Tell me my options(Now with a few pics!)

[Mike]

They have the best top-end of any car that Ive driven, but then again I didnt street race it, so what do I know.

you haven't driven an s yet, have you?

[Evan]

I drove yours, duh
both feel similar, but the renesis feels like a wider powerband to me.
maybe I just need to drive your S a little more to get a better judgement

[G.Irish]

Honestly I'd recommend a used WRX. You can get a good one for under $20k and it performs just as well as any of the other cars you've mentioned. Also, you'd be saving a lot of money on the monthly payment. That extra $150-200 a month in your pocket doesn't sound like much but everything else will add up and the
farther away from tapped out on your budget you can be the better.

A used 2005 Legacy GT sounds pretty good too, its a little more mature and less boy-racerish than the WRX and a tad bigger. You'll probably pay less on insurance too. Couldn't go wrong there.

I liked the RX-8 I drove but it felt pretty gutless at lower RPM's. Still, for the price range and size of the car I'd say it was the best handling you could buy. The S2000 feels a bit sharper and more powerful but it is only a 2 seater.

G35 coupe would be okay if you could get a well equipped one for under $25k.

[HAULN-SS]

hrmm. I'll have to check aroudn some on these cars - the Legact GT sounds good to me, having never driven one, i've seen them around before and just like their styling. I hadnt thought of a G35 - is this the same car i'm thinking of - 350Z? Arent the RX-8 RWD? I love RWD, but for my daily driver, I kind of need FWD or AWD because I live on a shitass backroad that will likely stay ice covered 2 - 3 days after the main roads get scraped in winter.

That was one thing I am definately trying to avoid with a WRX - gaining some kind of ricer fanboy status. Also, I'd want one that was untouched. I could deal with getting one if I found a good enough deal though.

Audi's I had heard liked to be maintained, which isnt really so much of a problem, because I like to work on cars anyway. I just dont want to pay out the ass for parts when something does break. Aaron - is there an A.G. Special price on that one on your lot - since its high miles and all =p

[Ryan T]

They have the best top-end of any car that Ive driven, but then again I didnt street race it, so what do I know.

Your sarcasm is neigther needed nor appreciated. If the RX-8 has the best top-end of any car that you've driven then you really need to drive some real sports cars, because the top end of the rx-8 is far from impressive. Definantely doesn't "pull like a banshee" by any stretch.

[JackoliciousLegs]

They have the best top-end of any car that Ive driven, but then again I didnt street race it, so what do I know.

Your sarcasm is neigther needed nor appreciated. If the RX-8 has the best top-end of any car that you've driven then you really need to drive some real sports cars, because the top end of the rx-8 is far from impressive. Definantely doesn't "pull like a banshee" by any stretch.

My butt dyno was thoroughly impressed for a 1.3L N/A. Anyways, no RWD so RX8 and G35 are out. I'd lean towards a WRX in good shape for mid to high teens.

[Evan]

They have the best top-end of any car that Ive driven, but then again I didnt street race it, so what do I know.

Your sarcasm is neigther needed nor appreciated. If the RX-8 has the best top-end of any car that you've driven then you really need to drive some real sports cars, because the top end of the rx-8 is far from impressive. Definantely doesn't "pull like a banshee" by any stretch.

I have no doubt that it wasnt appreciated, but it was definately needed. Do you really expect to make comments based on fucking street racing and expect not to get called out on it? Maybe you can pull that crap off on your supra "kills" forum, but you should know that shit wont fly here.
Maybe it doesnt feel like it pulls hard to you, thats fine, maybe you are also used to jacking off over mad tiiiite dyno supras dawg! For a stock car, at the price range compared to the competition, its a fantastic car.


"really need to drive some real sports cars"? now thats just fucking funny right there.

[Andy]

I drove my friend's Audi S4 the other day. It was fantastic. Granted, I never ever drive cars that are either nice or powerful so it was a revelation to me. The S4 handled great, looked great and was really quick. The shifter and steering feel is nice, though the brakes/clutch was pretty vague. I really liked it though this is his 2nd one in about year. The dealer bought the first one back after three separate ECU's failed on that car.

[BLINGMW]

Audi/VW isn't exactly the hallmark of reliability these days.... backed up by their embarassing results in Consumer Reports over the last few years. Other German manufacturers have been slipping, but Audi/VW seems to be way ahead of them. :lol: And an unreliable German car is a HUGE money pit.

If I wanted AWD, Subaru would be my only choice. WRX/Legacy/Wagon, whatever suits your needs best. Especially when you're looking at the wagons, finding a non-modded one would be easy. And I do still see stock WRX's around, I'm sure there's plenty of those too.

[Andy]

What about a Volvo S60R. Understated, not many folks have them, and they're quick as hell.

Personally, I would get a Saabaru but a Saab Wagon might not be the best chick magnet. WRX's are cool but a Legacy GT give you all the performance without the harassment from cops and HS kids trying to race.

[Mike]

What about a Volvo S60R. Understated, not many folks have them, and they're quick as hell.

probably a little out of his price range, but yeah they are pretty awesome. i prefer the v70r, though

[damnit458]

Well I cant say much as to AWD (although there seems to be a consensus going already) but if you actually were considering FWD I would take a look at a newer rsx. Ive read pretty good reviews of them, and you'd more than likely save some money compared to what you would have to spend for the other options listed in this thread (although im not sure about the legacy). Seems like a decent DD interms of space and comfort, and yet something you could still enjoy driving (if you dont mind FWD). I dunno, just throwing it out there.

[D_Eclipse9916]

They have the best top-end of any car that Ive driven, but then again I didnt street race it, so what do I know.

Your sarcasm is neigther needed nor appreciated. If the RX-8 has the best top-end of any car that you've driven then you really need to drive some real sports cars, because the top end of the rx-8 is far from impressive. Definantely doesn't "pull like a banshee" by any stretch.

I have no doubt that it wasnt appreciated, but it was definately needed. Do you really expect to make comments based on fucking street racing and expect not to get called out on it? Maybe you can pull that crap off on your supra "kills" forum, but you should know that shit wont fly here.
Maybe it doesnt feel like it pulls hard to you, thats fine, maybe you are also used to jacking off over mad tiiiite dyno supras dawg! For a stock car, at the price range compared to the competition, its a fantastic car.


"really need to drive some real sports cars"? now thats just fucking funny right there.

Woah I would have to agree with Ryan tho, only on his point that it definitely does not pull like a banshee. For cars in the same price range, every single car out-accelerates the rx8. For Example- 350z, G35, s2000, wrxs, sti, evo, and the list goes on and on. I drove one back-to-back with all these cars when I was buying another car. The rx-8 was by far the most disappointing car I had driven. It's suspension was even on the soft side for such a "sport-tuned suspension." Check any article reviewing the rx-8s and they are bashed for their soft suspensions and lack of power for the class.

[ScottyB]

I drove my friend's Audi S4 the other day. It was fantastic. Granted, I never ever drive cars that are either nice or powerful so it was a revelation to me. The S4 handled great, looked great and was really quick. The shifter and steering feel is nice, though the brakes/clutch was pretty vague. I really liked it though this is his 2nd one in about year. The dealer bought the first one back after three separate ECU's failed on that car.

used S4's, even with extensive modifications, are coming down quite a bit in pricing. if you find one with all the weak point addressed (stock turbos replaced, control arms serviced, vacuum lines changed out) you are looking at a really enjoyable all weather bahnstormer.

i've seen stage 3 (i know i know, its a BPU+.....i mean, upgraded turbos and crap) S4's selling for around 15k that would make a very fun 400+ hp DD.

[Ryan T]

They have the best top-end of any car that Ive driven, but then again I didnt street race it, so what do I know.

Your sarcasm is neigther needed nor appreciated. If the RX-8 has the best top-end of any car that you've driven then you really need to drive some real sports cars, because the top end of the rx-8 is far from impressive. Definantely doesn't "pull like a banshee" by any stretch.

I have no doubt that it wasnt appreciated, but it was definately needed. Do you really expect to make comments based on fucking street racing and expect not to get called out on it? Maybe you can pull that crap off on your supra "kills" forum, but you should know that shit wont fly here.
Maybe it doesnt feel like it pulls hard to you, thats fine, maybe you are also used to jacking off over mad tiiiite dyno supras dawg! For a stock car, at the price range compared to the competition, its a fantastic car.


"really need to drive some real sports cars"? now thats just fucking funny right there.

Woah I would have to agree with Ryan tho, only on his point that it definitely does not pull like a banshee. For cars in the same price range, every single car out-accelerates the rx8. For Example- 350z, G35, s2000, wrxs, sti, evo, and the list goes on and on. I drove one back-to-back with all these cars when I was buying another car. The rx-8 was by far the most disappointing car I had driven. It's suspension was even on the soft side for such a "sport-tuned suspension." Check any article reviewing the rx-8s and they are bashed for their soft suspensions and lack of power for the class.

Spot on, pretty much every car in its price range can out accelerate it and most get better fuel economy.

Evan, I was hoping you wouldn't resort to personal attacks..."used to jacking off over mad tiiiite dyno supras dawg", come on. I didn't mean to push any of your buttons with my post, and if I did I apologize.

Perhaps "real sports cars" wasn't the best phrase to use, I should have said cars with real power. I have no doubt the rx-8 could bust some ass around a road course, but the power leaves MUCH to be desired, especially when you can have more performance and better fuel economy for less money.

[G.Irish]

I have no doubt the rx-8 could bust some ass around a road course, but the power leaves MUCH to be desired, especially when you can have more performance and better fuel economy for less money.

Absolutely. The unfortunate problem with rotaries is that they have so very little development time behind them compared to piston driven engines. I think the fuel economy gap could be closed but it takes a lot of research and development to achieve appreciable gains.

On a side note, that's why I think Mazda shouldn't waste their time racing a tube framed RX-8 in Grand Am GT, they should be stacking their dollars into their LMP2 program so they can put more R&D into the rotary.

[Evan]

[
Spot on, pretty much every car in its price range can out accelerate it and most get better fuel economy.

Evan, I was hoping you wouldn't resort to personal attacks..."used to jacking off over mad tiiiite dyno supras dawg", come on. I didn't mean to push any of your buttons with my post, and if I did I apologize.

Perhaps "real sports cars" wasn't the best phrase to use, I should have said cars with real power. I have no doubt the rx-8 could bust some ass around a road course, but the power leaves MUCH to be desired, especially when you can have more performance and better fuel economy for less money.

Ok Ryan, but how did you expect for me to take "If the RX-8 has the best top-end of any car that you've driven then you really need to drive some real sports cars, because the top end of the rx-8 is far from impressive."
You need to learn the difference between "You are wrong and you dont know anything!" and "I disagree"
As I already said you should know better than to justify a statement with a street race, Im not sure what kind of response you expected with that. You gave me flashbacks to the good old days of Travis flaming.

I hate magazine racing, but since its already been brought up (although without references of course :roll, On Top Gear the RX-8 matched the 350Z time while being easier to drive and more consistent. Someone explain to me how that is much less performance? The car has no balls before 5k, which on a test drive (or a fat 45 year old magazine journalist review) is going to fell pretty damn slow. But last I checked, we were motorsports enthusiasts, not fat middle aged men. Personally I love high revving engines. It comes alive around 5.5 and yes, it pulls like crazy all the way to 9k. Its a driver's car, it has a relatively low weight considering the pigs being built today, it has a real LSD and is completely balanced. I guess you guys would rather have low drag times to brag to your friends about than a real drivers car. How sad.
Fuel economy I cant speak for, but Allison hasn't complained too much about her's, although I wouldnt be surprised if it isnt the best. The suspension is more solid than a WRX's, and feels just as stiff as a STi.
And dont mistake me for a rotary fanboi. I have always hated them, especially when I get stuck behind one on a racetrack.

ps- google video didnt turn up the top gear rx-8 segment, but i have it at home in case anyone wants to see it

[G.Irish]

And dont mistake me for a rotary fanboi. I have always hated them, especially when I get stuck behind one on a racetrack.

Psshhh, just wear earplugs and a face mask...

[Kaan]

and your race gear... they'll burn the stickers right off your car.

[Ryan T]

[
Spot on, pretty much every car in its price range can out accelerate it and most get better fuel economy.

Evan, I was hoping you wouldn't resort to personal attacks..."used to jacking off over mad tiiiite dyno supras dawg", come on. I didn't mean to push any of your buttons with my post, and if I did I apologize.

Perhaps "real sports cars" wasn't the best phrase to use, I should have said cars with real power. I have no doubt the rx-8 could bust some ass around a road course, but the power leaves MUCH to be desired, especially when you can have more performance and better fuel economy for less money.

Ok Ryan, but how did you expect for me to take "If the RX-8 has the best top-end of any car that you've driven then you really need to drive some real sports cars, because the top end of the rx-8 is far from impressive."
You need to learn the difference between "You are wrong and you dont know anything!" and "I disagree"
As I already said you should know better than to justify a statement with a street race, Im not sure what kind of response you expected with that. You gave me flashbacks to the good old days of Travis flaming.

I hate magazine racing, but since its already been brought up (although without references of course :roll, On Top Gear the RX-8 matched the 350Z time while being easier to drive and more consistent. Someone explain to me how that is much less performance? The car has no balls before 5k, which on a test drive (or a fat 45 year old magazine journalist review) is going to fell pretty damn slow. But last I checked, we were motorsports enthusiasts, not fat middle aged men. Personally I love high revving engines. It comes alive around 5.5 and yes, it pulls like crazy all the way to 9k. Its a driver's car, it has a relatively low weight considering the pigs being built today, it has a real LSD and is completely balanced. I guess you guys would rather have low drag times to brag to your friends about than a real drivers car. How sad.
Fuel economy I cant speak for, but Allison hasn't complained too much about her's, although I wouldnt be surprised if it isnt the best. The suspension is more solid than a WRX's, and feels just as stiff as a STi.
And dont mistake me for a rotary fanboi. I have always hated them, especially when I get stuck behind one on a racetrack.

ps- google video didnt turn up the top gear rx-8 segment, but i have it at home in case anyone wants to see it

Show me anywhere in my post that I ever said it was a streetrace. I didn't and it wasn't. It was an open drag day at a local event, but there were no times, just line up and run for fun. I pulled on the rx-8 pretty hard. I neigther support nor condone streetracing, and MM takes the same stand.

And no, were not all 45 year old men, but the majority of the club does not regularly track their vehicles, so having to wait till 5500rpm to get anything closetly resembling power is pretty much worthless. I guess your perception of a car that pulls hard is just different than my perception of a car that pulls hard, I'm spoiled by torque.