2004 Mazda RX-8

Coupe

1.3 Rotary

6 speed

jm1fe173440129768

Clear

Premium

Imagine you're zizzing along in third gear, waiting for an opportunity to put pedal to metal. The instant you floor it, the RX8's tacho needle begins an Olympic sprint around the dial straight to – hold on, is that really 9000rpms? "Nine", as in one before "ten"? After a few seconds spent listening to the singing engine, you look down at the speedo and discover you're doing over 80mph, with three more gears available for your dining and dancing pleasure. All of which offer identical levels of blender-smooth grunt and go. Slot the flyweight gearbox into fourth, fifth or sixth. Guide the RX8 into a bend. Notice that the turn-in is quick, crisp and accurate. As you seek out the apex of the turn, the RX8's perfectly balanced chassis adjusts to your throttle and helm inputs both intimately and infinitely. You can change your attitude mid-corner without life-threatening repercussions. And so it is. The RX8 offers enthusiasts reasonable practicality and tremendous value for money. Tick every available option – six-speed gearbox, more powerful engine, traction control, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, heated leather seats, Bose audio system, power moonroof, the works – and you'd still be hard-pressed to destroy your retirement income. There aren't a whole lot of sports cars at this price that can keep up with the RX8. In fact, when it comes to bang for the buck, the RX8's only real competition is… a motorcycle. Coupled with performance goodies like heavy duty sway bars, and spring rates that keep body roll down like a nun with a 36 inch ruler; The RX8 will pull the fillings out of your mouth with its g-forces through the turns like a pissed off dentist that owes back taxes for the past 3 years. Add the cold air intake from Racing Beat to lower the intake charge, and Racing Beats beautifully bent stainless masterpiece they call a header, and this baby will bark at you like your neighbor's dog trying to tell the postman he can keep his mail, and get off the lawn... NOW!!! After all is said and done, this is a unique edgy sports car that has proved once again, Mazda can make any man (or woman) feel like Mario Andretti, and still put some groceries in the boot. The question is, can you tame this beast, or will you wet your pants and cry for your mama to hold you.