Has anyone cross-shopped the R32 and the RX-8? In spite of their obvious differences, since they're both driver-oriented cars in the same price ballpark, I would love to hear people's thoughts and opinions. I know the 8's torque is low. I'm more interested in handling, steering, road feel, fun-to-drive comparisons. Thanks!
RX-8 Versus R32?
zznalg
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Has anyone cross-shopped the R32 and the RX-8? In spite of their obvious differences, since they're both driver-oriented cars in the same price ballpark, I would love to hear people's thoughts and opinions. I know the 8's torque is low. I'm more interested in handling, steering, road feel, fun-to-drive comparisons. Thanks!
Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (zznalg)
Just go drive the RX8. I guess some people like it, one of car magazines even rated it higher than the new TT
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. IMO - it sucks. I'd rather get a Miata - more torque, more solid. RX8 feels cheap, shocks are cheap. It handles well, once you get it going, but it will not be as stable as R32 in the rain or snow.
Just go drive the RX8. I guess some people like it, one of car magazines even rated it higher than the new TT
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (zznalg)
Sounds like this post was taylored made for me to answer as I have both cars.
Now Ive only had the R32 for a few days with limited driving but my intial thoughts in a camparo are these...
Straight line I like the 32 better, quciker for sure outta the hole as the 8 has very low torque but if you are willing to push the rpms to the limit you can make it go. Top end goes to the 8 as ive had it over 140 and felt confident in the car.
Cornerning, handling stock for stock are probably pretty close but may give the nod to the 8 as Im more comfortable with a rear driver at least right now. Steering is also close as far as feel is concerned although driver input in the 8 is greater, you feel like you are doing more with the car.
Fit and finsih is definitely in the 32's favor, but I went with what I call the drivers 8, no real bells and whistles. Bigger motor, manual, 18's. 6 disk changer was the only real amenity.
Fun to drive is a toss up, if its an empty back road with twisties Id take the 8. I like to row thru the gears in that setting but Im sure the 32 will grow on me in that respect the more I drive it. Daily commute, 32. Thats because of what the car has in it, the comfort level is much higher than that of my 8.
Both cars bring a lot to the table, albeit in different packages. Im very happy with my 8 and Im hoping the 32 will do the same.
Dunno if any of that is informative but oh well...
Sounds like this post was taylored made for me to answer as I have both cars.
Now Ive only had the R32 for a few days with limited driving but my intial thoughts in a camparo are these...
Straight line I like the 32 better, quciker for sure outta the hole as the 8 has very low torque but if you are willing to push the rpms to the limit you can make it go. Top end goes to the 8 as ive had it over 140 and felt confident in the car.
Cornerning, handling stock for stock are probably pretty close but may give the nod to the 8 as Im more comfortable with a rear driver at least right now. Steering is also close as far as feel is concerned although driver input in the 8 is greater, you feel like you are doing more with the car.
Fit and finsih is definitely in the 32's favor, but I went with what I call the drivers 8, no real bells and whistles. Bigger motor, manual, 18's. 6 disk changer was the only real amenity.
Fun to drive is a toss up, if its an empty back road with twisties Id take the 8. I like to row thru the gears in that setting but Im sure the 32 will grow on me in that respect the more I drive it. Daily commute, 32. Thats because of what the car has in it, the comfort level is much higher than that of my 8.
Both cars bring a lot to the table, albeit in different packages. Im very happy with my 8 and Im hoping the 32 will do the same.
Dunno if any of that is informative but oh well...
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (stormshadow)
My one main gripe about ANY VW/Audi product is slightly numb steering. Compared to almost any BMW or Mazda, they can't win in that aspect although they're not far off.
That said, the RX-8 has great steering feel and balance. But it rolls more than I expected for a car of its' nature. Regardless, I've found it to be a pretty entertaining drive in the past. Not a car I'd want to own though.
My one main gripe about ANY VW/Audi product is slightly numb steering. Compared to almost any BMW or Mazda, they can't win in that aspect although they're not far off.
That said, the RX-8 has great steering feel and balance. But it rolls more than I expected for a car of its' nature. Regardless, I've found it to be a pretty entertaining drive in the past. Not a car I'd want to own though.
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (stormshadow)
Can't argue with that reasoning, oh wait, have you driven the R at the same speed?
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I for one would much rather have AWD at high speeds (and any other speed) over RWD.
Never heard anyone call an R32 "the 32" before. Must be some kind of Mazda thing.
| Quote, originally posted by stormshadow » |
| ... Top end goes to the 8 as ive had it over 140 and felt confident in the car. |
Can't argue with that reasoning, oh wait, have you driven the R at the same speed?
I for one would much rather have AWD at high speeds (and any other speed) over RWD.
Never heard anyone call an R32 "the 32" before. Must be some kind of Mazda thing.
I really wanted the RX8 prior to purchasing my R32.
I am 6Ft5 and have size 14 feet (flippers!)
Footwell in the RX8 felt too cramped and the head room just wasn't there unfortunately.
Having said all of that - as soon as I drove the R32 I knew I wanted it. The gear change is just so slick and clutch uptake is perfect. Plenty of head room and plenty of room in the footwell.
I guess thats a different perspective for ya!
![Image]()
Modified by bailey78 at 2:01 PM 2-19-2008
I am 6Ft5 and have size 14 feet (flippers!)
Footwell in the RX8 felt too cramped and the head room just wasn't there unfortunately.
Having said all of that - as soon as I drove the R32 I knew I wanted it. The gear change is just so slick and clutch uptake is perfect. Plenty of head room and plenty of room in the footwell.
I guess thats a different perspective for ya!
Modified by bailey78 at 2:01 PM 2-19-2008
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (justinperkins)
LOL, no I havent even had the "R"32 over 85 yet. I could be wrong but isnt limited to 130? And Im leaving out the R in R32 as Im lazy a typer and used to just posting about the "8" and was keeping things uniformed as I was using just numbers. Would it better if I said my "R" or the "R"? It is more succinct that way, much easier to type.
LOL, no I havent even had the "R"32 over 85 yet. I could be wrong but isnt limited to 130? And Im leaving out the R in R32 as Im lazy a typer and used to just posting about the "8" and was keeping things uniformed as I was using just numbers. Would it better if I said my "R" or the "R"? It is more succinct that way, much easier to type.
Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (zznalg)
There are a lots of after market parts for RX-7 and still limited for RX-8. I used to drive RX-7 in Japan RA-AMAMIYA NA tuned that was the best cornering machine at TOUGE. But all the video Hotversion or magazine said RX-8 is way milder than RX-7, plus I test drove RX-8 and it's not as sharp response than RX-7.
Anyway I drive R32 now, and I don't miss RX-7 at all. Because I love the NA sound(Milltek) and stability of Haldex and DSG feel. What else I can explain?
I'm Japanese and Japanese car in Japan is so much better than North American Version.
I just wanted to give you the idea.
Thanks
There are a lots of after market parts for RX-7 and still limited for RX-8. I used to drive RX-7 in Japan RA-AMAMIYA NA tuned that was the best cornering machine at TOUGE. But all the video Hotversion or magazine said RX-8 is way milder than RX-7, plus I test drove RX-8 and it's not as sharp response than RX-7.
Anyway I drive R32 now, and I don't miss RX-7 at all. Because I love the NA sound(Milltek) and stability of Haldex and DSG feel. What else I can explain?
I'm Japanese and Japanese car in Japan is so much better than North American Version.
I just wanted to give you the idea.
Thanks
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (zznalg)
Hardly the same price. The base RX8 sells for a little less than a base GTI. You can find a brand new one for 21K dollars so I would say that a GTI is much better fit for a comparison with the RX8 than an R32.
| Quote, originally posted by zznalg » |
| Has anyone cross-shopped the R32 and the RX-8? In spite of their obvious differences, since they're both driver-oriented cars in the same price ballpark, |
Hardly the same price. The base RX8 sells for a little less than a base GTI. You can find a brand new one for 21K dollars so I would say that a GTI is much better fit for a comparison with the RX8 than an R32.
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (Air23h20)
Thank you OP for posting a legitimite question as opposed to a "VW would-coulda-shoulda" fest.
Thank you OP for posting a legitimite question as opposed to a "VW would-coulda-shoulda" fest.
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (invincible)
I thought we were discussing a $30k RX8 vs a $30k R32? Oh well
I thought we were discussing a $30k RX8 vs a $30k R32? Oh well
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (stormshadow)
A base RX-8 starts at just over 27k. With comparible options it's around 30k. Proceed.
![Image]()
A base RX-8 starts at just over 27k. With comparible options it's around 30k. Proceed.
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (invincible)
I'll put all my $$ on the R in a straight line and on track http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
I'll put all my $$ on the R in a straight line and on track http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (stormshadow)
Stormshadow, Thanks for the comparo based on ownership. Incredible to have contacted a person who has both! As you spend more days and curvy roads with the 32 I hope to hear more of your impressions of handling, steering, fun to drive (and everything else!) and how they compare to the 8.
Stormshadow, Thanks for the comparo based on ownership. Incredible to have contacted a person who has both! As you spend more days and curvy roads with the 32 I hope to hear more of your impressions of handling, steering, fun to drive (and everything else!) and how they compare to the 8.
Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (zznalg)
I used to have an RX8. It was a fun ride...
Likes:
balance - the 8 has a 50/50 distribution
Rev happy - It was a blast reving up to 9k and it wanted more
It Had a different sound - I had an aftermarket (racing beat) exhaust and it sounded awesome
But there is no comparison to the R32
I have put 18k on mine so far with NO PROBLEMS - by the time the RX8 hit 18k it was in for problems and recalls 4 times - towed once (flooded) I still get recalls in mail for the thing!
The fit on the R32 is far superior - In the 8- dash knobs broke in my hands
As for handling it would be a toss up. The biggest differance is you have to keep the 8 in the 6 - 8 RPM's zone. The powerband in the R32 is throughout.
I am much happier with my R32. It is a solid, reliable ride
I used to have an RX8. It was a fun ride...
Likes:
balance - the 8 has a 50/50 distribution
Rev happy - It was a blast reving up to 9k and it wanted more
It Had a different sound - I had an aftermarket (racing beat) exhaust and it sounded awesome
But there is no comparison to the R32
I have put 18k on mine so far with NO PROBLEMS - by the time the RX8 hit 18k it was in for problems and recalls 4 times - towed once (flooded) I still get recalls in mail for the thing!
The fit on the R32 is far superior - In the 8- dash knobs broke in my hands
As for handling it would be a toss up. The biggest differance is you have to keep the 8 in the 6 - 8 RPM's zone. The powerband in the R32 is throughout.
I am much happier with my R32. It is a solid, reliable ride
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Re: RX-8 Versus R32? (anginpa)
I had only 2 recalls on the 8 and that was in the 1st yr of ownership...55000 miles on it at this point and problem free. Not sure where some of you guys live that you have 8's trying to race you all the time, I may see 3 RX8s every few months. And as far as them being slow...Eh whatever.
Zznalg, I too am curious to see how my impressions of the R 32 change as time goes bye. I cant wait for the weather to get better to put the car thru its paces.
Any subtle mods cosmetic or otherwise anyone would like to pass along?
I had only 2 recalls on the 8 and that was in the 1st yr of ownership...55000 miles on it at this point and problem free. Not sure where some of you guys live that you have 8's trying to race you all the time, I may see 3 RX8s every few months. And as far as them being slow...Eh whatever.
Zznalg, I too am curious to see how my impressions of the R 32 change as time goes bye. I cant wait for the weather to get better to put the car thru its paces.
Any subtle mods cosmetic or otherwise anyone would like to pass along?
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