Apart from, it's cheaper and the engines blow up cheaper, too.
This is the R3, btw: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=89706&endYear=2015&modelCode1=RX8&sortBy=distanceASC&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=MAZDA&searchRadius=500&mmt=[MAZDA[RX8[]][]]&listingId=375520301
Nope. I'm a rotary guy and I'd still rather have the 996.
I've driven neither. I really like Mazda's products overall. I can't think of a single reason to go RX8 over 996.
Never driven a RX8, but I love my 996...
Easier to put an LSx in? 
There are some people on this board who'd rather put a 13B into a car than an LSx 
.
Isn't that a bit high for an 09 RX8? I know it's low mileage, but still.
It's about 1500 over KBB or NADA. R3s aren't that easy to find though, so I'd be willing to pay a small premium. $1500 is a little too much though.
The 996 I'm looking at is about $5k over KBB or NADA (but comes with expensive mods that kinda make up the difference). This is the 996, btw: http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/4481366134.html
One clear advantage of the 996 is that it is probably (?) near the bottom of it's depreciation curve.
The mileage and the performance upgrades does make you wonder how easy a life the car has had (new clutch?, hmmmm). Service records would certainly be nice.
In reply to BoxheadTim:
996>RX8
#becauseporsche
The 996 has got a thumbs up from the local Porsche specialist (I've already had it PPI'd). They do know the owner pretty well and confirmed that he looks after his cars. There is also a stack of receipts to go with it.
Without going too much into its history, there is a good chance that it's been driven by several journalists, though. And it wasn't like the journalists owned the car if you get my drift.
chili_head wrote: 996>RX8 #becauseporsche
Yebbut:
RX8 > 996
#cheapertocrash
On the 996, those definitely seem like mods for track use. If it has seen significant track time I would think its worth less than kbb. Even though cost to duplicate would be high.
It's cheaper to maintain, and you won't have problems with some shops not wanting to work on it. It should be easier to sell, less frustrating to fix some of the harder repairs, and you like that it's design is unique; It doesn't look like all it's predecessors. You can also like that when you tell people that it has a rotary engine, they give you a confused look or ask you what is it.
I really love flogging the 996--more than my M3, even more than my turbo Miata. I found the RX8 less fun to autocross and drive on the street than a stock Miata, so I didn't really understand the point. That said, I don't think I've actually seen a R3 in person, let alone driven one.
sevenracer wrote: On the 996, those definitely seem like mods for track use. If it has seen significant track time I would think its worth less than kbb. Even though cost to duplicate would be high.
I don't know if it has seen significant track time (I don't think so) but I'd guess it's seen significant hoon time. Gut feeling says I can't duplicate it for similar money if I buy a completely stock one, but having had 911s before I'm also unpleasantly aware of just how quickly they can drain your wallet...
Forgot to mention - owner maintainability is a big bonus in this equation, especially after the mess that my now defunct go-to shop made of the MR2.
Its a tough choice, but I'd lean 996. Over the short term, I think the RX8 would be cheaper to own, but as they age, the RX8 will likely depreciate significantly whereas the 996 will not. Also, RX8s are not exactly maintenance free either, but are cheaper in terms of some parts. That is a nice RX8 however, and I'm not wild about the 996 body mods. Maybe you should just close your eyes and pick one? 
Drive them both and decide? 
Can't go wrong with either car IMO.
Sorry, LS-free zone here.
amg_rx7 wrote: Drive them both and decide?
I've driven the 996, the big question is if it's worth me doing the 10h round trip to SF to look at the R3 and have to deal with, err, a dealer down there.
LS1 the RX8 and it still wouldnt be as good as a 996.
Because you don't like torque? Because you prefer apex seal failures to IMS bearing failures?
I don't think I'd buy either.
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