I was just on the 350 Z website (not as user friendly as the RX-8 one) and noticed that it had very nice seats, it's not a big deal, but then I kept looking around the 360 degree view of the cabin and noticed a little slot with DVD imprinted on it. Will the RX-8 have a dvd option that might come with the navigational system? Not really a big factor for the driver but for passengers like me it's nice, plus what better to do while in a traffic jam than watching how Nicholas cage got out of trouble in Gone in 60 Seconds? :D

First, Gone in 60 Seconds sucked.

Watch Ronin for kick-ass driving :)

Anyhoo, the RX-8 has DVD navigation so that should answer your Q :)

Yeah I saw that movie, actually I was thinking of the Mustang flying over the cars, i.e how to get out of a traffic jam, I loved the V8 Audi in Ronin. Thanks about the dvd, I wonder if it and the navigation are worth $Aus4,000
:confused:

Whoa, easy there, Herc. Just because the NAV is DVD based does not mean that you can play movie DVDs. Normally, the NAV system has a separate, dedicated drive for the Navigation data DVD, and I have yet to see a system where that drive can be used to play movie DVDs.

---jps

Originally posted by Sputnik
Whoa, easy there, Herc. Just because the NAV is DVD based does not mean that you can play movie DVDs. Normally, the NAV system has a separate, dedicated drive for the Navigation data DVD, and I have yet to see a system where that drive can be used to play movie DVDs.

---jps

Listen to this man. The DVD nav in the Z WILL NOT play DVDs. You can watch DVDs via the nav screen, but you will need a stand-alone DVD player and the appropriate RGB conversion to do so.

I recently added a TV Tuner & 10 DVD changer to my RX-8 (http://www.idenmoto.com/~guerrero/ftp/RX8.jpg).

It's great for morning news & sports. The DVD player comes in handy in long road trips.
PIX 1 (http://www.idenmoto.com/~guerrero/ftp/FnF_DVD.JPG)
PIX 2 (http://www.idenmoto.com/~guerrero/ftp/FastNFurious.JPG)

Go to AVElectronic (http://www.avelectronic.com/NavigationTV-Tuner.htm) they sold me the equipment:
http://www.avelectronic.com/NavigationTV-Tuner.htm

Here's where the NavTV unit was installed:
NavTV unit (http://www.idenmoto.com/~guerrero/ftp/NavTV.jpg) and the DVD changer is in the trunk.

Good luck and enjoy!

damn, thats exactly what im looking for... especially great for ECU output

fernando thats awesome.. thats what i wanna do.. exactly. ima look into purchasing the Navi in the spring
right now i want the Mp3 player

Originally posted by FernandoGator
I recently added a TV Tuner & 10 DVD changer to my RX-8 (http://www.idenmoto.com/~guerrero/ftp/RX8.jpg).

It's great for morning news & sports. The DVD player comes in handy in long road trips.
PIX 1 (http://www.idenmoto.com/~guerrero/ftp/FnF_DVD.JPG)
PIX 2 (http://www.idenmoto.com/~guerrero/ftp/FastNFurious.JPG)

Go to AVElectronic (http://www.avelectronic.com/NavigationTV-Tuner.htm) they sold me the equipment:
http://www.avelectronic.com/NavigationTV-Tuner.htm

Here's where the NavTV unit was installed:
NavTV unit (http://www.idenmoto.com/~guerrero/ftp/NavTV.jpg) and the DVD changer is in the trunk.

Good luck and enjoy!

sorry, a little confused.

So did you take the dvd navigation and turn it into a tv? with only that equipment? 500 bucks...

you cant add the nav after the fact, if you want both but can only afford one, get the Nav first, cause that has to come from the factory, the mp3 player can be added at any time after purchase by your dealer, or yourself if you can do it
________
Grey'S Anatomy Dicussion (http://www.tv-gossip.com/greys-anatomy/)

The Nav system drive is capable of reading a DVD-ROM, however it does not have the software needed to process the data from a DVD movie disc and turn it into something that can presents on the screen.

I kinda wish they implement a software update in the stock Nav system to play DVD. I am not looking into modifying too much of my car.

Although I kinda disagree on DVD player onboard. I mean ... doesnt that distract the driver? With a stick shift, it's always easy to forget that while you might not need to go forward, your car might roll backward, and hit someone's car. And the passengers can barely see the screen anyway.

its not for viewing while driving
its to be used during downtime or just as a cool feature

Nav in the 8 is DVD based... but not available in the US. I swear there was a thread on a wiring kit (available in Japan) for DVD playback on the stock Nav drive... but I can't find it for the life of me...

Mazda Japan offers DVD & TV playback on some of their NAV systems. See HERE (http://special.rx-8.mazda.co.jp/closeup/accessory/avsystem1.html)

Man, I think it's great the 8 has a DVD player. That might make up for the anemic rotary they gave you.

"--Z--" I would agree that the Nissan 350 Z has more power than the RX-8 but you must also recognize that it lacks the room, comfort and overall sportiness of the 8. A two-seater sports car is not practical.


READ THIS (http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2003-07-10-rx-8_x.htm)
:D

Guys, just ignore Mr. --Z--. He's only here for trolling - aside from putting down the 8, his only posts are in obscure threads where he writes "..." - post-whoring to get his post count up. Notice his avatar? I wouldn't doubt if he's actually our old troll Blue350Z, who was banned a while ago.

Regards,
Gordon

Originally posted by FernandoGator
"--Z--" I would agree that the Nissan 350 Z has more power than the RX-8 but you must also recognize that it lacks the... overall sportiness of the 8.

READ THIS (http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2003-07-10-rx-8_x.htm)
:D

The practicallity and room i'll agree with...but there are a few ways I could argue that the rx8 lacks the sportiness of the Z.

...and that article was written in july...was it a pre-production model? The writer quotes 247 as the horsepower and not 238.

Originally posted by zthang
The practicallity and room i'll agree with...but there are a few ways I could argue that the rx8 lacks the sportiness of the Z.

...and that article was written in july...was it a pre-production model? The writer quotes 247 as the horsepower and not 238.

With regards to the room and comfort...I can tell you I seriously considered the 8...until I sat in it. I am 6'3" and with the seat back touching the rear seat, I still could not fit comfortably in the driver's seat. The Z, although a 2-seater, allows me much more room AND comfort.

Originally posted by Gord96BRG
Guys, just ignore Mr. --Z--. He's only here for trolling - aside from putting down the 8, his only posts are in obscure threads where he writes "..." - post-whoring to get his post count up. Notice his avatar? I wouldn't doubt if he's actually our old troll Blue350Z, who was banned a while ago.

Regards,
Gordon

Hey Gordo...first of all, I am not here to troll. Okay..maybe a little.
No I am not Blue350Z. I am a whole new and improved post-whore!!!:D Thanks for the warm welcome!

Originally posted by zthang
there are a few ways I could argue that the rx8 lacks the sportiness of the Z.

The RX-8 isn't quite as quick in a straight line as the Z, and the suspension isn't as firm. Those factors don't necessarily mean it isn't as sporty - we've posted the EVO review of the 8 before, but here's a new review from Carpoint Australia (http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/reviews/reviewstory.asp?ID=5121) with a couple of good quotes for you:The RX-8 is one of the most exciting sub-$100,000 cars we've driven in a long time -- more fun than the scintillating Nissan 350Z, and laced with more soulful character than any car we can think of. and There's no doubt that a $62,000 (Australian dollars) car is not cheap, nor can it truly be called affordable. But look at what you're getting, and then decide if this level of performance, practicality and drop-dead gorgeous curves is worth the price of admission. In our book it is, every time. Sorry Mr Nissan, but we'd have the RX-8 over a 350Z any day.

Regards,
Gordon

Gord96BRG, you and the article(s) are right on.

Guys in their late 20's on up with advanced educations and respectable jobs tend to prefer the RX8. Therefore, it's no surprise that magazine writers tend to prefer the RX8. Guys in their late teens to early 20's in the middle of their seven-year junior college to Harvard programs wearing baseball caps and buzzing around town ricer style oblivious to the sardonic laughter directed at them from 360 degrees prefer the 350Z.

Informed versus deformed.
Smart versus fart.
Class versus crass.
The big picture versus microscopic bubblehead.
Leader versus peter.
Boss versus hoss.
Thoroughbred versus donkey with blinders.
Hunk versus punk
Pumpernickel versus pump-your-own-pickle
Rye versus dillweed
Jewel versus Jessica Simpson
Diamond in the rough versus shit in the can

Originally posted by Gord96BRG
The RX-8 isn't quite as quick in a straight line as the Z, and the suspension isn't as firm. Those factors don't necessarily mean it isn't as sporty - we've posted the EVO review of the 8 before, but here's a new review from Carpoint Australia (http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/reviews/reviewstory.asp?ID=5121) with a couple of good quotes for you: and

Regards,
Gordon

Ok, i think its obvious here that BOTH of these cars are SPORTY...we can sit and argue about reviewers opinions that they write in some magazine somewhere in the world about both cars...however my original post was in regards to FernandoGator's comment that the Z was flat out less SPORTY than the 8...i just wanted to state that I disagreed with his statement. There's no need to back up your views of the 8 with magazine quotes...I already know the 8 is sporty...i just had to argue with someone saying its flat out SPORTIER than the Z.

Originally posted by shift_zoom8
Gord96BRG, you and the article(s) are right on.

Guys in their late 20's on up with advanced educations and respectable jobs tend to prefer the RX8. Therefore, it's no surprise that magazine writers tend to prefer the RX8. Guys in their late teens to early 20's in the middle of their seven-year junior college to Harvard programs wearing baseball caps and buzzing around town ricer style oblivious to the sardonic laughter directed at them from 360 degrees prefer the 350Z.

Informed versus deformed.
Smart versus fart.
Class versus crass.
The big picture versus microscopic bubblehead.
Leader versus peter.
Boss versus hoss.
Thoroughbred versus donkey with blinders.
Hunk versus punk
Pumpernickel versus pump-your-own-pickle
Rye versus dillweed
Jewel versus Jessica Simpson
Diamond in the rough versus shit in the can

And to you mr. ShiftZoom....i'm not even gonna argue with youre comments. However, I find it extremely ironic how you think the 8 is the "mature" choice, and then have to justify it with that educated and well informed sonnet. Unless of course the poem refers to the 350Z vs. RX-8 respectively...hahaha...man we all turn to children once we get on the internet!!!:D Flame away!!!


.....BTW I don't mean to be rude or anything, and you don't have to answer my question if you don't want to. But what occupation do you have that is more "respectable" than mine? I just want to know so I can figure out what I should shoot for once I graduate from "Junior College"

I got my Ph.D. from a TOP junior college, then transferred to Harvard to do my undergraduate degree. Yes, in that order, Peter. That's why I'm so mature and ironic.

Zthang, let me guess, your hair sticks straight up and it's buzzed on the sides and FOR SOME ODD REASON you think the combination of that and a 350Z is cool. Oblivious.

Get back to us when you can find ONE SINGLE 350Z owner whose center console storage compartment isn't screwed up and whose door panels' black rubber material hasn't worn. LOL. Oh, and I love the three gauges on top of the console. They look like a 5-year old designed and installed them. And by the way, the Acura TL's engine is much much smoother than the Z's, and it is in fact a better engine.

Originally posted by shift_zoom8

Zthang, let me guess, your hair sticks straight up and it's buzzed on the sides and FOR SOME ODD REASON you think the combination of that and a 350Z is cool. Oblivious.

Get back to us when you can find ONE SINGLE 350Z owner whose center console storage compartment isn't screwed up and whose door panels' black rubber material hasn't worn. LOL. Oh, and I love the three gauges on top of the console. They look like a 5-year old designed and installed them. And by the way, the Acura TL's engine is much much smoother than the Z's, and it is in fact a better engine.

Wow, that was the first comment that I almost took as being offensive. I never thought racial and age discrimination would make it to the internet, seeing as how you have no idea what I look like just as I don't know what you look like. I don't understand why you are so discriminative towards Z drivers. If I said something that insulted you, then I apologize, I realize that I was being rather harsh. And if a Z owner once ticked you off while you were driving or any other reason that would cause you to hate Z drivers, then I apologize on their behalf as well. I'd like to consider myself as a nice guy and I always give a smile and a wave when I see RX-8's drive by. I don't think of 8 owners as snobs or think they genuinely hate for no reason, therefore I'd like to be the first Z owner to extend a hand of friendship on this board. I will no longer say anything that can be construed as negative towards the 8. I WILL however defend the Z if I feel that it is being unfairly represented. So smile buddies, just be glad that we all have cars period. I see people out there who have to take the bus or beg just to get food. We should all feel priveleged just to own a car. I for one appreciate what I have and I will do my part to stop the needless bickering on this forum. To me, the RX-8 is a great car!! It was my 2nd choice if that means anything to you guys...hopefully that makes me at least a little mature.

...btw my center console and door material are in pristine condition.

Guys, calm down. You don't know each other from adam, and insulting others just because of their car choice is pretty silly. This is not a pissing contest.

shift_zoom8.......kill yourself.


Zthang....I have a question....what type of body kit is that in your pic?

Originally posted by zthang
If I said something that insulted you, then I apologize, I realize that I was being rather harsh. And if a Z owner once ticked you off while you were driving or any other reason that would cause you to hate Z drivers, then I apologize on their behalf as well. I'd like to consider myself as a nice guy and I always give a smile and a wave when I see RX-8's drive by. I don't think of 8 owners as snobs or think they genuinely hate for no reason, therefore I'd like to be the first Z owner to extend a hand of friendship on this board. I will no longer say anything that can be construed as negative towards the 8. I WILL however defend the Z if I feel that it is being unfairly represented. So smile buddies, just be glad that we all have cars period. I see people out there who have to take the bus or beg just to get food. We should all feel priveleged just to own a car. I for one appreciate what I have and I will do my part to stop the needless bickering on this forum. To me, the RX-8 is a great car!! It was my 2nd choice if that means anything to you guys...hopefully that makes me at least a little mature.
Well put. Hand of friendship accepted, as far as I'm concerned.

The RX-8 isn't quite as quick in a straight line as the Z, and the suspension isn't as firm

I might agree with that first statement, if even only by .2 sec it's true, but suspension wise?

Is the 350z a 50/50 weight distro? And, is it's center of gravity even on the same scale? If you ask me, the 8 would pretty much own a Z in a slalom or on a skidpad...

I am 6'3" and with the seat back touching the rear seat, I still could not fit comfortably in the driver's seat.

Hmm, that's funny, Im 6'4" and I fit fine, without the seat being all the way back. I had a friend who was 6'7" riding shotgun and a full size adult in the back behind him.. You sure you're talking about the right car?

The Z had plenty of room for me as well, oh but wait it doesn't have back seats! Or does it? If so, I didn't notice them.

Originally posted by DRx

Hmm, that's funny, Im 6'4" and I fit fine, without the seat being all the way back. I had a friend who was 6'7" riding shotgun and a full size adult in the back behind him.. You sure you're talking about the right car?

The Z had plenty of room for me as well, oh but wait it doesn't have back seats! Or does it? If so, I didn't notice them.

6'4 and 6'7"???? Yeah, right. With a full size adult in back?
I got 2 words for you....crack kills. Put the pipe down, chief.
There is no way that scenario would ever play out in an RX8...oh...waitaminute, you play for the NBA...and...and...you had Mazda make you a special "tall-man" edition RX8. My bad.

What's really funny is...I've got 2 friends here that test drove the 8, and both of them said it was uncomfortable. Hell...I had a Mazda SALESMAN tell me his knees hurt when he drove it!!!

The 8 has at least practical seats, not like most other sports cars with back seats that only fit small children well. The thing you fail to notice is that the 8 practically has the dimensions of a 911, yet it manages to accomodate two extra people while keeping the 50/50 balance.

Anyways, z, why don't you go to some honda civic forums? I think you'll have more fun there.

Well, yeah the scenario did play out "chief"... I AM 6'4" and I leave the seat adjusted about 1/2 way back to sit comfortably.

I'm guessing you never actually test drove an 8 or you would know the truth. In fact I doubt you even have a Z. You flame everyone in here like an 8 year old, are you sure you even have a drivers license?

Just to point something out. The 8 does not have a 50/50 weight distribution; it is 52/48; the Z's weight distribution is 53/47.

I don't get all the bashing. The Z is a "faster" car, it out accelerates the 8, and takes it on the track; but it does so with a big bloated feel that matches its "junk in the trunk" back end. The 8, while only two hundred pounds lighter, has a much lighter feeling to it... which inspires more confidence IMO.

The 8, and the Z are great cars. I just think the 8 "feels" better, even if it is a bit slower. Credit Mazda and its engineers.

Oh, by the way, for those who care.... I am picking up my new S2000 on Sunday =D

The 8 does not have a 50/50 weight distribution; it is 52/48

Like many sports cars, they do that to take into account the weight of the average driver. With a 150-200 lb driver, you get your 50/50. That's engineering. I didn't know the Z was close; Im surprised they don't advertise it. And lowered center of gravity is key. I don't see the V6 in the Z being able to make that claim.

Grats on your 2000. Those are sweet :) Only Honda I would ever consider.

Originally posted by DRx
Like many sports cars, they do that to take into account the weight of the average driver. With a 150-200 lb driver, you get your 50/50. That's engineering. I didn't know the Z was close; Im surprised they don't advertise it.

They did advertise...about a year and a half to two years ago when the Z first came out. Also, on the DVD they sent owners (The Run) there was a whole section of the DVD that explained how they achieved that weight distribution. It's called the Mid-Ship platform, which was first seen in the G35 sedan, where the engine is mounted closer to the middle of the car if anyone cares.

whoops....posted twice...

Something I don't see mentioned very often about the 8 is the small moment of inertia (because more of the weight is closer to the center of mass. For those of you that flunked physics, it means that it should be easy for the 8 to change direction, and once turning, it's easy to stop the turn. Basically it means the steering is more responsive. I don't know how the moment of the 8 and z compare, but I'm willing to bet that the z has higher moment.

The 50/50 balance means that the center of gravity is right in the middle (from front to back). I guess that means that it's easier to shift weight forward for steering or back for acceleration. However, I think it is probably easier to feel a difference in the moment of inertia from the driver's seat. I think that contributes to the different feel people get when driving the z and 8.

Personaly, I don't think 99% of the people here or on any other car forum can really tell the difference between a car with a 52/48 balance and one with a 53/47 balance.

IMO the difference in feel between the 8 and the Z comes down to the suspension, and the fact that the 8 is 200 lbs. lighter.