RX8 is pretty far from what a TDI represents. It’s just a completely different car and driving experience.
The RX8 platform seems tempting, but it’s mostly the real-life version of clickbait. Used examples can be had pretty cheap. I’ve seen “decent” RX8s pop up for $3k on Craigslist. Unfortunately, like I said, they are a ruse.
While the engine is fun to buzz, they have a short life and lack reliability. A lot of people say this is because “people don’t know how to take care of them.” Translation: the rotary motors drink oil slightly slower than they drink fuel. People underestimate how often it will need the oil topped up and the motor often runs low.
A friend of mine had a ~2005 RX8 for a bit. He was skilled driver, and he made that car do some spectacular things, handling/suspension wise. It was slightly modified, but the suspension was mostly stock I believe.
I remember one time we weee going over a neighborhood speed bump at about 8mph. I don’t know what he did, but he flicked that car sideways and we rode over that speed bump about 75degrees cocked, like a wave in the ocean.
The interior also reeked of motor oil and most of the surfaces shined with oil residue. He kept a bottle in his drivers map pocket.
