Porsche 944 Or Mazda RX-8
Discussion
Looking around for something with 4 (or 2+2) seats that's interesting, I'd love a good 993 but it's simply not on the cards at the moment, so my thoughts turned towards more mundane cars.
The two that really interest me are a 944S or an RX-8, my heart says Porsche, but my head says an old poverty 944 may be a whole heap of trouble, but potentially simpler to fix than the rotary RX-8.
Something around these prices.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
The two that really interest me are a 944S or an RX-8, my heart says Porsche, but my head says an old poverty 944 may be a whole heap of trouble, but potentially simpler to fix than the rotary RX-8.
Something around these prices.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
Edited by IN51GHT on Wednesday 26th March 07:18
I've owned an RX8 so my view would be bias.
A hot compression test is a must before handing over any cash for an RX8, lots of horror stories but I read through them all and did alright.
They don't drink as much oil as people say, no more than a honda s2000.
Go with the RX8, they are cheap enough and loads to choose from with a very high spec.
A hot compression test is a must before handing over any cash for an RX8, lots of horror stories but I read through them all and did alright.
They don't drink as much oil as people say, no more than a honda s2000.
Go with the RX8, they are cheap enough and loads to choose from with a very high spec.
You are looking at either Rotary Engine woes or general old car woes.
I had a 944S2, lovely car but a lot of work to keep on top of, and I bought a pretty good one, woudltn say dont get one, but do your homework and buy one thats had all the main stuff done.
RX8, similar, not had the pleasure but they seem to have more dos and donts than a Gremlin. I know two people who have had them, both had quite a bit of trouble, spent a lot then disposed of for pennies.
I had a 944S2, lovely car but a lot of work to keep on top of, and I bought a pretty good one, woudltn say dont get one, but do your homework and buy one thats had all the main stuff done.
RX8, similar, not had the pleasure but they seem to have more dos and donts than a Gremlin. I know two people who have had them, both had quite a bit of trouble, spent a lot then disposed of for pennies.
944 likely to have some re-sale value, vs RX8. Much older design so I guess it depends on whether you really want a modern car or one with a more period appeal.
Both have good weight distribution and handling balance, but the RX8 will have more grip, the 944 more exploitable at sensible speeds.
944 will have more low-end torque and the RX8 will need revving to get anywhere, and have a more frantic, manic character when pushing on.
More space inside RX8 with back seats kids could potentially use, if that's important.
RX8 will drink fuel, probably more than the 944 which itself isn't exactly a model of parsimony, with the old-school mechanical fuel injection. RX8 will use more oil. Factor in cost of engine rebuild/s. Also remember the RX8 can't be switched on to move the car short distances and then turned off without flooding the engine.
Watch out for rust and generally shagged parts on the 944. Porsche-only parts aren't cheap.
I'd go for a 944, but then I'm a child of the '80s and probably nostalgic, plus I like the chunky looks...
Both have good weight distribution and handling balance, but the RX8 will have more grip, the 944 more exploitable at sensible speeds.
944 will have more low-end torque and the RX8 will need revving to get anywhere, and have a more frantic, manic character when pushing on.
More space inside RX8 with back seats kids could potentially use, if that's important.
RX8 will drink fuel, probably more than the 944 which itself isn't exactly a model of parsimony, with the old-school mechanical fuel injection. RX8 will use more oil. Factor in cost of engine rebuild/s. Also remember the RX8 can't be switched on to move the car short distances and then turned off without flooding the engine.
Watch out for rust and generally shagged parts on the 944. Porsche-only parts aren't cheap.
I'd go for a 944, but then I'm a child of the '80s and probably nostalgic, plus I like the chunky looks...
IN51GHT said:
Anybody had experience of both please?
I've had an RX8 for 2 years now that cost me 3k and nothing since. But the engine has lost compression and is going in for a re-build today. With porting and sports exhaust will set me back £2.5k. Am I bothered? not really as I will have a very good handling car with a reasonable turn of pace, that will sound good with the exhaust. My suggestion by one with a knackered engine have it re-built and enjoy
As for the Porker, its an old car and I would guess would be more costly to run compared to a re-built RX8
I've owned both. Had a 2007 RX8 for about 7 months and had two 944s. Well, it was the same one, it was that good I bought it back.
Miles apart in terms of modern comforts but both fundamentally drivers cars, I preferred the raw feel of the 944 and it certainly felt more 'special'
Never experienced any of the hot start issues or other scary scenarios with the RX8, although it was under warranty throughout the time I had it. Fuel usage was eye watering, tax was heavy. Even with the negative propaganda floating around I still think if you do your research and keep your eyes open they're an automotive bargain at the moment.
The Porsche I bought fairly cheaply from a local dealer, I did no research at all and just dived straight in at the cheap end of the market. Luckily it seems I bought a bit of a gem as it ran like a dream. Ran it on a shoe string if I'm honest, serviced it myself, plenty of spares on eBay and has a good following online. Quirky looks and plenty of retro cool. Better economy. Replaced some suspension components, made the world of difference.
If I were to choose one for a lengthy motorway slog or to use daily, the Mazda would win purely on the refinement level. But as a odd use occasion car just for driving, I'd have the Porsche every single day of the week. Felt much more involving, draws attention and probably tops the charts on the handling front in my opinion. Mine did have PAS, but its a very progressive system, very heavy feel to it and great feedback. Can't imagine a well looked after example ever dipping under their current value.
Miles apart in terms of modern comforts but both fundamentally drivers cars, I preferred the raw feel of the 944 and it certainly felt more 'special'
Never experienced any of the hot start issues or other scary scenarios with the RX8, although it was under warranty throughout the time I had it. Fuel usage was eye watering, tax was heavy. Even with the negative propaganda floating around I still think if you do your research and keep your eyes open they're an automotive bargain at the moment.
The Porsche I bought fairly cheaply from a local dealer, I did no research at all and just dived straight in at the cheap end of the market. Luckily it seems I bought a bit of a gem as it ran like a dream. Ran it on a shoe string if I'm honest, serviced it myself, plenty of spares on eBay and has a good following online. Quirky looks and plenty of retro cool. Better economy. Replaced some suspension components, made the world of difference.
If I were to choose one for a lengthy motorway slog or to use daily, the Mazda would win purely on the refinement level. But as a odd use occasion car just for driving, I'd have the Porsche every single day of the week. Felt much more involving, draws attention and probably tops the charts on the handling front in my opinion. Mine did have PAS, but its a very progressive system, very heavy feel to it and great feedback. Can't imagine a well looked after example ever dipping under their current value.
BGarside said:
Also remember the RX8 can't be switched on to move the car short distances and then turned off without flooding the engine.
Not entirely true as there is a work-around for that. Keep the revs up to 3000-4000 rpm and hold it there for ca. 10 seconds and then swith off the ignition.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff