They are actually fairly close in real-world pricing because the MCS sells at sticker (or very close) and the RX-8 can be discounted pretty nicely. The RX-8 also has a longer warranty due to some initial concerns about reliability of the rotary engine (which I think is now very good on the latest cars).

I think the objective performance numbers of the two cars are pretty close, but the handling edge would probably go to the RX-8 because it is rear wheel drive. The MCS has more storage utility because it is a HB, but the RX-8 seems to have more room for passengers and better access via a Clubman-like swinging third door.

The RX-8 looks more like an aggressive sports car (I like but don't love the looks) and the MCS looks cute and more like a bulldog. The MCS would probably be more fun around town and the RX-8 would probably be better on twisty roads, road trips, and at the track. I haven't driven the RX-8, but I think it needs to rev a lot higher to generate power than the torquey MCS.

Any thoughts on this unlikely comparison?

 

I have driven both and both are a lot of fun. What i liked about the MCS was the gas milage. From what i recall the rotary engine wasn't that great on gas.

 

16/22 for the RX8
26/34 for the MCS

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...ehicleCode=RX8

 

My goodness, the MINI is a very much at home on the twisties and the track!

I've had the opportunity to drive both and I must say that the MCS was the better experience of the two on twisty roads/track.

Mind you the Mazda is no slouch and fun to drive but it was the MINI that impressed me the most. Agility in spades, torque aplenty... left me with a huge grin upon my face after taking it out for a run!

My choice... Go with the MINI, you won't be sorry!

 

I have both RX-8 and R56 Mini Cooper S. I find RX-8 more engaging and fun to drive. I autoX as well, and RX-8 is faster and handles better, due to RWD platform with 50/50 balance, and proper suspension (double wishbone). That's not to say Mini is boring, it's a blast too, but I prefer RWD.

Advantage of Mini is torquey little engine with great gas mileage, so for daily driving, it is better economically. Low end torque is great as well.

If I could have only one car, I would probably get the Mini as it has best resale, nearly as fun to drive compared to RX-8, and is great on gas. To me, RX-8 is better suited for weekend fun (track/autoX) due to the poor fuel economy.

 

I am coming from a Mazda family. We have had 5 mazdas in the past 6 years, starting with a Protege5. We still have a CX-9. I never owned an RX-8, but I have been in one. They are fun and interesting cars. The finish is no where near as nice as the Mini Cooper S. Even our CX-9, which is the priciest car Mazda makes, isn't quite as nice as the MCS.

Mazda makes great products, and they are probably the best value and most driver-oriented of all of the 'major' brands. But really, the Mini is a much nicer car. Infinitely more flickable, great platform for modding, and nearly double the gas mileage.

 

I've driven both. The RX-8 is a great car. Now begins the problems with them. If manufacturers had spent the time and money on rotary motors instead of piston driven motors they would be super reliable and way more efficient and powerful. Also my buddies RX-8 that I drove was having issues and we took it to the dealership to have it looked at and it need a new battery and spark plugs. It cost him over $400 to fix it. The sad part is if he had done it himself it would have been about $5 cheaper. Parts on the rotatory motor are freaking expensive cause there isn't as much R&D in it only Mazda builds them.

 

I think you won''t be getting 16/22 in the RX-8 when you're revving the crap out of it to burn the fuel out of the oil. Rotaries are certainly not know for their fuel (or oil) consumption. My '91 RX-7 got like 15 mpg on a good day and ate more than it's share of oil!

 

The RX-8 has some of the worst mileage figures of any performance car.

Check out some of the Mazda forums, 16/22 is actually quite optimistic.

 

I'm biased because I own one, but if you're interested in a high revving, great handling sports car, the s2000 is hard to beat for the money. You can get a pretty low mileage 02-03 for under $15,000. It gets better gas mileage (from what I've heard, the RX-8 actually averages closer to 16-18 mpg with about 50% hwy, 50% city driving), is faster, and is significantly more reliable. IMO the s2k looks a lot better too but that's subjective.