Car and Drivers newest issue features a test of the Shelby Mustang, 350Z, RX-8, and the Audi TT. I guess they couldn't find a new Crossfire to add to their $35,000 Coupe comparison test.
Now it turns out the newest Z car is faster than ever, and it and the Mustang tied in the 1/4 mile at 13.7 sec, and 104 MPH. The Audi TT ran a 14.6 1/4 mile, the RX-8 could do no better than 15 flat.
The article goes on to complain about the Mustang's poor brakes and handling, the Z car's powerful but still intrusive sounding motor, and the Audi's understeering front wheel drive.
After the dust cleared, and they added up the points, the winner was the 5 year old (and unchanged) Mazda RX-8 that essentially does nothing better than a Limited Crossfire. Unless of course you count using alot more gasoline, and having a back seat a plus for a sports car.
I think it's ashame no Crossfire was included in the comparison road test. But C&D probably never would have got beyond the cramped interior, and poor cup holder.
I guess the Crossfire may not be gone, but it most certainly has been forgotten.

 

I could have loaned em my car if they couldn't find one. But then again, I would hate to see my Crossfire out perform all those other sports cars... LOL!

 

Actually, the '06 / '07 Xfire is still the same as previous years at least performance wise and has been tested before. The 1/4 stats are published. They can be compared to the other cars. It does not surprise me.

 

+fireamx, I saw that too - got it in the mail yesterday.
Thought they would have included a Crossfire as well.
I still can't figure out this RX-8 infatuation the mags/reviews have. I've never driven one, but the numbers don't impress me that much (esp. the 159 lb ft of torque). It's probably smooth, but I wonder what else.
Am I missing something - Anyone driven one/own one?

 

RPM, the RX-8 is a car that needs to be driven to appreciate IMO. I've owned the 1st, and 2nd. generation RX-7's and loved the way they drove. Mazda use to have an ad that said "It just feels right", and every Mazda that I've owned lived up to that statement. Even though I haven't driven an RX-8, I'm sure it's probably the same.
I think the 3rd. generation was by far the best looking, but it was way over priced, and too cramped for me to fit. The latest design is unique, but from the B pillar back just looks like another design studio took over and ruined it. The fact that it's a "4 door" Sports car totally turns me off also.
As always, I'm sure the power delivery is smoother than any piston engine, and if you stay on top of those gears, you can probably keep up with most any other sports car on a twisty road. But I don't believe it "out shines" a Limited Crossfire in any category, and that was the point of my post.
If the 5 year old designed RX-8, can win a comparison test over 3 other cars that have been upgraded, then as far as I'm concerned the Crossfire would have had a very good chance at winning also.
Being as subjective as possible, I rated the Crossfire in all the categories they listed, using what knowledge I had of the other cars from what I've read and personally experienced. My final score for the Crossfire was 200, and the Mazda won with a 198.
To those of you who haven't seen the article, go out and buy the magazine. Look at the categories and how the other car's scored, and do your own scoring of the Crossfire and see what you come up with.

 

Mike...I owned an '82 RX7 also and I can tell you the car was smooth and a great driver. The shifter on the car was wonderful BUT the maintenance was high...you had to make sure all maintenance was done on a timely matter and that you checked the oil constantly. She was an oil burner. Many people bought these things thinking they were indestructible and found out otherwise when they blew the motor. I am assuming the RX8 would be the same way...am with you I don't care for the car and the back seat idea. Must confess I do own a 350Z which has been a wonderful car but don't care for the RX8.

 

For those of you who haven't seen the article, these are the results from the comparison test for the, Mazda RX-8, Audi TT 2.0T, Nissan 350Z, Ford Shelby GT, and Limited Crossfire respectively.

The maximum points allowed for each category is listed in front of the category listing.
The Crossfires ratings are my opinion.

________Vehicle___M__A__N__F__C
10 Driver Comfort__8__9__6__6__7
10 Ergonomics__8__8__8__7__8
05 Rear seat comfort__5__1__0__3__0
05 Rear seat space__5__2__0__4__0
05 Trunk Space__2__5__1__5__5
10 Features/Amenities__8__10__4__3__8
10 Fit & Finish__8__9__6__6__9
10 Interior Styling__8__8__5__6__8
10 Exterior Styling__8__9__7__7__9
05 Rebates/Discounts__1__0__0__0__5
10 As Tested Price__17__14__20__14__20

______________M___A___N___F___C
100 Sub Total__78__75__57__61__79

________Powertrain
20 1/4 mile Acceleration__14__16__20__20__15
05 Flexibility__2__4__5__5__4
05 Fuel Economy__3__5__4__3__5
10 Engine NVH__7__7__5__9__8
10 Transmission__7__8__6__4__5

_____________M___A__N___F____C
50 Sub Total__33__40__40__41__37

________Chassis
20 Performance__20__19__17__15__19
05 Steering Feel__5__4__4__2__3
05 Brake Feel__4__4__4__2__5
10 Handling__10__7__8__6__9
10 Ride__9__8__7__4__7

_____________M___A___N___F___C
50 Sub Total__48__42__40__29__43

________Experience
25 Gotta Have__18__18__14__17__18
25 Fun to Drive__21__17__16__17__23

_______________M____A___N____F____C
GRAND TOTAL__198__192__167__165__200

 

And we know the pros would score it just like you did.

And you can't give it a perfect for paid price, but MRSP. It already got 5 points for the rebate, cannot double dip. So for 35k, I would give it a 15. Making it lose anyways.

 

With respect to the RX8 vs. Crossfire issue, in my experience (one of my sons has a RX8 for his "family" car) they are very close to each other in handling and measurable performance.

Where the Crossfire comes out ahead is in overall drivability since you don't have to keep the revs in the upper reaches to find the car's expected power.

- Bill

 

Isn't it interesting how Car and Driver can set up the scoring to include such subjective categories like "back seat comfort" (when half the cars don't have one), "gotta have it" and "fun factor". How often have we seen cars win objectively to see the selective "subjective" scoring touches declare another car the winner?

Of course they wouldn't do this on purpose...

 

I subscribe to four automotive magazines and I check every month just see if the Crossfire is ever mentioned. Sorry to say, it's just never included in any feature or comparison articles. Too bad. Seems to be abandoned by everyone.