Monaro vs RX-8

[elisiX]

Some of you may remember I joined this forum a few months back and the plan was to get a VYII SS Utility.

When I turned 22 in March my insurance premium dropped dramatically as my 65% NCB kicked in. This allowed me to finally justify the cost of owning a high performance vehicle. I have decided that I cant have a car that only has 2 seats, its selfish. lol. So basically ive taken my budget, $65k max, and have started searching for a new car.

I have really enjoyed my Alfa, despite all the problems ive had. So the obvious choice initially was to get into a 147 GTA 3.2 V6. Ive since decided that I dont want something different, so the GTA is not an option anymore.

This opened up a whole new world of cars to choose from that would fit into my budget and criteria. I had to narrow down the list of possibilities and it has come down to 2 cars, a SIII Monaro CV8 or a Mazda RX-8. I know, 2 totally different cars but both with thier own incredible qualities and abilities. I dont like the 350Z so it didnt make the shortlist.

The problem I have is that I want/need an auto because of all the city driving I do and the long distances I travel (Penshurst to Collaroy) almost daily. The auto in the RX-8 is 30% slower then the manual RX-8 due to the way the 2 cars are setup with the rotory engine. The auto RX-8 is 140odd KW and the manual RX-8 is 170odd. This is why there is such a big difference in performance between the two. The Monaro is great as an auto. I didnt like the manual tranny in the CV8 anyway, so that suits me fine. Also, there is no 'real' performance difference between the auto and man tranny in the Monaro.

Ive been told the performance figures for both cars are roughly as follows;

Monaro 0-100 6.0s (est)
RX-8 0-100 Auto 7.5s (est) Man 6.5s (est)

Are these figures right from your knowledge / experience? From what ive read, those times on the RX-8 were only obtained by thrashing it off the line.

I test drove an auto Monaro this week and im almost convinced without even driving the RX-8 yet. The Monaro is a dream to drive, so easy and smooth. Power delivery is immediate and flawless. Ive been told that the RX-8 is very easy to drive also, very nimble however the auto is sluggish on takeoff. Its just as quick as the manual version once your moving but its slow initially. I am still to drive the RX-8 and find this out for myself.

The RX-8, I think also represents better value for money and has some great features that the Monaro doesnt have. For eg, a better sound system, xenon lights and a higher quality interior. The RX-8 also won wheels car of the year. Even though the RX-8 has alot over the Monaro in some ways, there's just seomthing about that V8 power and smooth acceleration that I loved in the monaro. This makes for a hard decision. One thing that concerns me, im told with the rx-8 is you gotta thrash it all the time to get power out of the rotary engine. The Monaro is much more of a cruiser IMO and perhaps would suit my driving style and requirements better.

Im worried about the Monaro being replaced so soon with the VZ update. Now ive heard that it wont be anything major like the VX-VY change, but more of just a new bumper with the same lights etc. A power upgrade also perhaps? How will this affect resale.

I cant decide. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[Red CV8 R]

Being that you are purchasing an auto maybe wait for the next model Monaro (a few months) as I heard it is getting a new much more refined auto gearbox. Someone may correct me on that though. I hate the current Holden autos personally. I have looked hard at the RX8 when I was looking at buying a Monaro a few months back and I would not get an auto RX8 myself. Still a very nice car but the Monaro would still be my pick but drive both.

[CarlFST60L]

Have you thought about a series 2 R8 Clubbie? They have the GTS adjustable suspension, 13.5sec 400m and 5.5 0-100km/h (manual), good sound system, handles, well, like a GTS... This is a serious car, if i had the money to burn on a another car i would be getten that over n e thing around that price bracket... You would have some change to spear if dont pay rrp i.e there was someone in here saying around $50/$55K drive away.

GET A MANUAL!!! Where is the fun in just steering, though i have the manual and my left leg gets a good workout coz of all the f#$kwits that cant understand that mergin dosnt require that you STOP!

Your comment about the auto being slow of the mark then the same after that when compared to a manual... Manual is quicker all over due there being greater loss in the auto gear box, once you have edit though the auto's are quicker (unless you are juzzy!) as they maintain better drive during gear changes and are better to launch.

If you would consider a second hand car talk to Keen, he is selling a very nice black GTO coupe... He has photo's posted if you search for em.

Summary, best car for <$65 = M6 R8 clubbie by a mile. :D
Or get an SV8 and spend the $25K you save making your car what ever the hell you want it to be!

[SSCRD]

hi,
horses for courses...I'm 24, and can i say if you haven't bought your own place $65k is a great start, then pull back on it in a couple of yrs (equity mate)...the time is now approaching to buy and make money not lose it in a car.

Think by your post u have made up your mind, but if u need an auto go the Monaro, cos honestly u will limit the people interested in the RX-8 come time to sell if its an auto. In my view that sort of car needs a manual and people buying that car down the track will want a manual - like a 90/10 split.

Cheers

[VooDoo]

The RX-8 does a 1/4 mile in 15sec flat

The Monaro with a few minor mods can get in the 12's.

The biggest advantage with the RX8 is turning at the end of the lanes :)

Talk to Hymee on here about the RX8. He went from a VX to the RX8 so knows them both well.

I like the looks of the RX8 but wouldnt buy it over the monaro for bang for your buck and the V8 power.

[elisiX]

I wouldnt be considering a car like this if I didnt already have property SSCRD.

One thing I forgot to point out was the pricing and costs invoved. The Monaro overall is cheaper by a small amount.

Monaro rrp is about $66k driveaway with a sunroof. But I figure ill get it for about $62ish on the road.

RX-8 Leather pack rrp is about $68k driveaway, no options. But I figure I could get this for about $64k on the road.

Basically rrp+options without ORC.

Insurance is $220 p/m on the munro and $260 p/m on the RX-8.

Petrol of course will be higher on the munro.

[SSCRD]

thats good...cos there are plenty of knobs around

[Red CV8 R]

One of the forum sponsors Donacaster Holden had a new Series III Monaro for 54k drive away however they are in Melbourne. When I was looking I got a brand new example down to $57k drive away in Sydney but they should be cheaper now with the new model coming.

[elisiX]

Really? hmmmmmmmmmmmz

I knew that i'd get a good deal with a Holden due to the fact that they move SOOOOOOOOO many units, but I didnt think itd be anywhere near that good.

If I can get a monaro for under $60k on the road with a roof then ill take it. I wont even consider the RX-8. I would much prefer to stay under $60k budget.

Is it seriously possible to get what I want as stated above?



... hehe.. $5k for mods. :P

[Red CV8 R]

Those prices I quoted didnt include Sunroof but keep in mind that the Monaro sunroof is not a factory fitted job like on the sedans, it is done after by HBD. You could get the same thing done for 2k by a place in Artarmon.

[Animal]

If you would consider a second hand car talk to Keen, he is selling a very nice black GTO coupe...

Exactly what I was thinking Sherlock !

[MNR-0]

I was in an identical situation to you a few months back, just before Xmas. I drove an Alfa 147 for 3 years and wanted an upgrade. I was hunting for a 147 GTA but Alfa wouldnt do a deal. They also wanted to trade the Alfa fro peanuts. So I said "fug it, anything but an Alfa from hereon in".

I looked at both the Monaro and RX8. My other half wanted the RX8 and I didnt. We narrowed our search down to the following 4 cars:

RX8
Monaro
Accord EURO
Mazda 6

All worth cars, but the onyl one we could ageree on was the Monaro. I had never owned a V8 so that was the clincher.

The RX8 is love it or hate it kind-of car. It pull well in high revs but has nothing down low. They handle like go-karts and are very low to the ground. Against it was its size and rear space for passengers.

Holden will do a great deal on a Monaro. Mazda dont have to on an RX8.

Ive seen the VZ pics. posted today and Im not that impressed. If you want one, get one. Its going to be a wait of another 1.5-2 years before we get the LS2 in Holden trim. By that time, you will be ready to upgrade.

I love mine. Best decision I made.

[SSbaby]

Ive seen the VZ pics. posted today and Im not that impressed.

May I ask where?

[Swordie]

Sounds like you need to take both for a good drive.

Wish I had those choices when I was 22, I was driving a 180B.

[MNR-0]

May I ask where?
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=26486

[SSbaby]

Doh.. thanks MNR-O but that needs to stay in the private area me thinks???

[plonkerchops]

Those prices I quoted didnt include Sunroof but keep in mind that the Monaro sunroof is not a factory fitted job like on the sedans, it is done after by HBD. You could get the same thing done for 2k by a place in Artarmon.


I wouldnt worry about oil consumption too much either , bloke I work with has an RX8 and it guzzles real well. Apparently Mazda are/have made their own oil especially for it, and it has to be filled VERY carefully , apparently takes quite some time to filli, something about ensuring that it gets exactly the right amount cos of its seals

[corbz]

Doh.. thanks MNR-O but that needs to stay in the private area me thinks???

if the pics cant be posted in the general section, can anyone describe changes that have taken place... any major changes other than obvious new v6 engine, does it look good? ect

[clixanup]

Wish I had those choices when I was 22, I was driving a 180B.

:yup: 14 year old Commo for me....

Back on topic - I sat in an RX8 at the motor show. Errr - that should be I tried to sit in an RX8 at the motor show....

Me friggin' moccasins are more spacious than those things.

6' + 110 kg = forget about it.

Like the Chrysler Crossfire, the RX8 is a car for little people with little families. If you're planning on using the back seat at all ( ;) ) get the Monaro. Besides, you should be able to get a really good deal with the new models coming...... My tip - find the hungriest dealer in your vicinity and screw 'em down to nothing.

[VX2VESS]

rx8 will hold its value much better

rotarys are supposed to use oil, they pump it up and inject it into the apex seals.

[elisiX]

Thanks ALOT for the responses fellas, keep em coming. Its all appreciated.

I never knew there was a private section? How do you gain acces? LS1 annual fee?

If a mod could pm me the details, id appreciate that also.

It looks more and more like ill get the Monaro. So many of my mates are telling me to get the RX-8 but I really want an auto, and i'd feel like I was wasting money paying extra for the auto and having less performance then the manual.

Also, if I can manage to get a monaro on the road with a roof for under $60 then I wont hesitate.

( I really want to see those VZ pics )

[HRT Stroker]

Access to the "Private"section of the forum is granted after being Validated. To get validated a currently validated member needs to PM or email the Mods and vouch for your personally. Alternatively (and preferably) go out on a cruise or another form of ls1.com.au forum activity for your state........then the organisers (one of the Moderators) will validate you!

[chevypower]

take them both for a drive... both are great cars, but it's personal choice at the end of the day, you win either way...

[LSX-438]

Petrol of course will be higher on the munro.

dont count on it, the RX8 is a thristy beast.

[Merlin]

I agree the RX8 would be thirstier than the munro

I find the RX8 to be completley lacking in torque, you have to really ring the crap out of it to make it perform, wheras the munro would do it all much less effortlessly.

Seeing you have to buy an auto i think its a no-brainer - why would you even consider a model that has 30kw less than its manual sibling, your being robbed!!!!!!!!

[chevypower]

manual sibling hey? You been reading too many of those car magazines again haven't you Merlin? hehe

[Merlin]

no i swear ive been good - have resisted buying motor for the last two months saving me a tidy $16!

[chevypower]

Just think they are approaching $10 each... If you get Wheels and Motor every month, thats nearly $240 per year! ouch! Yeah I rarely buy them anymore...

[Phido]

The RX-8 is limited in power because of the Auto transmission, it doesn't like handling 9000 rpm shifts. Also with the auto, they thought they would try to beef up the low down a bit with some tuning.. I guessing the fuel consumption as a auto will be even worse.. Its still basically a flawed device, RX-8 only really makes sense as a Manual. If you get one you will never truely be happy, not to mention the resale on auto RX8 will I imagine be quite low.. Like a Auto Elise, why the hell.. Flawed device.

Tiny inside, not really economical, 140Kw, its not even quick or powerful. And how much for a tiny 2 door 4 seat 140kw car? I would rather a 325 personally. Or a big engined C class merc if your that way inclined. Much better resale, economical, hell more fun etc.

[scottgre34]

If you would consider a second hand car talk to Keen, he is selling a very nice black GTO coupe... He has photo's posted if you search for em.

Summary, best car for <$65 = M6 R8 clubbie by a mile. :D
Or get an SV8 and spend the $25K you save making your car what ever the hell you want it to be!



I have to agree with WORKEDVYSV8 .. the GTO Coupe or a new HSV R8 clubbie is the go. Test drive one of these babies :D and see if you can keep the smile off your face. The run outs on all current HSV's will be happening soon.

Scott

[chevypower]

I have to disagree, some people will want the RX8, for its handling, and not everybody wants a Commdore, its not all about the engine... But i do wish they would bloody put the turbos back on it!!! (the rotary!)

[markone2]

I have to agree with WORKEDVYSV8 .. the GTO Coupe or a new HSV R8 clubbie is the go. Test drive one of these babies :D and see if you can keep the smile off your face. The run outs on all current HSV's will be happening soon.

Scott

Have to agree here,with the current runout models offered by HSV,there are some outstanding new car buy's now on offer to the public purchaser...ie:

Y series 11 Clubsport $49,773 *Plus orc*

Y series Clubsport R8 $59,990 *Driveaway* Series 11, Brand new

GTO Coupe 3 $68,872 * Driveaway* ex demo

GTO Coupe 3 $69,990 Limited Edition, Brand new, *Plus orc*

This is but one small selection taken from Brisbane's Courier mail Saturday 26th June..( Zupps ),there are a good many more within the $60,000 budget,but just watch for *leaders* / orc on some cars / and what's ex demo and what's not :) ......theres some Bargains out there at present for the switched on buyer...

[elisiX]

Well I went for a drive in Lucas's edited mafless Feb04 Monaro last night and what an experience!! :D

.. I was almost scared. hehe

I think in the end, I will enjoy the Monaro much more and its going to cost me alot less then the RX-8.
To the tune of approx $5k, thats mod money. :mad:

I would like more information on this GTO that is for sale but I seriously doubt my chances or desire to pay for HSV insruance premiums. :)

As stated earlier, if I can get a Monaro for under $60k with roof driveaway, ill jump it.
It seems as though Holden will be able to move on price alot more then Mazda can/will.

[MNR-0]

It seems as though Holden will be able to move on price alot more then Mazda can/will.

Exactly. You will get what you want if you haggle enough. If you already have the finance, do this:

1. Walk into a showroom
2. Say "I want that in red/red with a roof driveaway for $60K"
3. Say "I have finance pre-approved"
4. Say "Im ready to put a deposit on one now"
3. Say "Do we have a deal?"

Let me know how it goes.

[elisiX]

HAHA.. perfect. Sounds like a done deal already. :D

The Alfa is up for sale atm, so ill see how I go over the next week and place my order within the next week/fortnight.

Still going to drive the RX-8 this weekend though, just to make sure.

[The Nurse]

One Sydney dealer had brand new S3 Monaros for $49950 + onroads a couple of weeks ago, so $53k driveaway should be a good deal

[elisiX]

Well I didnt even bother to test drive an Auto RX-8. I took what most of you had said and test drove a Manual RX-8 today. I am seriously dissapointed in the car overall.

The clutch was very easy to use, and the shifter perfect. However I found myself getting frustrated in having to play around with the gears constantly trying to find where there was some torque. Its not a crappy car by any means, but its not a comfortable daily driver thats for sure. While you dont have to wring its neck out to get power, you do need to constantly be above 4000 rpm to be ablr to get the most out of it.

I drove the car for about 30 minutes in total and I must say its very nice inside, better then the Monaro. It has better quality materials and the car is comfortable. Though the seats are not as comfortable as the Monaro. I really just didnt like all the hassle that came with driving in Manual.

I took it to an area that was open so I could give it some poke (thanks for being so understanding mr salesman), and this impressed me alot. The car has alot of getup and go when you have the opportunity and space to give it some. But when it came to traffic and general travel it just wasnt what I was looking for.

I do see more value in the RX-8 then in the Monaro, but I know it wont suit my driving style or requirements.

Now before signing the dotted line on the Monaro I decided to go and actually drive the 147 GTA Selespeed. Really just to get an idea of how much better it may be then my current 147. This has thrown me way off. I absolutley love this bloody car!. It is so powerfull and nimble. Any critisism of Selespeed goes out the window with this car. They have updated the system considerably and it is just incredible. So much smoother and accurate then any transmission ive experienced bar the new DSG in the Audi's.

Problem with this is, optioned the way I want itll still cost $72k with a massive discount from $79k. Im not willing to spend that much so its not an option at this point. Maybe ill come back to Alfa at a later stage.

I checked out the Liberty GT today, and while I didnt get to drive it, (not untill tommorow) I was mighty impressed. Such a nicer package then the previous B4. And at the dealership I went into I happened to run into an old friend who is a sales manager. He assured me he would fix me up if I chose the GT.

Still, I dont want a sedan. I had another look at the Monaro and I think its the go. If I can get it for $60k with roof driveaway, ill sign the dotted line tommorow and put my order in. Redhot/Redhot.

Thanks for all the comments, its been appreciated. Ill be sure to update this thread if anything changes. (im sure it will).

[Swordie]

ElisiX,

Interesting comparisons you have made. The Australian cars are hard to beat as a value for money proposition.

The only rotary I have driven is an RX4, very quick car, it didn't have much down low and could be wound out to 12,000 RPM, no wonder these things used to need allot of engine rebuilds.

[KNoodles]

I paid $57200 inc ORC for mine in April in Melbourne
Brand new, not demo, incl sunroof ... 18km on delivery
You should be able to get a much better price right now, just have to haggle and play a few dealers off against each other.

Good luck..

KNoodles

[kryten2001]

Sounds like you need to take both for a good drive.

Wish I had those choices when I was 22, I was driving a 180B.

Yeap, datsun brother.. I was driving a rusted out Datto GN620 ute at 22.

Geeze, this lucky bloke owns property in the east, and a brand new 65k car to boot... At 22.

Me, I'm considering a fleet of 360's, but I just can't fit them all in the carpark of my penthouse.. Any suggestions?

:rolleyes:

[Leilani7]

thought about an evo or a sti?

[evil_ss]

elisix, have you purchased your car yet? as the missus and i are currently lookin at vz clubby's or to wait till ve and get a ss and perform a 'few' mods.All this and im still doin the 355 build on my current SS.

[Merlin]

Threadminers TM strike again :)

[elisiX]

Yeah got the car 2 months ago.. $54+ on the road with a roof.

Saved $11k. :D

Ive spend $2400 on wheels (got $1500 back for the stockies tho).

The car was in an accident 2 weeks ago when a lady ran up the back of my new car. Its been fixed and I should pick it up tommorow.
The back was farked, bumper and some inside boot floor damage. So im obviously not happy but its had a very thorough repair job and so far im happy.

These things happen. :(

Overall, im very happy with it, tho I will be upgrading to a VZ Monaro within the next 18 months.

[lucas]

The car was in an accident 2 weeks ago
:bawl:


Overall, im very happy with it, tho I will be upgrading to a VZ Monaro within the next 18 months.
ahhh no worries then :D
I'll have to take you for another run sometime now I've got the stroker hehe

[elisiX]

So this time I will literally shitmyself instead of just leaving skiddies? :D

Im still keen on doing the edit + zorst but I think ill wait a little longer.

When booking the car in to get the repairs done, I was asked if I want to put on the VZ rear,
(with the black strip and ports for twin exhaust) but I was later told I couldnt do this.. doh :bash:

Cant wait to get it back on Monday. Here's a pic from the day before she was hit. ;)

http://members.optusnet.com.au/elisix/gor-rim.JPG

[GTS JaZzA]

That is a sweet looking ride. i'd definately reccomend the VZ monaro bonnet for that baby, they look so good in the flesh.

[lovhsv]

nice info thanks