Comparison: 330 vs RX-8
Niles Standish
keep it for quite some time. I know that the RX-8 is pretty new and that
not many folks have likely seen/driven it. Some rough similarity in terms
of features and size from what I can tell. I'd tend to go with most or all
of the options. RX-8: $31K, new model (for better or worse), smooth rotary
engine, 250 HP. 330: $40K, new model coming in a few years, smooth in-line
6, 225 or 235 HP depending on model, xi version available.
Anyone else comparing these two? Anything in particular that steers you to
one over the other? I test drove a 5-series and although I liked it, it
might be/seem to be too big for most of my use (daily commute/errands,
usually 1 or no passengers...but I definitely need a 4-seater for the
occasional 3 passengers and to haul stuff).
GRL
it's like the Honda S2000 which is oodles of fun when you are the mood to
play, but can get on one's nerves as a daily commuter. The 3 liter BMW six
has much more low end grunt.
Now I know that styling is very much a personal thing, but do you REALLY
like the looks of the RX-8? Enough to want to look at it for years to come?
I think you are wise to consider the IS300 or G35 as 4-seater alternatives
to the 330 at lower cost.
--
- GRL
"It's good to want things."
Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Niles Standish" <rwa...@homail.com> wrote in message
news:XaWxa.36813$_e6....@news2.east.cox.net...
verolom
But seriously, either car will be fun to drive, however the Mazda will
not last and maintenance cost might turn to be higher than expected.
The 330i has most of the bugs fixed, maintenance is included for the
first 3 years and it will last, both in value and durability. And you
will love it longer.
I'd go with a 325i coupe sports package.
Verolom
Andrew Thomas
> I'm looking at these two cars mostly for daily commutes with the intent to
> keep it for quite some time. I know that the RX-8 is pretty new and that
> not many folks have likely seen/driven it. Some rough similarity in terms
> of features and size from what I can tell. I'd tend to go with most or all
> of the options. RX-8: $31K, new model (for better or worse), smooth rotary
> engine, 250 HP. 330: $40K, new model coming in a few years, smooth in-line
> 6, 225 or 235 HP depending on model, xi version available.
As the RX-8 has superior horsepower, this automatically means that the
car is superior in every respect. This is certainly the message you
get if you read US-biased BMW boards ("oh, woe is me, for the new
Nissan Plexus Infinit G3245 has 280 bhp - 330Ci for sale, cheap") :).
The RX-8 produces its power at roughly 8,500 rpm. The 330i and
variants about 2,500 rpm lower than that. I would say the RX-8 was
more practical than the coupe, but not as practical as the saloon
(sedan). While the RX-8 is probably terrific around a track, with its
race-biased power delivery and low kerb weight, I know which one I'd
prefer to be driving in 3, 5 or 10 years' time (notwithstanding the
fact that the BMW 3er could usefully drop a few pounds itself).
I don't think the fact that the RX-8 is so new should detract you from
considering it, though. Japanese cars tend to suffer less teething
problems than others (although that engine *is* very new...)
Niles Standish
think I'll try to test drive one. I wonder how smooth the rotary motor is,
maybe winding it up a little or leaving it in the lower gears is not such a
big deal. One way to find out. I test drove the 330 and the 540 the other
weekend and they were nice. I enjoyed the 5-series, but it seems like such
a waste to have just me commuting in that large of a car most of the time.
I wonder if I can rent one for a month or so to get a really good feel for
it. 10 years of ownership is my plan, the trick like you mention is
choosing wisely so that I don't feel a need to move on from that car...
Financially I can choose any of those cars, but in terms of the BMWs I need
to make sure there is something that warrants the higher prices.
"Andrew Thomas" <andrewj_no...@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:ff692cff.03051...@posting.google.com...
Tim Herbst
>
> Some good points--thanks for them. If the RX-8's become available soon, I
> think I'll try to test drive one.
David Lane had some thoughtful comments about an argument now wrapping
up on the big list about the Corvette Z06 vs. the [3]RX-7. A guy who's
owned and raced them both sticks with the Z06 because it's faster and he
wants to stay competitive in his class, but he misses the way the [3]
made him feel. A significant factor in that is weight. A BMW makes you
feel like you are in total command of an impressive machine, whereas
lighter cars sometimes can make you feel like you're wearing them as a
prosthetic extension of your body. If the RX-8 does that for you, your
choice will be obvious. For that kind of $ I don't want nice -- I want
to fall in love. Otherwise buy a Saturn.
Tim Herbst
94 VR Base
ken.bast
an RX-8 AND WAS VERY IMPRESSED.
"Niles Standish" <rwa...@homail.com> wrote in message
news:XaWxa.36813$_e6....@news2.east.cox.net...
Verolom
I sat in an RX-8 for a few minutes and I was not too impresed by the
interior. The suicidal rear door is nice, but a longer front door could
have done the same to allow access to the rear seats. I am 5'11" and when I
adjusted the front seat to feel comfortably there was absolutely no space in
the back. In a 330 coupe there is about 6" of space in the back.
Materials, fit and finish are above Japanese average, but still cannot
compare to a BMW.
The style of the RX-8 is a bit too agressive for my conservative taste. It
is apparently designed to appeal to young drivers (25 and younger)
Unfortunately the dealership did not let me drive one, but I will try again
a when they get a few more on the lot.
What will make the RX-8 a good buy is its handling on the curves and its
lower price to purchase and maintain. A BMW becomes really expensive after
3 years.
If you are looking for a car just for commuting or fun, RX-8 seems to be a
good candidate. If you are looking for a serious car all around, a car that
you will fall in love with and never will want to give up, the 3 is for you.
Dave
>I sat in an RX-8 for a few minutes and I was not too impresed by the
>interior. The suicidal rear door is nice, but a longer front door could
>have done the same to allow access to the rear seats. I am 5'11" and when I
>adjusted the front seat to feel comfortably there was absolutely no space in
>the back. In a 330 coupe there is about 6" of space in the back.
>Materials, fit and finish are above Japanese average, but still cannot
>compare to a BMW.
Another data point:
I'm 5"7". With the front seat as I'd arrange it, I had plenty of
room in the back. Probably 3-4" of knee/leg room remaining. Head
room clearance was ~2-3". Better than sport coupes. Probably not
quite comparable to a sedan. Didn't drive it.
You've heard about the hp debacle, right? Same as with the Miata
in '01. It has been derated to 238 hp (manual, high
power) and 197 hp (automatic). Apparently they are offering the
same remedy as with the Miata: $500 debit card and free scheduled
maintenance. I think that is for cars sold within the next few
days. So act now :-)