Originally posted by popecruz:
As for the rx-8 being slow, which one did you drive?



That's for a manual RX-8. The automatic (one of the requirememts of the original poster) version has a detuned engine (197 HP versus the manual's 238, 159 lb-ft versus 164 torque) and is quite a bit slower, although it may be enough to run mid 15s in the quarter mile and high 7s 0-60. I've never seen one tested in a magazine, but going on HP, torque, and vehicle weight, one can hazard a guess.

Also, the RX-8 is technically a four-door car. It has two suicide doors in the back for rear passengers. Pretty nifty in execution, but their practicality is limited by the fact that you have to open the front doors first before opening the rears.

It's a very nice car, overall. Major complaints are the relatively poor fuel milage (18 MPG at best) and the need to really tach up the engine (redline is near 9K) before any kind of acceleration is experienced. Handling is superb with the 50/50 weight distribution.

Lee K
98 SVT Contour, silver
03 Lancer Evolution, red

Lee K 98 SVT Contour, silver (sold after 7 years and 100K miles) 03 Lancer Evolution, red