An interesting perspective on the MX-5, which is a good sports car that may not get enough credit as a performance car. But the numbers they use for the RX-8 are some of the slowest I've seen and they also seem to be using the best numbers for the NC Miata.
Many tests have had the RX-8 as fast as 0-60 in 5.9 secs and 1/4 mi in 14.5 secs. I recall many car mag tests where the RX-8 topped the old 350z. Such as this MotorTrend article where it beat out the both the old Z and S2K.
Compact Sport Coupe Comparison - Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8 & Nissan 350Z - Motor Trend
I've have owned a Miata before and a FD RX-7, so I'm not biased for or against the RX-8. Just never thought of the Miata as the better performing car.