Help me find a better car than the RX-8

"Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction" (rustholes-are-weight-reduction) 09/02/2016 at 11:00 • Filed to: None

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I’m not going to change it, because rotary is life, but I got a reaction to a comment I made on front page that made me think.

Context was the ever-going argument RX-8 Good/Bad. I’m not gonna reiterate it here, since it’s always the same.

Point is, it ended with this reply:

I don’t get all the love for it, when there are options that are more reliable, cheaper, better looking, AND faster all at the same time! Although, I guess it makes sense. Even the Yugo and Pinto have their enthusiasts.

So I got curious, what comparable car is more reliable, cheaper, better looking, and faster than the RX-8? All at the same time?

Filler image, so the picture matches the title

(By the way, if the original commenter reads this, this is not meant to offend you in any way, I’m genuinely curious)

So I checked the semi-local listings to see what I can find.
As I said, I wanted something comparable, so:
- Early 2000's or newer
- More reliable (ok, that’s not the hardest part)
- Better looking (that’s subjective, for me the RX-8 is the one of the most beautiful cars of the last decade)
- Faster
- Preferably 4 seats, but not a must
- Preferably RWD, but interesting FWD could be considered
- Manual
- Under 6000€, since that’s around what I paid for the Mazda (6723 USD)

What I found (apart numerous RX-8's):

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I never liked the design of those, it’s got 190.000 km, meh aftermarket wheels, and it’s a 2 seater. But it’s a quattro, which is nice.

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It’s sold with only the winter tires on steelies. Even if it’s a VR6, it’s still a Golf, which is the European equivalent of a Camry. Also it has 230.000 km

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It’s a Golf for those who made it. So, no.

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The Astra is the Golf for those who don’t want a VW but still a German small hatchback.

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I’m neither a taxi driver nor retired.

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This is probably the most interesting one of the bunch, but I’m no BMW guy.

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I have to admit, I love this color. And this particular one could be interesting. But I have too many cars right now.

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Which is like an previous gen sporty Golf.

So basically, the alternatives to the RX-8 here are some hot hatches, bland German compact sedans, or an ugly convertible.

But maybe where you live, the alternatives are better? Show me your cheap sporty cars that are better than a RX-8 in every way!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:07

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My ultimate RX-8 would have the Mazda MZR 2.3l turbo in place of the rotary. I like everything about he RX-8 but that stupid engine. When I was shopping for my current car at the time (2009) the comparable to the RX-8 was the Audi TT which you have in the list, a Mini cooper S, a mazdaspeed 3, and a high miles Nissan 350z. I ended up buying a low miles 2.0L Mazda 3, which is much more boring looking than the RX-8 but is 85% of it’s performance and way more reliable in the long run.

Leadbull > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:08

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The BMW z3 is about as quick (discounting the four banger models), and you can find them in the $5-7k range.

Tiny backseats and fixed roofs are for chumps.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:09

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WRX.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:11

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I like all of them lol. My top three are the 3er, Astra and the Focus ST. Maybe consider the Boxster, there’s one in our parking garage that I have fallen in love with. It’s just so perfectly 2000s with its silver paint.

Milky > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:16

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I need to start off saying I almost bought an RX8 and I like the car (rotaries) a lot. But I bought a Crossfire because in college at the time, no income and I put on so many miles. Didn’t want to worry about an engine blowing up.

With that being said a SRT6 or 350z? When I was looking 3.5 years ago all were right around the same price. SRT6's were a little more and auto only, but faster.

Also anything with a 9k rpm red line is deserving of enthusiasts.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:26

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I’m going to be completely honest with you because I’ve never been a fan of Japanese Manufacturers.

The RX-8 is absolutely the best looking car that you’ve posted. By Far.

It probably has the worst reliability if what I’ve heard about the rotaries is true.

I doubt that any of that are exceptionally faster than the RX-8 either.

It also looks (based off of your other options) that you’re based in Europe not the US so you probably can’t easily get your hands on a Camaro or Mustang so I have nothing to offer as a better option.

RX-8's are gorgeous and pretty damn quick....when they’re running.

gawdzillla > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:27

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cant think of anything else other than the WRX

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:32

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Not early 2000s, but I’m pretty sure what you’re looking for is an SW20 MR2 Turbo.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:32

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V8 Audi S4 Avant . Game, set, match.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:32

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Yeah, not sure where the commenter was from, but in Euroland, the RX-8 is so ridiculously cheap to buy (almost certainly due to the high cost of ownership) that it’s hard to fulfill all those bullet points.

MultiplaOrgasms > Milky 09/02/2016 at 11:33

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This. Crossfires are right below the price range, especially in the UK. My Uncle actually went all the way there to save two and a half grand compared to what he’d pay for an identical LHD car with a manual in Germany. The faster part is debatable but they weigh around the same and the Chrysler has more low-end torque.

gawdzillla > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:46

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NO car sound better than the rx8 with an aftermarket exhaust

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Leadbull 09/02/2016 at 11:49

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Forgot about the z3, that would be an excelent choice with the 2.5 L 6.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:51

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I’ll be honest with you, I was seriously considering an RX-8 before I got the BRZ. I still actually do since they’re pretty reasonably priced. The only thing stopping me was the gas mileage and reliability since the car would be my daily in stop and go traffic every day. That and I needed a car to learn to drive a manual in and I doubt the RX-8 would like to stall very much. I still dream of hearing one hit 9000 rpm from the driver’s seat though.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:52

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not cheap but RX7 is better than RX8

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 11:56

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What about an S2k? Will be a bit more expensive depending on the market where you are at. But it still has the super high redline, great Japanese styling, and a decent amount of power. Or throwing an s2k driveline into the Rx8!

Leadbull > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 09/02/2016 at 12:00

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Also came with 2.8l and 3.0l sixes. And I guess the 2.2l.

marshknute > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 12:09

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The “better looking” part is a bit subjective, but The RX-8 is the only thing that looks like a purpose built sports car ok that list.

And the fact that you live in Europe makes this a tougher question. Here we’re spoiled for choice of V8 Mustangs, Camaros, and Corvettes. Then there’s the highly depreciated V12 Mercs, but they match the RX-8's poor reliability.

The only good answer I can think of is the first gen Boxster. Only a base model (2.7L, 200hp) for that price, but I bet it could edge out the RX-8 on a track.

(This one is slightly above your budget, but there were tons listed as low as $4500. But I chose this one because it was the only one with a nice photo)

MultiplaOrgasms > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 12:09

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Coupé Turbo Plus. What you get: A 2.0L Turbocharged 20V Inline 5, a 6-speed manual, limited-slip differential, Design by that one guy who did those BMWs everybody hates (and Pininfarina), 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds, top speed of 250kph and engine-out timing belt changes like a Ferrari. They’re FWD but handle very well for what they are.

jtso > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 12:39

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Maybe this is classified under “fast”, but don’t forget about handling. RX-8 was known for being good corner carver.

random001 > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 13:06

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C5 Corvette. I don’t care what it is, if you ask the question that includes “Better car than X” and X =/= Corvette, then C5 Corvette is the answer.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 13:32

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Just speaking of RWD: As you pointed out the small models from BMW and Mercedes won’t be as engaging to drive but as quick, if not quicker, and way better reliability. Z3 and crossfire don’t offer the backseat but closer to the same handling, just as quick and again more reliable. Heck even a 350z is close to the price range of a nice rx-8.

Someone posted their Honda s600 with a motorcycle engine yesterday. It seemed to have a similar high revving nature of the rotary, although an rx8 would be too heavy I think for most motorcycle engines. His car looked stupid fun.

djmt1 > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 13:35

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Plenty of Boxsters with the 3.2 for under £5,000.

If you need more than 2 seats then plenty of BMWs and a few Convertible M3s as well.

If you can look beyond RWD then plenty of AWD options like S3/4s and of course Subarus.

FWD has too many options most of which you can guess.

Anyway my choice would a R26 F1 Megane like this:

However it doesn’t change the fact that a 231 RX8 can easily be had for under £1,500 which is hard to argue against the level of performance and practically at that price.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > djmt1 09/02/2016 at 15:13

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Wow prices in the UK are crazy

jsemerica > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/02/2016 at 18:52

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I’m in the same boat! My 2005 RX-8 GT is my daily driver and for the money, you can’t beat it. I’d even argue that the reliability factor for some of these is debatable....