2011 Mazda RX-8 User Reviews

"The R3 has Bilstein shocks and a stiffer body and aero body parts"

"Weight:power ratio of Challenger is 10.7 lbs/hp; weight:power ratio of RX-8 is 12.6 lbs/hp. Youll feel the difference."

"RX-8 has much more direct steering and is much lighter and nimbler. The RX-8 does roll a bit in corners, but only enough to give you feedback. The Challenger handles well for what it is, but it is a much heavier and slower-reacting vehicle with a lot more body roll and vaguer steering."

"Totally subjective, but I think the RX-8 looks more unique than the Challenger. The Challenger is sharp and has a classic beauty to it, but theyre everywhere and share so much styling with the other retro cars, which makes it a little less special."

"If youre of modest frame, the Recaros hold you nicely in the corners. You sit within the Recaros, whereas you sit on the Challengers seats."

"Challenger has deeper back sits and more legroom, since the vehicle is so much larger. RX-8 back seats are fine for adults for short trips and if the front seat isnt all the way back. "

"Larger cargo volume in the challenger; larger trunk opening in the challenger; rear seat folds down in the challenger to make a lot of space."

"Larger passenger volume in the Challenger; larger cargo volume in the challenger; larger trunk opening in the challenger; rear seat folds down in the challenger to make a lot of space."

"The RX-8 has very high running costs. It consumes oil (by design), takes premium fuel, and OEM parts are fairly pricey. The double-wishbone and multilink suspension are top-notch, but when ball-joints go back, theyre very expensive to replace, being aluminum wishbones and 5-part multilinks on each side. Challenger is built to a lower budget, suspension-wise, so part replacement is much cheaper. Also uses an old, mass-produced chassis from 90s Daimler, resulting in many parts available for cheap, whereas RX-8 is built on a dedicated chassis (okay, shared with Miata)."

"Its all down to personal taste. I prefer a more involving driver in my day-to-day. The RX-8 keeps you much more active and is more fun and rewarding. The Challenger is more comfortable for long-distances, and is larger, heavier, quieter. RX-8 is a little more raw and brash. I would buy the RX-8 personally, but I would recommend the Challenger to my parents."