Mazda claims 0-100 km/h times of 6.0 seconds, which seems unbelievable since we could only manage 7.8 to reach the same speed. Quarter-mile sprints take 15.4 seconds (at 149 km/h), and stops from 100 to 0 in 38 meters. Still, the RX-8 is rewarding to drive with its particular engine note, and peak power is attained at a high 8,500 rpm. The rear-wheel drivetrain and razor-sharp steering makes for an entertaining, tail-wagging coupe.
What's less entertaining is fuel consumption, which was never one of the Wankel engine's strong points. We averaged 15.4 L/100 km over the course of the week, and super unleaded is required. Admittedly, we could've done a little better.
Space-capsule cockpit
There's actually room for four adults in the RX-8, but boy, there's not much space to stretch out. The rear view mirror is located to close to the driver's face, which creates a blind spot in front. The roofline is low, so I have to incline my seatback more than I usually do. In short, some people will like the driving position, some people won't.
The two rear seats can hold full-grown people, which is a plus for such a small sports car. Climbing in is helped by the rear half-doors, but they require the front doors to be open first, so in tight parking spaces, it's a little complicated. The B-pillar is in the way when the driver tries to look over his or her left shoulder.
As for trunk space, it's of acceptable size, but the opening isn't very big, so bigger items will not fit. Still, keeping the car's mission in mind, the RX-8 is practical for everyday use.
Competition
The RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition sells for $42,145, comes in one colour and has no available options. Here's a look at some of the RX-8 rivals, although some here are not pure sports car like the Mazda:
Audi TT Coupé 2.0T, 200 hp, $46,900
BMW 135i, 300 hp, $41,700
Dodge Challenger R/T, 375 hp, $34,995
Honda Accord EX-L V6, 268 hp, $35,490
Infiniti G37, 330 hp, $47,350
Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-P, 263 hp, $34,298
Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, 270 hp, $31,398
Pontiac G6 GXP, 252 hp, $35,975
Volvo C30 T5, 227 hp, $31,995
 |
| There's actually room for four adults in the RX-8, but boy, there's not much space to stretch out. |
What's less entertaining is fuel consumption, which was never one of the Wankel engine's strong points. We averaged 15.4 L/100 km over the course of the week, and super unleaded is required. Admittedly, we could've done a little better.
Space-capsule cockpit
There's actually room for four adults in the RX-8, but boy, there's not much space to stretch out. The rear view mirror is located to close to the driver's face, which creates a blind spot in front. The roofline is low, so I have to incline my seatback more than I usually do. In short, some people will like the driving position, some people won't.
The two rear seats can hold full-grown people, which is a plus for such a small sports car. Climbing in is helped by the rear half-doors, but they require the front doors to be open first, so in tight parking spaces, it's a little complicated. The B-pillar is in the way when the driver tries to look over his or her left shoulder.
As for trunk space, it's of acceptable size, but the opening isn't very big, so bigger items will not fit. Still, keeping the car's mission in mind, the RX-8 is practical for everyday use.
Competition
The RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition sells for $42,145, comes in one colour and has no available options. Here's a look at some of the RX-8 rivals, although some here are not pure sports car like the Mazda:
Audi TT Coupé 2.0T, 200 hp, $46,900
BMW 135i, 300 hp, $41,700
Dodge Challenger R/T, 375 hp, $34,995
Honda Accord EX-L V6, 268 hp, $35,490
Infiniti G37, 330 hp, $47,350
Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-P, 263 hp, $34,298
Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, 270 hp, $31,398
Pontiac G6 GXP, 252 hp, $35,975
Volvo C30 T5, 227 hp, $31,995
 |
| As for trunk space, it's of acceptable size, but the opening isn't very big, so bigger items will not fit. |