mazdaspeed 3 is a nice little quick car....... however, in order to deal w/ torque steer, maximum output of the turbo motor has been reduced in first and second gear(a problem no one seems to be able to eliminate on a high powered fwd). that's why i have only used my fwd for grocery shopping. still, that's my personal preferance. also, you cant really compare the ms3 to the rx-8. The rx-8 is rwd, closer to been a real sports car. lastly, there aren't much cosmetic differences between a regular 3 to a ms3. most likely just different seating, some mazdaspeed logos here and there on the interior, and engine hood(mostly for the intercooler), lower aprons, and that big wing for the exterior. oh yeah, wheels, tires and brakes! just my 2 cents...