For tarmac, I think the RX8 has more potential. Out of the box, the Evo would prolly toast it, but the fact it is still in naturally aspirated form allows for alot of room to play with. I just wonder how strong the internals are. Also, from a handling aspect, AWD isn't a real asset on dry pavement. It will be interesting to watch the aftermarket play with the RX8.

 

i saw an RX8 in miami when i was down there. lemme tell you, this car is beautiful. pictures dont do it justice. with a nice turbo kit, this car will whoop on most cars on the road. i also read an article where they said the back seats have more room than a lexus IS300. seems like mazda really thought this car through. only thing i dont necessarily like is the suicide doors, but i guess it's a space/weight saver.

 

rotary engines are totally different from our piston engines. with this little amount of hp/tq, its hell of a lot faster than it would seem-- there isn't as much hp loss at the wheels than normal engines, so you get what you pay for. the 159 should be an understatement

 

True internally a rotary has less moving parts and is thus has less losses there. However, 159 at the crank is 159 at the crank. That's what's coming out of the engine and it's the same as 159 at the crank on a piston engine.

Lets compare, 159 ft lbs at 7500 rpms and 250 hp at 8500 rpms, or 273 ft lbs at 3500 rpms and 271 hp at 6500. One very peaky torque curve and one very flat. Doesn't take a rocket scientist.

The renesis needs a turbo or two to get my attention.

 

Umm do not underestate the RX-8 it has almost prefect 50/50 weight distribution, its center of gravity is lower than the EVO and the track is wider, plus the redline is at 9k, it might not beat it stock for stock in a Straight line Race but it can out handle...

 

I know some people don't care for some magazines test results but I'm going to show a comparison of numbers that Road & Track got for both cars.

Evo
0-60: 5.1sec
1/4m: 13.8@101.5
Top spd: 155mph (est)
skidpad: .97g
slalom: 68.7mph
60-0: 117ft

Rx-8
0-60: 5.9sec
1/4m: 14.5@95.6
Top spd: 148mph (electronically limited)
skidpad: .88g
slalom: 65.4mph
60-0: 114ft


The Evo's numbers are from the March issue and the Rx-8's are from the April issue. Since there are no Rx-8 owners yet this was the easiest way that I could think to compare the 2 cars.

 

It reminds me of the Prowler

 

Ths MSRP on the more powerfull RX8 is $27,200
To get it up to over $30K you need to select MT Grand Touring package which is more for luxury then performance.
As for handling and Gs remember this car has not so good RE040s. 350Z has the same tire and it's more luxurious brother G35 coupe with better tires beats it only because of them.
Put RX8 on semi racing rubber like stock EVO and you might be surprised.

 

We are talking about track performance not highway ricers.

 

There's only one way to solve this......everyone send me your money and I will buy all the vehicles in question and get back to you on which is best!

 

I was watchin on speed vision....they said the power was great...but the only problem is that there's not much torque

 

The dealer i went to told me there would be a mazdaspeed version most likely turbo

 

Now that's an exciting news if it's true...

 

The Rx8 is pretty sweet. If I was looking for a daily driver/part time track racer it would definatly be my goal. They look REALLY good in person, the pictures DO NOT do this car justice. I saw one at HIN and almost fell in love, almost.

It should perform brillantly on a track as rotarys tend to. I remember seeing the R&T guys test driving them and just getting some serious sideways action, looked fun!

I do agree, it does need boost. And it will come, oh yes. Rotary will rule, once again.