02-24-2009, 09:56 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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A True Z Fanatic
Join Date: Nov 2008
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Posts: 5,478
Drives: 06' Nismo Frontier
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^ I found this thread on another site:
RX-8 vs. MX-5 - Team-BHP
heres one post.
Quote:
(Quote)Also the RX-8 has a rotary engine, much more of a sports car than the mx-5. Better performance and handling as well. (End quote)
I have driven both and actually, that is not correct.
The NC (which is the 3rd generation MX-5) uses the same platform as the RX-8, with weighs much less and a much shorter wheelbase. This means that the NC has all of the wonderfulness of the RX-8, but at an even higher plane. Both are incredible good handling cars, with a very rare balance of responsiveness, agility, ease of driving hard, communicativeness. But the MX-5 is even better than the RX-8 on this front due to its shorter wheelbase and lower weight.
The RX-8 does not have the performance advantage either. In car and driver's testing, these are the numbers for the two cars:
0-60mph
RX-8: 6.5s
MX-5: 6.5s
5-60mph
RX-8: 7.5s
MX-5: 7.4s
1/4 mile
RX-8: 15sec/93mph
MX-5: 15sec/91mph
These are extremely similar numbers. But the MX-5 is actually a better performer because it weighs less and its engine is much more flexible and does not need extremely high revs to perform. this is seen in the top gear acceleration numbers. this is full throttle acceleration in top gear (6th) without chaning down:
30mph-50mph
RX-8: 12.1 seconds
MX-5: 8.7 seconds
50mph - 70mph
RX-8: 10.9 seconds
MX-5: 8.9 seconds
The problem for the RX-8 is that it weight 600lbs more than the MX-5, but its rotary engine does not have much power below 6000rpm. This means that if you spin the engine up and keep it above 6000rpm, it can about match the MX-5's performance (due to low weight). and if you are below 6000rpm, lack of power and excess weight leaves the RX-8 struggling against the MX-5.
the MX-5 is one of the lightest cars available today with this kind of performance potential.
The RX-8 is a better choice over the MX-5 if you need the rear rear and you favor a fixed roof.
but for India, I would advise the MX-5. Rotaries are not advised if your mechanic is not heavily experienced with them.
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Maybe that will help. 
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