How is this not an RX8?

[FT86Katsu]

One huge difference I see is

New rx8 = ugly

FRS = sexyy

[rosmeister]

I can't find much in the way of comparisons. My RX-8 bought in November 2003 is almost 9 years old and I'm leaning toward an FR-S or a 2012 RX-8 as a last resort if no suitable replacement. How do the cars compare, especially in "feel" not specs. I'm not concerned too much on giving up 0-60 times as I would in cornering or slalom abiilty. I'd especially appreciate comments form former RX-8 drivers.

[eifer]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2239 ? or something

[Razz]

RX8 is faster, stops better and handles way better.

BRZ is close, but there are problems with them now.

If you decide on one, wait until the 2014 version or a little longer for the STI

Rx8 is discontinued. If you can find the last model made, I would go for that.

If it's only a DD then wait and go for the BRZ 2014

[easybreazy]

Doesn't the RX8 get bad gas mileage (16/18/22). The major attraction to the FRS/BRZ for me is that it is still a good handling and sporty car while maintaining a good mpg. Like many have said, it's not the best or worst in many categories, but you can live with it. As far as getting another RX8, I wouldn't consider getting a discontinued vehicle as my next car of choice.

[rosmeister]

Originally Posted by eifer

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2239 ? or something

I saw that thanks, but had very little about how it feels driving the cars. Seems mostly a pissing contest on who was right about specs, reliabiltiy and gas mileage.

[mike2100]

I owned 2 RX-8s for a total of 3 years and have owned my FRS for almost 3 weeks. IMO the 86 is in most ways better. You get the handling, comfort, and luxury (with the BRZ limited model) of the RX-8 without the reliability issues (whether real or the stress from the constant worry of reliability issues), without the oil burning, and without the horrendous fuel consumption. My same driving habits that netted me an average of 17 mpg in the RX-8 are getting me 27 mpg in the FRS.

Other points:
The Renesis engine is smoother and sings a lovely song. The FA20 boxer is gruff and in your face.
Both the FRS and BRZ look better than the 8 (more masculine, less bubbly).
You're losing the utility of the suicide doors and comparatively vast rear leg room, but that could be moot depending on your use of the vehicle.
With the FRS/BRZ you are gaining (from what I've seen so far) far more aftermarket support. Long history of boxer support plus excitement of an affordable pure sports car is really motivating aftermarket companies. You can get an FR-S for 25k in 2012 dollars. The RX-8 was 27-28 for a base 6mt I believe? And that was in 2004 dollars.
The interior of the FRS/BRZ is much nicer. No more scratches on the silver painted center tunnel trim, nor on the lightly textured plastic kick plate trim and glove box (my second RX-8 was used and all scratched up). The FRS/BRZ have soft-touch materials in quite a few places, including the entire top of the dashboard.

The RX-8 was a sports car with a compromise for utility (carrying passengers). The 86 is a sports car. period.

[Slick]

I had an 2007 RX-8 for 4 years, and just returned it last October. Absolutely loved it at first, precise handling, smooth and so composed over bumps and through corners, best handling car I had driven (had 2 Miatas previously).

Then some repairs (coils, plugs and cat) all under 20K of use. Car started to feel like it was loosing power but no way to prove it. Fuel starvation at the track eventually got way worse, power down and coupled with the always horrid fuel consumption, I was happy to finally give it up when lease was over.

Just got my FRS today, but it is way more viral than an RX-8, more like a 4-seater 1st Generation Miata. Extremely precise and tons of road feel. I haven't tested the power level yet (only 80 kilometers) but after break in I would guess it will be on par with the RX-8, or not far behind it in terms of pace. As far as the fun factor goes, it is way more fun to drive than the 8. And you could afford 2 for the cost of an RX-8 plus the fuel....

[mike2100]

Originally Posted by rosmeister

I saw that thanks, but had very little about how it feels driving the cars. Seems mostly a pissing contest on who was right about specs, reliabiltiy and gas mileage.

The 86 chassis is stiffer, the RX-8 more compliant (and the RX-8 was light years ahead of other cars in chassis stiffness when it debuted).

The 86 damping is stiffer but more controlled. I feel the bumps but they don't break my back. The RX-8 is a more comfortable touring car.

The RX-8 feels like hot butter flowing down the road. One famous review said driving the RX-8 is like bolting a pair of wings onto your back.
Driving the 86 is more like becoming the 86. The tires are the soles of your shoes.

Also, I've found the fender humps on the 86 allow you to place the tires VERY accurately.

[R8]

Originally Posted by mike2100

Also, I've found the fender humps on the 86 allow you to place the tires VERY accurately.

Same with the RX-8

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by mike2100

I owned 2 RX-8s for a total of 3 years and have owned my FRS for almost 3 weeks. IMO the 86 is in most ways better. You get the handling, comfort, and luxury (with the BRZ limited model) of the RX-8 without the reliability issues (whether real or the stress from the constant worry of reliability issues), without the oil burning, and without the horrendous fuel consumption. My same driving habits that netted me an average of 17 mpg in the RX-8 are getting me 27 mpg in the FRS.

Other points:
The Renesis engine is smoother and sings a lovely song. The FA20 boxer is gruff and in your face.
Both the FRS and BRZ look better than the 8 (more masculine, less bubbly).
You're losing the utility of the suicide doors and comparatively vast rear leg room, but that could be moot depending on your use of the vehicle.
With the FRS/BRZ you are gaining (from what I've seen so far) far more aftermarket support. Long history of boxer support plus excitement of an affordable pure sports car is really motivating aftermarket companies. You can get an FR-S for 25k in 2012 dollars. The RX-8 was 27-28 for a base 6mt I believe? And that was in 2004 dollars.
The interior of the FRS/BRZ is much nicer. No more scratches on the silver painted center tunnel trim, nor on the lightly textured plastic kick plate trim and glove box (my second RX-8 was used and all scratched up). The FRS/BRZ have soft-touch materials in quite a few places, including the entire top of the dashboard.

The RX-8 was a sports car with a compromise for utility (carrying passengers). The 86 is a sports car. period.

what is the compromise made for utility? i dont see having those extra doors costing the car anything

Originally Posted by mike2100

The 86 chassis is stiffer, the RX-8 more compliant (and the RX-8 was light years ahead of other cars in chassis stiffness when it debuted).

The 86 damping is stiffer but more controlled. I feel the bumps but they don't break my back. The RX-8 is a more comfortable touring car.

The RX-8 feels like hot butter flowing down the road. One famous review said driving the RX-8 is like bolting a pair of wings onto your back.
Driving the 86 is more like becoming the 86. The tires are the soles of your shoes.

Also, I've found the fender humps on the 86 allow you to place the tires VERY accurately.

do you mean the suspension is stiffer or do you really mean the chassis?

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by Razz

RX8 is faster, stops better and handles way better.

BRZ is close, but there are problems with them now.

If you decide on one, wait until the 2014 version or a little longer for the STI

Rx8 is discontinued. If you can find the last model made, I would go for that.

If it's only a DD then wait and go for the BRZ 2014

Don't listen to Razz, he hates these cars.

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by rosmeister

I saw that thanks, but had very little about how it feels driving the cars. Seems mostly a pissing contest on who was right about specs, reliabiltiy and gas mileage.

Yet you still decided to create a second Vs thread in General?

Wow...

[rosmeister]

Originally Posted by Dimman

Yet you still decided to create a second Vs thread in General?

Wow...

The dictonary defines "Versus": 1. Against as in a sporting contest. 2. A comparison as compared to or as one of two choices in contrast with.

I meant definition "2." In hindsight I should have said "FR-S compared to RX-8." I come from the RX-8 Forum which is much more staid and less contentious, so I'm learning.