Discussion
rchadd said:
is the 230BPH version good?
how does it compare to a Audi TT?
Not driven a TT, but the RX is a sweet car. Tail-happy if you're rough with it, but well-judged traction-control which I'd be happy to leave on on the public road. Engine deceptively smooth - a TT will feel faster (lots more torque), but the RX is at least as quick in a straight-line. Also has a very nice chassis - feels very responsive for 1,400kg. Only real gripe is steering, which needs more feel (but VAG are notorious for the same problem).
But the usual advice - drive 'em both, preferably extended drive on a mix of roads. Also consider 'liveability' issues, such as parking visibility and seat-comfort.
rchadd said:
Coming from a MX5 the RX8 sounds like the logical upgrade
but others have suggested getting a TT or a Boxster
What did you like about the MX?
Because the RX is a very different car. Engine character is quite different, car feels bigger and more refined. We need to know more about what you like in a car, and what you're looking for for the next one.
For the money you can't beat the RX IMHO, check out www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum for more info, we've got a few members who've changed from the TT, most think the RX is more of a "drivers" car, but at the end of the day drive both and make your own mind up.
Jon
Jon
I'd have to say that general opinion is that the TT is less of a drivers car, the RX8 has had a host of praise throughout the motoring world for its chassis and driveability, the only complaint I would have is that the RX8 (even the 230) is underpowered for the chassis.
I think the TT was a great looking car, but I also feel it has become too common and a bit dated now, the 8 looks fresh and exciting (admittedly the suicide doors make the cabin look a little long from some angles).
At the end of the day you need to tes drive both and see what you feel more comfortable with. A Boxster was also mentioned, I would say that the Boxster would be a better drivers car than the TT and dare I say it better than the RX8 as well (all it would need to be perfect is a rotary engine - not that I'm biassed lol)
I think the TT was a great looking car, but I also feel it has become too common and a bit dated now, the 8 looks fresh and exciting (admittedly the suicide doors make the cabin look a little long from some angles).
At the end of the day you need to tes drive both and see what you feel more comfortable with. A Boxster was also mentioned, I would say that the Boxster would be a better drivers car than the TT and dare I say it better than the RX8 as well (all it would need to be perfect is a rotary engine - not that I'm biassed lol)
I keep hearing that the RX8 feels underpowered.230 ponies (torque fig anyone?) is a good figure, I think this may have something to do with the linear power delivery from the Wankel bolted to a well sorted chassis. Can make the car 'feel' like it's slow. After all, smooth & progressive delivery through your tyres is what many people hanker-after, especially mid-way through a poorly surfaced wet corner 
tuttle said:
I think this may have something to do with the linear power delivery from the Wankel bolted to a well sorted chassis. Can make the car 'feel' like it's slow.
Definately the case. I had a go in one of the race-prepped 8's (ex FormulaWoman car) and it just didn't feel fast but it was bloody quick. Much easier to drive than the 7 but much less drama (noise). I found throttle-steer came naturally as compared to the 7, it's definately easier in n/a. Granted the 8 was >100bhp down on the 7 though.
I'm not sure the chassis is all that great compared to a proper sports car (e.g. pork or my 7) but it's certainly responsive and gives a lot of feedback.
Compared to the 7 it was very neutral when getting the power down mid corner (I find it very hard to get oversteer on the 7 on the track withough doing silly things like lift-stamp!). In fact the 7 is more prone to pushing into understeer than going into oversteer when accelerating before the apex. The 8 was more balanced so 4-wheel slip was quite equal. I'd guess that was an aspect of it's rece-preparation though.
I think the perfect rotary 8 would be an engine swap from a 7 (rather than trying to turbo/supercharge the renesis engine. It'd certainly be a giant killer if it had 300rwhp.
>> Edited by iaint on Tuesday 14th March 09:42
tuttle said:
I keep hearing that the RX8 feels underpowered.230 ponies (torque fig anyone?) is a good figure, I think this may have something to do with the linear power delivery from the Wankel bolted to a well sorted chassis. Can make the car 'feel' like it's slow. After all, smooth & progressive delivery through your tyres is what many people hanker-after, especially mid-way through a poorly surfaced wet corner
Very good point.
Linear N/A engines do a good job of disguising their power, due to comparative lack of torque (vs FI engines and modern diesels). So they don't feel as quick because there's no 'kick' to the engine. Having said that, in a lively rwd chassis I would suggest a 'kick' is the last thing you want mid-corner in the wet.
Horses for courses, depends what you like.
I'm assuming a budget of low-mid £20's here. Boxster will be an OLD 3.2, or a couple of year-old 2.7. Old 3.2 could be a set of big bills waiting to happen (clutch, cam-belt, bushes, dampers...).
You could always go for a late spec RX7 if you want a bit more poke. I spotted this one in the classifieds
www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/66162.htm
and there's also a 1998 one with only 3500 miles on it.
They can easily be used as an everyday car (although some of the highly modded ones may get a bit tiring) but as with all rotaries they do tend to have a bit of a petrol habit. The RX7 not least because yo'll keep wanting to take the long way home via the back roads
Cheers
DC
www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/66162.htm
and there's also a 1998 one with only 3500 miles on it.
They can easily be used as an everyday car (although some of the highly modded ones may get a bit tiring) but as with all rotaries they do tend to have a bit of a petrol habit. The RX7 not least because yo'll keep wanting to take the long way home via the back roads
Cheers
DC
dai capp said:
and there's also a 1998 one with only 3500 miles on it.
99% sure that's a typo - either 35000 miles or 3500 on a rebuilt engine. I know John (the seller) quite well and it's a stunning car and very very fast. I'm not sure if he's still selling it htough as he's in the middle of a remap right now and expecting some high numbers on the dyno...
I had a test drive today in one and think its pretty great - but it takes a while to get used to the rotary engine!
a friend of mine wants to sell me his and willing to give a good deal
there were two things i noticed with the car i would like clarified...
1.i noticed was a spinning noise when the car was in neutral with clutch not pressed and engine just idling. the sort of same sound you get when you have a cd spinning in a player but it is paused (if you know what i mean!)
then it goes when clutch pressed. is this normal? a potential problem?
2. i checked the oil and noticed that the oil on the dipstick was thick like a margarine consistancy. is this normal?
sorry if stupid questions! but thought i'd better check. the rx8 has done 35K miles at the moment if thats relevant.
ps. also wondering what is long term durability of rotory engine? should i expect to have to have an expensive rebuild after 80K miles? or will it be good for 130K like my 1995 MX5!
a friend of mine wants to sell me his and willing to give a good deal
there were two things i noticed with the car i would like clarified...
1.i noticed was a spinning noise when the car was in neutral with clutch not pressed and engine just idling. the sort of same sound you get when you have a cd spinning in a player but it is paused (if you know what i mean!)
then it goes when clutch pressed. is this normal? a potential problem?
2. i checked the oil and noticed that the oil on the dipstick was thick like a margarine consistancy. is this normal?
sorry if stupid questions! but thought i'd better check. the rx8 has done 35K miles at the moment if thats relevant.
ps. also wondering what is long term durability of rotory engine? should i expect to have to have an expensive rebuild after 80K miles? or will it be good for 130K like my 1995 MX5!
rchadd said:
1.i noticed was a spinning noise when the car was in neutral with clutch not pressed and engine just idling. the sort of same sound you get when you have a cd spinning in a player but it is paused (if you know what i mean!)
then it goes when clutch pressed. is this normal? a potential problem?
2. i checked the oil and noticed that the oil on the dipstick was thick like a margarine consistancy. is this normal?
ps. also wondering what is long term durability of rotory engine? should i expect to have to have an expensive rebuild after 80K miles? or will it be good for 130K like my 1995 MX5!
1) Sounds exactly like the clutch release bearing, but 35k is quite early for it to go, even on a 231bhp car. How does your mate drive it? Worth doing a quick search on the RX forum (is there one?), see if anyone else has had release bearing issues.
Other question: is it still under warranty?
2) No experience of rotary so couldn't tell you, but I doubt it. Coupe of questions:-
- is it white/creamy-coloured?
- is it dark-black and cloudy?
- is it the usual oil-colour (tending from honey-to-black over it's life?), but just the consistency that's wrong?
- when was it last serviced (not sure of intervals...if over 10k ago, then would expect colour to be dark
- what level was the oil at on the dipstick (Rotary's still use oil quicker than 4-stroke)
As to durability - the RENESIS is supposed to have massively improved rotor tips (the achilles heel of the RX7 engines), but I've not read anything anywhere to suggest longevity either way - worth doing a search on the US or Jap forums.
rchadd said:
I had a test drive today in one and think its pretty great - but it takes a while to get used to the rotary engine!
a friend of mine wants to sell me his and willing to give a good deal
there were two things i noticed with the car i would like clarified...
1.i noticed was a spinning noise when the car was in neutral with clutch not pressed and engine just idling. the sort of same sound you get when you have a cd spinning in a player but it is paused (if you know what i mean!)
then it goes when clutch pressed. is this normal? a potential problem?
2. i checked the oil and noticed that the oil on the dipstick was thick like a margarine consistancy. is this normal?
sorry if stupid questions! but thought i'd better check. the rx8 has done 35K miles at the moment if thats relevant.
ps. also wondering what is long term durability of rotory engine? should i expect to have to have an expensive rebuild after 80K miles? or will it be good for 130K like my 1995 MX5!
Not sure about the noise but I always found the engine noise at idle reminded me of a sewing machine... just cane it, it starts sounding good above 6000....
As for the mayonaise on the stick, it's not uncommon and a known feature (generally no problem). If it's a lot you might want to have it checked at a garage, I think it's to do with condensation, not with any gasket leak or so.
There's a big RX8 forum someplace, with "RX8" in the sitename -I forgot the link but maybe someone (Rob Dickinson?) can help - you're questions are all answered there.
Lot's of fun, RX8. Just do it.
Maarten
los angeles said:
No comparison, the RX8 is an excellent drivers car, the Audi TT is a design exercise & looks pretty.
I think they need more practice. I can't decide whether the front or the back is uglier. I had the misfortune of following an RX8 a couple of weeks ago. What a mess.
steve z said:
CAn't believe no one has mentioned the 350Z so I will, and yes I am biased. Well worth the extra £3.5k, plus you'll save that just in oil and fuel consumption.
And depreciation, probably. Although the cost of tyres is another issue...
FWIW, I didn't like the Z when I drove it - fantastic engine, but inert steering, hair-trigger throttle, and easily-overwhelmed rear tyres...made for an 'interesting' test-drive!
Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff