Which do you think handles better?

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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 04:34 PM
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Which do you think handles better?

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX vs. Mazda RX-8

What do you think/know?
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 04:39 PM
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Evo 9...just because it's AWD and lighter. And being a rally-inspired vehicle probably helps too.
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 04:40 PM
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Don't have any numbers off hand...but my guess is EVO...it's for sure quicker:wink:
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 04:43 PM
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the rx8 is a great handling sports car but it's certainly no match for the almight awd evo
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 04:45 PM
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i vote evo for the exact reasons above.
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 05:52 PM
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evo...hands down.
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 06:04 PM
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AWD yes, lighter no. The RX-8 weighs approx 200lbs. less than an EVO IX.

If we're on a racetrack, I'll take the EVO. If we're autocrossing, RX-8 please.

As to which handles "better", neither. They both handle well.

-Mirror

Originally Posted by Yumchah
Evo 9...just because it's AWD and lighter. And being a rally-inspired vehicle probably helps too.

Last edited by TheMirror; Sep 13, 2007 at 06:08 PM.
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by TheMirror
AWD yes, lighter no. The RX-8 weighs approx 200lbs. less than an EVO IX.

If we're on a racetrack, I'll take the EVO. If we're autocrossing, RX-8 please.

As to which handles "better", neither. They both handle well.

-Mirror
Taken from wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubi...ncer_Evolution

Evo 9 2888-3086 pounds (1310–1400 kg)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rx8

rx-8 2888-3029 lb (1309-1373 kg)

So it depends on model i guess.
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 06:28 PM
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EVO, though not by too much.

The RX-8 is far more comfortable though.
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 07:26 PM
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Edmunds lists 2006 EVO IX curb weights as:

RS: 3219
Standard EVO IX: 3274
MR: 3285

And the 2007 RX-8 curb weights as:

Sport: 3045
Touring: 3045
Grand Touring: 3045

The Touring and Grand Touring models must weigh another 50 lbs. or so than listed, as they have a moon roof, power seat, and CD Changer standard.

Cheers,
-Mirror
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by TheMirror
Edmunds lists 2006 EVO IX curb weights as:

RS: 3219
Standard EVO IX: 3274
MR: 3285

And the 2007 RX-8 curb weights as:

Sport: 3045
Touring: 3045
Grand Touring: 3045

The Touring and Grand Touring models must weigh another 50 lbs. or so than listed, as they have a moon roof, power seat, and CD Changer standard.

Cheers,
-Mirror
The weight of the evo must be JDM. I guess thats why its lighter? No matter, the edmund specs seems to be USDM!
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Old Sep 13, 2007 | 08:31 PM
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it is all about the driver!... if you suck at driving and dont know your lines. a good driver in a stock civic will smoke you....
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 02:30 AM
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Originally Posted by oonowindoo
if you suck at driving and dont know your lines. a good driver in a stock civic will smoke you....
Goddamn right.
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 02:31 AM
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Not a big fan of AWD myself. Adds understeer and weight. Still, Evo is definitely faster than the RX8.....
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 07:06 AM
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Lol Evo
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 07:14 AM
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Originally Posted by FiftyFive
Lol Evo
man i didn't see that one coming...
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by KaMLuNg
man i didn't see that one coming...
Well it is an obvious answer, for an obvious question.

Look at the Nurburgring track times.
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 10:58 AM
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I'd have to say Evo...

Also, I think the Evo is much easier to drive fast than most RWD cars that has similar level of handling... The AWD just makes it much easier to drive fast in the twisties (and more margin of error for the driver), esp at the limit...
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 11:43 AM
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"Which handles better?" Tough question. I lean towards the Evo in general but, Mazda is known to be at the top of their game when it comes to handling. In an autox setting, I suspect that the RX-8 can be VERY formidable.
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 01:00 PM
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well the rx-8 was never really known for handles, but its still a great car, a rwd. the evo's been around for generations. but for some, they might have to deal with understeering on tight corners.
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 03:16 PM
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Without a doubt, the Evo wins hands down in the handling department. But the interior is crap..... too plasticy.
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Old Sep 14, 2007 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by AZuser
Without a doubt, the Evo wins hands down in the handling department. But the interior is crap..... too plasticy.
Indeed, the interior does little to hide its Mitsu Lancer econo car origins.
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Jackygor
Taken from wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubi...ncer_Evolution

Evo 9 2888-3086 pounds (1310–1400 kg)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rx8

rx-8 2888-3029 lb (1309-1373 kg)

So it depends on model i guess.

Don't ever trust anything you read on wikipedia. A lot of times their info is wrong.
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 12:51 PM
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Evo for the Win
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by TLdriver022
Don't ever trust anything you read on wikipedia. A lot of times their info is wrong.
You could say the same thing about Azine.
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 11:09 PM
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I think RX8 has a very good balance of handling and ride comfort, while the EVO is all about going fast around corners.
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by STL+3.0CL
You could say the same thing about Azine.
MODERATOR'S NOTE: Acurazine is an internet message board forum (of a Honda/Acura orientation) where users/posters are sharing opinions and exchanging ideas. Wikipedia, is an editable online encyclopedia.
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 08:51 AM
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I remember seeing a Best Motoring vid where an RX-8 A-Spec just handles an S2000. I've driven neither an Evo or RX-8 though.

Jeremy Clarkson said the RX-8 is a very fun car to drive, and that it handles very well. I would think the Evo handles better though, must handle corner exits like nothing.

EDIT:
RX-8 skidpad - 0.88g
Evo IX skidpad - 0.91g
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 09:38 AM
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evo for sure
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 05:16 PM
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I agree with everyone else (evo has teh handles) but I'd want a RX-8 anyways just for the fact that it's RWD so I can drift easier (more fun ) and that wankel roar.
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by I Go To Costco
I remember seeing a Best Motoring vid where an RX-8 A-Spec just handles an S2000. I've driven neither an Evo or RX-8 though.

Jeremy Clarkson said the RX-8 is a very fun car to drive, and that it handles very well. I would think the Evo handles better though, must handle corner exits like nothing.

EDIT:
RX-8 skidpad - 0.88g
Evo IX skidpad - 0.91g
It did make Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars list in 2004, 2005 and 2006, not to mentioning garnering a few other awards. So, I take it that the 8's handling prowess must be part of the reason, especially given that it is not a particularly quick car.
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 09:14 AM
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I think we've proven this over and over again. It's the driver.

For example, how many people would have thought a Civic Type-R would smoke a S2000 around a track? I sure wouldn't.

Yet there have been several videos posted of that CTR smokin' 350Zs and S2000s.
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
It did make Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars list in 2004, 2005 and 2006, not to mentioning garnering a few other awards. So, I take it that the 8's handling prowess must be part of the reason, especially given that it is not a particularly quick car.
My only problem with the RX-8 is that it's $35k loaded and it burns oil. Otherwise I thought it was badass when I sat in it.
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 11:27 AM
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RX8 was one of the most dissapointing cars i've driven
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:00 PM
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Evo is of course faster. But after spending some time with both cars i have to say that the RX8 would be an ideal track car. It has more communication with the driver and is more at home on a tight track than the evo.
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by bigman
Evo is of course faster. But after spending some time with both cars i have to say that the RX8 would be an ideal track car. It has more communication with the driver and is more at home on a tight track than the evo.
What do you mean communication? The Evo is a very responsive car, much more so than an STi. The Evo has proven itself over an over that it is a worthy competitor on any track, even against exotics.
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by I Go To Costco
I remember seeing a Best Motoring vid where an RX-8 A-Spec just handles an S2000. I've driven neither an Evo or RX-8 though.

Jeremy Clarkson said the RX-8 is a very fun car to drive, and that it handles very well. I would think the Evo handles better though, must handle corner exits like nothing.

EDIT:
RX-8 skidpad - 0.88g
Evo IX skidpad - 0.91g
I might like to add...

NISMO 350z skidpad 0.91g
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by bigman
Evo is of course faster. But after spending some time with both cars i have to say that the RX8 would be an ideal track car. It has more communication with the driver and is more at home on a tight track than the evo.


see, i thought the RX8 completely lacked any kind of feel and communication. Esp. compared to the old 7's, etc
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by charliemike
My only problem with the RX-8 is that it's $35k loaded and it burns oil. Otherwise I thought it was badass when I sat in it.
Well costwise, an 08 RX-8 Grand Touring (6MT w/Navi-Sirius) MSRPs for $34,095 which is not that bad when compared to a 350Z Grand Touring w/Navi-Sirius/XM ($38,875) and Evo MR ($36,924 - Navi n/a). And I am certain that the $34k MSRP can be haggled down quite a bit.

My best friend owns an 04 model and loves the car BUT, hates the upkeep and constant repairs/shop time. Based on his experience, it seems like the 8 would make a great weekend car but, a terrible daily driver. Caveat: He does have a first year model.

As far as driving experience, the 8 is sweeter than it is given credit for.
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Old Sep 27, 2007 | 11:34 AM
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evo
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