RV 6/7/8 differences
I have flown all three. Owned a -6 for years and over 155 hrs on the -8 and a few hrs in the -7.
When I first started flying the RV8, I noticed that it was heavier in the stick than the RV6 and RV7.
I think that the RV6 was lightest in control response across the board, the RV7 next and then the RV8. (Although different power and loading surely has some impact on this.)
In roll, I don't think it is that much different, but the RV6 seems to be lightest.
In pitch, the RV6 is definitely lighter on stick forces; however, as someone opined earlier, as the CG moves back on the RV8, they do get lighter.
In my opinion, the RV6 was the nicest handling, with the RV7 a very close second. The RV8 is dependent on how it is loaded....with a forward CG you get a heavier stick. On the RV6, the passenger and baggage weight stays closer to the spar, due to side by side seating, which works to keep it more nimble. (My opinion)
I also found the RV8 to be a little less forgiving in landings and it took a while to be able to consistently land it as well as I did my RV6.
Don't get me wrong, I love my RV8, but there are differences between the different RV types. (Still looking forward to trying on an RV9!)