For a 20 year old vehicle with 20+ year old engineering, the RX8 put up a serious fight. It’s a front mid engine setup and one of the best handling vehicles made to this day. It’s Achilles heel was always the lack of torque and so-so power output. It’s definitely a momentum vehicle made to be high rpm and carrying itself through multiple Tight turns and sweepers. Great video and comparison! You nailed it when you said GT instead of sports car. That’s exactly what it was designed to be was a grand tourer that could be comfortable to use daily. One cool aspect about this car that doesn’t get enough recognition is I’ve seen a lot of stories about disabled people loving this vehicle because it allows those with wheelchairs, etc to be able to get into the car themselves and then slide their wheelchair into the back on their own without help due to the suicide doors. Gives them a lot of freedom to go out in their own without help from others. It’s pretty rad seeing uses for these cars that might never have ever been thought of during the design stages.
With the FT86, I was never compelled to step away from my RX8. Even with the S2000 or Sky Redline/Solstice GXP, I still prefer the RX8. It's a more interesting car, although stock it's VERY softly sprung (but high damping). I got to autocross a GR86 recently on some sticky RE71Rs. I enjoyed it and felt like it was a marked improvement over the FT86. It feels good, holistically good. If I was handled the keys to a FT86 and a RX8 and asked to pick, I'd pick the RX8 every time. I'd pick it over a S2000 every time and a turbo Sky/Solstice every time too (although those are great if you want good power easy in a small roadster). But the GR86 versus RX8 is a tougher call. The GR86 finally feels good enough. It feels like it finally matured. I don't really know which I'd pick. Now when scaled to the realities of the world, RX8s are cheap, stupid cheap. Everyone's afraid of the engine, so you can pretty much pick up one anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000 with the higher price usually equating to newer years. But these things are a dime a dozen and almost literally disposable at their price point. They often sell for less than Miatas, sometimes a LOT less. I bought my first for $2300 and drove it without issue for 4 years. It was old and worn when I bought it though, and was still old and worn after 4 years, albeit with a growing amount of rust. I recently bought a second one in vastly better shape, with mods, for all of $6,000. There's basically nothing wrong with the car and the engine's super healthy. For their going rate, this is under $1,000 a year of ownership which is CHEAP! And because everyone fears them, they're everywhere and always cheap. In comparison, the GR86 will be a brand new car with brand new pricing, brand new levels of depreciation, brand new insurance rates, and brand new tabs costs. You could buy and set fire to a RX8 once a year, every year, for less cost. That's kind of the RX8's real ace, pure affordability, even if something happens to go wrong.
I own an RX-8 (231hp) same colour as this one, I bought it brand new back in 2006 and it runs 100% perfectly as I take good care of it and properly maintain it. I enjoy my RX-8 as it is a joy to drive and it is a true driver's car. The main reason that I am writting this comment is because I am very impressed with your review of the RX-8. As an owner I agree 100% with all your feedback and remarks about the car and you presented and transfered all the correct information spot on to the viewer. What you felt inside the car, you presented it 100% correctly for someone that has not driven an RX-8. I say this because I have seen many reviews of the RX-8, but few reviewers can communicate their experience and information with clarity to their audiences without mistakes, exaggerations or fake drama, for views and likes. It is always nice to see reviews like yours. Well done sir and keep up the good work! Greetings from Greece.
You didn't mention the RX-8's suicide doors! Cool feature that would make the RX-8 more appealing for anyone planning to put kids/people in the rear seats regularly. Regarding the GR86's engine sound, I'm lucky that I like the fake engine noise which gives it a more exciting, higher pitched scream towards redline than in your car. Have you thought about re-enabling your's?
They are very similar cars. Gt trim of the rx-8 was around 3000 pounds. However, base rx-8 without sunroof and powered seats was around 2850 lbs. Which is very similar to gr-86. You can try second gen rx-8 with r3 package. (Bilstein dampers, slightly lower springs, 19 inch bbs wheels, recaro seats, upgraded renesis etc.) You will probably like it more.
I had an '04 grand touring RX-8 and a first gen 86/FRS. The new gen 86s are superior to the 8 but if compared directly to the first gen, the 8 may be a better buy. That 9k+ redline is a rewarding experience that not many cars offer.
“Over look the GR86 engine”? It may not sound great and that is debatable, I have no objection but, the engine is what makes the car possible. If it weren’t for then boxer engine, it wouldn’t have the low center of gravity and the engine would be much taller raising the hood. It would be a completely different car with a different engine.
Been an RX8 owner for 8 years now, have seen just about every bolt of this car. It does NOT make 230HP at the crank, at BEST a brand new engine might make 220, but that's pretty much a stretch. Rebuilt motors that have been ported to make more power can make 186WHP, and there's about a 15% power loss through the powertrain, so that gets to about 218HP, but again, that's a ported motor... But they're very fun, I love the chassis!
I think the RX-8 has more character and personality. Definitely requires a bit more maintenance and care than a normal car, but it's not too taxing. I loved my RX-8 and is one of the best cars I've driven. It's definitely a tough call...though. If I want more practicality, I think I would go with the GR86, but for the overall experience, I would do an RX-8
Ok. We in golden era of cars or what. S2000 successor (ND2) Miata is lighter and 40% cheaper (S2000 inflation adjusted would cost 58000) huge aftermarket. GR86 is like a 90s and AE86 tribute. New Civic R is best FWD car ever made. Evo and STI succesor built my Yota (GR Corolla). Even the Americans like C8 (the new NSX) and Cadillac (CT4V , CT5V) carry torch of the earlier M3/M5. Dont get me started on Lotus Emira. Heck even the old school boxy SUVs are having a renaissance. See the new Land Cruiser, Bronco etc
I think the DC5 type R is the most fun FF car I’ve ever driven. Far more fun than FL5 and FK8 I agree with the sentiment that cars are amazing right now. I love the emira and ordered mine earlier this week after waiting for 2 years on the list. But there are some things in older cars I prefer
Haha, I told him about the Cusco and Perrin lockdowns and Cusco offset caster bushings as well a few videos ago. He's too much of a steering snob (like me) not to have those on his cars.
2 engines that blow up if you breathe too hard on them. perfect comparison. (i'd still take the RX8 bc i heard the rotaries are super easy to rebuild).
I love my RX7. The previous owner put poly engine mounts in and at idle you can feel it rumble but the weird thing is that the more you rev it, the smother it gets. Its really a wonderful engine even with its maintenance challenges.
I wanted a RX8 R3 for the longest time and would have swapped in a V8 if the doritos ever left the ranch. Then the GR86 came and that became the goal, until the RX8 was realised as more reliable than the GR86.
RX8 is not more reliable than the GR86 lol. Look at the numbers not internet hype it's not even close. Turn the internet off and work with reality jfc lmao. The problem is also ONLY with track cars, which a ton of cars have that issue including Skyline GTRs and 944s. Literally this same problem the 944 had it. Also with the RX8 there is no mod to make the car reliable. Seriously, turn off the internet
i think thats just with owner problems for both cars. I daily a 04 rx8 still going and close to 100k miles no problems and i know 5 people with rx8s original motor with over 250k miles on it. SOHN adapter is a mod that can increase reliability and aftermarket apex seals a little bit better than stock apex seals will help expand the life. Along with caring for the the car on a regular basis, overall the car is reliable. Series 1 rx8's have oil starvation problems which is a bigger issue than the apex seals (Where SOHN adapter comes in solving the issue where it injects premix 2 stroke oil straight into the housing where it does not use dirty oil) That is just from my experience at least @@kanaric
keep your hands away from the rotaries then. the whole thing that makes the rx8 a good performance car is the lightweight 50-50 distribution and you wanna ruin that with a heavy cliche sounding v8?
i've rode in the GR86 at the track. the GR86 is certainly faster with more torque. but RX-8 is actually front midship (better weight distribution), with amazing wishbone front suspension geometry, full camber and caster factory adjustment, huge brakes, more usable rear seat, and it doesn't lose oil pressure on track...
Great that you mention polar moment of inertia. My favorite analogy is the handling of a grocery cart when you load up cartons of beverages in the front vs the rear. Audis need a lot of tire to deal with all that mass swinging around when turning.
At 50k miles apex seals failing our 04' Petite Racing of Riveria Beach installed new Wankel and added new performance clutch, lighter flywheel and additional aluminum radiator reservoir. Zoom Zoom! On a side note I had suspension upgraded to BC Racing, Godspeed upper control arms and Megan Racing cat back exhaust.
A drove an RX8 from 2004 to 2018. The refreshed 1st gen BRZ made the short list when I was shopping for a replacement. I loved the way it felt and handled, but the interior was super cheap and with the torque dip, the engine was a little weak. The interior and feel of the RX8 was much better. The downside to the RX8 was the muscle car thirst with economy car performance in daily driving.
What did you end up going with? I drove an 8 from 2007-2018... Replaced with a 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 which I drove for 4 years until the call of the 8 became too great and I found a killer 2011 model that I'm still driving now.
Hi, Kevin, can you share what road you're on? It appears to be Vegas, and I would guess 160, but I'm not sure. Anyway, I'm there a lot and still don't know where to drive my car. Have you driving an RX-7? How does that compare to the RX-8? I know the latter has more power, but the RX-7 looks better and seems to be more reliable. I'm guessing the driving dynamics are similar, although I read the RX-7 is better for the track. I think if one had the money and needed something more reliable with some of the driving goodness of the RX-*, they wouldn't be wrong to get a GR-86, so I think the bargain price and engine would be key points in making a decision to buy an RX.
Iv driven both cars and have a completely different opinion. Im guessing I drove sorted RX8. The front is a point and shoot. Suspension when (not clapped), is fantastic! Keeping it above 6k in the gears gives you a perfect amount of power. For sweeping turns. Gearbox is fantastic but a little weak. Minimal body roll and it almost wants you to understeer. I find the chassis pretty rigid. So do most guys that race them. Its a perfect car if you have a sorted engine and gearbox. Even better with a LFX V6. ;) Take both cars to a track. The Toyota will wear you out quicker.
When I had my rx8 I was whooping on brz and 86 all day long at auto x best part was I had intake knn in box Corvette coil packs and nice tires other wise all stock. They had way more mods and their cars cost 4x what mine did😂😂😂
I have the same rx8 for two and half years. 15000k by me 72000 total. There is something that many do not talk about the car. It has a very tunable suspension, double wishbone in front multilink rear. if you do a proper(more sporty than the factory) alignment on an rx8 the car becomes a driving sensation. put an nice set of (around 1000$) coil overs and the next car that you are going to compare it with will cost in the 70.000 new. I know that other cars are more powerful but think of this. Mine cost me total 9000 euro. basically nothing has gone wrong with it.( i know iu ll need a 5000 euro engine swap at around 120000- 140000k but this is comfortably another 8-10 years from know. Also the back seats in the rx8 ARE usable. if the passengers are below 1.80 meters tall everyone will sit comfortably. The rear sits are really nice, they sit you deep and support your legs. the boot is not that big 280 liters and has small load lip but i have taking myself and three other on vacation for 2 weeks and we did just fine. (ok for the passenger this is a compromise but for it was heaven.
i know he talked about the aftermarket but it is not talked enough. The prices I mention are in Greece. The cost to turbocharge the the car is 5000 to 1000k depending if you choose to do engine rebuild or when to do the rebuild. The fuel..... the fuel hurts. 15lt per 100 kmh easily. on the highway around 10lt. Does anyone know the consumption if it is turbocharged?
I regret selling my RX8 such a blast to drive. I really didn't have problems with it outside of gas mileage and prices on top of that, I did all the rotary maintenance stuff so i didn't have issues
@@SidewaysGts most likely premix, and 3k mile oil changes, and 6k mile plug/wire changes like youre supposed to do. they last longer with owners who have brains and take care of their cars
looking at your modlist, I'm surprised you haven't put a catback exhaust on it! It's a mod that may not logically make sense for performance, but it's a mod that speaks to the heart!
Hahahaha, an Old Man he says 😂😂 I am 47 and I will probably put an exhaust on mine...when I finally get it. Still waiting since I placed the order in Jan '23 😢
Would have been better to compare using a S2 (2009-2011) R3 RX-8. They're much tighter with many chassis and suspension mods. And also the NC Miata was based on the S2 RX-8. They share many components including the transmission, which is better than the S1 RX-8.
Love it if you could do one on the 1993-1997 probe gt 5spd v6...try and get out in a Stock one and put it thru its paces...maybe compare it to something of similiar caliber, old or new.
The biggest disadvantage the Wankel has compared to reciprocating engines is the fact they don't have 120+ years of refinement and R&D provided from dozens of different producers. You can make the 13B-MSP last for a decent amount of time, you just have to keep close watch on particular items, and replace parts before they fail or lose effectiveness. Meticulous attention to key items keep them healthy.
As an owner of a Series 2 RX-8, the suspension and gearing are much better than the Series 1. Also, the main upgrade from stock required for reliability in both series is to replace the troublesome coils with D585-based or Black Halo coils...and pre-mix with Idemitsu 250:1.
RX8 always lived in the shadow of RX7. Many friends bought them back in the day and few kept it (except a cool R3 edition). It was a step backwards vs RX7 (the opposite of what Mazda did from NC to ND)
I wanna say the NSX had the earliest version of EPS, then the S2K followed by the RX8. All very similar systems and all Showa units to my knowledge. Great EPS minus the lack of feedback. One of the main reasons I'd opt for my FD instead.
@@samusjuice dont need to tell ppl you cannot count, firstly they only sold 22k in the USA over the entire production period, secondly same period 2006-2012, the sales figures of MX5 is 52K, more than double the sale of RX-8, its much or less the same for global as well, MX-5 is selling a lot more than RX-8, RX-8 is just a failure. you're dreaming for a RX-7, it's not a RX7, its a subpar car.
The RX-8 engine: "Silky, buttery smooth"! That's what makes them special.
For a 20 year old vehicle with 20+ year old engineering, the RX8 put up a serious fight. It’s a front mid engine setup and one of the best handling vehicles made to this day. It’s Achilles heel was always the lack of torque and so-so power output. It’s definitely a momentum vehicle made to be high rpm and carrying itself through multiple
Tight turns and sweepers. Great video and comparison! You nailed it when you said GT instead of sports car. That’s exactly what it was designed to be was a grand tourer that could be comfortable to use daily. One cool aspect about this car that doesn’t get enough recognition is I’ve seen a lot of stories about disabled people loving this vehicle because it allows those with wheelchairs, etc to be able to get into the car themselves and then slide their wheelchair into the back on their own without help due to the suicide doors. Gives them a lot of freedom to go out in their own without help from others. It’s pretty rad seeing uses for these cars that might never have ever been thought of during the design stages.
With the FT86, I was never compelled to step away from my RX8. Even with the S2000 or Sky Redline/Solstice GXP, I still prefer the RX8. It's a more interesting car, although stock it's VERY softly sprung (but high damping). I got to autocross a GR86 recently on some sticky RE71Rs. I enjoyed it and felt like it was a marked improvement over the FT86. It feels good, holistically good. If I was handled the keys to a FT86 and a RX8 and asked to pick, I'd pick the RX8 every time. I'd pick it over a S2000 every time and a turbo Sky/Solstice every time too (although those are great if you want good power easy in a small roadster). But the GR86 versus RX8 is a tougher call. The GR86 finally feels good enough. It feels like it finally matured. I don't really know which I'd pick.
Now when scaled to the realities of the world, RX8s are cheap, stupid cheap. Everyone's afraid of the engine, so you can pretty much pick up one anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000 with the higher price usually equating to newer years. But these things are a dime a dozen and almost literally disposable at their price point. They often sell for less than Miatas, sometimes a LOT less. I bought my first for $2300 and drove it without issue for 4 years. It was old and worn when I bought it though, and was still old and worn after 4 years, albeit with a growing amount of rust. I recently bought a second one in vastly better shape, with mods, for all of $6,000. There's basically nothing wrong with the car and the engine's super healthy. For their going rate, this is under $1,000 a year of ownership which is CHEAP! And because everyone fears them, they're everywhere and always cheap. In comparison, the GR86 will be a brand new car with brand new pricing, brand new levels of depreciation, brand new insurance rates, and brand new tabs costs. You could buy and set fire to a RX8 once a year, every year, for less cost. That's kind of the RX8's real ace, pure affordability, even if something happens to go wrong.
I own an RX-8 (231hp) same colour as this one, I bought it brand new back in 2006 and it runs 100% perfectly as I take good care of it and properly maintain it. I enjoy my RX-8 as it is a joy to drive and it is a true driver's car. The main reason that I am writting this comment is because I am very impressed with your review of the RX-8. As an owner I agree 100% with all your feedback and remarks about the car and you presented and transfered all the correct information spot on to the viewer. What you felt inside the car, you presented it 100% correctly for someone that has not driven an RX-8. I say this because I have seen many reviews of the RX-8, but few reviewers can communicate their experience and information with clarity to their audiences without mistakes, exaggerations or fake drama, for views and likes. It is always nice to see reviews like yours. Well done sir and keep up the good work! Greetings from Greece.
You didn't mention the RX-8's suicide doors! Cool feature that would make the RX-8 more appealing for anyone planning to put kids/people in the rear seats regularly. Regarding the GR86's engine sound, I'm lucky that I like the fake engine noise which gives it a more exciting, higher pitched scream towards redline than in your car. Have you thought about re-enabling your's?
It's called Freestyle doors not suicide.
love how Mazda subtly incorporated all the triangles into the design
'subtly' 🤣
They are very similar cars. Gt trim of the rx-8 was around 3000 pounds. However, base rx-8 without sunroof and powered seats was around 2850 lbs. Which is very similar to gr-86. You can try second gen rx-8 with r3 package. (Bilstein dampers, slightly lower springs, 19 inch bbs wheels, recaro seats, upgraded renesis etc.) You will probably like it more.
Are you sure the base/sport model is under 3000lbs?
@@thenet9537 Yeah, I am sure that some of the trim levels were under 3000 lbs.
I can hear the smoothness of rx8 in your audio
Sorry to hear about your shift problems. Never had that before in our 8's. 24 year old suspension will be extra soft.
Ill take the RX-8 any day!
Why?
I had an '04 grand touring RX-8 and a first gen 86/FRS. The new gen 86s are superior to the 8 but if compared directly to the first gen, the 8 may be a better buy. That 9k+ redline is a rewarding experience that not many cars offer.
Put them on a track and you’ll see how completely superior the Mazda is.
It also needs less maintenance than the Toyota.
“Over look the GR86 engine”? It may not sound great and that is debatable, I have no objection but, the engine is what makes the car possible. If it weren’t for then boxer engine, it wouldn’t have the low center of gravity and the engine would be much taller raising the hood. It would be a completely different car with a different engine.
People have k swapped these without raising the hood
The low cog does not make up for its many other shortcomings
Been an RX8 owner for 8 years now, have seen just about every bolt of this car. It does NOT make 230HP at the crank, at BEST a brand new engine might make 220, but that's pretty much a stretch. Rebuilt motors that have been ported to make more power can make 186WHP, and there's about a 15% power loss through the powertrain, so that gets to about 218HP, but again, that's a ported motor... But they're very fun, I love the chassis!
I think the RX-8 has more character and personality. Definitely requires a bit more maintenance and care than a normal car, but it's not too taxing. I loved my RX-8 and is one of the best cars I've driven. It's definitely a tough call...though. If I want more practicality, I think I would go with the GR86, but for the overall experience, I would do an RX-8
God I wish RX-8's didn't blow up
what camera do you use? if its a GoPro- what settings? Thanks!
RX8 is more track is a better car for sure , also better looking in my opinion
RX-8's are 50:50 weight distro
Ok. We in golden era of cars or what. S2000 successor (ND2) Miata is lighter and 40% cheaper (S2000 inflation adjusted would cost 58000) huge aftermarket. GR86 is like a 90s and AE86 tribute. New Civic R is best FWD car ever made. Evo and STI succesor built my Yota (GR Corolla). Even the Americans like C8 (the new NSX) and Cadillac (CT4V , CT5V) carry torch of the earlier M3/M5. Dont get me started on Lotus Emira.
Heck even the old school boxy SUVs are having a renaissance. See the new Land Cruiser, Bronco etc
I think the DC5 type R is the most fun FF car I’ve ever driven. Far more fun than FL5 and FK8
I agree with the sentiment that cars are amazing right now. I love the emira and ordered mine earlier this week after waiting for 2 years on the list.
But there are some things in older cars I prefer
Hi Kevin Perrin makes a steering rack lockdown bolt on to reduce bushing play that you may like for steering feel.
Haha, I told him about the Cusco and Perrin lockdowns and Cusco offset caster bushings as well a few videos ago. He's too much of a steering snob (like me) not to have those on his cars.
2 engines that blow up if you breathe too hard on them. perfect comparison. (i'd still take the RX8 bc i heard the rotaries are super easy to rebuild).
😂
Me as a rotary owner that’s about to start a second rebuild 😅😅😅
See how ypur Toyota' performs in 19 years time
I love my RX7. The previous owner put poly engine mounts in and at idle you can feel it rumble but the weird thing is that the more you rev it, the smother it gets. Its really a wonderful engine even with its maintenance challenges.
How would you compare steering of these two to an ND2 Miata?
I wanted a RX8 R3 for the longest time and would have swapped in a V8 if the doritos ever left the ranch. Then the GR86 came and that became the goal, until the RX8 was realised as more reliable than the GR86.
Doritos ever left the ranch 🤣🤣🤣 now that is funny
RX8 is not more reliable than the GR86 lol. Look at the numbers not internet hype it's not even close. Turn the internet off and work with reality jfc lmao. The problem is also ONLY with track cars, which a ton of cars have that issue including Skyline GTRs and 944s. Literally this same problem the 944 had it.
Also with the RX8 there is no mod to make the car reliable. Seriously, turn off the internet
i think thats just with owner problems for both cars. I daily a 04 rx8 still going and close to 100k miles no problems and i know 5 people with rx8s original motor with over 250k miles on it. SOHN adapter is a mod that can increase reliability and aftermarket apex seals a little bit better than stock apex seals will help expand the life. Along with caring for the the car on a regular basis, overall the car is reliable. Series 1 rx8's have oil starvation problems which is a bigger issue than the apex seals (Where SOHN adapter comes in solving the issue where it injects premix 2 stroke oil straight into the housing where it does not use dirty oil) That is just from my experience at least @@kanaric
@@kanaric There are plenty to make the 8 MORE reliable, but thats all relative right XD
keep your hands away from the rotaries then. the whole thing that makes the rx8 a good performance car is the lightweight 50-50 distribution and you wanna ruin that with a heavy cliche sounding v8?
The main vs of these two cars is $7000 vs $37000 lol
You need to review a R3. I have one for ya in PNW
Too rare. Had one for my fourth rx 8
I drove the RX-8 when it first came out and loved almost everything about it, I just didn’t trust the long term reliability of the Rotary engine.
i've rode in the GR86 at the track. the GR86 is certainly faster with more torque. but RX-8 is actually front midship (better weight distribution), with amazing wishbone front suspension geometry, full camber and caster factory adjustment, huge brakes, more usable rear seat, and it doesn't lose oil pressure on track...
Great that you mention polar moment of inertia. My favorite analogy is the handling of a grocery cart when you load up cartons of beverages in the front vs the rear. Audis need a lot of tire to deal with all that mass swinging around when turning.
Totally agree on Audis
Noticed your 86 oil temp staying low. Any aftermarket oil cooler? Oil spec, please? Thank you Jubbal!
Jackson racing oil cooler. 5w30
At 50k miles apex seals failing our 04' Petite Racing of Riveria Beach installed new Wankel and added new performance clutch, lighter flywheel and additional aluminum radiator reservoir. Zoom Zoom! On a side note I had suspension upgraded to BC Racing, Godspeed upper control arms and Megan Racing cat back exhaust.
I own a 2009 RX8 (after the facelift and some reliability updates) and I don't think I'll ever sell that car.
A drove an RX8 from 2004 to 2018. The refreshed 1st gen BRZ made the short list when I was shopping for a replacement. I loved the way it felt and handled, but the interior was super cheap and with the torque dip, the engine was a little weak. The interior and feel of the RX8 was much better. The downside to the RX8 was the muscle car thirst with economy car performance in daily driving.
What did you end up going with? I drove an 8 from 2007-2018... Replaced with a 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 which I drove for 4 years until the call of the 8 became too great and I found a killer 2011 model that I'm still driving now.
Hi, Kevin, can you share what road you're on? It appears to be Vegas, and I would guess 160, but I'm not sure. Anyway, I'm there a lot and still don't know where to drive my car.
Have you driving an RX-7? How does that compare to the RX-8? I know the latter has more power, but the RX-7 looks better and seems to be more reliable. I'm guessing the driving dynamics are similar, although I read the RX-7 is better for the track. I think if one had the money and needed something more reliable with some of the driving goodness of the RX-*, they wouldn't be wrong to get a GR-86, so I think the bargain price and engine would be key points in making a decision to buy an RX.
Iv driven both cars and have a completely different opinion. Im guessing I drove sorted RX8. The front is a point and shoot. Suspension when (not clapped), is fantastic! Keeping it above 6k in the gears gives you a perfect amount of power. For sweeping turns. Gearbox is fantastic but a little weak. Minimal body roll and it almost wants you to understeer. I find the chassis pretty rigid. So do most guys that race them. Its a perfect car if you have a sorted engine and gearbox. Even better with a LFX V6. ;) Take both cars to a track. The Toyota will wear you out quicker.
When I had my rx8 I was whooping on brz and 86 all day long at auto x best part was I had intake knn in box Corvette coil packs and nice tires other wise all stock. They had way more mods and their cars cost 4x what mine did😂😂😂
For the price Rx8 is a bargain.
I have the same rx8 for two and half years. 15000k by me 72000 total. There is something that many do not talk about the car. It has a very tunable suspension, double wishbone in front multilink rear. if you do a proper(more sporty than the factory) alignment on an rx8 the car becomes a driving sensation. put an nice set of (around 1000$) coil overs and the next car that you are going to compare it with will cost in the 70.000 new. I know that other cars are more powerful but think of this. Mine cost me total 9000 euro. basically nothing has gone wrong with it.( i know iu ll need a 5000 euro engine swap at around 120000- 140000k but this is comfortably another 8-10 years from know. Also the back seats in the rx8 ARE usable. if the passengers are below 1.80 meters tall everyone will sit comfortably. The rear sits are really nice, they sit you deep and support your legs. the boot is not that big 280 liters and has small load lip but i have taking myself and three other on vacation for 2 weeks and we did just fine. (ok for the passenger this is a compromise but for it was heaven.
i know he talked about the aftermarket but it is not talked enough.
The prices I mention are in Greece.
The cost to turbocharge the the car is 5000 to 1000k depending if you choose to do engine rebuild or when to do the rebuild.
The fuel..... the fuel hurts. 15lt per 100 kmh easily. on the highway around 10lt.
Does anyone know the consumption if it is turbocharged?
I regret selling my RX8 such a blast to drive. I really didn't have problems with it outside of gas mileage and prices on top of that, I did all the rotary maintenance stuff so i didn't have issues
"I did all the rotary maintenance stuff so i didn't have issues"
Like what?
@@SidewaysGts most likely premix, and 3k mile oil changes, and 6k mile plug/wire changes like youre supposed to do. they last longer with owners who have brains and take care of their cars
gr ftw
looking at your modlist, I'm surprised you haven't put a catback exhaust on it! It's a mod that may not logically make sense for performance, but it's a mod that speaks to the heart!
I’m an old man and don’t like cars too loud
Hahahaha, an Old Man he says 😂😂 I am 47 and I will probably put an exhaust on mine...when I finally get it. Still waiting since I placed the order in Jan '23 😢
@@enekoprins there’s a couple brand new here on the east coast NH and MA
Now I wish I never sold my rx8
Nice video but the placement of some terms like "Double cluch" is bit Cheesy/corny. Subscribed hope to see more content. 🙏
Rx8 uses mx5 chassis
Would have been better to compare using a S2 (2009-2011) R3 RX-8. They're much tighter with many chassis and suspension mods. And also the NC Miata was based on the S2 RX-8. They share many components including the transmission, which is better than the S1 RX-8.
Love it if you could do one on the 1993-1997 probe gt 5spd v6...try and get out in a Stock one and put it thru its paces...maybe compare it to something of similiar caliber, old or new.
I love the RX8!
Man i miss my rx8😢
The biggest disadvantage the Wankel has compared to reciprocating engines is the fact they don't have 120+ years of refinement and R&D provided from dozens of different producers.
You can make the 13B-MSP last for a decent amount of time, you just have to keep close watch on particular items, and replace parts before they fail or lose effectiveness. Meticulous attention to key items keep them healthy.
Absolutely the greatest limitation is from not having the same R&D
As an owner of a Series 2 RX-8, the suspension and gearing are much better than the Series 1. Also, the main upgrade from stock required for reliability in both series is to replace the troublesome coils with D585-based or Black Halo coils...and pre-mix with Idemitsu 250:1.
@@dougcook5167 Do not use D585's! Mazda Rev-C Coils or AEM's are the way to go.
@@dougcook5167 factory group C coils are nothing to slouch at either, but if u want a safe bet then yeah for sure!
One of my favorite mods to my S1 RX8 was swapping the rear diff to the S2 4.77. Really wakes these things up!
RX8 always lived in the shadow of RX7. Many friends bought them back in the day and few kept it (except a cool R3 edition). It was a step backwards vs RX7 (the opposite of what Mazda did from NC to ND)
I haven’t driven a stock rx7 yet. But the tuned one was very memorable
Thanks Ford Motor Company for this(((( This is a car more geared towards everyday use, it is not sequel px-7, it is a separate car.
With the rx8 littering the marketplace at 1k-3k for cars that need some work, im going to take the rx8. Cheap weekender car for 2024.
I had an RX-8 (I have had two really) right before I got my FR-S and I am always looking for number 3.
Man, thanks for doing this comparison!!! I really loved my RX-8, but I think I would rather go with a new/newer car. I loved that 9k RPM
Rx8 for me
Possible Fact: RX-8 is the first production sports car to have EPS and arguably has better feel than most late BMWs EPS
Late model BMW EPS is a very low bar
@@jubbalandcars 🤣
I wanna say the NSX had the earliest version of EPS, then the S2K followed by the RX8. All very similar systems and all Showa units to my knowledge. Great EPS minus the lack of feedback. One of the main reasons I'd opt for my FD instead.
@@hollandsbecker Yeah! I learned some time later this post that the NSX actually had an EPS before the RX-8. Thanks for the correction.
GR86 all the way… but if it was going against an Rx7 FC or FD then it’ll be a tough choice.
FD for me out of the three
Those roads are atrocious
You’re not wrong
Man that RX8 revs out so slowly
RX8 all the way!
Why not the upgraded 2009-12 model? Seems like it was done on purpose to tip the scale by using 2003-08 model
Just what we had access to. I think comparing it to first gen FRS or BRZ would have been ideal too
RX 8 is kinda trash so thats why the sale was so bad and also why everyone is still looking for FD instead of this...
RX8 is one of the more popular cars in club racing. Given that fact how is it trash?
"sale was so bad" 200k.. lol
@@samusjuice dont need to tell ppl you cannot count, firstly they only sold 22k in the USA over the entire production period, secondly same period 2006-2012, the sales figures of MX5 is 52K, more than double the sale of RX-8, its much or less the same for global as well, MX-5 is selling a lot more than RX-8, RX-8 is just a failure.
you're dreaming for a RX-7, it's not a RX7, its a subpar car.
@@beancheung5682 i think an rx8 may have kill your mother or someting for being that mad lol