TVR Tuscan to Mazda RX8
Discussion
I don't have one, but I've driven my Dad's.
I think that you'll find it rather slow after the Tuscan, but it's quick enough. Handling, steering, brakes etc. are all good.
I would say that if fuel consumption or having to top up the oil concerns you then don't buy it. If not then it's a great car, espcially if you enjoy revving the nuts off a car
If you do get one make sure you go for the Hi power version, more for the extra gear then anything else, it's not very much more expensive. I've driven both the 5 and 6 speed versions and the 6 speed box made a lot more sense.
I think that you'll find it rather slow after the Tuscan, but it's quick enough. Handling, steering, brakes etc. are all good.
I would say that if fuel consumption or having to top up the oil concerns you then don't buy it. If not then it's a great car, espcially if you enjoy revving the nuts off a car
If you do get one make sure you go for the Hi power version, more for the extra gear then anything else, it's not very much more expensive. I've driven both the 5 and 6 speed versions and the 6 speed box made a lot more sense.
we had one at work, nice car inside although we buggered are one up not knowing that you can't turn the damn things off before the engine has warmed up first!
there's a whole start the car up and turn it off bullshit procedure you have to go through which really puts me off them, that and the fact the RX7 looked so much more sleek and sexier!
there's a whole start the car up and turn it off bullshit procedure you have to go through which really puts me off them, that and the fact the RX7 looked so much more sleek and sexier!
GTS Turbo said:
we had one at work, nice car inside although we buggered are one up not knowing that you can't turn the damn things off before the engine has warmed up first!
there's a whole start the car up and turn it off bullshit procedure you have to go through which really puts me off them, that and the fact the RX7 looked so much more sleek and sexier!
I thought the latest ECU code had fixed this and a number of other niggles. MPG is supposed to be better too, although still not great. I took one on a test drive, 45 minutes and I'd burned through 1/3 of a tank of fuel. Frankly, I was disappointed with the engine but liked the car (if that makes sense...)
Phil.
The 350Z has plenty of character it just displays it without the fuss of the Tuscan. Don't get me wrong I loved the Tuscan but as a car to use every day it can become tiresome having to worry about warming up proceedures every time it's been left for a couple of hours.Regular rebuilds are also very off putting.
bigphil said:
The 350Z has plenty of character it just displays it without the fuss of the Tuscan. Don't get me wrong I loved the Tuscan but as a car to use every day it can become tiresome having to worry about warming up proceedures every time it's been left for a couple of hours.Regular rebuilds are also very off putting.
I know... cars with faults are always described as having character... I never explained myself properly!
I changed from a Tamora to a 350Z and then supercharged the Z, now not ony does it not let in water, nothing drops off and there's no problem with starting and driving off, but it goes like a TVR too.
I looked at the RX8 and rejected it pretty quickly. As with 600cc bikes, they go pretty dam quick, but you have to rev the nads off them cos they have no torque. Same comparison with the RX8 and the 350Z, particualrly with the supercharger.
I looked at the RX8 and rejected it pretty quickly. As with 600cc bikes, they go pretty dam quick, but you have to rev the nads off them cos they have no torque. Same comparison with the RX8 and the 350Z, particualrly with the supercharger.
I changed from a WRX to a Hi Power RX8 6 months ago, so hopefully I can dispell a few myths
1. They drink oil. NO THEY DON'T. The rotary engine is designed to burn a small amount of oil in the combustion process to lubricate the rotor tips. Yes, you need to check the oil, but this is really no more than good maintenance practice. They use semi synthetic oil and not fully synthetic for the same reason.
2. The engine is prone to flooding. Not if you follow a few simple procedures. All I do is allow the revs to settle to 1250 rpm when starting from cold before switching off. This takes no more than 60 to 90 secs at most. Flooding any engine is more common than most people think. VW have had real problems with this over the years.
The problem is exagerated on the RX8 because they have a very agressive fuel mapping when starting from cold to get the cat up to temp quickly. The design of the rotary engine means that if you do turn off too quickly you can be left with a lot of petrol in the engine with no where to go - hence it floods. I've done 13000 miles and not had a single problem.
For the same reason, when you start the car, don't turn the engine over for a few seconds and then stop and try again, if it fails to start - as you would on a normal engine, just keep the key turned and the engine will catch.
3. Fuel economy. Not the cars greatest asset! But if you're coming from a TVR this shouldn't frighten you! Reckon on about 20 - 22 mpg. It doesn't seem to vary - no matter how I drive it. Incidently, this is about the same as my previous Scoob.
4. Handling. Fantastic - beautifully balanced. Perfect 50:50 weight distribution with the (small) engine set well back and low in the engine bay - effectively 'front mid-engined'. LSD and RWD = lots of fun, especially combined with a traction control system that lets you have a play before cutting in. You'll never need to turn it off on the road.
It's also very good on track - really very good. Excellent brakes too - much better than the standard ones fitted to my Scoob (despite only being single piston)
5. Lack of torque. True, it's not that great, but I haven't really found it much of an issue. The 6 speed gear box is very sweet and smooth, so it's just a case of getting the right gear. When an engine revs to 10000 RPM, you can forgive it many things. The flexibility means that you can leave it in 2nd around town - it's like having an automatic and it is also possible to brake the national speed limit in 3rd
6. Hi power versions are slightly different in their engine design. They have a 3rd port which opens at 7200 RPM to boost air intake - you can really feel this in 3rd and 4th.
7. Design is certainly unique and it is a geniune 4 seater. Dealers are a bit of a mixed bag (aren't they all?), but mine (Charvills of Hertford) have been very good.
The only problem I have had was a dodgy cat that was replaced under warranty. The flooding problem has occured when the cars were first off loaded from the ferry. As they were moved about at the docks, many were flooded and this led to large amounts of raw fuel being pumped through the cat, which does it no good.
8. They make a very nice sound if you fit the Racing Beat exhaust system - it sounded very good coming through the Dartford Tunnel to night
9. Steer clear of turbo conversions at the moment - all sorts of horror stories coming out of the States.
10. Have a look at The RX8 Owners Club forum for more info.
Hope that helps - PM me if you need more details.
Cheers
Chris
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Wednesday 12th October 23:43
1. They drink oil. NO THEY DON'T. The rotary engine is designed to burn a small amount of oil in the combustion process to lubricate the rotor tips. Yes, you need to check the oil, but this is really no more than good maintenance practice. They use semi synthetic oil and not fully synthetic for the same reason.
2. The engine is prone to flooding. Not if you follow a few simple procedures. All I do is allow the revs to settle to 1250 rpm when starting from cold before switching off. This takes no more than 60 to 90 secs at most. Flooding any engine is more common than most people think. VW have had real problems with this over the years.
The problem is exagerated on the RX8 because they have a very agressive fuel mapping when starting from cold to get the cat up to temp quickly. The design of the rotary engine means that if you do turn off too quickly you can be left with a lot of petrol in the engine with no where to go - hence it floods. I've done 13000 miles and not had a single problem.
For the same reason, when you start the car, don't turn the engine over for a few seconds and then stop and try again, if it fails to start - as you would on a normal engine, just keep the key turned and the engine will catch.
3. Fuel economy. Not the cars greatest asset! But if you're coming from a TVR this shouldn't frighten you! Reckon on about 20 - 22 mpg. It doesn't seem to vary - no matter how I drive it. Incidently, this is about the same as my previous Scoob.
4. Handling. Fantastic - beautifully balanced. Perfect 50:50 weight distribution with the (small) engine set well back and low in the engine bay - effectively 'front mid-engined'. LSD and RWD = lots of fun, especially combined with a traction control system that lets you have a play before cutting in. You'll never need to turn it off on the road.
It's also very good on track - really very good. Excellent brakes too - much better than the standard ones fitted to my Scoob (despite only being single piston)
5. Lack of torque. True, it's not that great, but I haven't really found it much of an issue. The 6 speed gear box is very sweet and smooth, so it's just a case of getting the right gear. When an engine revs to 10000 RPM, you can forgive it many things. The flexibility means that you can leave it in 2nd around town - it's like having an automatic and it is also possible to brake the national speed limit in 3rd
6. Hi power versions are slightly different in their engine design. They have a 3rd port which opens at 7200 RPM to boost air intake - you can really feel this in 3rd and 4th.
7. Design is certainly unique and it is a geniune 4 seater. Dealers are a bit of a mixed bag (aren't they all?), but mine (Charvills of Hertford) have been very good.
The only problem I have had was a dodgy cat that was replaced under warranty. The flooding problem has occured when the cars were first off loaded from the ferry. As they were moved about at the docks, many were flooded and this led to large amounts of raw fuel being pumped through the cat, which does it no good.
8. They make a very nice sound if you fit the Racing Beat exhaust system - it sounded very good coming through the Dartford Tunnel to night
9. Steer clear of turbo conversions at the moment - all sorts of horror stories coming out of the States.
10. Have a look at The RX8 Owners Club forum for more info.
Hope that helps - PM me if you need more details.
Cheers
Chris
>> Edited by scoobybloke on Wednesday 12th October 23:43
Glad I saw this thread, I am selling my Tuscan and trying to choose a reliable and more refined alternative, my choices seem to be the nissan Skyline R34, which I would love but just impossible to get hold of in the UK at the moment and the people who can dont really seem that keen to reply to emails!
secondly the M3, but thats a bit dull and obvious.
thirdly is a porsche 911 but I am worried that will just be as expensive to run and fix as the Tuscan.
My final and I think best choice is the Nissan 350Z, I test drove one today and was very impressed, it ticks all the boxes, will be reliable as made by nissan who are renouned for reliability, good quality, looks looks good, pretty fast, good handling, only thing it doesn't have is the name, like a porsche would, but sod that, the name don't make any difference if I can't afford to service it.
My main thing is I want a car built by robots! not by hand like the Tuscan, I reckon the TVR workers have 3 fingers and fat ones at those, they can't seem to get anything right!! bless em! yeh its fast and looks good, big deal if you can't open the door to get out or the window goes down when your doing a ton on the motorway or it stalls as you are parking and everyone is looking, yeh very cool!!
secondly the M3, but thats a bit dull and obvious.
thirdly is a porsche 911 but I am worried that will just be as expensive to run and fix as the Tuscan.
My final and I think best choice is the Nissan 350Z, I test drove one today and was very impressed, it ticks all the boxes, will be reliable as made by nissan who are renouned for reliability, good quality, looks looks good, pretty fast, good handling, only thing it doesn't have is the name, like a porsche would, but sod that, the name don't make any difference if I can't afford to service it.
My main thing is I want a car built by robots! not by hand like the Tuscan, I reckon the TVR workers have 3 fingers and fat ones at those, they can't seem to get anything right!! bless em! yeh its fast and looks good, big deal if you can't open the door to get out or the window goes down when your doing a ton on the motorway or it stalls as you are parking and everyone is looking, yeh very cool!!
Scoobybloke seems to have written my post for me. 
Main thing is to ignore the myths. A lot of magazines have written a lot of utter rubbish about the RX8, and there is even more rubbish written on forums... (this one appears relatively immune, I'm pleased to say.)
If you want a revvy NA car with close gears, almost mid-engine handling, stiff chassis, astounding brakes, and a very sound LSD then buy an RX8 - the two extra seats are a bonus, but it's a proper coupe in and of itself, even without that gimmick. If you DON'T want one of those, and then moan about understeer (from the diff) and "no torque" (because it's not a muscle car), well, you bought the wrong car.
It's set up to be quick on twisties, and round a track it has to be driven in true smooth in fast out style. Some say that makes it less fun - I say it makes it a bloody great track tool. You can put it sideways easily, using any method except power-over, thanks to the balance, the steering feel, and the very adjustable throttle-steer, and it won't bite. Power-over in 3rd (above 60mph) doesn't happen in the dry, which again I think is what puts some people off.
I drove a 350Z and an RX8 a day apart when I was choosing, and the 8 just edged it on brake and steering feel, plus the Z felt a lot heavier.
If you want big torque, easy power oversteer, and a slightly more "American" feel, get the 350, you will hate the Rex. Conversely, if you want a handling car a a la Elise, get the Rex, you will hate the 350. I wouldn't say one was "better" than the other. I would say the 8 is cheaper though when you factor options in.
I bought the 8 because it's harder to get real pace out of it, and therefore much more rewarding when you do - and I've always driven on the gears anyway, which is why it suits me so well.
Finally if you're thinking of power mods later on, you won't get much more out of the RX8 - Mazda already did all the tuning and there isn't really anywhere to go other than higher redline or hi-flow cats. Other kinds of mods, well, I've got seats and a slightly smaller steering wheel first on my list because those are the biggest problems I now have on track.
Oh, and I'm not selling it any more, ignore the free ad, unless you want to make a really silly offer to cover the rare colour...
Main thing is to ignore the myths. A lot of magazines have written a lot of utter rubbish about the RX8, and there is even more rubbish written on forums... (this one appears relatively immune, I'm pleased to say.)
If you want a revvy NA car with close gears, almost mid-engine handling, stiff chassis, astounding brakes, and a very sound LSD then buy an RX8 - the two extra seats are a bonus, but it's a proper coupe in and of itself, even without that gimmick. If you DON'T want one of those, and then moan about understeer (from the diff) and "no torque" (because it's not a muscle car), well, you bought the wrong car.
It's set up to be quick on twisties, and round a track it has to be driven in true smooth in fast out style. Some say that makes it less fun - I say it makes it a bloody great track tool. You can put it sideways easily, using any method except power-over, thanks to the balance, the steering feel, and the very adjustable throttle-steer, and it won't bite. Power-over in 3rd (above 60mph) doesn't happen in the dry, which again I think is what puts some people off.
I drove a 350Z and an RX8 a day apart when I was choosing, and the 8 just edged it on brake and steering feel, plus the Z felt a lot heavier.
If you want big torque, easy power oversteer, and a slightly more "American" feel, get the 350, you will hate the Rex. Conversely, if you want a handling car a a la Elise, get the Rex, you will hate the 350. I wouldn't say one was "better" than the other. I would say the 8 is cheaper though when you factor options in.
I bought the 8 because it's harder to get real pace out of it, and therefore much more rewarding when you do - and I've always driven on the gears anyway, which is why it suits me so well.
Finally if you're thinking of power mods later on, you won't get much more out of the RX8 - Mazda already did all the tuning and there isn't really anywhere to go other than higher redline or hi-flow cats. Other kinds of mods, well, I've got seats and a slightly smaller steering wheel first on my list because those are the biggest problems I now have on track.
Oh, and I'm not selling it any more, ignore the free ad, unless you want to make a really silly offer to cover the rare colour...
LOL, I dont have any tales of great expense srry.
Average fuel consumption is 17 mpg, that's a mix of some town, motorway and booting-it driving.
Oil consumption is about one pint per 1000 miles.
Oil gets changed every 3000 and plugs every 12000. It's not really that expensive to run and never misses a beat.
They're actually very reliable if they're serviced and looked after properly. The flooding problems usually only come with a high mileage motor with poor compression.
I've got Tein coilovers which make the ride too hard for some, a mate took mine for a spin and said "this cant be right!" Handling is amazing tho. Try one
A de-cat, boost controller and chipped ECU gives you a rotary rocket!
Average fuel consumption is 17 mpg, that's a mix of some town, motorway and booting-it driving.
Oil consumption is about one pint per 1000 miles.
Oil gets changed every 3000 and plugs every 12000. It's not really that expensive to run and never misses a beat.
They're actually very reliable if they're serviced and looked after properly. The flooding problems usually only come with a high mileage motor with poor compression.
I've got Tein coilovers which make the ride too hard for some, a mate took mine for a spin and said "this cant be right!" Handling is amazing tho. Try one
A de-cat, boost controller and chipped ECU gives you a rotary rocket!
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