Drive Review: Mazda RX-8 v Alfa Romeo Brera v BMW 125i Coupe

[BlackSapphire]

Nice to see that it isn't just the big brother that gets all the credit!

Full review here
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...1:15comparo_mh


Summary here

The verdict:
The Alfa Romeo impressed with its sharp looks and classy cabin presentation. As a style statement, it's the standout. However, as a sports car, it doesn't have the same urge or agility as its peers. And it was, surprisingly, the thirstiest car here despite having the smallest engine.
The Mazda RX-8 connects with the road in a way that makes you wish for carefree blue-sky days and traffic-free mountain roads. But it's not as fast as its high-revving engine would have you believe. And it's also not as frugal as it could be.
That leaves the BMW 125i as our pick in this test. It does the mundane jobs required of it as a modern motor car but also has the depth of capability to be thoroughly enjoyed. It's the most fun to drive and yet the easiest to live with day to day.

[jksgoh]

cheers, thanks for posting.
made my day to finally see the 125i get some cred!

[MikeVictor]

You beat me to the punch by a few minutes, I just read the review and had cut the link and was ready to paste it!

Outcome was to be expected, of course

[professor]

do we get the high-power version of the rx-8 in australia or does it just come in one flavor?

[cozza]

Cheers, as Jono said, it's great to see the 125i get the credit it deserves. It's a great package, and I'm more than happy with it.

[takahashi]

Originally Posted by professor

do we get the high-power version of the rx-8 in australia or does it just come in one flavor?

170kW of smoothness for manual, 153kW for auto.

Who in the world will want the automatic 4 port engine anyway! I think they still only go to 7500. Only 2000rpm from the real heaven.

They really need to test the GT model. It is unbeatable with the gearbox (from MX-5) and bilstein shocks (best for road).

EDIT: They have failed to say that RX-8 has camber, toe and caster adjustment in the front and LSD at the rear that the 1 coupe does not have!

[WAY]

Originally Posted by takahashi

EDIT: They have failed to say that RX-8 has camber, toe and caster adjustment in the front and LSD at the rear that the 1 coupe does not have!

Yeah but you realise how much faster the 1 coupe will be (especially 135i) if it has camber adjustment and LSD?????

[takahashi]

They are talking 125i stock vs stock.

Wait until I have tubroed my car

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by takahashi

They are talking 125i stock vs stock.

Wait until I have tubroed my car

Hey Taka, give in to the force... I know it is strong in you... buy a 135i! hehehe

(you get two turbos then!)

[professor]

rev-happy chappies would find the switch to an M3 from an RX8 more viscerally satisfying....i'd love to see how much better than the competition the M3 really is as a track car. all reviews suggests it is better than the rest in its class....so low 1.20s at sandown in your hands??

[BMW86]

I also thought it was worth mentioning that they reviewed the 125i in automatic transmission.

[WAY]

I would really like to take a M3 out at Sandown and see what I can do. I predict 1:24's with factory tyres. With the same tyres and LSD on my 135i, I will be able to do about 1:25's I reckon. With R compound M3 will do 1:22 and my 135i will do 1:23's. That is my prediction anyway.

[takahashi]

Originally Posted by AlpineM3E92

Hey Taka, give in to the force... I know it is strong in you... buy a 135i! hehehe

(you get two turbos then!)

Who said I am not getting one... I am waiting for the right moment (financially to have 2 cars at once). Will be end of year I hope.

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by takahashi

Who said I am not getting one... I am waiting for the right moment (financially to have 2 cars at once). Will be end of year I hope.

:w00t: