Video: 135i vs. Mazda RX8

[aitsu]

I'm surprised by their response when it came to handling as well. I've had an RX-8 for 60,000 miles now and it is a car that handles superbly. It's also superbly slow in a straight line w/o turbo, thus the reason I was also considering the 135i.

The thing that really shocks me is that the 135i is only 2000 Euro (2900 USD) more than the RX-8. Whereas, here, in the US, the MSRPs of both cars fully loaded are about 10k different. That's huge. If you were to slap 10k worth of performance parts into the RX-8, the comparison would be totally different, but that's really not the point.

The one thing that really bothered me about the 1 series, and hell, all bimmers in general (aside from M cars and Z cars) is the lack of limited slip, which BMW is apparently looking to change. We'll see if that ever happens.

Either way, I doubt I'll be getting one this year as the resale value on the RX-8 is utter crap, especially now that the 09's have been shown off and are, of course, restyled.

Oh well.. maybe next year.

ajax

[1ToBeOn2Wheels]

Originally Posted by asv

I find it very comical that the e90post people trash the 135i, but looking through a lot of the forum it appears to be dominated by the ricer crowd. I hope this forum doesn't turn in that direction.

I'm with you on that one!

I also found it odd they would compare a 135i to an RX-8. I came very close to buying an RX-8 on more than one occassion. I was continually impressed with the handling and that was my top reason for considering it. To know that the 135i handles as well or better makes me very excited! :roundel:

[atr_hugo]

Ajax - welcome aboard. I've had some seat time in RX-8s (including the Mazdaspeed version) and really liked the handling. If the 1er is really as good as an RX-8 then we're in for a treat.

[CC Lemon]

Another 8 owner here. I'm not all too surprised to see the 1 out perform the 8. The Kuro version doesnt really have anything to offer performance-wise over the regular version... the special editions of the 8 arent much different. The 2009 RX-8 with the new final drive and a few suspension changes would be nice to compare, though the 1 would still win most likely. As for the 8 burning oil, I get my oil changed every 3000 miles and keep an eye on the oil level when I fill up for gas, but only once have I had to add oil in 24,000 miles. Both are great cars in my opinion. Hopefully mazda will put out a bit better competition with their new rotary engine in a few years.

[aitsu]

Originally Posted by CC Lemon

Another 8 owner here. I'm not all too surprised to see the 1 out perform the 8. The Kuro version doesnt really have anything to offer performance-wise over the regular version... the special editions of the 8 arent much different. The 2009 RX-8 with the new final drive and a few suspension changes would be nice to compare, though the 1 would still win most likely. As for the 8 burning oil, I get my oil changed every 3000 miles and keep an eye on the oil level when I fill up for gas, but only once have I had to add oil in 24,000 miles. Both are great cars in my opinion. Hopefully mazda will put out a bit better competition with their new rotary engine in a few years.

The problem is, in a few years, the 16X will be out and it probably still won't offer the performance of a modern piston engine. Yea, it's direct injection and 1.6 liters (about equivalent of a 3.2 liter V6), but w/o turbo, the torque is still going to come on late and it's still going to be less fuel efficient.... it just makes me sad because I love rotaries. It just doesn't seem like there's much of a future for inefficient engines.

[CC Lemon]

Originally Posted by ajax

The problem is, in a few years, the 16X will be out and it probably still won't offer the performance of a modern piston engine. Yea, it's direct injection and 1.6 liters (about equivalent of a 3.2 liter V6), but w/o turbo, the torque is still going to come on late and it's still going to be less fuel efficient.... it just makes me sad because I love rotaries. It just doesn't seem like there's much of a future for inefficient engines.

Arent they pushing for the 300 hp range for NA?

[aitsu]

Originally Posted by CC Lemon

Arent they pushing for the 300 hp range for NA?

There have been no stated numbers for the 16X at this time.
I think 300 hp would be great to see if the engine was coming out tomorrow, but since it probably won't be available until 2010 at the earliest, that's still going to be underpowered.
The change in engine size will yield more power. The change in engine dimensions should yield either more torque or earlier torque. Direct injection will probably yield better power and better fuel economy. The question is, how much and when?
If the engine only gains 20% power from all of those changes, I'd say it isn't worth it. Remember, we're talking about a 23% size increase, as well as reshaping the engine and direct injection and who knows what else.

And I'm not saying 300 horsepower is unrealistic, it's just not enough when the size change alone should yield 285 minimum.

[mjovic]

Yay! the 135i beat a car with 230bhp! :iono:

[Crowley]

Originally Posted by mjovic

Yay! the 135i beat a car with 230bhp! :iono:

I think people are more happy about the comaprison in handling .. it doesn't take a crap load of HP to enjoy how a car handles ..

Crowley

[atr_hugo]

^ I'm the poster boy for that! (~140 HP Miata - but a sweet handling car.)

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by mjovic

Yay! the 135i beat a car with 230bhp! :iono:

Lets not forget the weight difference. Dosent the RX-8 weigh about 2800-900lb? Not bad for the 1er's alleged 3300-400lb.

[aitsu]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

Lets not forget the weight difference. Dosent the RX-8 weigh about 2800-900lb? Not bad for the 1er's alleged 3300-400lb.

I wish.
The curb weight of the RX-8 is 3049lbs.

[E82tt6]

If it ACTUALLY outhandles an RX8, then I don't think I'll ever be selling the car. IMO, the RX8 is easily top 10 worldwide.

[Endgame]

Originally Posted by ajax

I wish.
The curb weight of the RX-8 is 3049lbs.

The GS actually is in the 2900's while the GT is the 3049.

[Endgame]

Originally Posted by E82TT6

If it ACTUALLY outhandles an RX8, then I don't think I'll ever be selling the car. IMO, the RX8 is easily top 10 worldwide.

VERY true. I fell in love with my 8 because of how it handled. One of the best handling cars I have driven. I will reserve final judgment until I drive the 135.