YACT - Acura TSX vs. Mazda RX-8

[Shawn]

RX-8. My dad had one and absolutely loved it. Just couldn't afford it........

 

[LtPage1]

the manual sells it. go with the rx-8.

 

[PKPunk]

an a4 is only a really fun car if you quattro, and the options on a a4 costs a crap load. Like a fully loaded a4 front wheel drive is around 29,5k or a loaded quattro is like 32-33k. I just bought a TSX, I paid more than I wantted to but I got it for 27,5 with navi. And I'd say the interior build materials are on par with a A4 and it costs 2k less with navi. I know I wanted a A4 quattro but it was out of my price range, and it's getting redesigned soon (mid next year) to have the same large grill as the A6 and the rear is getting freshend up.

 

[w9design]

I regularly drive an A4 and an RX-8, get the RX-8 for fun, but get an A4 (or the TSX) if you plan on driving where there's snow. The RX-8 is a beautiful car that handles like a dream. All the benefits of a sports car with seating for 4. Can't go wrong, I love my 8.

 

[sygyzy]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for replying. I didn't realize my two choices would cause such an uproar. To me, it's not a big issue to have choices in two different car classes. I was looking for a car for around $28k and under and that would be fun. Remember that there are other factors, such as traffic (I live in So. Cal) and insurance ($1950 a year for RX-8 versus ~$1450 for the TSX).

I'll be honest, I am leaning toward the TSX but I am not sure if I am getting it in manual or automatic. Probably the later. Here are a few factors that are related:

1. Most dealers have plenty of AT stock but little to none MT. MT does not sell for the TSX. Everyone wants AT. It's more difficult to find the right color combo in MT. Not a big deal, but still noteworthy.
2. I can't drive a manual transmission. I have done it before but am not good or refined. Honestly, this is not a big deal since everyone has to start somewhere right? Even then, it makes me a bit nervous. The only reason I listed the RX-8 in MT is because the AT is ~40 HP less and I wouldn't dream of getting a sports car in AT. The TSX in AT I can live with. I don't think of it as a car I want to be shifting in.
3. I don't care about having a super fast sports car with lots of power. I would like power, yes but both are already alot faster than my 140HP Celica.
4. There is no snow here so that's not a concern.
5. No Audi for reasons already listed. I would want Quattro and with options, it'd cost way too much.

Keep the comments coming. I appreciate and am taking into consideration everyone's advice.

 

[sygyzy]

PKPunk Can you contact me. I wanted to ask you about your TSX and the deal you got.

 

[nycxandy]

Poll please!

 

[daniel1113]

Well, after reviewing your post above, the TSX seems like a good car for you. I sure wouldn't trade mine for anything else in the same price range or class. The navi system is perhaps the best in the pre-installed market and is a lot of fun to use. Even in places that you have driven lots of times, it is neat to have the navi system as it gives you a greater sense of where you are. I would highly recommend getting it. Heck, it's the only option available, might as well get it

Update: You are correct about the MT TSX being hard to find. I ended up having to order mine straight from the factory in order to get the color combination I wanted. Every dealer I contacted had tons of AT, but only a few MT in stock, much less one with carbon gray exterior, black leather interior, and a nav system.

 

[RichieZ]

RX8, TSX = euro accord

 

[ElFenix]

rx8 is a sports car. tsx isn't. get the rx8.

 

[Horus]

Originally posted by: BW86
Rx-8 is ugly, go with the TSX.

DIAF :|:thumbsdown:

I would get the RX-8 just for the cool factor. You would own a completely unique car. Not to mention if you wanted to slap on a turbo onto the RENESIS engine, it can be done without a lot of trouble.

Great handling+240BHP rotary+Turbocharger=

 

[freebee]

Its funny the Ford bashers are not around when people mention the Mazdas...

Anyhow, test drive both. Its actually very good experience to test drive a lot of cars to get a better understanding of how the different views on car design and performance factor into your own personal taste.

I like TSX. Better materials, better quality, more refinement and much better dealer service.

*No offense to the proud men and women of the Ford Motor Company both domestic and abroad.

 

[ajayjuneja]

RX-8 has terrible gas mileage, remember that....

 

[chowmein]

FR MT RX-8 230 bhp ... cool sucide door (4 dr coupe) unless you want luxury. potential for rotary is awesome. good luck with overhaul tho.

 

[DougK62]

RX-8. Fun car that handles awesome. It's really slow, but oh well.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Why are you buying an auto TSX?

- M4H

 

[vi edit]

TSX is a nice car, but both of these vehicles are windless with an auto.

Have you looked at a Legacy GT?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

BAH! TSX Yuck!

RX8 all the way.


Why? Paying $28K for a 4cyl 200HP car that is not quick by any means. 0-60 times are in the upper 7second range and Qtr miles times are around 16 flat.

Sure resale on the TSX will be better but people don't buy cars as investments.

Your single? Why would you want to own a 4dr grovery getter car?


RX8's are under heavy discounts. I'm sure they will knock a good $4-5K off the RX8's price.

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
BAH! TSX Yuck!

RX8 all the way.


Why? Paying $28K for a 4cyl 200HP car that is not quick by any means. 0-60 times are in the upper 7second range and Qtr miles times are around 16 flat.

Sure resale on the TSX will be better but people don't buy cars as investments.

Your single? Why would you want to own a 4dr grovery getter car?

RX8's are under heavy discounts. I'm sure they will knock a good $4-5K off the RX8's price.

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, you shouldn't buy the TSX if you want a powerful and/or fast car. That isn't what it was made to be.

 

[psteng19]

I've said it in other threads and forums and I'll say it again here.

Are you comfortable with the upkeep of a rotary?
It burns oil by design so be prepared to be checking oil levels on a regular basis, or else...

Also, there are quite a few people who are reporting 15 mpg, and some as bad as 10-11 mpg even AFTER the latest ECU flash.

If I wanted a fun RWD car with gas mileage, I'd be looking at a V8, like a GTO which gets better gas mileage than the RX-8.
Heck, if I'm going to waste gas, I'm going to do it with loads of torque at my disposal.

 

[randomlinh]

10-11 after the latest ECU?!?!?! damn that sucks...

 

[sygyzy]

As a counterpoint, I've read that in the Renesis design, Mazda engineers were able to implement a oil injection system that prevents the burning oil problem of the previous gens.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: RichieZ
RX8, TSX = euro accord

The TSX shares the same mid-size global platform the Accord does but has some different components. The TSX = Japanese Accord Exterior + Japanese Inspire Interior. Different engine and some suspension differences. (Albeit, 100% interchangeable with the Accord counterpart)

 

[sygyzy]

Ok, maybe TSX 6-Speed is right for me

 

[sygyzy]

PKPunk - Can you *please* turn on your private messages?