I cannot Decide! RX 8 or MX 5?

[Tadite]

After months of negotiations and more car reviews then I want to admitted I'm finally going to take the plunge into the wonderful world of Mazdas.

Problem is I just can't figure out which I should get. What would you do?

2008 MX 5 Grand Touring, Copper with Tan Leather, with the Retractable Roof, and NEW for $23K US.

or

2008 RX 8 "40th Anniversary Edition" 10K Miles, Edition Metallic Grey, Brown Leather, Mazda extended warranty Certified and only $18ish.

My soul is wrought with indecision. I love the idea of the convertible and you have to love the single minded focus of the MX 5. Thing is, I'm going to be living in New England, a land of snow, ice, and rain. So the Hard Top is going to be a big part of my life. Is it worth it to have a convertible when you don't get to use it all that often? Or should I just drop into the unique club of a rotary engine? Something to be said for being fundamentally different then everything else on the road.

[GravelBen]

RX8 is a significantly faster car if you want straight-line speed, both are great drivers cars though. MX5 will have much lower running costs if thats an issue.

Have you driven both? Pick whichever one is the most fun!

[Dorje]

In your situation I would probably take the RX-8.

I don't think an 08 MX-5 will be the revised Mk3 (or dubbed Mk3.5), the RX-8 will save you $5k straight off the bat which isn't to be sniffed at (little surprised at those prices tbh). As much as I love the MX-5, the RX-8 also handles brilliantly and is better in straight line. The wankle rotary engine also holds it's own novelty value and paired with a long warranty shouldn't be too much to worry about.

By the sounds of it you wouldn't be able to drop the roof too much anyway, not that it stops us in the UK though! :P

[maz8062]

If it was my choice I'd go with the Mx-5. Yes, the Rx-8 is quicker and is more practical, but I've had RX-7s in the past and the running costs will get on your nerves in the end especially the fuel economy.

You decide it's your money

[trace1967]

Eunos Roadster - but thats my personal opinion.

[S7Paul]

Unless you really need 4 seats, go for the MX-5. Fuel consumption on the RX-8 is very heavy, and oil consumption isn't far behind. Also, the power delivery characteristics of the rotary engine are something of an acquired taste (I'm not a fan).

[NiceCupOfTea]

A couple of good threads in General Gassing recently about RX-8s - maybe worth a read as opinion in this forum will be a little skewed

My own take is drive both and see what you like. Mk.3 MX-5 with folding roof will be a little compromised I think. I like the RX-8 very much and as long as you can live with the fuel consumption (~20mpg) then it is an eminently sensible proposition. Oil consumption not as bad as all that AIUI, and it's not a fault, it's how the engines work (like a 2 stroke uses oil)

[Tadite]

Thanks for the advice. I seem to spend most of my day moving between various Mazda owners clubs forums.

I think the last car I drive on the last day will be the one I buy.