So I'm a Mazda newb and I need some objective opinions comparing the RX8 with the MS3. I was originally in the market for a practical inexpensive fun car so I was looking at Civic Si, WRX, GTI, etc. The Speed3 is the best of those so I decided on that. A few visits to the local Mazda dealers, however, revealed that you can get a smokin deal on a 2006 left-over RX8 brand new! I've driven them and I like both for different reasons obviously. I just want opinions of people who know these cars. I'm going to buy one of them in the next week or two and I'm just hoping I don't end up wishing I had gone with the other one. Thanks.

 

Well the RX8 doesnt exactly fit in the practicle part of what you are looking for, Rock the MS3

 

I would say it's practical enough with the suicide doors. The car will actually be for my girlfriend and I have an '06 Xterra so practicality is a small concern. As long as she can fit a lot of shoes and magazines in the back seat I think she'll be ok. I know it all boils down to preference but you can't tell as much from a quick test drive as you can from owning one for a while so I'm interested in owners' impressions.

 

Here's my take; the MS3 is a great car and I'm taking delivery of one this Saturday, however I do need 5-door practicality otherwise I would get the RX-8 hands-down. The MS3 has the power and it's no slouch in the fun to drive category either, but it ain't the joy to drive the RX-8 is.

The MS3 maybe the best driver's "hot hatch" out there, but it's not a sportscar like the RX-8.

If the RX-8 is practical enough, go for it!

One thing to keep in mind, the car is RWD, not a bad thing. However, it will handle different than FWD (duh), especially in slippery conditions. Is the driver used to RWD car or the relevant ease of FWD understeer? A front-heavy FWD or AWD car will handle very differently to a RWD car with 50/50 weight distribution. While the MS3 will be no picnic in the snow the RX-8 will be awful without winter tires. Everyone thinks traction control and stability control compensates, that's crap. It'll keep you from killing yourself, but it will not create traction. Trust me after 3 BMW's and living in Michigan, I know. If your in the snow-belt both cars will need snow tires, but even then the RX-8 will seem unstable to a driver not acclimated to RWD dynamics.

FYI- The new Car and Driver has a comparison test including the MS3, check it out. I posted the charts in another thread, the car is bloody quick, no doubt!
https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-98/mazdaspeed-3-take-top-honor-5-way-test-44065/

 

I've had both a MS6 and RX8...here's what I'd do if I were you...


MS3.


The RX8's fuel economy is pure garbage. 17mpg city 20highway is the best I ever got...BABYING it. The MS6 gets 21.5 mixed and I flog it all the time.. Also, rotary engines are a little tougher to get used to for the first time user. There is different maintaince schedules and requirements.

MS3 for a girl is PERFECT.

RX8 for an EXPERIENCED car guy is PERFECT.

Just know what you're REALLY going to be getting into.

 

Thanks for the insight everyone. My gf drives a honda accord now but she is used to performance, as she drove my 944 turbo for about a year or so. My vote is for the shinka 8 that we're looking at but the larger MS3 may win out in the end. I'll post the outcome in case anyone is interested.

 

RX-8.

If she used to drive a 944 turbo, then the RX-8's balance will be more than welcome after being stuck in an accord. Plus, they just plain look better than the 3.


Just remember to pay attention to the oil level, because rotary engines burn a little bit of oil as part of the combustion cycle.

 

yeah, if you can PROPERLY put up with a porsche you can handle a rotary!!

 

Ha! Yeah, my 944t has 280,000 miles on it and still runs like a champ. I'm almost due for front end work again. That's a fun job, and you have to do it every 30,000 to be safe. The car is so sweet though. She loves it but we live in different cities right now and I don't want her getting stuck when I'm not there to help out. The 944 is actually dead reliable but at 22 years old (the car, obviously) I don't want her relying on it. It's a shame they don't make an RX8 turbo. That would truly kick ***.

 

greddy makes a bolt on turbo kit for $2100-2600 that adds another 60whp and just as much torque which is whats REALLY important on that car.

 

Ok, the verdict is in. I bought the MS3, silver GT with Navi. I don't have it yet though. I am picking it up next week. I'm working out of town and the logistics are a pain but after plenty of deliberation the practicality and sheer grin factor of the MS3 won. I posted this in another thread somewhere but I ended up paying $25,700 for the car with only a few options: autodim mirror w/ compass and wheel locks. I can't wait to get it and drive it for a few weeks before I turn it over to the lady.

 

i think your girlfriend will end up driving the Xterra :P

 

It's a possibility