I have owned several RX-7's and am a Mazda fan in general. Call me superficial but one look at the Crossfire and a test drive was all it took for me to buy one. The RX-8 just looks clunky to me with a rather cheap looking interior, however the rotary ques are neat and well done. I like the rotary engine and it's willingness to rev and it's smooth and reliable. Car and Driver magazine included the RX-8 in it's "10 best" and the Crossfire, while nominated, didn't make the cut. If your interested in a boy racer go for the RX-8. If you like a little more sophisticated product, buy the Crossfire.