OK Bro, I hear ya. I'm feeling ya. Drove the G35 and I like it. But then went and drove the RX8 again and I like it better. BUT THen I fugged up and drove an Audi TT... and THen THere were TWO.
For the Money I'd like to spend it comes down to this I think. A New RX-8 Loaded, or a Used Audi TT Quattro loaded. Gotta tell ya the RX8 was a blast though last night. Took it out to some simple little twisties and really opened it up couldn't believe how smooth it was on the highway at 75 either, impressive... Good Stuff.
It has all the goodies, Moon roof, leather, seat warmers, bose, yadda yadda... $27K with 5K miles on it and an extended 100K warranty. 9000k RPM Redline and the freaking sweat engine and tranny noises rock and there is legitimate room for 4, so long as your not too tall.
But on the downside It's not the most comfortable for me, it's just a tad small. Wife complained about the Footwell? Does that make any sense? It gets crappy gas milage (Not a Huge Issue), and while it's fun, it's allmost Busa kinda fun, most fun when your beyond what legal. The RX really has a great rush from 7-9K RPMs but other wise the motor is a little flat.
OK
The Audi TT Quattro. I remember when these freaky little things first came out I was like WTF? But I really dug the design and attention to detail. SO figured I should drive one and it just so happens I had that chance last night.
What a Hoot. First and maybe foremost, it's fit's me like a glove with PLENTY of headroom left over and the seat was alot more comfy than the RX. BUT like I said it fits me like a glove, not a lot of room for others. There are seats in back, but I cannot think of anyone who would fit over the age of 10. They are obviously insurance seats. Now the drive, it's AWD and off the line the TT springs forward after just a moment of Turbo lag. But I can put all 225 HP to the ground at once and just go this was a lot of fun. Handling wise I loved it. I don't think it's limits are as high as the RX, but it's got a great balance and Feel that the RX lacks, I could really tell what the car was doing and the way the car tracks and responds was great.
The best part about the Audi besides it's comfort and feel is the solidity and the design of the car. It has a good feel to it and every part of that car has been gone over by a designer. The Switchgear, the door latches, everything has a great look and feel to it. Top it all off it's going for $5K less than the Mazda.
-BUT-
It's used like I said has 45K miles on it, has no warranty, and although this doesn't worry me too much, I kinda liked the idea of buying new even against my better Financial (depreciation) sense. Now I do have a good relationship with the Dealer, they are both at the Mazda dealership so I am not too concerned about getting a lemon or anything, and the Audi TT has a wonderful quality track record so I dunno... Oh and the Audi has FUNK. Just a Funky Artsy-fartsy look and feel that fits me well.
I am kinda having a hard time figuring it out.
They are both Differen't... Both are listed as sports cars, Both are not really practical, Both are fast enough with the Audi being a little Quicker outta the gate, Both are better than what I am driving now, and both would be seriously fun.
RX8
-Full warranty
-Brand New
-Seats Four (for short trips)
-Fun to drive
-Great noises
-Great handling
-Makes me giggle
-Amazing Tranny
Audi TT Quattro
-AWD Year around use
-Quick
-Cool Styling
-Better comfort for 2
-cool Turbo Hiss and Pops
-Slick 6-Speed Tranny
-German Fit and finish
-Better Road "feel"
-Funky
Hmm, so here I am. I decided against driving a New Z4 even with the lease offers Insurance would be pretty stiff and suck up more money than is needed for my 1.4 mile commute.
