Did anybody else think that that "much faster" car didn't really feel faster? Maybe it was the fact I drove the 350Z right after I drove the Evolution, but when people knock the RX-8 for being slow (which it kinda is), I don't think the 350Z feels much faster at all.

I thought it was......the torque pull is unmistakable.

I'm wondering if anybody else thought that the 350Z interior was butt-ugly? Looks to me like somebody took inspiration from their four-year-old's Mr. Potato Head. Everything looks like they simply drilled a hole and bolted on whatever piece looks good, rather than coming up with a unified scheme...

I didn't find the 350z any faster than the RX8, both "feel" slow IMO.

I almost bought a 350Z ... after driving it. I was not too impressed ... more disappointed than anything.

Seen Nissan's Recall yet?

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13613

didn't like the interior, and the more I think about it I don't like the exterior, at least not as much as the 8, but much better than the Evo, the torque feel was more powerful, but I didn't like the way the Z handled.

the 8 seems even slower than it really is because of that lack of torque but when you look at the speedometer its going faster than you really think. not as fast as a Z maybe but then again it's all relative a Z will get smoked by a vette and so on.

I never drove the z
I think it looks sharp but I dont like the high doors and door handles

of course I think the 8 looks better

Originally posted by mikeb
I never drove the z
I think it looks sharp but I dont like the high doors and door handles

of course I think the 8 looks better

i think the Z is great looking but only 2 seats ruled it out for me.

I test drove the Z twice and the G35 twice. Yes it feels a little faster, but as evereyone else seems to think, the interior is terrible, as are most Nissans.

In my opinion, the 8 is more fun and exciting to drive. Lets not forget, the 8 will pretty much always out-brake the Z. 60-0 in 111 feet is freakin awesome.

I agree with most of you.


I test drove the Z in automatic and manual. The Z is definitely going a little faster but the 274 lb-ft torque doesn't really kick you in the back, and I found that surprising. So I guess both cars are going faster than they "feel," with the Z going a little faster than the 8.


Also, the Z's cornering limits are easier to reach. I went fast and sharp into a right turn and the front tires skipped a little. To give the Z credit, you can feel when it's reaching the limit, but its limit is definitely below the 8's, what with the Z's much heavier front end.


Finally, the Z's interior is definitely built to fall apart....and fast. I've seen many used and demo Z's on dealership lots. Just about every single one of them is falling apart on the inside. The black rubber like material on the doors were worn and faded, if you can believe that. And that nasty swiging compartment door on the center console tends to break (that's why they modified it on the 2004 Z).


My 8 is simply a better car with better technology. I almost bought the Z too, but now I'm more and more convinced that I made the right decision.

Today I closed a deal on my new base package Winning Blue Rx8, tomorrow I pick it up. But, it was a long hard fight for me between going RX8 and buying a 350Z. In the end, the 350Z was just too much of a pig for me (too heavy!). It has a lovely engine and lots of great grunt but like the old cliche, you can teach a pig to dance but in the end you're still dancing with a pig. Well, I think you could make it handle, strip out a good 300 pounds and you would have something, but the RX8 has the reflexes and a light-on-its-feet feeling that a 350Z will never have and in the end it was that balance and poise that sold me over the lovely torque of the 350z's engine.

The 350Z initially impressed me MORE because my initial test drive was straight line, down straight streets and relatively straight freeway sections. But last month friends at Mazda loaned an Rx8 press car to me for a week and after 1000 miles of back country thrashing I was hooked. I went back and drove another 350Z and took the poor salesman to a local curving section of road that I had driven the RX8 through the day before and the contrast was night and day...at the edge of adhesion in hard back-and-forth transitions over undulating pavement the 350Z was all thumbs where the RX8 had been sharp and precise.

In sum, for pure street drivers I think the 350Z is a hot ticket...inexpensive torquey straight line BIG fun. For track and autocross use I will take the Rx8 for its far more precise handling.

congrats and welcome

I test drove the 350 twice. I wasnt REALLY considering it since it was out of my price range, but wanted to make sure I wasnt mising anything and maybe just waiting another 6 months and saving up. I hated the interior as much as the Mazda6. At least the 6 is a cheaper car, but I really thought the 350 could have had a better interior than that.

I enjoyed the 350's feel with straight line running, but really felt as if the car was fighting me in thr sharper turns. I also didnt find a very comfy driving position. It's just too low for my taste and the doors make it even harder for me to get in and out. I did enjoy the car but the stuff that bothered me as well as the price make it a no in my book.

Of course I know some guys who have done a lot of work to their cars and they are looking pretty nice, but the low ride and overall steering still leave me put off. Just aint the car for me.

Now the 8, on the other hand....

I test drove the Z and was relatively uimpressed. As others have said, the car felt heavy. I think its a good car, but not incredibly exciting.

I wrote a more thorough review last May.

The 350z falls far short of what it could have been, especially when you look at cars like the 99-02 Nissan Silvia. Compared to the S15, the 350z has the about same acceleration, worse handling, less interior/storage room, worse visibility and costs more.

Come on, Nissan, 4 years of "progress" and your newest sports car is worse in almost every category??

Originally posted by Brian Goodwin
Today I closed a deal on my new base package Winning Blue Rx8, tomorrow I pick it up.

Many congratulations, Brian! I didn't think you'd be able to resist for long! :D

Regards,
Gordon

I also test drove the 350Z. It had a very nice engine, but the car itself felt very harsh to me, the seating was not comfortable enough for my injured back, and the rear visibility just plain sucked.

Drove the Z, and the G35. The G is a much better car then the Z, which really did not make a lot of sense to me..It feels a lot faster then the 8, but the needle does not move that much faster!

The Z is starting to wear on me, style wise and inside is a disgrace at that price point. It is a very cheap copy of the TT to my eyes.

I thought I was the only one that noticed the difference wasnt that huge. I drove a Track Z right after a MT 8 and loved the latter, but hated the former.

The Z was used so the salesguy let me drive it hard and I left thinking, " THIS is 287 hp??" whereas in the 8 I felt like, "THIS is ONLY 247 hp??"

Maybe it's the smoothness of the rotary vs. that overrated and played out VQ. Who knows.

Originally posted by Gord96BRG
Many congratulations, Brian! I didn't think you'd be able to resist for long! :D

Regards,
Gordon


Hi Gordon,

Yep, I have joined the ranks of Miata/Rx8 owners. Jim Langer at Racing Beat was predicting my fall weeks ago. When Mazda then loaned that press car Rx8 to me for a week...and after seven days said I actually had to give it back, I found it tough to give back and I knew I was going down...I kept asking for "just one more day with it." Then a Miata buddy who works at a nearby Mazda dealer calls me and tells me about a guy failing to pick up his ordered base package Winning Blue and I decided there was no purpose to be served in further resisting fate....

Naturally, my modification focused mind is already thinking about all the ways to get this baby even lighter than it is.....hmmm. Poor thing is barely in the driveway and I am contemplating a dozen mods to improve performance....and the SEMA show is next week! This is going to be fun!

Brian Goodwin
Good-Win Racing
www.good-win-racing.com (http://www.good-win-racing.com)

Congratulations Brian!!!

I tested the 350Z and G35 twice...the G35 came somewhat close to the RX-8, like Neptune and the Sun...the Z seemed fast but....

you did good Brian...Happy Mods..please let us know how it goes

Pam

Brian

when are you going to take your new 8 to Laguna Seca? and it is safe to say that people who know your history with the miata are excited to see what you are going to have as mods.

santino

Thanks for the good words Santino! Looking forward to getting this baby to Laguna Seca, Willow Springs, Button Willow, etc.

But first it is going to take a while to get the setup sorted out and find the right mods and settings. Once we get it set up right, I think it will eat Zs for breakfast....just as our 99 Miata does now. The RX8 certainly has the right DNA for the job. IMHO, it's all a question of the right modifications and maximizing the weight and balance advantage over the Z. I drove a few Zs while working as an instructor at the Streets of Willows a month back and they feel really heavy in the tight sections....that is where the RX8 can take advantage and with the right suspension and enough tire the RX8 should achieve much higher corner speeds.

Now if I can just resist tempation long enough to get through the break in period! Then we will start with basic suspension mods, rims and tires, lighter brake rotors and forged calipers, etc. As an initial goal, I would like to get it down to a fighting weight UNDER 2800 pounds while adding substantially more grip and with significant savings in unsprung weight. And so the adventure begins...

Brian Goodwin
Good-Win Racing (http://www.good-win-racing.com)

I know the 350Z is faster -- it should be, given its hp/torque advantage. However, I don't like the looks -- the droopy tail, the cheap interior, etc... As an overall package, it doesn't come close to the RX-8. Even the G35 is much more desireable to me than the 350Z. And don't even get me started on the sad-looking 350Z convertible -- with the top up, it looks like a bad aftermarket hack job!

Let's not forget that Niassan/Infiniti has also been caught exagerating their hp numbers (re: Q45). Difference is, Mazda pro-actively notified the press and owners of its mistake, Nissan tried to cover up...

Im a Z owner and i resprect your objective opinions about the Z. MOST ppl gave there reasons whey they chose the 8 over the Z and not mindless "pig/slow/ugly" CRAP from s2ki.com fanboys.
Hopefully...there arnt too many fanboys joining this forum and making this place hostile:)

350Z is a spectacular car. Performance per dollar can't be matched. It's clearly a true sports car, a more sophisticated version of my M Roadster. I just prefer RX-8 as a complete package, and yes I do like the styling better imho...

In the end, the 350Z was just too much of a pig for me (too heavy!).

350z: 3188 lbs.
rx8: ~3000 am I right? I don't think its a weight difference... I think its the fact that some time right after they designed the R34, Nissan forgot how to do a suspension/chassis/interior/exterior/engine. At least the shifter throw is short... pff.

According to the weight figures that folks are posting in the racing weight thread the stock sports package RX8 is coming in at 2860 or so which means my base package 6spd is likely about 2850 at most and that's about 350 pounds lighter than a similarly equipped Z....significant enough of a difference to feel on the race track. Nonetheless, certainly you are right that design is a large part of the Z feeling heavier since it does not have a 50/50 balance, has a higher polar moment, etc.

Nonetheless the Z is a striking car....I just flew home from the SEMA show and the Z was without a doubt the most popular car of the show and heavily modified Zs were everywhere with just about every mod you could imagine. I understand that while the Miata has become the best selling sports car of all time, the Z is the best selling sports car of 2003.....and will likely get that title again in 2004 given the current sales pace, quite a success. I just hope the RX8 runs 2500 units a month so that it meets Mazda's goals.

Originally posted by trash259
Im a Z owner and i resprect your objective opinions about the Z. MOST ppl gave there reasons whey they chose the 8 over the Z and not mindless "pig/slow/ugly" CRAP from s2ki.com fanboys.
Hopefully...there arnt too many fanboys joining this forum and making this place hostile:)


I believe the reason so many cars are discussed here, is because everyone is into cars and not very bias in opinions. Usually someone will post something about a car, and it'll be discussed or what not, in a open mined, honest, and intelligent way. I don't remember ever reading on these forums "oh that car is crap, the [whatever] will run all over it cause it's a [insert name of car or company]." No stupidity here, just cars guys discussing what we love best... cars.

Originally posted by DisneyDestroyer
I'm wondering if anybody else thought that the 350Z interior was butt-ugly? Looks to me like somebody took inspiration from their four-year-old's Mr. Potato Head. Everything looks like they simply drilled a hole and bolted on whatever piece looks good, rather than coming up with a unified scheme... Lol Mr. Potato head that's too good...

The Z interior is simple, but at least you can fit in the car. The RX8 had some serious comfort issues. As far as power/torque goes....the 8 is not even in the same class as the Z.

Slow and uncomfortable. Engine had too much bark, not enough bite.

Originally posted by --Z--
The Z interior is simple, but at least you can fit in the car. The RX8 had some serious comfort issues. As far as power/torque goes....the 8 is not even in the same class as the Z.

Slow and uncomfortable. Engine had too much bark, not enough bite.

If thats how you feel, then an evo or sti would hsve been better than the z, no?

I'm still wondering why people keep trying to compare the RX-8 to the Z, they're totally different cars. Instead they should be comparing the 8 to the G35 coupe.

The Z is a true sports car, whether anyone thinks its heavy, slow or has an ugly interior, it is a sports car and should be compared to other sports cars. Whereas with the 8 Mazda tried to make a practical sporty car, Mazda's answer for the Z would be the RX-7 which we'll hopefully see on this continent again. Sure the Z has more horsepower and torque than the 8, but unless you're going to be racing your car who really cares? I've browsed the Z forums and all they talk about when comparing these cars is how they blew the doors off an RX-8 when the light went green, Wow....you can drive in a straight line, congratulations! I wouldn't be surprised if these cars ran very simliar lap times on a track and the 8 might even be quicker than the 350Z, especially on a tight technical track.

Not having test driven the Z I couldn't give a fair opinion on it but going by looks I think its absolutely gorgeous, maybe even better looking than the 8, at least on the outside. The interior styling is rather bland for a car at this price point though and what was Nissan thinking with that puke beige/orangish leather? Without any form of back seat and the base model in Canada being $7000 more than a fully loaded RX-8 ruled it out for me.

For the price I don't think there's a car out there that can compete with the RX-8 in overall styling, performance and function, it really is in a class of its own. The RX-8 is perfect for the person who wants a sports car but also needs some practicality from it.

Originally posted by Jag

Without any form of back seat and the base model in Canada being $7000 more than a fully loaded RX-8 ruled it out for me.

For the price I don't think there's a car out there that can compete with the RX-8 in overall styling, performance and function, it really is in a class of its own. The RX-8 is perfect for the person who wants a sports car but also needs some practicality from it.

Every time I read about someone comparing prices between the Z and the 8, its always in Canadian dollars....is everyone on this board from Canada??

Originally posted by --Z--
The Z interior is simple, but at least you can fit in the car. The RX8 had some serious comfort issues. As far as power/torque goes....the 8 is not even in the same class as the Z.

Slow and uncomfortable. Engine had too much bark, not enough bite.


--Z--...dont take the bait. Most rx8 owners are respectful...let's not turn this into a z vs 8 pissing contest. :)

Hey folks,

I like the Z, but for folks that want to read comparisons, go check the Carpoint review link just posted today in the media section of the forum....an extensive review and they take the RX8 over the 350Z hands down.

Brian Goodwin
Good-Win Racing (http://www.good-win-racing.com)

Originally posted by Brian Goodwin
Hey folks,

I like the Z, but for folks that want to read comparisons, go check the Carpoint review link just posted today in the media section of the forum....an extensive review and they take the RX8 over the 350Z hands down.

Brian Goodwin
Good-Win Racing (http://www.good-win-racing.com)

Well, no kidding, my friend....it would seem that is a Mazda site.
Hmmm.....Next time you post an example comparison, why don't you find something a little more objective and a little less biased. Thanks.

Originally posted by klegg
If thats how you feel, then an evo or sti would hsve been better than the z, no?

Not at all....although quicker than the Z, those 2 entries definitely lack the looks of the Z. They look too much like econoboxes with oversized wings and vents, thank you.

Originally posted by GodWhomIsMike
I believe the reason so many cars are discussed here, is because everyone is into cars and not very bias in opinions. Usually someone will post something about a car, and it'll be discussed or what not, in a open mined, honest, and intelligent way. I don't remember ever reading on these forums "oh that car is crap, the [whatever] will run all over it cause it's a [insert name of car or company]." No stupidity here, just cars guys discussing what we love best... cars.


You're kidding right? I've seen more car bashing on this site in the past couple months than I see on other boards in a year. Don't believe me, take a look at this thread. However I like your attitude and feel the same way, I just wish more people on this board had it.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12963

I've learned a lot by jumping around reading different car sites. Everyone just likes the car they drive, and they'll usually defend their car's superiority whatever anybody else says. I just find it so funny now, how other guys identify their masculinity with their car.

We should try to be different in this forum. Why do we have to justify to other people what car we bought? It's your own damned money that you spent on a car that you think is fun to drive. When trolls come around, we should just ignore them. After all the numbers are mentioned, why we think a car is fun is purely subjective, so why go through all the some tired old arguments you find at every car forum.

The purpose of the forum isn't to defend the 8 (or Mazda) against all other cars. It is to get as much enjoyment from the 8 as we can.

Originally posted by rabinabo
I've learned a lot by jumping around reading different car sites. Everyone just likes the car they drive, and they'll usually defend their car's superiority whatever anybody else says. I just find it so funny now, how other guys identify their masculinity with their car.

We should try to be different in this forum. Why do we have to justify to other people what car we bought? It's your own damned money that you spent on a car that you think is fun to drive. When trolls come around, we should just ignore them. After all the numbers are mentioned, why we think a car is fun is purely subjective, so why go through all the some tired old arguments you find at every car forum.

The purpose of the forum isn't to defend the 8 (or Mazda) against all other cars. It is to get as much enjoyment from the 8 as we can.


You sir are a smart man. The 8 DOES NOT need defending!

Originally posted by IkeWRX
You're kidding right? I've seen more car bashing on this site in the past couple months than I see on other boards in a year. Don't believe me, take a look at this thread. However I like your attitude and feel the same way, I just wish more people on this board had it.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12963

I count:

GodWhomIsMike, Zthang, trash259 & revhappy on this page. That's quite a # of respectful, courteous, adult people considering we've been in <i>soap opera</i> mode since August. Besides, c'mon, it's very hard to bite your tongue when they insult your property.

Ohhh! BTW, ASSHOLES STILL EXIST. Some M'F'er threw a couple eggs at my car last week; and mysteriously a 3" long knife-like cut appeared on my rear bumper. If I only knew who the sucker was, he would be going straight to the hospital.

Originally posted by RX8-TX
I count:

GodWhomIsMike, Zthang, trash259 & revhappy on this page. That's quite a # of respectful, courteous, adult people considering we've been in <i>soap opera</i> mode since August. Besides, c'mon, it's very hard to bite your tongue when they insult your property.

Ohhh! BTW, ASSHOLES STILL EXIST. Some M'F'er threw a couple eggs at my car last week; and mysteriously a 3" long knife-like cut appeared on my rear bumper. If I only knew who the sucker was, he would be going straight to the hospital.

Thank god I live in the woods....

Originally posted by RX8-TX
I count:

GodWhomIsMike, Zthang, trash259 & revhappy on this page. That's quite a # of respectful, courteous, adult people considering we've been in <i>soap opera</i> mode since August. Besides, c'mon, it's very hard to bite your tongue when they insult your property.

Ohhh! BTW, ASSHOLES STILL EXIST. Some M'F'er threw a couple eggs at my car last week; and mysteriously a 3" long knife-like cut appeared on my rear bumper. If I only knew who the sucker was, he would be going straight to the hospital.


Sorry to hear that bud, did the egg do any damage or were you able to get it off fast?

Originally posted by RX8-TX
I count:

GodWhomIsMike, Zthang, trash259 & revhappy on this page. That's quite a # of respectful, courteous, adult people considering we've been in <i>soap opera</i> mode since August. Besides, c'mon, it's very hard to bite your tongue when they insult your property.

Ohhh! BTW, ASSHOLES STILL EXIST. Some M'F'er threw a couple eggs at my car last week; and mysteriously a 3" long knife-like cut appeared on my rear bumper. If I only knew who the sucker was, he would be going straight to the hospital.

Sorry to hear that RX-TX, it just seems some people are just haters. :mad:

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Sorry to hear that bud, did the egg do any damage or were you able to get it off fast?

I caught it after the yolk was drying..so it took me a while to remove it: warm water, lots of patience, and a good coat of wax from the previous car wash helped. I took it to a detailing shop the next morning and they removed whatever it was left (egg shell pieces..)

What I don't get is the cut on the rear bumper...first I thought I bumper into something, then I looked closer and it looks like a cut: the upper end is wider, and starts to narrow down.

Anyways, this is a signal that we need to move to our own house with garage for....er, 5 cars (don't let the wife know that!, I am planning ahead)

Originally posted by RX8-TX
I caught it after the yolk was drying..so it took me a while to remove it: warm water, lots of patience, and a good coat of wax from the previous car wash helped. I took it to a detailing shop the next morning and they removed whatever it was left (egg shell pieces..)

What I don't get is the cut on the rear bumper...first I thought I bumper into something, then I looked closer and it looks like a cut: the upper end is wider, and starts to narrow down.

Anyways, this is a signal that we need to move to our own house with garage for....er, 5 cars (don't let the wife know that!, I am planning ahead)

You are lucky to live in the Dallas area as houses are pretty dam reasonable there. My brother used to live in Dallas and I could not believe what he got for the $ he paid and salaries aren't too bad there either.

Now try to find something like that in New Jersey. :(

Originally posted by revhappy
You are lucky to live in the Dallas area as houses are pretty dam reasonable there. My brother used to live in Dallas and I could not believe what he got for the $ he paid and salaries aren't too bad there either.

Now try to find something like that in New Jersey. :(

I know!...and no State Tax Witholding either..only Federal, MediCare and SS. I guess we have more virgin land to build on.

I think with 150K you can build yourslelf a ~2000 sq-ft house (well, close to that)

Originally posted by RX8-TX
I know!...and no State Tax Witholding either..only Federal, MediCare and SS. I guess we have more virgin land to build on.

I think with 150K you can build yourslelf a ~2000 sq-ft house (well, close to that)

I guess that's the price you pay for having close to the worst air quality in the nation. :)

Originally posted by revhappy
I guess that's the price you pay for having close to the worst air quality in the nation. :)

y'all ain't talkin' 'bout Texas, aren't ya?

Originally posted by RX8-TX
y'all ain't talkin' 'bout Texas, aren't ya?

I'd never talk about Y'all in that way. Now round up that steer by the oil well! :)

Originally posted by revhappy
I'd never talk about Y'all in that way. Now round up that steer by the oil well! :)

http://www.epa.gov/cgi-bin/airnow.cgi?MapName=super&MapType=24a&PollName=PM2.5

Originally posted by RX8-TX
http://www.epa.gov/cgi-bin/airnow.cgi?MapName=super&MapType=24a&PollName=PM2.5

It looks like you guys have gotten a lot better since dubya left your state!!! :)

Just to keep the rant, and get everybody off-topic:

Sorry to see that on your car RX8-TX I know of alot of other Z owners that have been victims of some type of vandalism. Just incase you might think it's just you or the RX-8'rs. Anyway I never had the opprtunity to drive the RX-8 but I have to say honestly that I expected more from Mazda from the car that is to take the crown as the flagship for Mazda. Of course there is a flip side to that coin too as well, I can't begin to tell you how many times those very same sentiments have been said about the Z as well. I was a very big fan of the RX-7 but the days of the Turbo monsters just like the the monsters of the jurasic have seen their days come to past. My reasons for choosing the Z are quite simple I had a Z32 N/A and loved it, and I try not to regret that I ever had to sell it. Like I said big fan of the RX-7, so in that I expected alot for the next generation and when I saw the 4 door for a sports car I thought OMG what were they thinking?! But Mazda did pull it off and it does look sporty but it is no RX-7 and I think that is what pains me about the car the most.

RX8-TX - sorry that happened to you. That really sucks man.

Actually I am not a RX-8 owner, I am kinda leaning more towards a 2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1, because it has more of what I am looking for right now - 305 hp, loud exhaust roar, shaker hood etc etc . I still like the RX-8 based on styling, I think they did a great job in and out on it.

As for these pissing contests that have been going on around here, most of the cars mentioned here got some good selling points like the WRX (and the STi) - they're AWD, they are powerful, and probably fun as hell in the winter months with the snow. The 350Z has a really nice amount of hp, some people like the 2 seater, and it has a lot of features. I am really surprised the Audi TT is discussed here more often since I feel it is a compromise of most cars in the price range. Basically in this pricing range there are a lot of cool cars, everyone styled differently and all with some really good strong points... and yes weak points too.