention the Alfa) is the torque and power is spread evenly over the rev range. I have been spoilt by the Alfa’s low end grunt. I guess this is a characteristic of the rotary engine, you’ve got to rev it. A quick test drive will show you weather you can live with that. It’s a great car though and, being Japanese, show work well and last a long time.
I guess you will have seen Clarkson's review. I certainly can't add much to that although I don't find the looks challenging at all. The reason I didn't order one (and the reason I mention the Alfa) is the torque and power is spread evenly over the rev range. I have been spoilt by the Alfa’s low end grunt. I guess this is a characteristic of the rotary engine, you’ve got to rev it. A quick test drive will show you weather you can live with that. It’s a great car though and, being Japanese, show work well and last a long time.
Well - if I had the money I would go for the Mazda - I think it sounds awesome, and in comparison to the Focus (the looks of which I have never learned to love) it looks lovely.
Also, the Mazda will look more exclusive IMO - as any bolt on boy can make their Focus look like an RS.
Phil
Also, the Mazda will look more exclusive IMO - as any bolt on boy can make their Focus look like an RS.
Phil
LuS1fer said:
Yup, give me style over a shoebox any day of the week. Having said that, tales of high oil consumption and high fuel consumption would probably drive me elsewhere anyway. It's the 350Z that appears to be winning the group tests.
NO NO NO!!! Stay away from the 350Z....baaaaaaad
Well no they're probably not bad, but the number of ones that are spending all their time over here having electrical glithces fixed should tell you SOMETING is not right..... although UK market cars might be different...
LuS1fer said:
Ah....I didn't say I'd actually buy one. I'd buy a low mileage second-hand Corvette C5. Cheap insurance, very cheap servicing, total reliability, and supercar looks and performance. Makes the Mazda look a bit girly and blows them all away on sheer grunt.
Hear Hear old chap.... I can agree with that
I think that high oil consumption and a thirst are both characteristics of the rotary engine. I looked at buying a RX-7 before I went for the S. It does appear that they have solved the rotor wear problem. A guy at the yard where I worked was alway rebuilding the engine on his RX-7. Of course the turbo doesn't help the MPG either.
If it were a choice between the two based upon impressions (I have not driven them), I would still go for the Mazda.
Just my 2p,
Z
If it were a choice between the two based upon impressions (I have not driven them), I would still go for the Mazda.
Just my 2p,
Z
There are a lot of comments here complaining that the Focus RS looks mundane. WHO CARES! It's how it drives that counts! Would anyone here seriously choose an RX8 over an RS because it LOOKS BETTER??? Call yourself PH-ers!
Is this Pistonheads, or have I stumbled into the "Changing Rooms" forum by mistake?
P.S. Love both cars, but would go for the RS if I could get one.
Is this Pistonheads, or have I stumbled into the "Changing Rooms" forum by mistake?
P.S. Love both cars, but would go for the RS if I could get one.
Lot of negative comments and opinions concerning the RS by people, I guess, who haven`t driven one , please correct me if I`m mistaken. I have not driven a Mazda, or even seen one "in the flesh" so therefore wont diss it.From the photographs I`ve seen looks good though doesn`t it ?
I do , however , drive the RS, so for what it`s worth ,here`s my opinion .
After four thousand miles the engine `s nicely loosened and starts first time every time ,irrelevant of the ambient temperature.Controls are smooth to use with rapid gearchanges available if you feel in the mood.Brakes are excellent and linked to a good ABS system . Floor controls , like all Foci they are too biased to the left for my particular taste but I get over it.
It`s when it`s spooled up, that when it gets exciting, keep it on the boil , get the diff working , the steering comes alive, dancing like a latter day Nijinski ( not the horse) demanding concentration and commitment that gets better every time you use it.
Great standard ICE with an interior you either like, dislike or ignore and just get on with what this car is all about.
I don`t begrudge one penny paid, this is a great car.
TTFN
I do , however , drive the RS, so for what it`s worth ,here`s my opinion .
After four thousand miles the engine `s nicely loosened and starts first time every time ,irrelevant of the ambient temperature.Controls are smooth to use with rapid gearchanges available if you feel in the mood.Brakes are excellent and linked to a good ABS system . Floor controls , like all Foci they are too biased to the left for my particular taste but I get over it.
It`s when it`s spooled up, that when it gets exciting, keep it on the boil , get the diff working , the steering comes alive, dancing like a latter day Nijinski ( not the horse) demanding concentration and commitment that gets better every time you use it.
Great standard ICE with an interior you either like, dislike or ignore and just get on with what this car is all about.
I don`t begrudge one penny paid, this is a great car.
TTFN
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