RX8 replacement?

Author
Discussion

GTdrive

Original Poster:

165 posts

51 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2021
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mac96 said:
My last car was an RX8 and I absolutely loved it. I got rid because it was getting old, and as most of my miles are long journeys, reliability is critical- so I wanted to move on before it became unreliable.

I had the same problem- it was the perfect car for me, so how to replace it? I too tried a GT86, and found it disappointing by comparison-quality, lack of 'special' feeling, less practical, just not for me.

So I sat down and asked myself what I actually enjoyed about the RX8, bearing in mid I rarely pushed it anywhere near its limits - the answer was that it feels special. I bought a Mustang- totally different, but also feels special. So I would have a think about the various Camaros, Monaros etc suggested above.
300bhp/ton has got me interested in a Camaro or Mustang. I know they are nothing like the RX8 for most part. But we know nothing will be. At least with a Camaro or Mustang, I can keep the manual, RWD, sports car look and fun to drive. Even if they won't corner like the RX8 or be as practical.

I have not been in either car for years now. But if I can work with the rear seats and the handling is at least decent enough not to compromise the fun, I'm now giving serious thought to it. At least coming from the RX8 the reliability will feel Toyota level!

I think I would be happier with that than with a BMW of some sort. Exactly for the reason you mentioned. It will feel special. You really drove the point home there. Indeed one of the big appeals of the RX8, apart from the handling and sports car looks with practicality is that it feels special.

The interior of the camaro is nothing special. But maybe the money I save by buying one can be put on a nicer interior?

300bhp/ton, you have got me on a Chevy roll and I have not looked or thought of a Chevy for literally decades. LOL.

BlackTank

111 posts

143 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2021
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Hi mate. I have a 2016 Mustang GT, manual of course. It's been absolutely bulletproof and I use it as a daily driver year round including with 3 kids: one in the front passenger seat and 2 in the isofix rear seats and the good sized boot makes it practical for family stuff. I've made some changes to the basic setup and the options are nearly limitless. Fuel consumption is what it is but the trade off is a modern car that feels like an old school classic but one that cranks every time and the heat works (anyone who's had a classic will know what I mean). I was a bit hesitant when I first bought it, mainly because I live in a pretty rural location but it's been brilliant and still makes even running errands a fun event.

mac96

3,773 posts

143 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2021
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BlackTank said:
Hi mate. I have a 2016 Mustang GT, manual of course. It's been absolutely bulletproof and I use it as a daily driver year round including with 3 kids: one in the front passenger seat and 2 in the isofix rear seats and the good sized boot makes it practical for family stuff. I've made some changes to the basic setup and the options are nearly limitless. Fuel consumption is what it is but the trade off is a modern car that feels like an old school classic but one that cranks every time and the heat works (anyone who's had a classic will know what I mean). I was a bit hesitant when I first bought it, mainly because I live in a pretty rural location but it's been brilliant and still makes even running errands a fun event.
Bet you are using less petrol in the Mustang than an RX8 though- I certainly am! (and not by driving fewer miles)

sherman

13,264 posts

215 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2021
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mac96 said:
Bet you are using less petrol in the Mustang than an RX8 though- I certainly am! (and not by driving fewer miles)
My record was a full tank of petrol in 120 miles (9mpg) whilst on the nc500. driving

Edited by sherman on Tuesday 23 February 23:11

GTdrive

Original Poster:

165 posts

51 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2021
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Probably many V8s use less or the same amount of petrol as a RX8.

And have the power to go with it.

My problem with the new Mustangs and Camaros is the weight! The lighter weight compared to new cars is a big part of the RX8 experience. I don't much care for the modern car feel. We have one in the family too. So that is covered. This is more about the driving and the lighter and the less tech weighing it down the better. This is again another plus point of the RX8. Just what you need and nothing more. It's considered the best fully mechanical suspension and I wouldn't exchange it for any fancy electronic adjustable suspension.

All together I would love to stay under 1400kg.


ZackM

269 posts

69 months

Tuesday 23rd February 2021
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Any of you RX8s owners and former owners know a good RX8 forum or FB group which is more international? It would be great to interact with RX8 owners in the continent, where I am now. But still need it to be in English. biggrin

BlackTank

111 posts

143 months

Wednesday 24th February 2021
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mac96 said:
Bet you are using less petrol in the Mustang than an RX8 though- I certainly am! (and not by driving fewer miles)
I rarely ever engage 5th and almost never use 6th on the A and B roads and like to hold the lower gear to hear the awesome sounds that the higher revs produce. But then again, I've never had a rotary - though my wife almost went for an RX8 back when they first came out.

mac96

3,773 posts

143 months

Wednesday 24th February 2021
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BlackTank said:
mac96 said:
Bet you are using less petrol in the Mustang than an RX8 though- I certainly am! (and not by driving fewer miles)
I rarely ever engage 5th and almost never use 6th on the A and B roads and like to hold the lower gear to hear the awesome sounds that the higher revs produce. But then again, I've never had a rotary - though my wife almost went for an RX8 back when they first came out.
Makes sense to me! Of course you have to drive an RX8 in the same way, but due to lack of torque, not to the interesting noises!