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2004 Mazda RX-8 Review
2004 RX-8 Review Summary & Specifications
The RX-8 is not only all-new, but a unique sports car. Its four-seat, four-door configuration is an original design that works. The rotary engine is super smooth, simple, high-revving and almost indestructible, although it's not strong on mid-range acceleration. It's complemented by a beautiful six-speed gearbox and great brakes. It may be argued that the difference between a sports car and sports coupe (such as the Infiniti G35) is semantic, so Mazda's claim to be the first and only true four-seat sports car is stretching things a bit. No matter what you call the RX-8, it's a great car with an innovative approach and admirable engineering.
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| Vehicle Category | Sports Cars |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | RX-8 AT ($25,180); RX-8 MT ($26,680) |
| Engines (standard) | 1.3-liter rotary |
| Transmissions (standard) | six-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) | 1.3-liter, twin-rotor Wankel rotary, 210 hp (AT); 250 hp (MT) |
| Transmissions (optional) | four-speed sequential automatic with steering-wheel paddles; six-speed close-ratio manual |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | ABS; front, side and side-curtain airbags; electronic braking distribution; traction and stability control; seatbelt pretensioners |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-222-5500 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mazdausa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 25180 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mazda RX-8 MT ($26,680) |
| Standard Equipment | in-dash 6-disc CD, keyless entry, power windows, mirrors and door locks |
| Destination Charge | 520 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | MT Sport Package ($1100), including Xenon headlights, DSC with traction control, fog lamps; in-dash 6-disc CD ($500); Rotary Accent Package ($139) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 28939 |
| Horse Power | 250 @ 8500 |
| Torque | 159 @ 5500 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/24 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 174.2/69.7/52.8 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 34.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 35.8/NA/43.0 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 35.5/NA/23.0 |
| Trunk Volume | 7.6 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | multi-link, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 |
| Curb Weight | 2940 |
| Stock Tires | Bridgestone Potenza 225/45R18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated discs with ABS and electronic distribution |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.8 |
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