Yes, but they are also destroying themselves. One of the most unreliable engines around, especially when modded. But hey, if you got the money for repairs, more power to you.

 

They're not unreliable engines if you do the proper maintance. Sad thing is, people neglect them.

 

Your probably right. But thats why I like Honda's and Toyota's soo much because you don't really have to take care of them and they still keep on ticking. Plus I dont think a rotary engine will see 200K miles with just normal maintenance, while a Honda or Toyota, wouldn't even break a sweat. Just my opinion. I guess its all realtive. Compared to Nissan Z, Honda S2K and Toyota Supra I don't think they are that reliable.

 

I thought the RX-8 was a three door car?

 

2 front doors
2 suicide doors
=4doors

 

Oh my bad thanks for the correction , I at one point was looking at the RX-8 but the front grill looks too much like a dodge avenger...

 

4 doors is 2 doors too many

 

Maintenance or not, I have yet to find a last gen RX-7 that made 100k miles without blowing up. I would love to get one, but the spectacular engine failures scared me aware. Hopefully the RX-8s are better. (but not as fast as my Z!)

 

My Rx7 made it to 110K on its original engine. My turbos have 151K now. Most people were modifying the car without an ECU.. they think its like a 300ZX where they can just buy a big *** intercooler, intake catback, downpipe and midpipe and neglect the ECU. Just yesterday some kid with a 3rd gen on my forum had an intake, catback, dp, and mid pipe with no ecu upgrade and was going to race a mustang. This other guy is getting dynoed and had similar mods. These are the guys that give the RX7 a bad reputation for blowing up.

N/A rotaries last forever. Regardless of what anyone said the rotary engine is way more reliable and will outlast a piston engine. its the turbos that put the strain on the engine and cause every single problem the 3rd gen had.

I like my 7!!!!!!! Its one sick car.

 

Earlier in the year, Mazda's stated goal was under $30K. You can bet the Z has raised the under $30K bar since it's release. I'd look for the RX-8 to base in the mid 20's ($24 to $26) now.

 

8500 wankels per minute and 250 HP is pretty impressive, regardless of what one thinks of the design.

 

one of the magazines last month said that mazda has confirmed a 2 door for 2005 model year AND the car WILL have a 10,000 RPM readline. The 93 - 95 rX7 redlines at 8100 RPM.

David

 

Well I wouldn't mind the RX-8 for 23 k but I wouldn't pay more however from its looks seems the car will probably have 250 bhp so I assume MSRP should range 25-28 k.

I just hope that a rx-7 is on the way.

 

At Seven Stock this year, Mazda showed a video of a RX-8 keeping up with a 3rd generation RX-7 (FD3s) at the track turn for turn. What is even more amazing, is that it was the special "Spirit R" Rx-7. So for those of you who think a 4 door can't hang, the Rx-8 can for sure hold its own at the race track.

At the drag strip the high revving rotary engine lacks low end torque a la Honda S2000. Hence, just like the S2000, this car is not going to shine at the drag strip. However, the "Renesis" rotary engine is actually a very nice motor. It's a completely different design approach as the previous rotaries. Mazda knows that they had to improve the rotary in this day in age to keep up with the cars coming out. So the engine make more power normally aspirated, has better gas mileage and should be more reliable...not to mention sound better.

It's kind of hard to say what car is "better" between the 350Z and the RX-8. Personally I think both car's exterior look similar to other cars. The Rx-8 looks like a IS300 meets S2000 meets Chevron cartoon. The 350Z looks like a Audi TT meets Lexus SC430 meets Celica meets Porsche. I prefer the 350Z look.

The main reason though, is the engine. A 3.5 liter V6 will have a whole lot more torque than a 1.3 liter rotary engine.