AutoX'ed the Z and a RX8 yesterday
AutoX'ed the Z and a RX8 yesterday
We got three competitive runs followed by four "fun runs" yesterday. As always I had a blast. It was my first autocross on black top, and it sure felt more slippery than the place I usually attend - which is concrete.
This guy I had been talking to had a RX8, and asked me if I wanted to trade cars for the fun run. Sure! I never test drove it, and I always wanted to. After all, it's in B Stock in SCCA autocross, the same as the Z.
I should note I've done about 8 autocrosses, so I'm still pretty green. These opinions are not expressed by a veteran driver, so take them at face value.
On my first run, I brought it up to about 3-4k on launch. Good launch! It took off MUCH better than I thought it would. On the first few turns you could feel that it was a bit lighter than the Z, but those OEM tires weren't that good. Many people went up into third gear on this course. No need in the RX8 and the 9000 RPM redline. I used almost every bit of it. I went through a "hairpin", and turned-in about where I turned in with my Z, and ended up actually HITTING the apex (ran over some cones). Okay, so it took that hairpin better than the Z even though my tires are much better. After that the rest of the course was mostly slaloms and other staggered left right gates. I took them in what felt like the meaty part of second gear. It felt like good power, not wanting. I was expecting a real lack of torque, but didn't really feel any (Not nearly as much torque as the Z, though). On subsequent lauches I tried 1.5-2k - non wheel spin type launches, and I must say they were completely underwhelming, like "Come on, car! Move!!!!!". Overall, though, I must say that the RX8 is not the pathetic little weakling I expected. It was fun to drive, and I can see where some people choose it over the Z. It definitely gets the edge in interior aesthetics. However, this one had a sunroof, and I kept banging my helmet on the roof. I'm 6'2. Obviously, the Z wins in exterior appearance. It was a Porsche club autocross, and a few of those guys complimented my Z.
I told the RX8 guy only good stuff about his car. He, on the hand, barely said anything about mine, which means he either thought, OMG this car is badass, or he thought it was a P.O.S.
Best run in my Z: 56.9
Best run in the RX8: 56.8
I believe the only reason I gained a tenth in the RX8 was because I had grown more and more familiar with the course.
This guy I had been talking to had a RX8, and asked me if I wanted to trade cars for the fun run. Sure! I never test drove it, and I always wanted to. After all, it's in B Stock in SCCA autocross, the same as the Z.
I should note I've done about 8 autocrosses, so I'm still pretty green. These opinions are not expressed by a veteran driver, so take them at face value.
On my first run, I brought it up to about 3-4k on launch. Good launch! It took off MUCH better than I thought it would. On the first few turns you could feel that it was a bit lighter than the Z, but those OEM tires weren't that good. Many people went up into third gear on this course. No need in the RX8 and the 9000 RPM redline. I used almost every bit of it. I went through a "hairpin", and turned-in about where I turned in with my Z, and ended up actually HITTING the apex (ran over some cones). Okay, so it took that hairpin better than the Z even though my tires are much better. After that the rest of the course was mostly slaloms and other staggered left right gates. I took them in what felt like the meaty part of second gear. It felt like good power, not wanting. I was expecting a real lack of torque, but didn't really feel any (Not nearly as much torque as the Z, though). On subsequent lauches I tried 1.5-2k - non wheel spin type launches, and I must say they were completely underwhelming, like "Come on, car! Move!!!!!". Overall, though, I must say that the RX8 is not the pathetic little weakling I expected. It was fun to drive, and I can see where some people choose it over the Z. It definitely gets the edge in interior aesthetics. However, this one had a sunroof, and I kept banging my helmet on the roof. I'm 6'2. Obviously, the Z wins in exterior appearance. It was a Porsche club autocross, and a few of those guys complimented my Z.
I told the RX8 guy only good stuff about his car. He, on the hand, barely said anything about mine, which means he either thought, OMG this car is badass, or he thought it was a P.O.S.
Best run in my Z: 56.9
Best run in the RX8: 56.8
I believe the only reason I gained a tenth in the RX8 was because I had grown more and more familiar with the course.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
etkms
Engine & Drivetrain
29
Jun 19, 2022 06:30 PM
Colombo
Forced Induction
35
Nov 9, 2020 10:27 AM
