i was actually in the same position 2 months ago. rx8, eclipse gt convertible or a GTI
I test drove all 3 of them.
Everything mentioned above is right, the eclipse has to much torque for a front wheel drive car, the rx8 doesnt have enough. GTI is spot on.
Quality wise: The eclipse jus felt cheaply made, they were limited options available for driver comfort. Granted i did like the 10" Rockford frosgate sub but the onboard computer was crap. Unless you get leather, the seats feel to soft and are depressing as crap.
The RX8 was nice inside i couldnt really complain, i liked the small hints that the car was a rotary engine. Only if they made the rear triangle an exhaust pipe would of been a nice touch.
MPG: both the eclipse and RX8 sucked, for different reason, the eclipse is a 3.8v6 the RX8 w/ its 1.3 4cylinder needs high revs both scenario's require more gas than the GTI
Handling: The RX8 clearly won, it was perfect, rear wheel drive, evenly balanced, i just couldnt get over the fact it felt slow.
Obviously i went w/ a GTI. I have no regrets at all. Highway cruising is great, smooth, great gas mileage, i actually average on the highway its VW posted numbers. In city its a lil different but im not goin to complain, this im not exactly driving like grandma. The interior, exterior, and engine either won or was real close to winning each category in my book.
Summary: BUY A GTI