Having owned many Rx7's over the last 14 years, I've been following the story of the Rx8 for some time. I couldn't resist placing my order for a Silver GT with Red\Black leather. I was very hesitant to leave the deposit with the dealer since this is car that none of us have had the chance to drive and many of have never seen in person. I really wish Mazda had stayed true to the mission of the original Rx7 and built a real sports car. It baffles me every time I see the plethora of Mazda 6 ads on TV. It seems like these cars are targeted to the same market??? So, having been a big fan of the new 350Z, I decided to take one for a ride. Even though I haven't driven the Rx8, I immediately regreted leaving that downpayment. I want a sports car. I don't want a sedan, or a car that can't decide what it is. Had I not left that deposit, I'd have a Z in the driveway right now!! I've never owned a Nissan but the car was very impressive. It was very responsive and just felt tight. I'm sure the 8 will be a good car but I think I'm sold on the Z....

This all leads me to ask the question, is anyone interested in buy my option for the cost of my deposit?? $500

C'mon Mike......that Z car doesn't have a rotary!!! Traitor!! :-)

I know what you're saying though.....if I did not need a somewhat fun baby hauler, I might be in the same mind set as you are.

You might want to post something out in the Midwest forum on here. Maybe someone will want your spot in the first allocation and be willing to take your order off your hands.

Hey Kevin...

If all else fails, I know by the time the cars come out, the dealer will have a waiting list...I raised this issue with Bommarito and they wouldn't make any promises...Did they tell you that your deposit was non-refundable?

Yes.....kinda hacked me off a little, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to love the car and it will be a non-issue. They said that they had to make a non-refundable deposit because they did not want people coming in and ordering some odd color/option combination, not really being totally serious about the car, ending up not taking delivery, and then being stuck with a car they can't sell.

I don't really understand their logic, but what are we going to do??? No deposit....no order.

If I don't take delivery of it I was told that I could use the $500 as some kind of dealer credit to put towards a different car or parts/service. I'll just have to load up on some RX-7 parts I guess. Not that $500 gets you very far at the parts counter for RX-7 parts!!

I'm not a fan of Bommarito but they set me up a commercial account when I used to buy a lot of parts. It worked out pretty well....got 15% off on parts...

Who did you work with?

For $500, you may be able to pick up a wheel for your convertible!! And maybe a quart of oil!

PM'd you.....thought we better quit the conversation in this thread so nobody gets creased.

If you have your heart set on the 350Z, then I say go for it. $500 is not chump change, but it's small price to pay for not having buyer remorse. That's would painful to live with. Of course, try your damnedest to get your deposit back. Be persistent, throw a tantrum, threaten them with bad word of mouth, ask for a partial refund, or anything else that you can muster. But if they won't budge, then just cut your lost and move on. Experience is what you get, when you don't get what you want.

Personally I have test driven the 350Z Touring and I really liked the car. I was set to buy it until I started reading all of the reviews out there about it. I still haven't been able to find anywhere reputable that has give the Z a glowing approval rating. If you really want a 350Z go test drive one and then go test drive the comparably equipped Infinity G35 Sport Coupe. Personally after driving both, the Infinity is just a better car, but it is more money as well.

DON'T BUY A 350Z W/O TEST DRIVING THE INFINITY!

The car rides smoother and corners better than the Z and you are not going to notice a 7 HP difference. Plus the nav systems in the cars are totally different. The one in the Z is awful.

More or less for 33,100 (MSRP) you can get an RX-8 with everything the Z has and more. So you take a loss of ~37 HP big deal. Overall the 8 is just a better car.

However if you really have your heart set on a Z read the reviews before you fork out the money for one and then if you still have been persuaded not to buy one, I say go for it.

Just my .02

-Quick

The Z got 2003 sports car of the year!

BUT

The outcome could of been different if the RX-8 was a 2003!

Absolutely. What competition do we foresee for that title in 2004?
The EVO? STI? The Bimmer?

Originally posted by Toadman
Absolutely. What competition do we foresee for that title in 2004?
The EVO? STI? The Bimmer?

i thought I had recently read that Toyota was coming out with a new Supra. One possible engine was a 3.5 litre V-6 making 325hp. Another article mentioned a possible 4.5 litre V-8.

ACRX8 ---

It may have gotten "Sports Car of the Year" but I invite you to:

A) Go test drive one
B) Then go test drive its 2+2 sister, the Infinity G35 Sports Coupe
C) Then read a few articles from sources like Road & Track and Car & Driver and see what they point out as the good and bad points on the car.

I have done all 3 and read more than just the R&T and C&D articles. From everything I have heard the 8 is just a car that is more oriented to the sports car enthusiast than the Z is.

Here's something else to really get you thinking if anyone has ever driven a Miata, specifically one of the newer ones you know that you can throw that car into a hard corner at 60 MPH and it pushes right through the corner like that's its job. Try this with a Z and it spins out like that's its job. Now if the RX-8 handles anywhere close to how the Miata handles, which is the analogy that Mazda has used for handling comparison, I would say the RX-8 is once again just a car that is more oriented to the sports car enthusiast than the Z.

Once again just my .02

What do I know anyways....?

-Quick

Originally posted by jbebernes


i thought I had recently read that Toyota was coming out with a new Supra. One possible engine was a 3.5 litre V-6 making 325hp. Another article mentioned a possible 4.5 litre V-8.

not in time for 2004 voting;)

quicks8,

I had several 1st generation RX-7! They were the best cars I have ever owned. I have been waiting 19 years for the RX-8.

Need to drive one before I buy.

Drove the 350Z - nice car but I need four doors and back seats.

Originally posted by quicks8



Here's something else to really get you thinking if anyone has ever driven a Miata, specifically one of the newer ones you know that you can throw that car into a hard corner at 60 MPH and it pushes right through the corner like that's its job. Try this with a Z and it spins out like that's its job. Now if the RX-8 handles anywhere close to how the Miata handles, which is the analogy that Mazda has used for handling comparison, I would say the RX-8 is once again just a car that is more oriented to the sports car enthusiast than the Z.

Once again just my .02

What do I know anyways....?

-Quick

I'd like to say hi to the forum. I'm new here and looking for a little info on the 8. I thought i could provide some insight into the new 350z. The Z definately feels much more sports oriented than then g35c. The coupe leaves you feeling a little disconnected from the driving experience. A couple of mags has commented on it's handling being better than the Z's. This is simply due to the fact that it has better tires. Don't get me wrong, the g35c is a great car. It's my 2nd favorite reasonable priced car out at the moment (maybe soon to be replaced by the 8, who knows?). Also, the Z handles the corners very well. But if pushed too far it has a push to it (my least favorite thing about the z). You to be pretty stupid to get the car to spin out imo (a lot of people have, lol). But to say "the z spins out like it is it's job" is just a fallacy.

anyway, how long has this forum been open? I look forward to learning more about the 8.

I think they are trying to market the RX-8 what it isnt. It's not a sports car. Its a sports sedan with 1 missing seat. Its design looks more sporty, but whats under the hood doesnt say much. Yes the rotary is unique, but its just not powerful enough for todays standards. Ill wait and see what the final product is like though. If it is still possible to mod it and make it faster then I still may purchase it, but a curb weight neering 3011? sigh...

recent article from uk put it at 1300kg which is something like (sorry if my math is off) 2866lbs.

Hi Zoom44, you think you can post the link to the article please:)

actually rotisserie sheylen already did in the media section here (http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2004) and several people quoted some stuff in the thread but read the whole article.

4car (http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2004) article (I love it)

Hi zoom44 you are to fast for me:mad: ;)

maybe but only by a couple of secs. and your post is coming from south africa:D i did give you credit though, i was thinking of just claiming the find for myself hehe:p

Originally posted by quicks8
ACRX8 ---
Try this with a Z and it spins out like that's its job...

Once again just my .02

What do I know anyways....?

-Quick

This is absolute HORSESH*T! Not once in five months and 8000 miles have I even come close to spinning the Z. Does that mean that it won't? No. Plenty of people on the Z boards who come from FWD Civics and the like who have no idea how to handle a RWD car have spun, and wrecked. I can put the tail out in a neat, precise powerslide and pull it right back in line with just a bit of steering input.

I don't believe for one second that you have any real experience with the Z at speed, otherwise you'd have commented on the over-abudance of understeer that's been unfortunately dialed-in, much to the dismay of many owners.

I don't care if you dislike the Z, but to spread completely false rumors about it being a tail-happy wreck waiting to happen is just uncool. I'll place bets now that within a week of taking delivery some clown, somewhere, will plant his RX-8 into a curb because it doesn't handle like his former FWD car.

Originally posted by droidekaus


This is absolute HORSESH*T! Not once in five months and 8000 miles have I even come close to spinning the Z. Does that mean that it won't? No. Plenty of people on the Z boards who come from FWD Civics and the like who have no idea how to handle a RWD car have spun, and wrecked. I can put the tail out in a neat, precise powerslide and pull it right back in line with just a bit of steering input.

I don't believe for one second that you have any real experience with the Z at speed, otherwise you'd have commented on the over-abudance of understeer that's been unfortunately dialed-in, much to the dismay of many owners.

I don't care if you dislike the Z, but to spread completely false rumors about it being a tail-happy wreck waiting to happen is just uncool. I'll place bets now that within a week of taking delivery some clown, somewhere, will plant his RX-8 into a curb because it doesn't handle like his former FWD car. I agree with most of what you're saying but I'll disagree too :)

The people that are converting from FWD to the RX-8's RWD and have NO EXPERIENCE with a RWD car, probably will be smart enough to keep the DSC on. The DSC will prevent them (and from all reports it's near impossible) to break the tail loose even by full gas on a corner. That's a good system at work there.

However there will be the show-offy types and will turn it off and send their rear end flying into eternity :p

The Z however, does not have a DSC system and thus with too much gas on an exit turn, that rear end CAN (and likely will) go a-flyin'. Granted if you have experience driving RWD cars that won't happen, but many FWD to RWD transfers in the Z won't have the same luxury.

I think the RX-8 will be less prone to doing it only because of the DSC. There are idiots that can make an accident happen in any car, and some cars just make it easier for it to happen. I think the Z is one of those, however since there is a lot of understeer dialed in, even in the Z it's going to be a task. It's not a Vette :)

Originally posted by Hercules
Z however, does not have a DSC system and thus with too much gas on an exit turn, that rear end CAN (and likely will) go a-flyin'.

Wrong. The Z has VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) in the Performance, Touring and Track trimlines. The Enthusiast trim has TCS (Traction Control System) and the Base has nothing, not even an LSD. Hardly any base Zs are being sold, so the chance of anyone test driving one is slim to none.

Originally posted by droidekaus


Wrong. The Z has VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) in the Performance, Touring and Track trimlines. The Enthusiast trim has TCS (Traction Control System) and the Base has nothing, not even an LSD. Hardly any base Zs are being sold, so the chance of anyone test driving one is slim to none. My apologies.

Either car will be pretty tough to whip rear-end out (as I did mention) but the fact the Z is a more powerful at the lower end gives it more ease to stupid drivers making big mistakes.

That said, I hope all dumb drivers crash their RX-8s and go back to the FWD ricemobiles they were driving before, just so the RX-8 maintains a good reputation of not being a ricermobile :)

Originally posted by Oversteer
So, having been a big fan of the new 350Z, I decided to take one for a ride. Even though I haven't driven the Rx8, I immediately regreted leaving that downpayment. I want a sports car. I don't want a sedan, or a car that can't decide what it is. Had I not left that deposit, I'd have a Z in the driveway right now!! I've never owned a Nissan but the car was very impressive. It was very responsive and just felt tight. I'm sure the 8 will be a good car but I think I'm sold on the Z.... Just wait until you test drive the RX-8. :) I haven't driven a Z but the Mazda will be 300-400 lbs lighter, which is significant. It is also very likely not to have understeer-biased tuning from the factory like the Z has. So the RX-8 has 4 doors... does that automatically make it wussy compared to the 350Z? No! :) Just wait... just wait. :)

I drove both as well, the 350Z and G35. There is a reason the G35 won Motor Trend car of the year. It is overall a better car as stated above, you have two extra seats, a sunroof, the NAV is awesome and a lot less will be produced. I see 350Z's everyday and almost never see a 2-dr G35 on the road. Besides I think without the cheap looking door handles and the smoother nose and non-bubble ass-end it even looks better.

Either is a fine car though. But I'm waiting for the Black RX-8 that has my name on it and hopefully will get the best of both the 350Z and G35. We'll see....

PS: put your deposit on E-Bay and I'm sure somebody will snag it.

TJZ-

Here is some advice:

Become an SCCA member and get your Z out on the track and you will be able to really see what it can and can't do. I have run a touring model Z at Mid-Ohio raceway and am very familiar with its handling capabilities. The Z is just not a "cornering machine".

Once you have done this then please feel free to share with the group an opinion that is based on some degree of experience with the car. You can really say that you know how well your car really drives if all you have ever done is "daily driving".

Plus after having the Z on the track you will have a better appreciation for the limits of your car. Not to say the Z is a limited car, but in a controlled environment, i.e. on the track and not on the highway, you can safely push your car to its limits and get a good feel for what it can really do.

droidekaus-

The last 3 cars I have owned have been RWD cars:

89 RX-7
93 RX-7
01 Miata

The VDC DOES NOT keep you from spinning out. You may not actually spin more than once if you have the VDC engaged, but you will spin with enough coaxing if you try and hit a turn too hard.

If all you ever do is daily driving in your car you CANNOT honestly say that you know what you car really can and cannot do, or how it truly handles. I don't care if you have 8,000 or 80,000 miles on your car.

Originally posted by droidekaus

I don't care if you dislike the Z, but to spread completely false rumors about it being a tail-happy wreck waiting to happen is just uncool. I'll place bets now that within a week of taking delivery some clown, somewhere, will plant his RX-8 into a curb because it doesn't handle like his former FWD car.

i think both c&d and r&t said similar things about the Z, along the lines of "you can very quickly have the rear end passing the front" which would lead me to believe that it's a bit spin happy

Originally posted by zoom44


i think both c&d and r&t said similar things about the Z, along the lines of "you can very quickly have the rear end passing the front" which would lead me to believe that it's a bit spin happy

it's not. the Z actually has a little understeer.

Originally posted by quicks8
TJZ-

Here is some advice:

Become an SCCA member and get your Z out on the track and you will be able to really see what it can and can't do. I have run a touring model Z at Mid-Ohio raceway and am very familiar with its handling capabilities. The Z is just not a "cornering machine".

Once you have done this then please feel free to share with the group an opinion that is based on some degree of experience with the car. You can really say that you know how well your car really drives if all you have ever done is "daily driving".

Plus after having the Z on the track you will have a better appreciation for the limits of your car. Not to say the Z is a limited car, but in a controlled environment, i.e. on the track and not on the highway, you can safely push your car to its limits and get a good feel for what it can really do.

Thanks for the advise. I will be visiting my local track quite frequently come spring-time. However, you saying that the "Z spings out like it's its job" leads me to believe that you don't have very much experience with it (which is understandable, as you don't own one). Didn't you say you took one for a test-drive? Regardless, I have spoken with many people that have driven their Z's on a track and the only normal complaint i get is that the car pushes, no complaints about it being spin-happy.

TJZ-

Actually I think you read my post incorrectly.

I have driven one on the track not just in a test drive. I spent 3 1/2 hours of track time with it. It is a truly impressive car. I never stated anywhere that the car was "spin happy". I do not believe this is the case at all.

In my original post I was trying to draw a reference between Mazda's comment that the 8 handles similar to a Miata and the fact that if that was the case that when it comes to handling the 8 will out perform the Z. My statement was that if you were to throw a Miata into a hard corner at 60 MPH (all things being equal) it would yield much better results than if you did this with a Z. If you attempted such a thing with the Z you would do a nice little spin, VDC or no VDC. (Well actually with no VDC you would probably do a few spins, but regardless..)

Doing this with the Miata you would push right through the turn without much difficulty. Well unless you tried to run your Miata on the track with 14" Blizzak snow tires on it, then you would be lucky if you walked away from it. I wouldn't have thought it was true either if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, but 2 years ago I saw a set of 4 Blizzaks on a M1 Miata at a lapping session.

I am glad to hear you will be putting in some track time with your Z this spring/summer. I am sure you will really love the car after that.

Just curious, did you get the Nav system with your Z? If so how do you like it? I haven't actually seen one in person, only in pictures and I have heard mixed reviews from different media sources, but never a review from a "real person" who owns one.

Originally posted by quicks8
droidekaus-

The last 3 cars I have owned have been RWD cars:

89 RX-7
93 RX-7
01 Miata

The VDC DOES NOT keep you from spinning out. You may not actually spin more than once if you have the VDC engaged, but you will spin with enough coaxing if you try and hit a turn too hard.

If all you ever do is daily driving in your car you CANNOT honestly say that you know what you car really can and cannot do, or how it truly handles. I don't care if you have 8,000 or 80,000 miles on your car.

Wow. I don't know what to say. You must be the only person I've heard from who has actually spun the Z on a track, or the sh*ttiest driver in the world. Which one is it? Please, do me a favor and come over to my350z.com with your ridiculous and brazen comments. Not one owner who has seen track time in the Z will back you up. Not one.

My first track session is in March. I'll let you know how it goes. *rolling eyes*

BTW, when I said I can bring the tail around with ease that's with the VDC off. Who the hell would leave it on when trying to push any RWD car in a slide?

Originally posted by quicks8
TJZ-

Actually I think you read my post incorrectly.

I have driven one on the track not just in a test drive. I spent 3 1/2 hours of track time with it. It is a truly impressive car. I never stated anywhere that the car was "spin happy". I do not believe this is the case at all.

In my original post I was trying to draw a reference between Mazda's comment that the 8 handles similar to a Miata and the fact that if that was the case that when it comes to handling the 8 will out perform the Z. My statement was that if you were to throw a Miata into a hard corner at 60 MPH (all things being equal) it would yield much better results than if you did this with a Z. If you attempted such a thing with the Z you would do a nice little spin, VDC or no VDC. (Well actually with no VDC you would probably do a few spins, but regardless..)

Doing this with the Miata you would push right through the turn without much difficulty. Well unless you tried to run your Miata on the track with 14" Blizzak snow tires on it, then you would be lucky if you walked away from it. I wouldn't have thought it was true either if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, but 2 years ago I saw a set of 4 Blizzaks on a M1 Miata at a lapping session.

I am glad to hear you will be putting in some track time with your Z this spring/summer. I am sure you will really love the car after that.

Just curious, did you get the Nav system with your Z? If so how do you like it? I haven't actually seen one in person, only in pictures and I have heard mixed reviews from different media sources, but never a review from a "real person" who owns one.

I suppose i misread your post. Anyway, the miata is a really high standard for the 8 to live up to. We'll see how it turns out.

I did not get the nav in my Z. I don't do very much traveling so the cost doesnt seem justified for just the "neato" factor. Plus, i dont believe it's offered on my model. From what i hear, the owners that have got the nav are pretty happy with it (if that helps at all).

Can you tell me what month is the 8's anticipated debut?

Originally posted by TJZ
Can you tell me what month is the 8's anticipated debut?


Early as June as what most have heard... but officially, all I can say is :confused: .

Originally posted by TJRX8
I drove both as well, the 350Z and G35. There is a reason the G35 won Motor Trend car of the year. It is overall a better car as stated above, you have two extra seats, a sunroof, the NAV is awesome and a lot less will be produced. I see 350Z's everyday and almost never see a 2-dr G35 on the road. Besides I think without the cheap looking door handles and the smoother nose and non-bubble ass-end it even looks better.

Either is a fine car though. But I'm waiting for the Black RX-8 that has my name on it and hopefully will get the best of both the 350Z and G35. We'll see....

PS: put your deposit on E-Bay and I'm sure somebody will snag it.

have you thought about seeing less G35c cuz peeps dont want them?? i have been to the Infinity dealership near my place (tysons, VA) and i saw quite a few G35's in the front lot, and plenty of them in their "backyard" new and untouched. however, when i go to the Nissan dealer (right next to Infinity), they only have one Z left. i believe people want Z more than the G35c no matter what. and i believe Z will worth more in the future..cuz well, it's a Z!!! who wants a "G35" in a few years?
no offense on the G35c..it's a beautiful car and it's a sis to the Z, yet, i'll pick a Z over it anyday.
now, only time will tell if rx8 will live up to it's hype...by then, i'll make my decision on which one to get :D

Originally posted by Hercules
The people that are converting from FWD to the RX-8's RWD and have NO EXPERIENCE with a RWD car, probably will be smart enough to keep the DSC on. The DSC will prevent them (and from all reports it's near impossible) to break the tail loose even by full gas on a corner. That's a good system at work there.

I wouldn't be so confident about the inability to spin the RX-8 just because of the DSC. Granted, it may be good enough to keep the tail tucked in on full throttle, but that's not the only way to spin a car.

You can also spin a car with too little throttle, and it is my guess that too little throttle is the real reason most novices spin their cars. If you take a turn at the limits of adhesion, then you lift out of the throttle (or worse hit the brakes), the weight of the car shifts forward giving more traction to the front tires and less to the rear. The result is a nice spin. This is why most cars have lots of understeer built into them...because the average driver doesn't realize the dynamics of handling and their "panic instinct" is to slow down whenever things get hairy. An understeering car becomes neutral when you slow down. A neutral car moves to oversteer when you slow down. For this reason, there may be MORE spun RX-8's than spun Z's.

I expect the RX-8 to be very well balanced, much like the 3rd gen RX-7. If the RX-8 handles like the RX-7, it will be much easier to spin the car when you lift off the throttle then it will be to spin it on the throttle. As an example, I have had my RX-7 on a skid pad. Going around the skid pad, the only way I can get the tail out is to let off the throttle. When the tail gets too far out of line, full throttle tucks it right back in. There is no DSC or TCS on the RX-7. Full throttle is handled by the excellent suspension tuning.

Originally posted by suckmdk69


have you thought about seeing less G35c cuz peeps dont want them?? i have been to the Infinity dealership near my place (tysons, VA) and i saw quite a few G35's in the front lot, and plenty of them in their "backyard" new and untouched. however, when i go to the Nissan dealer (right next to Infinity), they only have one Z left. .......


Funny how that works. In Tampa there is a Nissan and Infinity dealer side by side. The last time I was there Nissan had 8 350Z's, 7 available. The Infinity dealer had 4 G35C, 3 sold that day. They have been selling them as fast as they can unload them. I wonder how the allotments compare from your dealer to this one.

Demographics has a lot to do with sales also. The buyers down here are a little more refined, educated, and intelligent, afterall they live in warm weather year around!!!! :-) JUST KIDDING before all you unlucky Northerners start blasting the South. Who would give up freezing cold and snow covered roads for Florida's 350+ days of car friendly great driving weather anyway..... ME!

Florida sucks. Its all bout Cali...

As a side note, Tampa Bay sucks too, along with your pansy orange wearing football team. Go raidas!

Originally posted by ToRX-8orToZ
Florida sucks. Its all bout Cali...

As a side note, Tampa Bay sucks too, along with your pansy orange wearing football team. Go raidas!

Real intelligent, best kept for the Honda forums filled with little punk kids and their "fart pipes". BTW the Bucs haven't worn Orange in a few years, not that I care because I'm not a BUCS fan anyway. Tampa doesn't suck either it's actually a great place to live. Parts of California are great too, San Diego is one of them. Too each his own.


PS: F@*ck the Raiders!

Originally posted by TJRX8

BTW the Bucs haven't worn Orange in a few years,
COLOR]

yea, i certainly hope he wasn't referring to the Gators.....

And if he was?

Wow, I really never expected to see so many twerpy punks on an RX-8 forum. I hate to think of these guys being seen in the same kind of car I drive. Now I know how normal people who try to drive Civics feel. I sure hope I don't end up being identified with guys who drive around giving "shouts out to der peeps" and such out the window of RX-8s with big chrome aftermarket tailpipes. Hopefully they can't afford 30k for a car but I imagine there will be enough living in their parents basements to deface a few 8s and make us cringe. Oh well. :(

It happens to the best of us.......thats why i bought a WRX...

Originally posted by Boost Inside
And if he was?
Then he sucks b/c the Gators rock.

<<Real intelligent, best kept for the Honda forums filled with little punk kids and their "fart pipes". BTW the Bucs haven't worn Orange in a few years, not that I care because I'm not a BUCS fan anyway. Tampa doesn't suck either it's actually a great place to live. Parts of California are great too, San Diego is one of them. Too each his own. >>

Relax, I'm just having a little fun with you.

Namely because:

1) I'm a Raider fan who hates the bucs.

and

2) I'm a Notre Dame fan who hates the gators.

As for issues of intelligence, I'm not sure you really want to be the person making assumptions. Considering you don't know how to use a comma or semicolon correctly, chances are that if you indeed did manage to graduate from an institution of higher learning, it was because you ordered a diploma via fed ex.

Isn't the weight distribution of a 350Z about 53/47 (stick)

So when the 350Z convertible comes, won't the top + chasis bracing add more weight to the rear. So won't the drop top come in at 51/49 weight distribution.


What is the widest tire that one can get on the Z, 235/40 18 front 265/35 18 rear?

Originally posted by MikeW
Isn't the weight distribution of a 350Z about 53/47 (stick)

So when the 350Z convertible comes, won't the top + chasis bracing add more weight to the rear. So won't the drop top come in at 51/49 weight distribution.


What is the widest tire that one can get on the Z, 235/40 18 front 265/35 18 rear?
But what about the loss of the weight of the roof?

on net, the addition of the convertable roof and associated structual changes certainly increases the wieght...
but i'm not sure it'd swing nearly 300 more pounds to the rear of the vehicle, Mike ;)
besides, less weight with worse balance is still faster than more wieght with slightly better balance...

0.475*3300 lbs=1567.5 lbs +200 to the car (50 front/150 rear) 1717.5 lbs
1717.5/3500 49%
The new beetle convertible comes in at 3200 lbs, 300 more than the coupe.
G35 coupe (from car and driver)3485 lbs, 54.1,45.9 f/r %e

Originally posted by quicks8
If you really want a 350Z go test drive one and then go test drive the comparably equipped Infinity G35 Sport Coupe. Personally after driving both, the Infinity is just a better car, but it is more money as well.

DON'T BUY A 350Z W/O TEST DRIVING THE INFINITY!

He's right...don't buy the 350Z unles you check out the G35 first.

BUT, about the G35 being more expensive--
my sister just bought a G35 for $35K. They had PLENTY in stock at the Infinity dealership. The Nissan Dealership here had only 2 Z's and want $42K and $43K!!!!! (markup like a mutha)
Of course she went with the G35--$8K less expensive AND more luxurious? There's no question. :D

Originally posted by Fëakhelek
Wow, I really never expected to see so many twerpy punks on an RX-8 forum. I hate to think of these guys being seen in the same kind of car I drive. Now I know how normal people who try to drive Civics feel. I sure hope I don't end up being identified with guys who drive around giving "shouts out to der peeps" and such out the window of RX-8s with big chrome aftermarket tailpipes. Hopefully they can't afford 30k for a car but I imagine there will be enough living in their parents basements to deface a few 8s and make us cringe. Oh well. :(
LOLOLOLOLOL!!! :D

Originally posted by wakeech
besides, less weight with worse balance is still faster than more wieght with slightly better balance...
Well put! :D

Originally posted by MikeW
G35 coupe (from car and driver)3485 lbs, 54.1,45.9 f/r %e
:eek: [insert pig smiley here] :D

Seconded....I would rather you go try out Infiniti G35 Coupe for that price.

With regards to RX8, the styling and engine chasis is totally a different design....no comparison in this case...

The 350Z is a nice ride no doubt.....since you're so set....congrats on the choice :)

I've owned a 92 Z32 TT and have had a fun time with her :)

Greetings!
Heavenscent

Originally posted by ToRX-8orToZ
Florida sucks. Its all bout Cali...

As a side note, Tampa Bay sucks too, along with your pansy orange wearing football team. Go raidas!


So much for your Gaidas!


The G35 Coupe was reviewed on Car and Driver TV today. They summed it up by saying the G35 out "Z's" the "Z".

Which is pretty sad considering that the Z was intended to do what the G35C delivers on :p

By the way, what channel does C&D TV come on?

Thanks!

Originally posted by Hercules
Which is pretty sad considering that the Z was intended to do what the G35C delivers on :p

By the way, what channel does C&D TV come on?


TNN down here in Tampa Bay Home of the Superbowl Champs!!! ;-)

Originally posted by Renesis08



Early as June as what most have heard... but officially, all I can say is :confused: .

Hi, I am new to the forum BTW, but I just ordered my RX-8 on Saturday, and the dealer told me late April... Maybe it was just a sales tactic. :(

Originally posted by TJRX8



TNN down here in Tampa Bay Home of the Superbowl Champs!!! ;-) Thanks a lot :)

Originally posted by JTek_55


Hi, I am new to the forum BTW, but I just ordered my RX-8 on Saturday, and the dealer told me late April... Maybe it was just a sales tactic. :(

I don't think that claim is unrealistic. Certainly optimisitic, but with vehicles potentially coming off the line in late may, it could happen ::crossing fingers::

Originally posted by quicks8
ACRX8 ---

Here's something else to really get you thinking if anyone has ever driven a Miata, specifically one of the newer ones you know that you can throw that car into a hard corner at 60 MPH and it pushes right through the corner like that's its job. Try this with a Z and it spins out like that's its job.

-Quick

The 350Z/G35 Coupe are a bit nose heavy and will sashay their tails when provoked. Futher evidence of this is the difference in tire size front to rear. But they have the most wonderful Vehicle Dynamic Control I've seen yet (as good as or better then the Stabilitrak 2 stability control in the Corvettes and worlds better than the stability control in the M5).

It is a 'soft' control unlike the German's 'hard' control. The M5 can't be launched w/o turning traction control off, it refuses to spin a rear tire or let the back end step-out. The Stabilitrak software allows some movement but then 'catches'. The 350Z and G35 alows a bit of step-out and then 'catches' the oversteer in a very fluid fashion.

Given my druthers I'd take the G35 over the Z. It's a bit more refined. But the RX-8, on paper, looks like the better machine for a number of reasons that belong in another post. I haven't done a good debrief of my editor's time in the RX-8. Hopefully this weekend.

BTW, my Miata would oversteer at the drop of the hat until we had the toe out in the rear wheels corrected. ;-)

Originally posted by atr_hugo
...BTW, my Miata would oversteer at the drop of the hat until we had the toe out in the rear wheels corrected. ;-) Yeah, that's the thing when you are talking about oversteer/understeer with a car that's as balanced as a Miata. Oversteer/understeer is more affected by things like alignment, tire pressures, and most importantly, driving style.

---jps

This topic has wandered quite a bit, but in California at least a car deposit is fully refundable at any time prior to driving the car off the lot. Salesmen will tell you different of course--they don't want you to walk away from a sale.
________
M54 (http://www.bmw-tech.org/wiki/BMW_M54)