2004 Mazda RX-8 GT vs 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera - Head to Head Review!
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Battle of the finicky, early 2000s 2+2 sportscars from Japan and Germany!
2004 Mazda RX-8 GT mod list:
HKS Hipermax S Coilovers
265/35R18 Advan Apex
Wedssport TC105X wheels 18x9.5 +35
Racing Beat Intake, Headers, Midpipe
HKS Hi-power catback exhaust
Denso D585 coil packs
Poly bushings
Sparco steering wheel
Sparco bucket seat
AEM gauges
Burstcraft shift knob
Project Mu B-force pads
R1concept slotted rotors
Stoptech SS brake lines
RBF660 brake fluid
APR wing
Seibon hood
Shineauto bumper and side skirts
Chargespeed fender insert
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 996.2 mod list:
Exterior aero kit (GT3 bumpers/sideskirts/rear wing)
Recaro SPG seat
OEM Porsche Tequipment roll bar
OEM GT3 coilovers
OEM GT3 lower control arms
Apex EC-7RS wheels
Nankang CR-S tires
PFC08 brake pads
Tubi style rear mufflers
Had an RX-8 back in the day and a 996 now. The handling of the Mazda was truly sublime and very intuitive. The Porsche can make you feel quite clumsy until you understand its unique dynamics. Don’t get too hot on turn in and don’t punch the throttle too early on corner exit. The traction when you are pointed straight at corner exit is shocking.
well said!!! remember once the car is braking hard. dynamically you're getting to probably 40/60 F/R.... and it has to settle there before you can turn in without the light front end feel.
in fact what we're waiting for is the steering to get heavy. then we know we have traction.
Vic Elford wrote a great book on driving porsche track and rally. he actually "stabbed" the brakes into a corner in the older cars to plant the nose for turn in. great book. just read it and then let your subconscious process it while you're exploring the chassis dynamics. at least you have a canyon. jealous.
Love both of these cars from one of the greatest eras for drivers cars before they got too heavy. Both cars not regarded for having good looks but i've learned to appreciate both.
Great comparison
RX8 sounds so legit
That’s crazy……I
I’m actually cross shopping both cars right now, along with the bmw e63 m6. Didn’t think people thought that they are highly comparable, as I did! Love the vid!
Odd pairing to cross shop for though. Not sure where you are, but where I am (the UK) an RX8 is around $3k, and the 996 is around $20k
@@YowserUKWhere I'm at in the U.S I just recently picked up a 2004 RX8 GT with 108,000 mi rubs and drives for $1,100
more RX8 content please
LOving it
maybe if possible RX8 turbo or supercharged
All I dream about doing is getting a 3 rotor NA swap into my RX8, if I could get like 300whp and all those revs with a 3 rotor sound in the sublime RX8 chassis I don't think I'd ever consider another car
That sounds perfect. And I always say this: The RX-8 is the only sports car with four usable seats, doors, and space for four full adults.
The rx8 chassis is about 4xs stiffer than a S2000!
Has anyone done that yet?
@@ve2430 check out misfire videos the rotaries will blow your mind
@@ve2430Yes plenty of people have some have even installed 4 Rotor twin turbos lol
I’ve had my 997.1 for almost ten years now (I know not a 996) but my front end never gets light till I’m at almost triple digit speeds on bumpy highways. The 911 requires a different driving style and that suits me perfect. For some reason you rarely see 911 owners go wide with front tires/wheels but I think you should. I’m running 19x10’s on the front with 265/30/19 tires and have good front end bite
God the RX-8 sounds soooooooooooo damn GOOD! I am a massive 911 fan, like hugely so...but if there's something with a rotary involved then I CAN'T go any other way. 😅
This is also my favorite generation of 911 despite the issues and the hate on the car, there's just something about it. 👌
Have rx8 and 997.1. Quite a few styling cues in the cabin that are similar. Both cars are fun in different ways
I have the RX-8 but could afford the Porsche. I am afraid of losing the feel that the RX-8 has and never being able to get it back. I could always get another Porsche, but the RX-8 is irreplaceable. I have had it flood a few times, but always been able to recover it to proper operation. At 12K miles the RX-8 is one of the more reliable cars that I have owned.
When did it usually flood for you?
@@ve2430 3 failed starts in a row (dead battery). Pulled out of the garage(cold), put it back in an hour later. Almost anything that cranks but does not start the car.
@@enotred2636 thanks. The compression was good at the time?
@@ve2430 LOL yeah twelve years ago!
RX8 more playful 996 more serious. RX8 is a real bargain these days for an excellent chassis
Yeah. But that engine requires alot of tlc
@@ju4121 u can go 2jz if u want power and you can go sr20 if u dont wanna upset the balance
either way you can double, triple or quadruple the power
@@justinsu7241 You lose that handling tho, its become a 60/40 front end heavy. Very ideal for drift tho 100%. If you want the RX8 handling then keep the renesis, just take care of it.
@@miikaeatsbagels7320 or 13b Rew swap. Keep the weight dist. And get more power, aftermarket support, and a little bit more reliability
Stop letting people know that
STI vs EVO in the canyons.
C6/C5 Vette vs M3’s (e92 perhaps)
Coyote Mustangs vs M3 (e92)
Civic Type r vs 2015-ish M3’s (due to comparable price range)
**** 944 turbo or 968 vs RX-8 ****
Great video as always. An unconventional comparison, but the canyons show the differences in dynamics so well.
Fun 996 fact: Excluding GT models, LSD was only available in 1999 as an option and then on the 2004 40th Anniversary of which they produced only 1963.
Also I rewound that opening RX-8 pull probably 10 times lol. 😂😍😂
Quite informative, Very thorough. Loved the content in the video. Kudos to you brother.
I've been looking for two K20A2 engine swaps, a Lotus Elise, or a Honda Del Sol. That motor needs a super light chassis to shine.
i own 3 996s and a 986 S... i love the looks. love the lack of Audi interior...
they have been UBER RELIABLE.
i drove a boxster S on the original IMS bearing HARD as a salesperson in Florida... for seven years i drove that car end to end of the state. just cooling bottles and a water pump... and I had a blast. best office in the world....
then they changed the car plan.
because all customers would rather ride to lunch in a new camry instead of a cool old 911... and my customers are engineers....
business people ruin everything.
great cars. the rx8s always made some crazy good noises at the rolex 24!
edit: i did have bore scoring in the 3.6... which is now 3.8-ish... wow... it was expensive. worth every penny... best car i have ever driven. (Ferrari f430 scuderia being most expensive. but not my favorite.)
I have a 986s and I'm about to get an 02 996. I hope I like it I'm keeping both cars
@@wesleycarusos8225 you will love it. a completely different car. more challenging to boogie like a rock star than the 986 IMO. but when you get it right.... oh yes.
3.6 is super tractable.
3.2 sounds better.
just keep an eye on oil consumption. my 03 is now a mostly LN 3.8+... worth it. but pricey.
@@rodanone4895 did a three grand suspension upgrade on the 986 and it has tune on it.. I think I will be getting those wheels and that GT3 spoiler for mine
@@wesleycarusos8225 nice! i have 19x12s on the rear and 19x9ish on the front... removed a lot of weight.
my 986S is RoW M030, exhaust, less some cat, and a flash.
i drove a Ferrari 430 scuderia on a track once. it might have shifted faster than i can. but the chassis dynamics felt like "bigger boxster" to me. and while it sounded great. it didn't sound better.
I'm not sure there's more fun for the money than 9x6. i have a 2001 C4, a 2003 C2, 2004 986S, and a 2003 996 TT.
and i get to keep them all plebe i am.
@@rodanone4895 I did Bilstein B8 and the MO3O.. s t i f f but not too bad my 996 is an 02 6-speed Coupe.
Thanks for the video. I like both cars. I have driven an rx8 but not a 911. I can tell you the rx8 is a fun car to drive on the twisty stuff. Brapon
The 996 is the grown up stage sports cars. Its not going to be a the adrenaline rush special like a 90s turbo car, but it still makes you feel special when you drive it.
They're actually a fair comparison. The rival to the 911 is the Aston Martin, which are typically front-mid engine cars just like the Rx8 which is front-mid engine because of its rotary
The AP1 S2000 was the real monster of the early 2000s 👍
Has the covid effect of car prices annoyed you to no end like me?
Quite a bit lol
@@Zygrene 😆 🤣 😂
Yes
It's not even coming downs😟
That thumbnail tho 👀
Ty Mr Potatographer
Good review. I own a 996 turbo. Would be great to see your review on that.
Itching to review one! Just need to find an owner in the bay area.
Loving your videos
I would like to see the Volester N vs the mazdaspeed 3
The rx8 car has a extrely rare set of seats inside. they are from the 2008 40th anniversary edition. there were only 1k made in the spec with the cosmo red interior
40th anniversary seats are solid red, the one he's driving not exactly the same
@@thelegend6911 no the 40th seats have dark grey backs with full cosmo red fronts. Those are 08 40th seats 2004 red seats have bright red inserts in black surrounds on the front of the seat.
@@infamousrx8960 oh I didn't mean the back of the front seat being red, just the front of them and sides, I love um but also I love the red w/the black also (I was wondering what yr they came in). Tbh I'm new to rx8s and love these cars so far, but u most likely know more. I'm bout to buy one I'm just confused on which is better S1 (which I think looks sharper) or S2? I know the r3 but not looking to spend 15 grand one one. What do you prefer?
It's been a long time since i last blasted around a 996. Enjoyed the experience inside a Porsche. However if I'm being honest, on B roads like these the rx8 puts on a master class for sublime handling. Winding that rotary is addictive. I'd take a Cayman over the 996.
I also agree with the wet noodle feel manual shifter of the 996.
Great comparison!
Was that a 718 GT4 in the background there? Having gone through a number of s2ks in your recent videos I wonder if your opinion of the GT4 has changed any. Once these prices come down a bit more. I’d like to grab one
I'll be reviewing that 718 GT4 in about a month, so we'll see!
@@Zygrene sweet. Looking forward to that review!
Mazda RX-8 it's a Great Around Car!
Great for a Track day, Great For Drift, Great for a High HP project..
Great video I used to Auto cross an RX7 so I do love the rotaries.... thanks to your video I'm going to get that GT3 tail and those wheels for my 996 they look awesome. This car really can look awesome. I know how to drive a rear engine car I have not driven the RX8. But I can make a rear engine car bag some corners. And a mid-engine car since I also have a 986s
That RX8 looks and sounds very peppy
mine sounds better.
but its a 6 port Auto tho better not make fun of me
Would love to see you compare an OEM+ FK8 Type R and a OEM+ Subaru STI. Just saw best motoring come out with a video about it but wanted to know your thoughts! Kind of a weird combo of cars to get together but would be cool content in my opinion.
Best motoring is sick
Love the rotary engine for its high reving sounds and near linear power and. But comparing the shortcomings of the 13b (apex seals) and pointing to the ims. An issue that affected less than 5% of 996 lineup. To relate the two is just not the same not even close. I wish there would have been more research and development by automakers making the rotary more reliable and maybe even more efficient.
First up... I envy the stretch of roads where there are no cars around! Comparing a Porsche to a Mazda is odd. The Carrera continues to go up in value and the RX8 while seemed to reached bottom, you can buy a few of these for the price of the Carrera. Fact of the matter that the RX8 is that good speaks volume of Mazda's chassis design. I do not think the RX8 or RX7 or RX-whatever would be special if Mazda puts a regular engine in. Rotary engine is just part of the experience. The smoothness and willingness to spin to 9000rpm is as you said "intoxicating". Pistons don't rev as smooth as a rotary.
In terms of driving characteristics, the Cayman would be better comparable to the RX8 as it is more nimble and athletic than that 996. If I have to pick one, I'd pick the Carrera and keep it stock. RX8 is awesome too in its own right.
Not a fan of that Lightning Yellow paintjob on the RX8, for 2004 I prefer the Brilliant Black Clear Coat and then after that I guess the Winning Blue Metallic. Other than that I really like it.
Just curious, have you ever done a review on a 1st gen lexus is300?
Nope, it's a car that has eluded me somehow
@@Zygrene thanks for responding.
I just wanted to let you know that your VLOG reviews were an important part of my purchasing a Honda S2000. Believe it or not it is a 50th birthday gift i purchased for myself.
Currently I also own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata MX5 and a 2003 Lexus IS300. I'm really hoping someday you could do a review on these specific cars.
I really enjoy your reviews, they are very educational and entertaining to car enthusiasts like myself. Pls keep up the excellent work
Thanks
@@h.j.victory6103 the best bday gift to yourself! Thanks for the kind words!
Oddly I own both a 2003 RX-8 (231 version) and a 2004 Boxster-S.
I love them both but in many ways the RX8 is my favourite. The real downside though is fuel consumption - it goes just 240 miles on £95 of petrol at today's rates.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Smiles per litre is preceless
You remind me a lot of myself 10 years ago. If you’re ever in South Florida / Ft Myers, you can drive my road course car (heavily modified Civic Hatchback).
Go and put the kettle on.
Please review a stock Fd vs a well modded single turbo Fd
Hard to find a stock FD nowadays. If anyone has one, hit me up!!
what is th cam from the mirror? radar detector or action camera?
That RX-8 is fkng sexy.
My rx8 is 400 pounds lighter !!! A totally different car when lightened ... Know that the Sunroof alone is heavy as fuck .. Both of your last 2 rx8 videos were the heaviest models out of the factory ... Drop it to the 2650 pound range and you will find the Best s2k alterative - s2k beater at 1/4 of the price !!!
If you can find any. I never see them for sale, ever (although I'm in the UK)
How much does the sunroof weigh bro?
Having had a 2 FDs and a Fc I was excited for the rx8. My biggest issue was the gas mileage it was supposed to be the practical rotary but getting teens gas mileage…I believe the e39 m5 from that generation gets similar if not better mileage. I also think the c5 zo6 gets better mileage both are v8s and have almost double the power. Also I believe you compared the rx8 to the NB Miata but I think the rx8 is actually based off the NC Miata chassis.
Other way - the NC is based on the Rx-8 Chassis. Rx-8 was a completly new chassis from Mazda.
Thank you for another interesting video! For some maybe a sacrilege but I think It'd be great to see a RX-8 with a motor swap on your channel. I think normally they swap it for a V6, but not really sure...
Usually LS-swapped. I've seen 2JZ.
@@JohnSmith-yl8sg Camaro LFX 3.6L V6 is known swap as well.
@@of_lion22 - Cool
@@of_lion22 - Yeah man. Anything's better than that 2-rotor 1.3L Renesis rotary.
@@callmeedaddy - It dies a lot, and not much power. I've had 3.
2004 is not a facelift rx8 model, as it's lightning yellow is more than likely first year production (2003) face lift was post 2009
It's not 2003 but rather 2004. Lightning yellow were one year only (2004). But it definitely is a series 1 and not series 2 like stated in video.
@@RotaryAnt413 model year in the States is usually a year later than actual, yellow would have been 2003 manufactured.
The video stated face lift, which it isn't
I would rather own a Rotary but I would rather maintain the Mezger 😅
The biggest difference here, is that the Carrera has quite a bit more torque than the RX8. But tbh neither excite me. If it's non expensive older sports cars, then the S2 Elise 111r (the one with the 2ZZ engine, was called something different in North America) the 2004 & 2005 AP2 S2K and the manual 987 Cayman S are more my kind of cars. But as this man already knows, the ultimate sports car is a NA2 96 to 2000 NSX 😎 (but they are obviously very expensive now...... for a reason) Different league to any sports car from that period though. I will have one in Monte Carlo Blue Pearl thank you very much. With some Toda ITB's.
Have you driven an rx8? I've driven ap1 and ap2 and the rx8 excites me in ways those platforms never have
You say the best from Germany from that era, but it's not. Porsche offered the 996 Turbo. That's the best from that era in regards to availability to everyone.
I will subscribe if you make more RX-8 content, just sayin
rx8 GT ??? when did that came out and i didnt find out ?
I LOVE the rx8 tho .. and its engine even more ...
@@peterga3658 🤢
Review a MAZDASPEED Miata!
Haven't been able to find one in California!
Why o why is the engine always described as only a 1.3 when it’s a twin rotary thus making it a 2.6. We don’t take a v8 and only give the power of one cylinder.
I could see that the intake manifold was a twin when shown.
Lost interest in watching the rest.
I own a totally stock RX8, registered as a 2.3 in the Uk.
Picked up an RX8 recently due to the fact that it is seemingly one of the only sports cars unaffected by Covid pricing. The chassis is incredible and the 9500 RPM fuel cut is amazing. RX8s are definitely underpowered, but for the price compared to even used BRZ/FRS, S2000, etc you can make excuses.
Maybe 190whp on a good day closer to sea level, but it means the power band is a lot more accessible
@@fkkkkkenig It's also so linear and rewarding to rev out. Accessible is a good word for it, it's a lot of fun to beat the hell out of in almost any situation.
I just sold my decently modified 07is350 had like 11k into it lsd coilovers tune exhaust valve enkei wheels Yokohama apex v601 etc. Just picked up a 5k cad rx8 in ok shape for canada and I love it. Lol. Half the tq but 2x the smiles. RUN PREMIX!
@@fkkkkkenig 190? No way.
@@RollingRoadEFI My RX8 made 198whp on a 115f degree day in Duarte, CA.
Sadly soon all combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-(
In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated central gas station per city or county. Now they want to slow down all the gas station pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute...From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime (BABPFO Bundesabgasbespassungsverbotsverordnung)!!!!!
Well you've fallen hook line and sinker for the fear mongering.
Could you try a honda crx vtec ? With a k20 ? It has been one of my favourite car and i had an s2000 !
Thank you from France 👌
I'll review a K swapped anything. Just gotta find willing owners!
time to get your own rx8 😂
Need a 12 car garage 😂
How about a tastefully modified 370z to go up against some of these cats?
I reviewed one years ago, but definitely want to revisit the Z34!
I think in general the 911 is more reliable than the RX-8.
My wallet may disagree with you 😭
@@Zygrene #notallporsches 😆
also , if the rx8 owner were to add a final drive swap to the list of the mods done. that would pick the pace / pep of the 8 up a TON.
tons of videos showing how much "quicker" the rx8 is when you do a final drive swap in these ( 4.77 etc )
996 = "old 911"?
996 has way more torque, curb appeal, and specialness. No
Brainer for me. What the max torque of the rx? 150 ft lb? Lol😂
2004 face lifted model? 😂 that was the first year 2004! The color is lighting yellow, face lifted model = 2009 - 20012. At least this guy doesn’t feed as much wrong information as that tweaker thatdudeinblue.
Rx8 vs Pontiac GTO
the 2004 is not the facelifted model
Oops! Good catch. Facelift happened for the 2009 model year
rx8 vs e46 instead
If it was Rx-7
Then Rx-7
So the rx8 still stock 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 vs a carrera broo 🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤡
Not comparing cars, he's comparing the driving experience of the cars. My is350 slapps a stock rx8 but it's funny because I sold my is350 and now drive an rx8 lol. It's about smiling.
Why the hell would you even compare these cars? They are nothing the same. Not even close at all. In any way, shape, or form. (And this is coming from an RX-8 owner and lover. Had more than 2.)
Like comparing a Prius to a sports car.
He gives a good explanation during the intro.
@@thepassionofthegoose5472- I disagree with his crappy explanation.
@@JohnSmith-yl8sg well he's comparing driving experience not the cars.
They are not in the same category therefore they are not even close to be the same.... who taught him about cars...