2006 Mazda RX-8 GT

minir · Post by **minir** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:20 am

Hi to all

Too different? Peaky engine, poor fuel & oil economy. Its day has passed imho.
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If there is one car that proudly marches to the beat of a different taiko drummer, the Mazda RX-8 is it, says Peter Bleakney. "With no pistons or valves to go up and down, the very compact (rotary engine) unit will happily rev to 9000 rpm," he says. And its front/rear weight distribution of 48/52% is "quite remarkable for a front-engined car," he says.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pb/06rx8.htm

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Specifications
http://www.canadiandriver.com/overviews ... a/rx-8.php

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minir

Prey521 · Post by **Prey521** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:24 am

BLEH! No thanks!! Agreed about it's day having passed.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:31 am

Every time I see one of those.....gets me thinking "Gee..I'd like to check one out".

The rotary is certainly very fun...silky smooth...turbine like. Yeah a lack of low end nut..but it's not about low end nut..it's about silky smooth high revvin' fun.

Granted a tad thirsty...but there aren't that many economical cars that can do 0-60 in 6 flat either.

Styling is "so-so" in my book....the original RX-7..up to the SE models...were really nice IMO. Then they started to pork out a bit.

minir · Post by **minir** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:44 am

Hi Prey & YeOldeStonecat

When i took my truck in for servicing at the Mazda Dealers i looked closely at it and a Miata on the showroom floor. had lots of time to do so.

I never could & still can't get past that 3rd door. The lack of flow to the overall design also was not on the money imho. Rotary engines though outstanding at one time (minus the limitations) have been out muscled by conventional designs of light weight and usable torque for around Town.

One would grow very tired of the constant shifting in a rush hour situation. Not unlike the Honda 2000 in that regard.

To me the Miata was a prettier car and made more sense, minus the backseat.

Just my opinion.

Thanks Fellas and Happy Motoring.

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regards

minir

Loch-nar · Post by **Loch-nar** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:57 pm

Hi Minir- I just bought a new 2006 MX-5 Miata last month, GT package. I test drove the RX-8, even though I knew I couldn't afford it...

The RX-8 had plenty of power, very nice gauges and dash displays. The turbine engine did produce a low humming kinda sound. And ya, it is a gas guzzler. Can't say much more about it, didn't impress me all that much.

I love my new miata though

nordic green with saddle brown leather. I had to have it delivered from ~80 miles away since they didn't have any in that color around here (SF bay area).

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 3:48 pm

RX-8 is just odd looking.

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 3:59 pm

I test drove the regular RX-8 about a year ago. I thought it was nice to drive and the power was OK for these roads, clutched good in the higher rpms

, but I left it with no excitement, like when I drove my buddies Porsche. When I got out of his ride I was awed for a while. I am not comparing the two just the feeling of I drove a machine, yeah baby.

minir · Post by **minir** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 5:52 pm

Hi Loch-nar, YARDofSTUF & Lefty

Loch-nar
Very nice Loch-nar. I'm a fan for sure. I think they are about perfect.

Not too expensive, not too powerful, nice lines and brilliant workmanship. I like being able to simply reach back and raise the Top and the fit n finish is first class all the way. Lucky you.

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YARDofSTUF
It doesn't mesh for me either. Nice from some angles, but not all imho.

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Lefty
If it was a convertible that might help possibly. As is, not too exciting unless your Track bound where you can rev the hell out of it and enjoy its balance and ignore its lack of torque.

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Thanks Guys...Wishing Us all Ferraris before the Earth gets to cover up our desires.

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regards

minir

Cerberus1027 · Post by **Cerberus1027** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 7:57 pm

when I hear the words Rotary Engine I just walk away.

minir · Post by **minir** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 8:14 pm

Hi Cerberus

When you heard the words Rotary Engine it many times meant you had to walk in the originals Cerberus.

They were not known for their reliability. Those issues are now sorted out it seems but there is nothing remarkable left in their favour anymore. With the new power gains being made by conventional engines they simply fail to impress imho.

Thanks Cerberus and have a good evening.

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regards

minir