I was lucky enough to own both, at the same time, a few years ago. If I wanted attention, I'd take the RX7 out. For absolutely everything else, I'd grab the keys to the 8.
The FD is a terrible value. If I had $100k I'd choose the FC or the FE everyday of the week no question. There's nothing that could ever make me choose an FD, no amount of Drugs, alcohol, mental illness, or a traumatic brain injury could ever make me choose an FD. Maybe, maybe if someone put the cleanest FD against a beat up FC or FE and offered them at the same price I could choose the FD
@@nolimitruben8930 oh trust me I've been in the rx- game for at least 17 years. I will never get a FD. Ever. They're not rare because Mazda limited production, they're rare because the population's actions of not buying them spoke very loudly as to how ugly, slow, cramped, and not practical they are. And then the reliability problems hit the "special" few
People love to compare the two, and think that the RX8 was the RX7's disappointing successor, but that's not true. In today's money the price for a new base FD was £85k while a base RX8 was £40k. The RX8 was never meant to replace the RX7, it's like comparing a 370Z to a GT-R because they both have V6s. That being said, damn that FD is pretty 😍
Yeah exactly it wasn't the FE rx7 it's the rx8 a 4 door naturally aspirated rotary sports car, not a 2 door turbo rotary sports car like the rx7 platform is. It was never designed as a successor.
My dream car, I'll have it one day. 09+ 2nd gen rx8 with a 13b. Rx8 always was the superior chassis but emissions killed what they could do with the motor in my opinion.
Way back I know that you couldn't keep all the nice things when swapping an FD motor in, i.e. aircon and power steering. What's it like these days, did they manage to solve these issues?
17 for me now . I have some other newer cars as well, but none of them matches the visceral experience of the hustling the RX8 through the twisties or on the track . :-D
For people who grew up with the rotaries it's really not much of a controversial statement at all. The RX-8 chassis IS just straight up better than any other rotary car that has ever been released. Yes the FD has more power and a bit less weight, but that's just acceleration. The RX-8 chassis is stiffer and better built. I know a lot of people (owners and people who've never owned a rotary) wish the RX-8 came with turbos but I'm glad they didn't. N/A is just the best, but I do wish they came with a tri-rotor engine. They would've sold quite poorly but I'd still have bought it haha.
Read my comment above. Having owned and driven both the FD and the RX8 on tracks, the RX8 chassis may be more forgiving, but the FD chassis in the hands of a good driver can outhandle and pull more Gs around the track than the RX8 any day . Just a fact. Cheers
@@6gwilliams Okay sooo, what about if that same "good driver" goes into the rx8? rx7 still gonna handle better even with a weaker chassis? I'm just asking to understand lol
This is congruent with the findings that we had when I worked at MER in Cresson, TX (Mazda focused race shop). RX-8s are slow in a straight line, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better handling car at any price range
Rx8s are gonna do exactly what the new a90 supra has done everyone hates it at first then next minute they look sooo good haha! Another great one boys its a gotta have both cars for me
@@chadking8767 sure is taking its time but also like the rx7s people sold for 400quid are now very much regretting🤣luckily im stupid enough to buy and keep hold of cars haha!
I've put around 600 miles on my FD in the last few days. Several fillups since I don't run it less than half tank. It's hard to put down. Waiting on a new clutch pedal assembly for my RX8 so I can compare the two personally. FD has full exhaust, stock otherwise. RX8 is a 2004 and stock. The numb electric steering in the RX8 is a deal breaker for me. I feel the same way about the S2K. They steer incredibly well, just no feedback. Fantastic cars. Nice to see these enjoyed and compared. They're all amazing machines.
I'm lucky enough to own both.. My FD is a 400hp street-legal track car, and RX-8 is bone stock. I would say comparing the stock form, RX-8 is the better car for public roads. However, for me, the FD was born to be tuned into a hardcore sportscar, and it's hard for me to believe a similarly tuned RX-8 would compete with my FD in terms of corner-carving pleasure. Track-tuned RX-8 is a rarity though, so I guess I'll never know for sure!
I’m fortunate enough to own both. The FD for the past 25yrs and my series 2 R3 for the past 4 yrs. Yep, the 8 is my daily. 🙂 Can’t really daily an FD. It has such a “hurry up and let’s go!!” Attitude, it quickly turns into a headache in rush hour traffic. The 8 on the other hand has a much laid back attitude. A much better vehicle for daily use. Thankfully I only take the FD out for fun. Which it does far better than the 8. 👏🏻😎
The CHASSIS is FINE. it's the junk 13B "Renesis". That plagues the Rx8. I have a bone stock Rx8 with a 5.3 LS pushing 400 hp and 400 lb ft of torque. The breaks, rear end, Cooling system EVERYTHING desinged for the lousy Renesis is working flawlessly for a V8 engine. Its smooth. Corners great. Hooks great from a dig. Stops great. And now I dont even have to worry about Apex seals going out every 80k miles. Or premixing fuel. Or heating up the car to operating temp. If they'd just put the 13B from FC Rx7 into the RX8 it would have been just as badass as the RX7!!!!
Ive just come across your channel. I totally agree about the Rx8. My first car was a 86 FC gxl. I bought a 92 FD in my 20's and dumped a ton of money into it and rebuilt the engine twice and i have to say I was not shy to step on it in that car but the interior was brittle and after a fresh paint job I was more nervous driving the car. It got alot of attention on the road which was great but also bad cause every kid wanna to speed up next to me and try and race. After i sold the car (which I still regret) I bought the Rx8 and so many people shit on the car but it was everything i wanted in a sports car. It was way more practical in the interior. The back seats were actually useful and I believe it handles corners better than the FD. I plan on picking up another Rx8 this year as I feel people are finally starting to catch on but also the guys wanting to swap engines are causing these cars to increase in price from what they used to cost used. Looking forward to experiencing the Rx8 again. Great channel 👍
I was astonished at the grip an RX-8 provided back in the day. But it felt a little TOO "confident". Too forgiving. There's a really special balance between a nimble, precision driving instrument and a car that that feels like it will punish you for making mistakes. I think I grew fond of a more dangerous mix. My RX-7 had high expectations of me, and the rear could come out quite suddenly, but I think I liked that.
As a rx7 fd fan boy I have to say the rx8 has really grown on me, if you lower a rx8 it is the best handling car IMO PS the rx7 is the best looking Japanese car IMO
Agreed, there's no comparison. I can't help but put the RX8 in the same category as an Eclipse, and not even a DSM, I'm talking last-gen Eclipse. Maybe it's not like that at all, but that's how I think of it. It's a "cute car." The RX7 is a "cool car." Looks in the same league as a Vette.
@@cyberspectre8675 “Cute car” haha that’s awesome! Last Gen Eclipse? That’s harsh. Can’t say you’re wrong though. I’ll go a step further and say for the longest time I thought the RX-8 was ugly as f**k! But like the ugly red headed step child, eventually it finds its way into your heart! (Haha, joking!) But yeah, over time I’ve come to like it more for what it is. Looks wise, I don’t know why anyone would bother to waste their time in comparing it to an FD. Side by side, even a drunken toddler is only seeing the FD, and pointing at it screaming “I want it, I want it!” As for RX-8 performance, I’ve never experienced it personally, but I keep hearing how good it is… FD same league as vette? Not even close. FD is way cooler. The C5 vette is pretty cool to me personally, but the FD is just better. Those are my opinions. Opinions are fun, aren’t they?!
Having owned 2 FDs and 2 RX-8s (S1 and S2 R3), at this point I'm going back to an FD. It's honestly ridiculous how close the RX-8 is in comparison to the FD, despite being a cheaper car with 4 doors and 4 seats. Mazda did an amazing job on it. But the engine is underpowered and it's just not as fun to drive. It's very close though, and it's way more practical, cheaper, and newer.
Love seeing the RX8s. Very common on the side of the road, kind of akin to sight seeing! Littered about like old retro farm equipment. Only difference is they end up on the side of the highway!
I had the pleasure of driving the FD alot when they were still newer, and I think in bone stock form, the FD is more engaging feeling, but the RX-8 is such a better handling and driving car, and I adore the renesis despite common opinion because of what it does as a Factory NA 2 Rotor and the sound you get from the induction noise. I think my dream build would involve a very lightweight focused FD with a Renesis swapped in it, but that would be after I complete my NA 3 Rotor, Porsche GT3 RS killer build with my RX-8.
I think your the first person to ever want the FD with the rx8 engine!! I always imagined an FD chassis with a full bridge built 12a. Similar style as your idea.!!
@@RADPotential I pick the Renesis because the performance it offers with a 9,000rpm redline, but also the midrange torque/broader powerband from all the intake valving would be extremely hard to replicate with a built 12A/13B, and it be as well mannered and long lasting as a premium built, stock port Renesis.
My first car was a 1981 RX-7 and then the 1986 1/2 RX-7 and owned the 2015 RX-8 till the motor went out. No complaints on the Wankel engine! I miss the whine and the 50/50 weight distribution speaking of the RX-8. Can't wait for the reboot, which we can assume won't ever burn oil again or worry about the seals, and of course more efficient with way better lower end torque! Great video guys!
As a Initial D lover and a JDM lover, I'm sticking with the FD and Fc, Rx8 is meh, you can still drive FD and upgrade it and modify it and it'll still be way better then Rx8.
June 2023 Update: When the FD RX7 was out new, it was tested by Road and Track and rated as the third-best handling car IN THE WORLD, any price, even rated as better handling than the Porsche 911 Turbo, yes, a fact. Having owned , driven and raced both the FD and the RX8, as much as I love the RX8 stock handling, it doesn't even come close to the stock handling of the FD.RX7, Just the facts, not emotion or bias. I knew how this would turn out even before watching it, LOL . With five decades of rotary cars and over a million rotary miles on track and street, if I had to choose just one to drive the rest of my life, I would choose the FD RX7, hands down. A divorce cost me my FD RX7 (no she didn't get it, but the money spent on my successful lawyers meant I had to part with the FD.) I still have my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 and it has now reached Classic Car status and is fully valued and insured for $50,000 USD with no depreciation, so i am keeping it. If I get some windfall money, I am going to get a modified FD for sure to add to my garage. Cheers
As someone who has owned both, I think the rx7 sounds better. The side port exhaust on the rx8 distorts the sound and makes it sound tinny and high pitched. Also the idle does not touch the rx7.
@@MrGimmethreesteps i'll take tinny and high pitched exhaust sound any day of the year, much better than low growling idle, also rx8 is 9000 rpm out of the box
I've owned my RX8 for 7 years now, and I can safely say, I've chosen one good car to be my dream car. It looks great with some tasteful mods, it handles amazing, spits flames without a tune, and so so much more! I've been thinking of turbo-ing it, just to reach a target of about 300WHP, but at the same time, I feel like it would take away from the NA experience that it brings with.
Love seeing both my favorite cars 😁👌. RX8 For the daily Driving and Still turning heads. Rr7 for showing off that you just payed a lot of money and looks really cool Fixed up 👌👍
I rode in a RX8 at Mid Ohio with a instructor friend driving and was blown away at how composed it was compared to my modded FD with Tein suspension yes the 8 had less power but it still felt very fast but I loved the 8 after that.
I have both an RX7 and an RX8 but I strenously disagree with you. While the RX8 is pretty good, my 7 flies circles around it handling-wise and power-wise. The difference is so ludicrous, they aren't even in the same league. Also, with the elctric steering on my 8, the car feels heavier and I get far less feedback. Also, the torgue of the 8 is very low for a 4 seater, I keep feeling emberassed when I have people in the back.
really depends how modified the 7 is. I think a bone stock FD on 225 aspect tires / oem suspension is only slightly better handling than an 8. It's been about a decade since I had a stock FD so its getting fuzzier. But when you give them coilovers and proper tires (and of course they are more moddable for power gains) it's a totally different league as you say. My FD is a widebody with huge 200tw tires and single turbo converted, definitely way way more capable car on twisty roads than my 8 is. Really a FD is only slightly better performance in stock form, most of which is attributed to better accel, but has huge gains left on the table in all directions where an RX-8 does not..
@@rotaryenforcer I see where you're coming from and I mostly agree. I never had a stock FD, mine was a trailer show queen when I bought it. The previous owner was absolutely clueless. It had very bad coilovers (by my standards) but it flew like shit of a shovel regardless. Got way better when I put teins on though... Looking at it from technical point of view, that electric steering has got to go. I'd trade my left testicle for a normal steering rack with actual feedback. And if we're truely honest, the 8 was nerfed from the get go. No more peripheral ports, emissions being an issue (we don't have to do emissions on rotaries in my countries, we're exempt!), an oil pressure gauge which doesnt really work... It's clear the 8 was never meant to have the supercar status of the 7. Just looking at it from an engineering/commercial point of view, the 7 was a true super car, whereas the 8 is a "regular" sports car. And I know, the 7 in stock form is probably not as exciting as what I'm used to, but back then, all Japanese manufacturers built their cars to be tuned. You can clearly see this just by looking at the wheel wells, let alone the engine technical specs. For a long time, there were only two in line 6s that could break 1000bhp, and they both came from Japan starting out at 280. I miss those ol days. And the decline can clearly be observed in the 8.
I will admit that my FD snaps heads everywhere I go. My boy did a crazy crazy build to his charger (demon blower etc) and he was so mad when everyone followed the FD into the show and not his charger 🤣 🤣
Bolt ons don't make crazy power unless you give it the tune it deserves and since they said it's on the base map I don't think they need better breaks especially since it's a street car
I have owned seven rotary cars since 1973, one RX3, two RX4, all three generations of RX7(all stock turboed or after market turboed, including my heavily modified Racing Beat built RX7 turbo race car that did 180mph on the banking at Pocono. ), and my modified 2008 40th Anniversary Edition RX8, and i have easily driven over a million rotary miles on track and street. A properly maintained stock FD in the hands of a good driver will outrun and outhandle any stock RX8 any day. Just a fact, fellas. And that is why the FD RX7 are always going to be worth more . End of story.
@@threadworm437 lol, how many rotary’s have you owned?? I have an FD RX-7 R1 since 04, SW20 MR2, and recently purchased IS 500 Launch Edition. Owned S2000’s, and some German high performance cars. Had a chance to get a RX8 right before getting my FD, and literally laughed about even someone mentioning that to me. Go watch Best Motoring videos about RX7’s and it just dominated in the track. Get informed and drive some before speaking utter nonsense.
The FD is just good at touge, their just not as good with OEM parts, but that's because the fd is a lot older, if you have the time and money to modify it as god intended(look at some touge bulid that are missiles) is one of the best handling car that ever existed, however if you can't or simply don't want to modify it and leave it stock rx8 is the answer
You know for 50k though it’s overpriced. If I were to buy either I’d go for the rx8, it’s more up to date and is more reliable and is stupid cheap and still is fun. FD’s have always been overpriced. If you want a rx7 bad go for a first or second Gen fc the fc is super cool and way cheaper too especially compared to the over priced fd
I have purchased 2 cars in my life and both of them were RX8s. These cars are just such a joy to work on I catch myself looking to buy a 3rd one as a project car.
As a former two-time RX7 owner, and now a naturally aspirated NA Miata owner, I'm not only feeling this drive, but the conversation as well. I live in the Detroit area, and going out to Waterford hills, and climbing into the trunk of V8 mustangs and Camaros with my $3,000 25-year-old four banger, is deeply satisfying. I never say it, but I'm always thinking: " how's that MPG, are you going to make it to 200K without any major mechanical failures, how much did you spend on that thing?" 😁😁😁 (Fuel economy and reliability are the only reason I'm not still driving Rotaries... but I will always miss them 🥰)
I miss my rotary days. Back in the day i had a 85' rx7 with a 12a and a holly 4 barrel, and 3 2nd gens with 13b's and a 88' turbo II all blacked out and nasty... nowadays it would probably be 60g's with of mazdas lol.. damn i used to have fun 🤔
Both good cars, and for 90% of people they will both leave yiu with a smile on your face. Pushing the car to 10/10ths, a sorted FD3S - all fresh bushes/suspension and balanced mods if any - is so much more responsive and dynamic drive. Balanced under hard excel and braking and sorry the SE3P can't come close. For all time reliability and perfect -IMHO- is a single turbo conversion, large extend port FD3S can't be beaten
How about the passive rear end steering the FC has. I miss how the ass end of my 88 convertible FC would pivot out a few degrees when hitting turns over 60.
Bought an rx8 for cheap a few years back and loved it from start, still want an rx7, but the hate is so much for an 8 and I think people will realize this car is a sleeper drift legend
Very similar dispute going on between the 2nd and 3rd generation toyota mr2. It's absolutely an aesthetics vs performance decision. Aesthetics always seems to come out ahead because, performance wise, there's always a better car available.
I agree with Kamukix ,,the Rx8 is stiffer in probably every respect but the car was plagued by engine problems and definitely by a lack of power. A 20b-renesis...IF the motor didn't seize, etc would have been perfect. The Fd3s's only faulty point would have been the somewhat flimsy chassis, but the suspension was on point even to this day. Add a good rollcage and a decent strut tower brace and the car, even with good condition factory suspension (shocks, springs) it will walk all over the rx8. 10 years of chassis tuning knowledge and not worrying as much about shaving EVERY single ounce of weight off the car helped the handling
You need to ditch the intake on the RX8. It can cause detonation in higher RPMs, unless you tune it. The stock airbox is more than adequate for the renesis.
I always for some reason gelt the rx8 was one of the most beautiful cars ever... Ssme with the speed6. The FD is top tier beautiful too but the rx8 deserves some love.
RX-7 is a pure sports car that take a little bit more work to master. The RX-8 is a very easy sports car to drive. I would think that in corners they would be similar, maybe the 8 will have the edge here, but in straights and breaking, the RX-7 would beat the 8.
If a person’s dream car was an FD RX-7, but they settled on an RX-8 because of price, then it’s handling and performance can easily become a justification and rationalization of why to give up on their original dream car. Whether they choose to admit it or not, or even realize it themselves.
I got the same car but I’m the lowest RX-8 still around (btw have you ever gotten yours resprayed I have the same color but having trouble finding the correct paint Nardic Green
I mean as much as it’s obvious the rx8 is better saying that the rx7 has “crap” tyres automatically makes it unfair. Plus pads make a massive difference, shit pads vs good pads makes a massive difference. Would be cool to see y’all do something like this again but same brake pads across and even swap the wheels and do time trials etc
Still just so glad I own an fd I love that car so much im probably also bias because I bought my car about 9 years ago so I got my car for the price of an rx8 in 2023 and I drift it so it takes quite a beating idk what y’all are talking about feeling like you have to be careful with the fd rx7 it is a strong car meant to take a beating, I don’t have anything against the rx8 but I’d take my fd out of the garage over my rx8 any day.
This made me feel good about my Rx8 lol but personally I’d choose a Fd over a Rx8 any day 💯🔥
Sometimes it’s just the legacy and the emotion a car instills in you that makes you buy it. I don’t disagree though
I was lucky enough to own both, at the same time, a few years ago. If I wanted attention, I'd take the RX7 out. For absolutely everything else, I'd grab the keys to the 8.
The FD is a terrible value. If I had $100k I'd choose the FC or the FE everyday of the week no question. There's nothing that could ever make me choose an FD, no amount of Drugs, alcohol, mental illness, or a traumatic brain injury could ever make me choose an FD. Maybe, maybe if someone put the cleanest FD against a beat up FC or FE and offered them at the same price I could choose the FD
@@macbook802 sorry to burst your bubble but a clean FD cost wayy more then a clean FCor FE 💯 your lucky to even find a beat up FD for 30k +
@@nolimitruben8930 oh trust me I've been in the rx- game for at least 17 years. I will never get a FD. Ever. They're not rare because Mazda limited production, they're rare because the population's actions of not buying them spoke very loudly as to how ugly, slow, cramped, and not practical they are. And then the reliability problems hit the "special" few
People love to compare the two, and think that the RX8 was the RX7's disappointing successor, but that's not true. In today's money the price for a new base FD was £85k while a base RX8 was £40k. The RX8 was never meant to replace the RX7, it's like comparing a 370Z to a GT-R because they both have V6s. That being said, damn that FD is pretty 😍
THIS! That’s the one thing nobody seems to get. The price difference is massive.
Yeah exactly it wasn't the FE rx7 it's the rx8 a 4 door naturally aspirated rotary sports car, not a 2 door turbo rotary sports car like the rx7 platform is. It was never designed as a successor.
@@Bishieboi (fyi, the RX8 did have FE3S as it’s chassis code, but your argument is correct)
Can get rx8s for less than £1000 in uk rx7s are 10k plus!! Rx8s are ghey
Agree on performance, but looks wise - the rx8 looks like a chick car
Clearly, there's an easy solution to this predicament.
Put a 13B with a turbo or 2 into an RX8.
Also a full FD body swap!
My dream car, I'll have it one day. 09+ 2nd gen rx8 with a 13b. Rx8 always was the superior chassis but emissions killed what they could do with the motor in my opinion.
I can do this. But i refuse to take my rx8 apart until it blows up.... and that is going to be awhile haha
Way back I know that you couldn't keep all the nice things when swapping an FD motor in, i.e. aircon and power steering. What's it like these days, did they manage to solve these issues?
Lol. Not easy. Much money.
I’ve owned my 8 for 15 years and I’m absolutely obsessed with it. Just an amazing car all around and mods are endless.
Atta boy, keep loving her. I enjoy mine too
17 for me now . I have some other newer cars as well, but none of them matches the visceral experience of the hustling the RX8 through the twisties or on the track . :-D
3 years for me but it’s growing on me every single day! Amazing car hands down
I just got mine last year and I'm trying to learn so much about rotary's and this is my first one too and I'll say I love it
I had an rx8 for 3 years and ive had my fd for 4 years... mods on an rx8 are very limited 😂😂😂
For people who grew up with the rotaries it's really not much of a controversial statement at all. The RX-8 chassis IS just straight up better than any other rotary car that has ever been released.
Yes the FD has more power and a bit less weight, but that's just acceleration. The RX-8 chassis is stiffer and better built.
I know a lot of people (owners and people who've never owned a rotary) wish the RX-8 came with turbos but I'm glad they didn't. N/A is just the best, but I do wish they came with a tri-rotor engine. They would've sold quite poorly but I'd still have bought it haha.
A triple rotor would have been amazing. Especially the 20B Renesis used in the Mazda Furai.
Read my comment above. Having owned and driven both the FD and the RX8 on tracks, the RX8 chassis may be more forgiving, but the FD chassis in the hands of a good driver can outhandle and pull more Gs around the track than the RX8 any day . Just a fact. Cheers
@@6gwilliams Okay sooo, what about if that same "good driver" goes into the rx8? rx7 still gonna handle better even with a weaker chassis? I'm just asking to understand lol
If you want power you can swap in a 13b REW & it bolts up to an rx8 transmission
@@callmeedaddy I owned an NC as well and I ALWAYS wanted that swap. That would be the greatest sportscar ever. (for me)
This is congruent with the findings that we had when I worked at MER in Cresson, TX (Mazda focused race shop). RX-8s are slow in a straight line, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better handling car at any price range
Rx8s are gonna do exactly what the new a90 supra has done everyone hates it at first then next minute they look sooo good haha! Another great one boys its a gotta have both cars for me
the rx8 is almost 20 years old now, it sure is taking a while lmao
@@chadking8767 sure is taking its time but also like the rx7s people sold for 400quid are now very much regretting🤣luckily im stupid enough to buy and keep hold of cars haha!
The new Supra looks pretty cool when I’m totally drunk!
I don't hate how it looks, just want a manual transmission. Also not a bmw engine.
@@jordankelly4684 theyre getting a manual, and the B58 is literally a great engine it shouldnt matter who makes it, its still an excellent motor
I've put around 600 miles on my FD in the last few days. Several fillups since I don't run it less than half tank. It's hard to put down. Waiting on a new clutch pedal assembly for my RX8 so I can compare the two personally. FD has full exhaust, stock otherwise. RX8 is a 2004 and stock. The numb electric steering in the RX8 is a deal breaker for me. I feel the same way about the S2K. They steer incredibly well, just no feedback. Fantastic cars. Nice to see these enjoyed and compared. They're all amazing machines.
I'm lucky enough to own both.. My FD is a 400hp street-legal track car, and RX-8 is bone stock. I would say comparing the stock form, RX-8 is the better car for public roads. However, for me, the FD was born to be tuned into a hardcore sportscar, and it's hard for me to believe a similarly tuned RX-8 would compete with my FD in terms of corner-carving pleasure. Track-tuned RX-8 is a rarity though, so I guess I'll never know for sure!
I’m fortunate enough to own both. The FD for the past 25yrs and my series 2 R3 for the past 4 yrs. Yep, the 8 is my daily. 🙂
Can’t really daily an FD. It has such a “hurry up and let’s go!!” Attitude, it quickly turns into a headache in rush hour traffic. The 8 on the other hand has a much laid back attitude. A much better vehicle for daily use.
Thankfully I only take the FD out for fun. Which it does far better than the 8. 👏🏻😎
Totally agree
The CHASSIS is FINE. it's the junk 13B "Renesis". That plagues the Rx8. I have a bone stock Rx8 with a 5.3 LS pushing 400 hp and 400 lb ft of torque. The breaks, rear end, Cooling system EVERYTHING desinged for the lousy Renesis is working flawlessly for a V8 engine. Its smooth. Corners great. Hooks great from a dig. Stops great. And now I dont even have to worry about Apex seals going out every 80k miles. Or premixing fuel. Or heating up the car to operating temp. If they'd just put the 13B from FC Rx7 into the RX8 it would have been just as badass as the RX7!!!!
Love my Rx-8. One of the best handling cars I have ever driven. I dont give a shit if the engine blows. I will get it rebuilt with a smile.
Tbf, I just don't want my engine to explode every couple years
Ive just come across your channel. I totally agree about the Rx8. My first car was a 86 FC gxl. I bought a 92 FD in my 20's and dumped a ton of money into it and rebuilt the engine twice and i have to say I was not shy to step on it in that car but the interior was brittle and after a fresh paint job I was more nervous driving the car. It got alot of attention on the road which was great but also bad cause every kid wanna to speed up next to me and try and race. After i sold the car (which I still regret) I bought the Rx8 and so many people shit on the car but it was everything i wanted in a sports car. It was way more practical in the interior. The back seats were actually useful and I believe it handles corners better than the FD. I plan on picking up another Rx8 this year as I feel people are finally starting to catch on but also the guys wanting to swap engines are causing these cars to increase in price from what they used to cost used. Looking forward to experiencing the Rx8 again. Great channel 👍
I was astonished at the grip an RX-8 provided back in the day. But it felt a little TOO "confident". Too forgiving. There's a really special balance between a nimble, precision driving instrument and a car that that feels like it will punish you for making mistakes. I think I grew fond of a more dangerous mix. My RX-7 had high expectations of me, and the rear could come out quite suddenly, but I think I liked that.
One major difference.
FD is lights years ahead in looks!
Gen 2 RX8 is close to the FD IMO
As a rx7 fd fan boy I have to say the rx8 has really grown on me, if you lower a rx8 it is the best handling car IMO
PS the rx7 is the best looking Japanese car IMO
@@rx-8dummy98 Agreed the Rx8 is a best handling car out of all the rotary chassis plus they’re not expensive at all
Agreed, there's no comparison. I can't help but put the RX8 in the same category as an Eclipse, and not even a DSM, I'm talking last-gen Eclipse. Maybe it's not like that at all, but that's how I think of it. It's a "cute car." The RX7 is a "cool car." Looks in the same league as a Vette.
@@cyberspectre8675 “Cute car” haha that’s awesome! Last Gen Eclipse? That’s harsh. Can’t say you’re wrong though. I’ll go a step further and say for the longest time I thought the RX-8 was ugly as f**k! But like the ugly red headed step child, eventually it finds its way into your heart! (Haha, joking!) But yeah, over time I’ve come to like it more for what it is. Looks wise, I don’t know why anyone would bother to waste their time in comparing it to an FD. Side by side, even a drunken toddler is only seeing the FD, and pointing at it screaming “I want it, I want it!”
As for RX-8 performance, I’ve never experienced it personally, but I keep hearing how good it is…
FD same league as vette? Not even close. FD is way cooler. The C5 vette is pretty cool to me personally, but the FD is just better.
Those are my opinions.
Opinions are fun, aren’t they?!
I miss my rx8, i need to find a good series 2 or higher mileage R3 to put beside my FD
Idk whats more impressive. The donuts themselves, or the fact that someone had /he balls to do so around an FD
I’m starting to fall in love with rx8’s just heard how horrible they are too own and it’s put me off so much
I feel better about my RX-8 now 😌 ☺️....thanks....both are cool 😎
Sorry replied to the wrong comment
I've owned my RX8 for 19 years. Never thought I would have it so long but it is just so much fun.
Rebuilt it's engine yet?
@@13bfc Nope. It's very low miles and compression still in the 7s.
Having owned 2 FDs and 2 RX-8s (S1 and S2 R3), at this point I'm going back to an FD. It's honestly ridiculous how close the RX-8 is in comparison to the FD, despite being a cheaper car with 4 doors and 4 seats. Mazda did an amazing job on it. But the engine is underpowered and it's just not as fun to drive. It's very close though, and it's way more practical, cheaper, and newer.
The real challenge is seeing which one will last longer before they get low compression lol
Every engine has compression that decreases and requires a rebuild smfh
Sure- but not at the same rate.
typicaly rx7 engines are more reliable due to their design but an rx8 engine can last long enough with proper care
loved the Tokyo Drift analogy😂👌 that's my man💪
Love seeing the RX8s. Very common on the side of the road, kind of akin to sight seeing! Littered about like old retro farm equipment. Only difference is they end up on the side of the highway!
Lol, so true. Drop and new motor in and it's yours!
I had the pleasure of driving the FD alot when they were still newer, and I think in bone stock form, the FD is more engaging feeling, but the RX-8 is such a better handling and driving car, and I adore the renesis despite common opinion because of what it does as a Factory NA 2 Rotor and the sound you get from the induction noise.
I think my dream build would involve a very lightweight focused FD with a Renesis swapped in it, but that would be after I complete my NA 3 Rotor, Porsche GT3 RS killer build with my RX-8.
I think your the first person to ever want the FD with the rx8 engine!! I always imagined an FD chassis with a full bridge built 12a. Similar style as your idea.!!
@@RADPotential I pick the Renesis because the performance it offers with a 9,000rpm redline, but also the midrange torque/broader powerband from all the intake valving would be extremely hard to replicate with a built 12A/13B, and it be as well mannered and long lasting as a premium built, stock port Renesis.
My first car was a 1981 RX-7 and then the 1986 1/2 RX-7 and owned the 2015 RX-8 till the motor went out. No complaints on the Wankel engine! I miss the whine and the 50/50 weight distribution speaking of the RX-8. Can't wait for the reboot, which we can assume won't ever burn oil again or worry about the seals, and of course more efficient with way better lower end torque! Great video guys!
As a Initial D lover and a JDM lover, I'm sticking with the FD and Fc, Rx8 is meh, you can still drive FD and upgrade it and modify it and it'll still be way better then Rx8.
June 2023 Update: When the FD RX7 was out new, it was tested by Road and Track and rated as the third-best handling car IN THE WORLD, any price, even rated as better handling than the Porsche 911 Turbo, yes, a fact. Having owned , driven and raced both the FD and the RX8, as much as I love the RX8 stock handling, it doesn't even come close to the stock handling of the FD.RX7, Just the facts, not emotion or bias. I knew how this would turn out even before watching it, LOL . With five decades of rotary cars and over a million rotary miles on track and street, if I had to choose just one to drive the rest of my life, I would choose the FD RX7, hands down. A divorce cost me my FD RX7 (no she didn't get it, but the money spent on my successful lawyers meant I had to part with the FD.) I still have my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 and it has now reached Classic Car status and is fully valued and insured for $50,000 USD with no depreciation, so i am keeping it. If I get some windfall money, I am going to get a modified FD for sure to add to my garage. Cheers
Love seeing mazda content, proud owner of a 06 mazdaspeed 6. Good ass video. Love my fellow mazda bois.
Also the RX-8 sounds better lol. Turbos rob us of sweet sweet rotary music!
As someone who has owned both, I think the rx7 sounds better. The side port exhaust on the rx8 distorts the sound and makes it sound tinny and high pitched. Also the idle does not touch the rx7.
Wouldn't say it sounds better but turbos rob the noise for sure lol
@@13bfc haha I love me some unfiltered rotary noise 😍
@@MrGimmethreesteps i'll take tinny and high pitched exhaust sound any day of the year, much better than low growling idle, also rx8 is 9000 rpm out of the box
I've owned my RX8 for 7 years now, and I can safely say, I've chosen one good car to be my dream car. It looks great with some tasteful mods, it handles amazing, spits flames without a tune, and so so much more! I've been thinking of turbo-ing it, just to reach a target of about 300WHP, but at the same time, I feel like it would take away from the NA experience that it brings with.
Love seeing both my favorite cars 😁👌. RX8 For the daily Driving and Still turning heads.
Rr7 for showing off that you just payed a lot of money and looks really cool Fixed up 👌👍
IVE BEEN WAITING FOR A VIDEO LIKE THIS CAN NEVER FIND ONE
I rode in a RX8 at Mid Ohio with a instructor friend driving and was blown away at how composed it was compared to my modded FD with Tein suspension yes the 8 had less power but it still felt very fast but I loved the 8 after that.
Ngl I don’t care how much better rx8 is, rx7 is just a lot more sexy
I have both an RX7 and an RX8 but I strenously disagree with you.
While the RX8 is pretty good, my 7 flies circles around it handling-wise and power-wise. The difference is so ludicrous, they aren't even in the same league. Also, with the elctric steering on my 8, the car feels heavier and I get far less feedback. Also, the torgue of the 8 is very low for a 4 seater, I keep feeling emberassed when I have people in the back.
really depends how modified the 7 is. I think a bone stock FD on 225 aspect tires / oem suspension is only slightly better handling than an 8. It's been about a decade since I had a stock FD so its getting fuzzier. But when you give them coilovers and proper tires (and of course they are more moddable for power gains) it's a totally different league as you say. My FD is a widebody with huge 200tw tires and single turbo converted, definitely way way more capable car on twisty roads than my 8 is. Really a FD is only slightly better performance in stock form, most of which is attributed to better accel, but has huge gains left on the table in all directions where an RX-8 does not..
@@rotaryenforcer I see where you're coming from and I mostly agree. I never had a stock FD, mine was a trailer show queen when I bought it. The previous owner was absolutely clueless. It had very bad coilovers (by my standards) but it flew like shit of a shovel regardless. Got way better when I put teins on though...
Looking at it from technical point of view, that electric steering has got to go. I'd trade my left testicle for a normal steering rack with actual feedback.
And if we're truely honest, the 8 was nerfed from the get go. No more peripheral ports, emissions being an issue (we don't have to do emissions on rotaries in my countries, we're exempt!), an oil pressure gauge which doesnt really work... It's clear the 8 was never meant to have the supercar status of the 7. Just looking at it from an engineering/commercial point of view, the 7 was a true super car, whereas the 8 is a "regular" sports car.
And I know, the 7 in stock form is probably not as exciting as what I'm used to, but back then, all Japanese manufacturers built their cars to be tuned. You can clearly see this just by looking at the wheel wells, let alone the engine technical specs. For a long time, there were only two in line 6s that could break 1000bhp, and they both came from Japan starting out at 280.
I miss those ol days. And the decline can clearly be observed in the 8.
I had an army buddy with a SEMA build Mazda Speed RX8. I was in a management unit so everyone had sports cars. The RX8 surprised people all the time.
I will admit that my FD snaps heads everywhere I go. My boy did a crazy crazy build to his charger (demon blower etc) and he was so mad when everyone followed the FD into the show and not his charger 🤣 🤣
i cant imagine owning an fd like that and modding it with all those bolt ons and not upgrading the brakes at all that’s smooth brained
Bolt ons don't make crazy power unless you give it the tune it deserves and since they said it's on the base map I don't think they need better breaks especially since it's a street car
Bone stock Aurora Blue R3. Non daily driver :P 30k miles on the clock. Still lots of fun to just jump in and go for a cruise in the hills.
I’ve owned a first and second gen rx8 and love ‘em both, very underrated cars. But like many other rx8 owners I still want an FD one day
I have owned seven rotary cars since 1973, one RX3, two RX4, all three generations of RX7(all stock turboed or after market turboed, including my heavily modified Racing Beat built RX7 turbo race car that did 180mph on the banking at Pocono. ), and my modified 2008 40th Anniversary Edition RX8, and i have easily driven over a million rotary miles on track and street. A properly maintained stock FD in the hands of a good driver will outrun and outhandle any stock RX8 any day. Just a fact, fellas. And that is why the FD RX7 are always going to be worth more . End of story.
Well no. The FD rx7 is not worth more because it’s faster.
It’s worth more because of a bunch of reasons, none of which are because it’s faster.
FD does not out handle the RX-8 unfortunately for you
@@threadworm437 lol, how many rotary’s have you owned?? I have an FD RX-7 R1 since 04, SW20 MR2, and recently purchased IS 500 Launch Edition. Owned S2000’s, and some German high performance cars.
Had a chance to get a RX8 right before getting my FD, and literally laughed about even someone mentioning that to me. Go watch Best Motoring videos about RX7’s and it just dominated in the track. Get informed and drive some before speaking utter nonsense.
The FD is just good at touge, their just not as good with OEM parts, but that's because the fd is a lot older, if you have the time and money to modify it as god intended(look at some touge bulid that are missiles) is one of the best handling car that ever existed, however if you can't or simply don't want to modify it and leave it stock rx8 is the answer
The same here.
RX8 was a car for a changing market and more restrictive emissions. still love how much driving focused stuff they put into it.
You know for 50k though it’s overpriced.
If I were to buy either I’d go for the rx8, it’s more up to date and is more reliable and is stupid cheap and still is fun.
FD’s have always been overpriced.
If you want a rx7 bad go for a first or second Gen fc the fc is super cool and way cheaper too especially compared to the over priced fd
I have purchased 2 cars in my life and both of them were RX8s. These cars are just such a joy to work on I catch myself looking to buy a 3rd one as a project car.
It's good you're making my Rx8 feel better. It's bad you might make my second project Rx8 more expensive.
An RX-8 with an RX-7 engine is probably the most perfect Mazda you could build.
As a former two-time RX7 owner, and now a naturally aspirated NA Miata owner, I'm not only feeling this drive, but the conversation as well. I live in the Detroit area, and going out to Waterford hills, and climbing into the trunk of V8 mustangs and Camaros with my $3,000 25-year-old four banger, is deeply satisfying. I never say it, but I'm always thinking: " how's that MPG, are you going to make it to 200K without any major mechanical failures, how much did you spend on that thing?"
😁😁😁
(Fuel economy and reliability are the only reason I'm not still driving Rotaries... but I will always miss them 🥰)
I miss my rotary days. Back in the day i had a 85' rx7 with a 12a and a holly 4 barrel, and 3 2nd gens with 13b's and a 88' turbo II all blacked out and nasty... nowadays it would probably be 60g's with of mazdas lol.. damn i used to have fun 🤔
Both good cars, and for 90% of people they will both leave yiu with a smile on your face. Pushing the car to 10/10ths, a sorted FD3S - all fresh bushes/suspension and balanced mods if any - is so much more responsive and dynamic drive. Balanced under hard excel and braking and sorry the SE3P can't come close.
For all time reliability and perfect -IMHO- is a single turbo conversion, large extend port FD3S can't be beaten
One of the reasons I love my NC Miata. It's based on the RX8.
Look at that billiard table road in what seems to be the middle of nowhere, wow! and great vid, I really want both but it will be the 8 first
How about the passive rear end steering the FC has. I miss how the ass end of my 88 convertible FC would pivot out a few degrees when hitting turns over 60.
Bought an rx8 for cheap a few years back and loved it from start, still want an rx7, but the hate is so much for an 8 and I think people will realize this car is a sleeper drift legend
The FD was prob one of the beautiful Mazdas or even Japanese sports cars ever produced.
Very similar dispute going on between the 2nd and 3rd generation toyota mr2. It's absolutely an aesthetics vs performance decision. Aesthetics always seems to come out ahead because, performance wise, there's always a better car available.
Nice inspiration you took for the thumbnail.
I drove an RX-8 and the CoG felt higher than my FD, despite it actually being lower in the RX-8.
I LOVE rx8 is my dream car and now is cheap AF the rx8 has amazing handling .
Same I can’t wait to eventually get one soon!
One month and I’m getting my new engine and transmission for my 8 :))) by far the best driving car I’ve been in and I can’t wait to drive it again.
That rx7 looks sick, 90's vibes way more pretty than any body kit or stance rx-7.
Nice video idea, I was literally just dwelling on this
The styling on the FD is timeless. Japan in the 90s was really putting Italy to shame.
Rx7's just look so much better tho
Rx8's are ugly lol
Watch hot version touge videos. S2000s and rx7 beat everything on these tight winding roads. Rx8 isn’t even in the top ten on there.
That brownish dog is the most interesting part of this video
Oh and I guess the cars are kewl but yuh know, dogs.
I'm from the era of when it was Supra vs RX-7 vs 300z vs 3000GT. The FD is an icon. The RX8 has an extended cab/scionish door thing on the bright side
🎶Just two good ol' boys🎶
I own a 05 Shinka as well as a 93 FD and the RX8 actually does drive better. But it's a decade newer technology, what would you expect?
Please say it's the black cherry paint job, I have a snowflake and she's beautiful for what I need
@@jerryglennie5375 Black Cherry Mica
It to be faster...
The FD could be picked up for next to nothing 10 years ago. Prices are nuts
RX8 ALL DAY. I CAN BRING MY FAMILY WITH ME ON JOY RIDES. COMON MAN. RX7 IS FOR LOSERS. LOL JK BUT RX8 IS GREAT
SUPERIOR CHASSIS!! SAVED MY LIFE IN AN ACCIDENT. Owned two of them one white and black miss them😩
I really wanna buy an rx8 while they’re cheap but I also don’t wanna own 2 cars for when it fails me😂
First time watcher here... Subscribed ✔️
TBH i like rx-8 cause its model and ofc its cheaper😅
I love my rx8 just can’t wait till I save enough so I can do a manual swap
I agree with Kamukix ,,the Rx8 is stiffer in probably every respect but the car was plagued by engine problems and definitely by a lack of power. A 20b-renesis...IF the motor didn't seize, etc would have been perfect. The Fd3s's only faulty point would have been the somewhat flimsy chassis, but the suspension was on point even to this day. Add a good rollcage and a decent strut tower brace and the car, even with good condition factory suspension (shocks, springs) it will walk all over the rx8. 10 years of chassis tuning knowledge and not worrying as much about shaving EVERY single ounce of weight off the car helped the handling
With my FD stock engine but single turbo, I could be able to follow them in 4th, without even change gear.
You need to ditch the intake on the RX8. It can cause detonation in higher RPMs, unless you tune it. The stock airbox is more than adequate for the renesis.
I just put a twin turbo LS in the Rx8 and problems solved.
I always for some reason gelt the rx8 was one of the most beautiful cars ever... Ssme with the speed6. The FD is top tier beautiful too but the rx8 deserves some love.
RX-7 is a pure sports car that take a little bit more work to master. The RX-8 is a very easy sports car to drive. I would think that in corners they would be similar, maybe the 8 will have the edge here, but in straights and breaking, the RX-7 would beat the 8.
“It bogged pretty good” had traction control on 😂😂
Damn those roads gotta be a lil scary after dark ..no lights ya?
Has the rx8 a stock engine, if not how much would it cost if it was upgraded, plus the chassis changes would add too to the $ 5000 cost
You could have an rx8 with the FD rx7 engine and turbo for much less than the cost of the FD rx7
@@RADPotential thanks for the reply
If a person’s dream car was an FD RX-7, but they settled on an RX-8 because of price, then it’s handling and performance can easily become a justification and rationalization of why to give up on their original dream car. Whether they choose to admit it or not, or even realize it themselves.
I wish I got one when I thought about it before :/
Why skimp on tires when they impact everything? Acceleration, braking, handling. Tires should always be the first upgrade. imho
I'm glad I never listened to the haters and got a rx8 chassis 👌😊😊
I think they both look great, the 8 just needs a better engine and it would’ve been just as legendary.
The rx8 would be great if not for the warp prone renesis motor
Love the 7!!!!!!!If you like car movies be on the lookout for FOUR AMIGOS releasing September 9 on Amazon. You can Pre-Order now!!!
I got the same car but I’m the lowest RX-8 still around (btw have you ever gotten yours resprayed I have the same color but having trouble finding the correct paint Nardic Green
Surprised the engine didnt blow doing this
thought this was a video game capture youtube video with that camera angle
I'm looking at a fairly well maintained RX8 but it cost $5000k with over 140k miles!? Any input would be great
Sorry wrong price/mileage 😬
The thumbnail is a good callback to Hot Version videos
I mean as much as it’s obvious the rx8 is better saying that the rx7 has “crap” tyres automatically makes it unfair. Plus pads make a massive difference, shit pads vs good pads makes a massive difference. Would be cool to see y’all do something like this again but same brake pads across and even swap the wheels and do time trials etc
Still just so glad I own an fd I love that car so much im probably also bias because I bought my car about 9 years ago so I got my car for the price of an rx8 in 2023 and I drift it so it takes quite a beating idk what y’all are talking about feeling like you have to be careful with the fd rx7 it is a strong car meant to take a beating, I don’t have anything against the rx8 but I’d take my fd out of the garage over my rx8 any day.