I bought an RX-8 about a month ago and love it. I was actually looking to get a sports sedan because I had been driving a BMW coupe for a couple years and wanted a more usable back seat. What brought me to Mazda was the 6, but as soon as I sat in the 8 I wanted one. I hadn't even looked at the 350Z since I wasn't looking for a sports car at the time.
What I'm getting to is this weekend my friend and I went to a Nissan dealer to check out the Z for fun. Most of what I had read was that the Z was faster than the 8, but the interior was of a poorer quality, and the overall fit and finish were poorer.
Well I checked out the coupe and the roadster, and I have to say I was pretty impressed. While I wouldn't buy the coupe simply because of the lack of a backseat and the claustrophobic feeling inside, the roadster was really nice. I actually found the seats to be nicer than the RX-8's and the interior had a lot of nice touches, such as chrome plates with "350Z" on it, cool gauges on top of the center stack, and a huge bose subwoofer right behind the driver seat.
The top's up-down mechanism was also very impressive, taking only 17 seconds, and hiding beneath a body color panel when down. The sticker price was $37K, I paid $34K for my RX. I didn't get to drive it, but as far as what I saw the only advantage I could see in the RX-8 was having a back seat and possibly the styling which is subjective.
What's everyone else's honest thoughts on the 350Z as compared to the RX-8. I know many people on here are biased to the RX since we own them, and I went to the Z forum and they're all trashing the RX. But I'm interested in what people that have seen both cars, and especially driven both cars, honestly think.
According to magazine articles, the RX is only a half-second slower in the 0-60 than the Z; according to people on the Z forum, there is no comparison.
I'd appreciate any honest, objective opinions people may have to offer. I would never trade my RX-8 in, but I'm just curious.

let me just add this:

I don't want to hear about the HP differences and the fact that the Z has more low-range power. I know that, and it's irrelevant. If I wanted the biggest most powerful engine I could get I would be shopping for American muscle cars. Yes, the RX has to be revved high to get the power out of it - that is how it's supposed to be. Personally, I'd rather drive a car around at 8,000 rpm than have low-range grunt at 3,000. That's a personal preference and doesn't make one car better than the other.

simply put i think it's a stunning car and if i wasnt married i'd be driving a z.

I've driven both cars and like both quite a bit.

It's much easier to drive the Z faster because of all the torque available, you don't need to be in the sweet spot as much as you do the 8, and you don't need to do high launch revs to get the most of the car. Basicly you just get on it and it goes. To me it does feel like it pulls a lot harder on a highway 1.) because it is faster 2.) because of the instant push you get from the torque. That torque can be very seductive to the butt dyno and the overall feeling of how fast a car is. The extra grunt of the 350Z is more obvious at higher speeds as well. If you want numbers in the Rx-8, Cobra, G35 comparo in C&D the 0-100 times were 1.6 sec. better on the G35 and 6.7 sec. 0-130. Expect the Z to be a little faster and maybe even the 8 to be a little slower than those numbers since that was a pre production car and the Z is lighter than the G35 (also claimed to have 10 more HP).

The RX-8 feels lighter and more tossable, however I disagree with the people that call the Z a poor handling pig. Yes it is heavier, no it doesn't handle as well as the 8, however it's no slouch. In fact for the average driver I think the difference will be pretty minimal.

Advantages for the 8

More tossable and nimble
More practical
Unique powerplant
Comfortable ride

Disadvantages

No throw you back in your seat power
Unproven engine with possible reliability concerns


350Z Advantages

Proven powerplant
Lots of torque and power
2 seat sportscar feel
Great exhaust note

Disadvantages

Heavier feeling
Slightly stiffer ride
Less practical


Ike

I wasnt as comfortable in the Z as the 8, and I am not a huge fan of the styling or the interior myself. That being said, I still think it's a good car, although it is a bit out of my price range. It feels much more powerfull, but I like the 8's smoothness more.

Test drove both extensively more than once.

Z, while a fine car, does feel more than just heavy when compared to the RX8...it feels, well...somewhat like a previous generation Z28. The ride also feels like a Z28. Not a bad thing if that's what you're looking for, just not my cup of tea.

Come to think of it, there's nothing about the 350Z that I like better than the RX8....not even the power delivery.

Personally, I love both cars and wish I could have both!! I'd drive the 8 when I needed backseats and i'd drive the Z when I didn't care...that being said if you can live with no backseat and an open top and afford it as well, I think the Z will be tons of fun. I do have to admit I miss having a backseat every now and then...but i'll assure you its not for long. Your comparisons are pretty much ok...the only way to find out is to drive them both. You shouldnt really need other peoples advice. Just go by your own impressions. If you like the Z...then good...if you don't thats ok too. Just don't be a follower and just go blindly by what others say...despite the hate of the car on this forum, I chose the Z myself. Honestly, I think theres something to it, ive noticed the instant that the name "Z" comes up, a lot of people here get very angry, very fast...hopefully i'm not the cause of it because i really like the 8 too...but like i said, i will post when i feel like the Z is being misrepresented...

Just ask yourself if you're happy with you're decision to buy the 8. If you really think you'll be happier in any other car, then perhaps there's something to that and you really will.

....lets just hope i can make a post without ShiftZoom making personal attacks at me :confused:

If you like the Z roadster then I'd just get the S2000 and get a car that handles better, is faster, and is cheaper too.

Just my $.02.

I have no problem with the Z. In fact, I liked it quite a bit, and wouldn't hesitate to buy one if I could live without the back seat. I chose the RX-8 though for several reasons:

- The Z, while excellent handling, felt heavier and more ponderous
- The view out the back of the Z was horrible... I felt like I was trying to see the road behind through a postage stamp sized window. HUGE blind spots. A'course, I didn't get to drive a convertible...
- The car has no back seat, which I kinda need
- I judged real world, usable power to be EQUAL between the 2 cars for my driving style
- I didn't like any one of the FOUR Nissan dealers I tried to deal with. They were all arrogant - and DISHONEST - a$$holes. Not the way to get my business.
- And finally, the thing I like the least about the Z was that when you're driving it, you feel like you're sitting ON the road, versus the '8, which make you feel as though you are a PART of the road.

I also seriously considered the G35 coupe, but ultimately decided against it because of serious (IMHO) reliability and quality control concerns.

Originally posted by Hercules
If you like the Z roadster then I'd just get the S2000 and get a car that handles better, is faster, and is cheaper too.

Just my $.02.

I agree and you may have a choice between the old (03)and new (04)S2Ks.

One thing though zthang, in fairness, is a lot of 350 bashing happens when someone posts something and a troll (who know sif they even have a car half the time) starts making stuff up, calling people names and in general starting a ruckus. When discussing the 350Z some people like it, some dont. But then someone comes in and starts "I dont want to start antyhing, BUT" and then trashes the 8 and raves about the 350. Or G35, or whatever other car was being discussed.

True, there's some overzealous people that jump right in, but it's usually a reactionary response, not a "everything but my 8 sucks" setting.


Originally posted by zthang
Personally, I love both cars and wish I could have both!! I'd drive the 8 when I needed backseats and i'd drive the Z when I didn't care...that being said if you can live with no backseat and an open top and afford it as well, I think the Z will be tons of fun. I do have to admit I miss having a backseat every now and then...but i'll assure you its not for long. Your comparisons are pretty much ok...the only way to find out is to drive them both. You shouldnt really need other peoples advice. Just go by your own impressions. If you like the Z...then good...if you don't thats ok too. Just don't be a follower and just go blindly by what others say...despite the hate of the car on this forum, I chose the Z myself. Honestly, I think theres something to it, ive noticed the instant that the name "Z" comes up, a lot of people here get very angry, very fast...hopefully i'm not the cause of it because i really like the 8 too...but like i said, i will post when i feel like the Z is being misrepresented...

Just ask yourself if you're happy with you're decision to buy the 8. If you really think you'll be happier in any other car, then perhaps there's something to that and you really will.

....lets just hope i can make a post without ShiftZoom making personal attacks at me :confused:

i am clostrophobic so the Z sucks for me.

Z is a great car. but not my cup of tea. If i wanted Power I would get an EVO or STi instead. Since i wanted style RX was the way to go!

I had a similar experience to Omicron with the Nissan dealer here. They weren't even allowing test drives - the 4 Z's they had were up on a platform, and they were basically telling everyone that they can get sticker for any of them whenever they want, so don't bother bargaining or asking too many questions.

Only because I think anything slower than 11:99 in the 1/4 mile is slow. I think both cars are slow. I beat one 350 Z in my 03 Silverado. But that was just an old fashon tree job. I had a real race on the drag strip with another 350 Z. That night I was running .300 to .400 quicker than he ran in my 4 cylinder Z24 automatic Cavalier. Please don't laugh. I've owned, driven, sold & raced Chevrolet for a long time. If your car can't run 13.6 on street tires stay out of the lane next to mine.

I recently switched from Chevy to Mazda, same dealer, for several reasons. There is more to a car than how it runs the 1/4 mile. But do me a favor go back up to the Z kids and inform them of the following:

Your car has veriable assist electric rack and pinion steering
Freestyle Doors
4 Passenger seating
More trunk room
Steering wheel mounted audio - and automatic tranny controls
Front seat mounted side impact air bags
Longer warranty
No cost emergency roadside coverage
Free loaner car during warranty service
Your cars engine is the 2003 engine of the year. Every customer who drives one of my 8's hears that on the demo ride. Every customer gets thrown against the door jam when I introduce them to how the car handles. Ask the Z's owner how quick their hot rods stops?

Guys your RX-8 has 80 cu in. It isn't going to run with a Z06. it might not run with a 350 Z. So if you bought your car looking for 1/4 mile performance I think you made a mistake. I've never tried to see the real performance of the RX-8's on my lot. I think you're nuts to rev a car to 7,500 or 8,000 and dump the clutch. That yields the best 1/4 mile and 60' time. You can do that to your car after you buy it. Folks, I've seen what happens when a drive shaft comes up through the floor. 140 top speed isn't fast enough for you? Zoom Zoom - have a nice day.

p.s. comments are welcome. It's RKing@langs.com

Originally posted by Genom
One thing though zthang, in fairness, is a lot of 350 bashing happens when someone posts something and a troll (who know sif they even have a car half the time) starts making stuff up, calling people names and in general starting a ruckus. When discussing the 350Z some people like it, some dont. But then someone comes in and starts "I dont want to start antyhing, BUT" and then trashes the 8 and raves about the 350. Or G35, or whatever other car was being discussed.

True, there's some overzealous people that jump right in, but it's usually a reactionary response, not a "everything but my 8 sucks" setting.

Thanks for understanding, and I agree with you completely. Like I said before, both cars rock to me.

It all depends on what you are looking for...

Another one..

One more......BTW......(whisper...the Z spanks the RX-8 in performance)....

my god-honest opinion, if anyone actually cares, is that the z is a great car. although im a proud owner of a rx8, i wouldnt mind owning a z. the truth is, there are too many negative comments on both sides, and for one reason, both cars are...well...awesome, for lack of a better term. i believe that my opinion is extremely valid, seeing as how ive driven both cars on many occasions. me and my friend had decided to buy our cars in the same week, his being the 350, and mine being the 8. weve swapped cars many times, and he loves my car just as much as i love his. i CAN admit, both, yes both, cars DO have "flaws".why did i end up with the 8 you ask?, well, its simple, i saw a mazdaspeed rx8 picture in a issue of super street and was blown away at how rediculously beautiful it looked. the cars speed was not the greatest factor,however it is a definite plus, because, do not forget that just because the z is faster, the 8 is NOT slow. ive driven my friends z, and it is FAST. and no, im not saying z's are ugly, far from it,but, you catch my drift. i also chose the 8 because of the smooth ride, 4 seats,and the way it can swerve through traffic on the 91 like a beast.even my friend said his z cant handle like the 8. he loved the way it moved from lane to lane, and the overall "light" feel.

both cars are sik
buy japanese, TRUE japanese

Originally posted by elgueroloco
both cars are sik
buy japanese, TRUE japanese


I agree:D

Originally posted by elgueroloco
my god-honest opinion, if anyone actually cares, is that the z is a great car. although im a proud owner of a rx8, i wouldnt mind owning a z. the truth is, there are too many negative comments on both sides, and for one reason, both cars are...well...awesome, for lack of a better term. i believe that my opinion is extremely valid, seeing as how ive driven both cars on many occasions. me and my friend had decided to buy our cars in the same week, his being the 350, and mine being the 8. weve swapped cars many times, and he loves my car just as much as i love his. i CAN admit, both, yes both, cars DO have "flaws".why did i end up with the 8 you ask?, well, its simple, i saw a mazdaspeed rx8 picture in a issue of super street and was blown away at how rediculously beautiful it looked. the cars speed was not the greatest factor,however it is a definite plus, because, do not forget that just because the z is faster, the 8 is NOT slow. ive driven my friends z, and it is FAST. and no, im not saying z's are ugly, far from it,but, you catch my drift. i also chose the 8 because of the smooth ride, 4 seats,and the way it can swerve through traffic on the 91 like a beast.even my friend said his z cant handle like the 8. he loved the way it moved from lane to lane, and the overall "light" feel.

both cars are sik
buy japanese, TRUE japanese

An awesome post

I love the Z's engine, and it's design. I hate how much it weighs.

Overall, I can't make any real complaints about the car, though. It's a definite step forward from the last generation Z.

Originally posted by shift_zoom8
An awesome post

Agreed

It is probably not safe to assume that the Z convertable will perform and handle exactly like the coupe.

When you take the roof off a car usually you either sacrifice some rigidity (which affects the handling) or you add more weight in the form of bracing to compensate. Usually a little of both in practice.

Depends how good a conversion job Nissan have done. Are there any magazine reviews of the Z convertible yet?

Originally posted by elgueroloco
my god-honest opinion, if anyone actually cares, is that the z is a great car. although im a proud owner of a rx8, i wouldnt mind owning a z. the truth is, there are too many negative comments on both sides, and for one reason, both cars are...well...awesome, for lack of a better term. i believe that my opinion is extremely valid, seeing as how ive driven both cars on many occasions. me and my friend had decided to buy our cars in the same week, his being the 350, and mine being the 8. weve swapped cars many times, and he loves my car just as much as i love his. i CAN admit, both, yes both, cars DO have "flaws".why did i end up with the 8 you ask?, well, its simple, i saw a mazdaspeed rx8 picture in a issue of super street and was blown away at how rediculously beautiful it looked. the cars speed was not the greatest factor,however it is a definite plus, because, do not forget that just because the z is faster, the 8 is NOT slow. ive driven my friends z, and it is FAST. and no, im not saying z's are ugly, far from it,but, you catch my drift. i also chose the 8 because of the smooth ride, 4 seats,and the way it can swerve through traffic on the 91 like a beast.even my friend said his z cant handle like the 8. he loved the way it moved from lane to lane, and the overall "light" feel.

both cars are sik
buy japanese, TRUE japanese

Good stuff. Nothing can beat constructive cristicism

I bought the Z roadster because I was looking for a reasonable fast 2 seater convertable, specifically. But if I wanted a hardtop and/or back seats, I would buy the RX8 over the Z coupe. I also think both makes are very cool.

It's true, I've owned both and it just depends upon what you're looking for, when I initially bought the 8 I was a little hasty and living in the RX-7 past...

Both are great cars, I would call them "Step Cousins", yet for some reason they will be eternally compared to each other, probably because of the resurgence (or is it resurgance?) in Japanese sports cars that we're in the midst of, i.e. RX-8, 350Z, STi, s2000 etc....

IMHO, the RX8 should be compared with the G35 since both have rear seats. The Z is in a different market.

When I spend >$30k for a new car, the car has to be:

1. Safe (both RX8 and G35)
2. Reliable (RX8 is not)
3. Reasonably efficient on gas (RX8's thirst is unacceptable at 12-16 mpg)
4. Made of quality (both cars are)

I've heard too many Rx8s not being able to get proper service on engine, having CEL problems and extremely low gas mileage.

I am a proud owner of an FD and I am willing to put up with the reliability and high maintenance. I am less tolerant on my next purchase though. When you are buying a 4 seater, I expect the car to be more practical, more reliable, and more economical to operate. I would buy a G35 instead of the Rx8 to save myself of the headaches. Let's not forget that a new car is supposed to bring joy.

This is why people pay a premium for BMW and Mercedes. Their service dept is far more knowledgeable. However, they are more expensive. The Infiniti dealerships are far better in service.

So where do you get the idea that the RX8 is unreliable? There aren't really that many cases of people with problems, just look at some of the recent posts with polls here. All new models go through similar trouble, the question is whether the 8 will be reliable once these issues are resolved, and there's not reason to doubt that based on the reliability of the older rx-7's.

It also seems like the mileage improves after a while, and you picked the absolute lows in the range of mileages people have reported here, so I think you're definitely skewing things. I don't think the mileage overall is that far off from that of the G35.

Anyways, how about that recent recall for the G35? They have their own issues, and this one wasn't discovered until 5 years after.

It does seem that lots of Mazda dealers have crappy service, but it's not even a guarantee with even BMW as I've read some horror stories about some BMW dealers in Canada. It's even true that on at least one occasion BMW has tried to deny warranty work when it was their screw-up causing engine failures.

I think a G35 would still be a more worry-free car, but I think you're exaggerating the 8's faults a bit much. It seems that the 8 IS bringing joy to the vast majority of owners, and I hope to be one of those sometime soon.

I got Z'd out...the 8 just has "more"...more for me I guess?