RX-8 vs. s2000

[2.2vtec]

If someone is considering these two cars which would be better in the following considertions:

1) Gas Milage
2) Performance
3) Winter Driving
4) Reliablity

If someone has test drove these both cars please put in your two cents!

[bol]

Both have no power down low. The S2000 would be faster in a straight line but the RX-8 would kill it in the turns.

The S2000 has the RX8 beat in reliability and mileage.

I'd still probably take the RX8 though, even though the styling is a little "off" it is a very fun car and handles incredibly.

[Kamen]

:werd:
I test drove the RX8 and it was such a fun car, power wasn't even a big concern for me.
The only thing is that you should check the oil every few fillups though; something that might be annoying?

[C4S]

They are quite different car !

depend you want a 4 drs sporty sedan, or a Sporty roadster !

Different price range too .. low $40k for Rx-8 and near $50K for S2000 ..

For style, and space, I go for RX-8 ..
however, tons of used S2000 for sale in good price now .. :)

[bol]

Originally posted by C4S

however, tons of used S2000 for sale in good price now .. :)


That's quite true as well. You can get a nice S2000 for 30k used...

A loaded RX-8 is 45k! Fairly expensive for what you do get.

I personally woudln't buy a RX8 for that price. I'd get a used E36 M3 for 35K or grab a 2001 330Ci for close to the same price as the M3.... But I'm a BMW nut.

[max_boost]

Are you sure the RX8 would Kill the S2K around the turns? That probably depends more on the driver than the car.

Main thing for winter driving, RX8 has traction control and the S2K doesn't. You need winter tires regardless.

Basically the RX8 is an S2000 but heavier, two more seats, more refined, powered seats etc.

You can probably find used RX8's that are in the same price range as S2000.

Here's my take, if I lived in VAncouver I would take the S2000. Because I live in Calgary, I would take the RX8.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by max_boost
Here's my take, if I lived in VAncouver I would take the S2000. Because I live in Calgary, I would take the RX8.

Agree.

And ultimately, the difference between the 2 cars is if you want open air or not.

[Fuji]

Originally posted by max_boost
Are you sure the RX8 would Kill the S2K around the turns? That probably depends more on the driver than the car.

Main thing for winter driving, RX8 has traction control and the S2K doesn't. You need winter tires regardless.

Basically the RX8 is an S2000 but heavier, two more seats, more refined, powered seats etc.

You can probably find used RX8's that are in the same price range as S2000.

Here's my take, if I lived in VAncouver I would take the S2000. Because I live in Calgary, I would take the RX8.


The S2K has one of the worst handling ratings when they compared a number of roadsters. It also pulled the lowest g's and the rx8 outclassed it

[Loose]

I doubt the RX-8 handles much better than the S2K. Has anyone driven both? Especially the new 04+ s2k?

[2.2vtec]

Does the s2000 have power seats or heated seats??

[Kaos]

Originally posted by 2.2vtec
Does the s2000 have power seats or heated seats??

Nope.

[statick]

id rather have s2000...if i could also afford a winter beater.

[1badPT]

I love everything about the RX-8 but the engine. Since I'm not much of a fan of the S2K's engine, my choice would be the RX-8 out of those two cars.

Gas mileage would be quite a bit worse on the RX-8 compared to the S2K.

RX-8 gives you a decently useable pair of rear seats and IMO the styling is awesome both inside and out, and the price is hard to ignore.

The S2K on the other hand will give you better mileage.

Can't go wrong with the reliability on either.

Winter driving will probably not be great in either - buy a beater or a good set of winter tires :tongue:

[Will@STRD]

I driven both before, personally opinion S2K is faster but no bottom end power, handling better and looking better
RX8 have better brake and well, 4seats.
depend if you need to drive other people or not
I have to pick the S2K over the RX8 even I am selling mine

[Stratus_Power]

i say go with the RX8 .
It has everything like heated leather, sunroof, HIDs, bose audio etc all for 41k + tax! pretty good compared to like 350z or G35c thats 46k+ or even the S2k thats 50k+ !
but one of the problem with RX8 is its mileage, which is in SUV territory. Other than like , like Jeremy says on Top Gear, " on the down side it's style might be a little fuzzy, but on the upside it has a great engine, it makes a great noice, it goes like sting, its very practicle, its comfrotable, its well priced and it's well equiped.... and then there's the really good stuff.."

[2.2vtec]

Originally posted by Stratus_Power
i say go with the RX8 .
It has everything like heated leather, sunroof, HIDs, bose audio etc all for 41k + tax! pretty good compared to like 350z or G35c thats 46k+ or even the S2k thats 50k+ !
but one of the problem with RX8 is its mileage, which is in SUV territory. Other than like , like Jeremy says on Top Gear, " on the down side it's style might be a little fuzzy, but on the upside it has a great engine, it makes a great noice, it goes like sting, its very practicle, its comfrotable, its well priced and it's well equiped.... and then there's the really good stuff.."

Gas milage is that bad??

[Will@STRD]

are buying a new one or used?
You can pick up a used S2K for $30-35K

[2.2vtec]

probably used but the s2000 is so plain jane on the inside, rx-8 seems very luxarious....is gas milage that bad in the rx-8??

[Toms-SC]

OOoh, difficult choice!

[Will@STRD]

well, if you perfer luxury and comfort then RX8 is your choice

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by Loose
I doubt the RX-8 handles much better than the S2K. Has anyone driven both? Especially the new 04+ s2k? :werd:
Ive never driven a late s2K but i have driven an early one and it handled sooo much bette than an rx8. Want more proof, the rx8 gets school everytime by the s2k in best motoring track comparisons. Id rather have a mazdaspeed miata over an rx8

[Stratus_Power]

according to mazda, RX8 has a 12.8/9.2 milage, .. something like a 350z has a 11.9/8.2

[Z_Fan]

For my 2 cents...since I've driven them both...

I've driven the snot out of an S2K and doubt highly that an RX-8 will even keep up in the corners. It might go around ONE corner at the same top speed, but it sure as heck ain't coming out of the corners as quickly. At best, it'll keep up (with a good driver in the RX-8 and an mediocre one in the S2K). Elsewise, it's going to have it's ass handed to it if reversed. It certainly won't destroy an S2K. The reason is simply torque and the RX-8 doesn't have enough of it to pull it off the corners like an S2K or say a 350Z. Only problem with S2K (reason I didn't and would never buy one) is cuz you need to wind that sucker up to make it work. Which is fine if you live in the country and like making lots of noise! An S2K isn't happy with 4000 rpm, it'd like twice that! <grin>

Also having driving the snot out of a 350z, I'd say the 350z is slightly a better handling car than the S2K is on the track. But it is indeed close. Again torque is the 350z's friend out of the corners. You waste little time waiting for power.

Think the RX-8 needs just a touch more power to put it on the same level of overall performance as an S2K or 350Z.

Gas mileage has been documented.

I guess reliability is unknown to me. I'm sure they are both good. But if you are buying a new car, uhm, the RX-8 is gonna have a warranty.

As for winter, I think the RX-8 would take that department. But you're still gonna need snow tires.

[max_boost]

If you can afford the new S2K, then that's a whole different story! They made a few minor but significant changes to the car. Upgraded wheels, new/aggressive bumpers, headlights/taillights, two cup holders instead of one, LOL, and it's quicker too with power coming it at lower RPMs. All in all, 0-60 in 5.5 secs, not bad at all. If it wasn't for the RSX I'd probably pick one up. I found a used white one out in Vancouver but too bad so sad :(

Like someone else already said, really comes down to whether you want a two seater or four seater. Everything considered I would go for the RX8. It suits the year round weather so much better. There are so many little things with the S2000 that it'll probably piss you off. haha

Good luck.

[4doorj]

im in the same predicament.. but i have a rsx im trying to sell... so i might have to wait till winter is done and sell my car... but i have made my choice... im scared of the rx8's reliablity.... s2000 has always been my dream car... so that is what im buying for sure!

[2.2vtec]

Originally posted by Stratus_Power
according to mazda, RX8 has a 12.8/9.2 milage, .. something like a 350z has a 11.9/8.2

sorry don't know too much about this milage thing.....does this mean that the 350z is better on gas?

[Akagi Redsuns]

Originally posted by 2.2vtec


sorry don't know too much about this milage thing.....does this mean that the 350z is better on gas?

yes, because it uses less Litres to travel 100 kms.... good ole Canadian rating for Fuel Effeciency. L/100 versus the MPG.