The test shows the cars are very close. I aqree, they are close but I feel as far as ture sports car handling the RX-8 is the better car in that it is more communitve as to were you are with how the car is approaching it limits. I am not saying that the XF is not capable, it is! However, to me, you hit the limits with little warning but that is the case with many cars. For the average Joe, the RX-8 will let you push the limits easier with less risk of lossing control. As for the test they are on 2 different tracks with possibly 2 different dirvers. The temps can also account for the higher slalom time as will tires. Also, since the XF is listed as a V8 on the engine specs I am not sure how accurate the test is? LOL. Like I said I love the XF and RX-8. They are both great cars but they have a totally different feel. I just thru the 8 as a suggestion since they can be found at about the same price as the XF and are fun to drive like the XF.