RX-8 Shinka or Kia Forte Koup?
(2011-08-28 14:30:06) 1. Says: Of these two cars, which is better? They are both used but the 2006 Mazda RX-8 Shinka is a special edition and has 91,000 miles. The dealer has had it inspected and the engine is running great, so that is not an issue. It is in perfect condition. The 2010 Kia Forte koup has 11,000 miles and is in great condition.2. Says: Short Answer: Forte KoupFirst, the Kia doesn't have a 100,000 mile warranty any more.
When the warranty transfers, it halves. Sorry. :(
Second, the RX-8 Shinka is a bad idea if it has 91K miles on it. Especially if you'll be making payments for a few years. Things can go wrong fast. Oh, and check out the gas mileage! Ouch.
Third, I am familiar with the torque band on both cars:
Even though the RX-8 has 60(?!) more hp, it isn't going to feel faster(maybe not even as fast), because it doesn't have all of it's 159lb-ft(?!?!!) of torque until 9K RPM.
The Forte Koup only has 173hp(?!?!?!), which is way less than the Mazda's.
But it has 169lb-ft of torque... more than the Mazda's
The RX-8 does have about 60 more horsepower(173 on the Koup vs 238 on the RX-8)... but let's talk torque:
The Kia Forte Koup has 169lb-ft of torque at 4,000RPM, and the Mazda RX-8 has 159lb-ft of torque at 7500RPM. You want more torque at a lower RPM. In this contest, the Forte Koup wins. Maybe not in a drag race, but definitely in it's around town feel. Commuting and stop and go traffic doesn't work well with having to keep the revs above 6,000 to make the car really go at all! Also, the Koup has appreciable power down to 2000/2500RPM. No way is an RX-8 gonna work like this.
Remember, horsepower is what you read about. Torque is what you feel!
And finally:
I was in the same situation as you... I wanted an RX-8 but I had a bad feeling about them. The Koup really impressed me, so I bought one. But I strongly recommend you get a 2011 if at all possible, especially new. The warranty and substantially improved transmission are worth it. And the automatic has paddle shifters! I use them, all the time.
Oh, did I mention the Koup gets 31mpg highway and the RX-8 gets 23mpg? I get 27mpg pump to pump, but I drive the Koup pretty enthusiastically, just ask the girlfriend!
I'd get less than 20 in the RX-8, for sure.
So again... definitely think you'll be happier with the Forte Koup.3. Says: Kia Forte Koup hands down I like mazda but the rx8 is a no go. also the kia still has 10 year / 100k warranty and you cant beat it.4. Says: Go for Kia, it is more reliable and it is much newer. Tag: RX-8 Shinka or Kia Forte Koup?