In defence of the RX8

[Elder_MMHS]

I do have to mention that fuel economy is not as bad as you all make it out to be. Everytime I fill up is appx 55 litres with the fuel light on. The car gets an avg of 360 km to a tank in town. That matches the economy in my MS3 which is now completely stock aside from springs and wheels. It also achieves the same mileage as the gf's last wrx265 in town with a similarly sized tank. It's on par with other sports vehicles, but compromises raw HP and torque for handling and balance!

55L/360km is 15.2L/100km.
The RX-8 city fuel economy on the 6AT is 13.3L/100km, the 6MT is 12.8L/100km.
The pre-2010 MS3 is rated at 11.8L/100km city.
The 2009 WRX265 is rated at 11.1L/100km city.

I have measured my own recent MS3 fuel economy at ~10.0L/100km with ~90% of the mileage between fill-ups being city (disclosure - for city commutes, I upshift for fuel economy and my right foot is decently disciplined).

Never mind the MS3, WRX265, or my own driving habits - while I think 12.8L/100km is edging on the high side, 15.2L/100km is currently universally abysmal?

[down_hill_dog]

Craig,

Double- or triple- check your oil.  If memory serves, the RX-8 engine is supposed to burn some oil by design, .  I would be concerned if you weren't adding some oil periodically.

It may be so little that it'll only use 1/2 litre between service intervals. I have noticed it move a little, but not enough to be concerned.

[down_hill_dog]

55L/360km is 15.2L/100km.
The RX-8 city fuel economy on the 6AT is 13.3L/100km, the 6MT is 12.8L/100km.
The pre-2010 MS3 is rated at 11.8L/100km city.
The 2009 WRX265 is rated at 11.1L/100km city.

I have measured my own recent MS3 fuel economy at ~10.0L/100km with ~90% of the mileage between fill-ups being city (disclosure - for city commutes, I upshift for fuel economy and my right foot is decently disciplined).

Never mind the MS3, WRX265, or my own driving habits - while I think 12.8L/100km is edging on the high side, 15.2L/100km is currently universally abysmal?

Thanks for the run-down on the numbers. I'm sayin' in driving sports oriented cars spiritedly, they all achieve the same kind of mileage. "commute" is not in my vocabulary. I ride a bike to and from work, so when I do drive... The cars get DRIVEN, not hyper miled. :p

[qpalzmsk]

I had a RX-8 as my previous car. Super nice handling but shittiest fuel economy ever for the power output it does, not to mention there's no torque ... I would buy another one if I have enough money for sure.

[Elder_MMHS]

Thanks for the run-down on the numbers. I'm sayin' in driving sports oriented cars spiritedly, they all achieve the same kind of mileage. "commute" is not in my vocabulary. I ride a bike to and from work, so when I do drive... The cars get DRIVEN, not hyper miled. :p

That's cool - I conversely rack up anywhere from ~30-45L/100km at Mission track sessions with my MS3 ... I usually run down the entire tank.  Interestingly, when I do my 4am, ~12-hour jaunts through the mountains, my fuel economy is still surprisingly good (less than 10L/100km).  They aren't casual walks in the park.

I just think that a daily-driven car needs fuel economy as a consideration.  However, if you don't actually daily drive your car, the point is obviously not relevant and I'm jealous.

[down_hill_dog]

Averaged appx 22mpg on our last trip to and around Vancouver and home again. Highway driving was mostly over 140km/h with a few runs at WOT to the governor at 200 km/h. It is a great car on the highway, we're happy with it. It just needs 50 more hp, and we'd be all smiles.