Quote:
Originally Posted by mike2100
I'm glad I have that to look forward to, with my 23 BRZ on order.
Funny story about buying my first RX-8. I had just graduated from college. For the previous 4 years all I wanted was an STI. It was my go-to car in Gran Turismo 3. So I test drove a 2004 STI, a 2004 WRX, and the 2005 RX-8. I absolutely hated the STI on the test drive. Too rough and crashy. And the WRX's turbo lag was insane. I test drove the RX-8 last and absolutely fell in love with it. One reviewer said driving the RX-8 was like bolting wings onto your arms. I agree.
Fast forward to my '13 FR-S. I really enjoyed that car. So fun to drive. The torque dip is kinda like turbo lag, but not if you keep the revs up. I finally learned how to heel-toe in that car. With just some aftermarket pedal covers I could heel-toe on the street in flip-flops, and I wasn't even pushing the car hard. The '18 BRZ with PP was a step up in refinement. More comfy and nice creature comforts. Hoping the new engine ties it all together. The RX-8 was rated at 232 hp, but weighed closer to 3000 lbs.
To round out my experience, I've also owned a 2015 STI, 2020 WRX, 90 CRX Si, 95 Civic EX, 2009 Fit, 99 Miata 10AE. Not actually in that order.
BTW, if the Miata were available in a hard top I would probably buy that instead of the BRZ. Better power:weight and it has double wishbone up front. I just don't want to install a roll bar, which would be required to drive it at VIR.
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A 2+2 MX5 coupe would be ideal for me but this is close enough. I've had quite a few cars from Evora, Elises, AP2, FRS, E36 M3 and a 997.1 among a few others. Bought an AP2 after owning an RX8. Preferred the RX8 by quite a bit for feel. The S2K gearbox is nice. Everything else? Well... Definitely prefer the RX8. I find it strange they're so overlooked but I think it's not only a rotary issue but an image problem also. Which the twins suffer from. Couldn't care less with regular trips to the Rev limiter and dabs of opposite lock. Anyways, the RX8 was playful like the twins. They like to slide and are easy to control at and over the limits. I remember test driving a 350Z around the same time. I'll never understand why anyone chose that over an RX8 lol. In regards to the FA24, it's definitely not an FA20. I'd you told me the FA20 makes 180 hp and 130 ft/lbs of torque? I'd believe you. If you told me the FA24 makes 240 hp and 200 ft/lbs of torque? I'd believe you. I would've paid $50K for what this car doesn't have. I can't wrap my head around a 3500 lbs "pure" sports car. I'm 43. Those are sports sedan #s to me. There are a lot of car guy cars on the market with awesome specs in the brochure. There are very few, pure driver's cars on sale today that aren't somewhat luxury oriented. Imo, of course��