CONCLUSION
If you're looking for an inexpensive sports car, but need room for child seats or extra passengers, the RX-8 is worth a look. Additionally, the R3 model has turned the RX-8 into a true driver's car with a chassis that is up there with the greats like the Mitsubishi EVO. Still, we can't help thinking that the RX-8 needs something and that something is power. We'd love to see a turbocharged version of the rotary, but that would likely make the fuel economy of the RX-8 even worse. On the other hand, if you always wanted a high-revving, rotary-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car with an excellent chassis and need some extra room for the family, you may want to scoop up an RX-8 while you can, because we suspect the rotary engine might not be around forever.
2009 Mazda RX-8
Base Price: $27,105
R3: $32,600
Powertrain
Engine: 1.3-liter 2-rotor rotary
Horsepower: 232 hp @ 8500 rpm
Torque: 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel
Measurements
Dimensions (L x W x H): 175.6 x 69.7 x 52.8 in
Legroom (F/R): 42.7/32.2 in
Headroom F/R: 38.2/36.8 in
Cargo capacity: 7.6 cu ft
Curb Weight: 3064 lb
EPA Rating (city/highway): 16/22 mpg (manual)