Thought the subject would tell it all....

I want to make an even trade for my M3 for either a 350z or an Rx-8. I know this forum is a little biased toward what I should do but I was just wondering what made everyone on the forum choose the Rx over the Z.

What year M3?

I preferred the ride and feel of the RX-8, it was $10k+ less expensive than the Z, didn't like the interior of the Z, for all the talk of hp in the Z I thought it felt sluggish (I traded my M3 in on the RX-8) and the styling was better on the RX-8. I can also throw a little money at the 8 and make it faster than the Z. If I was going to get any other car than the 8 it would've been an '04 M3 and that is what my decision was really based on. The Z was blah for the price IMHO.

back seats the rx-8 has 2 the z has none. the rx-8 is deffinately the better handler as well.

What I say is get the best motoring international Z shock and Rotary reborn and make your decision from those. Those videos are very descriptive and you know for a fact that these guys really love both cars. They go through a comprehensive test and go through all of the components and its really amazing how much they know and how much you can learn from them.

I was amazed to learn about the Zs aero covers for their suspension! Its really awsome get the vids and make your decision its a small price to pay and you dont have to listen to bs either like mine lol.

good luck !

Why don't you drive them both and see which you like better.

I'm not bias, Im very neutral. Here are the reasons I bought the Rx-8.

1) the 350Z drives like a boat.
2) when you make a turn in the Z you FEEL the weight of the car.
3) the 350Z loses its breath when it hits 4100 RPM. It fees like a butterfly at that point.
4) It looks like a bar of soap.
5) the interior/dash looks like it was put together by a 10 year old with his first lego set.
6) the shifter was bulky
7) it sounds like ass
8) the door handles are fugly.
9) its too heavy.
10) the stereo sucked.
11) it did not inspire me in the least. I may as well have test driven a civic.
12) the engine is rough and whinney.
13) my 1979 VW rabbit had a nicer interior.
14) I wanted a moonroof
15) the leather material was cheap.


I have some more I just cant think of them right now.

Originally posted by zerohour
What I say is get the best motoring international Z shock and Rotary reborn and make your decision from those. Those videos are very descriptive and you know for a fact that these guys really love both cars. They go through a comprehensive test and go through all of the components and its really amazing how much they know and how much you can learn from them.

I was amazed to learn about the Zs aero covers for their suspension! Its really awsome get the vids and make your decision its a small price to pay and you dont have to listen to bs either like mine lol.

good luck !

Where'd you find these vids? Are they downloadable? You've officially whetted my appetite...i want to see them

Originally posted by zerobanger

10) the stereo sucked.

Hmm, the 8 stereo isn't exactly knocking my socks off...

I like the 8's Bose system and MP3 player. Sounds great for a factory stereo.

Hmm I like the m3 , what year was it ?

Originally posted by zerobanger
I'm not bias, Im very neutral. Here are the reasons I bought the Rx-8.

1) the 350Z drives like a boat.
2) when you make a turn in the Z you FEEL the weight of the car.
3) the 350Z loses its breath when it hits 4100 RPM. It fees like a butterfly at that point.
4) It looks like a bar of soap.
5) the interior/dash looks like it was put together by a 10 year old with his first lego set.
6) the shifter was bulky
7) it sounds like ass
8) the door handles are fugly.
9) its too heavy.
10) the stereo sucked.
11) it did not inspire me in the least. I may as well have test driven a civic.
12) the engine is rough and whinney.
13) my 1979 VW rabbit had a nicer interior.
14) I wanted a moonroof
15) the leather material was cheap.


I have some more I just cant think of them right now.

Hate to break it to you zerohour, but your're just about as biased as they come on the boards, and you seem to love to bash other cars. I don't know what Z you drove but I've seen you talk about the Z running out of breath or not pulling hard a few times now. I'm sorry but you are numb to driving dynamics and acceleration if you feel that way. Plus it hardly handles like a boat, it does feel heavier, but overall it handles rather well especially once you get used to it. One could say the RX-8 is more confidence inspiring than the RX-8 though due to it feeling more comfortable at it's limits.

To the original poster, drive them both. They both handle really well, with the edge to the RX-8. In the straights the Z pulls harder. In the Z it really feels like you're sitting on the floor and the ride is very stiff, which some may view as good and others bad. The interior and exterior are certainly subjective, save for one thing, the seats. If you need 4 seats then rule out the Z and take a look at the G35C and compare that to the 8.

I';d have to agree that the Z bashing was as bias as it comes. I simply liked the look of the Rx8 better then the Z, and the 4 dooor and reat seats sold me. There's just no way anyone should knock the Z, because it is a fabulous machine. If having less power bothers you, then I'd go with the Z. I do not prefer the Z at all, but it's a personal preference, and being neutral, I'd have to say it is a great machine as well as Rx8. Drive them both, and you'll know what you want. We all have our own preferences, and the Z is the right choice for some people, the rx8 for others.

My decision came down to the Z or the 8. I had deals worked on both and went out on a Saturday to re-test drive and decide. I started at Mazda and never made it to Nissan. The 8 is just a (in my opinion) superior vehicle. And I have always wanted a Z. But it all comes down to personal preference.

Banger, your so biased its not even funny. All you do is go over to the Z forums and annoy the hell out of people about how your RX7 will own a 350z. Thats all you bloody do.

Originally posted by VikingDJ
I';d have to agree that the Z bashing was as bias as it comes. I simply liked the look of the Rx8 better then the Z, and the 4 dooor and reat seats sold me. There's just no way anyone should knock the Z, because it is a fabulous machine. If having less power bothers you, then I'd go with the Z. I do not prefer the Z at all, but it's a personal preference, and being neutral, I'd have to say it is a great machine as well as Rx8. Drive them both, and you'll know what you want. We all have our own preferences, and the Z is the right choice for some people, the rx8 for others.

Well said, both are great cars. I think they're quite different cars though, so one of the other will always be a better fit depending on the buyer. But why would you want one of them over an M3 unless you don't have a choice financially?

Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Hate to break it to you zerohour, but your're just about as biased as they come on the boards, and you seem to love to bash other cars.



other cars? Ok, lets assume you think im bashing the Z, although its my opinion. What other car have I bashed?




I don't know what Z you drove but I've seen you talk about the Z running out of breath or not pulling hard a few times now. I'm sorry but you are numb to driving dynamics and acceleration if you feel that way.


owning an rx7 and an rx8 I think I know driving dynamics. The 350 Z I drove was a convertible at the oakland CA Nissan dealership. when you hit around 4000 the engine gets buzzy, runs out of breath and the shift light comes on.


Plus it hardly handles like a boat, it does feel heavier, but overall it handles rather well especially once you get used to it. One could say the RX-8 is more confidence inspiring than the RX-8 though due to it feeling more comfortable at it's limits.



Im not sure what you meant, but ok.

Originally posted by poison123
Banger, your so biased its not even funny. All you do is go over to the Z forums and annoy the hell out of people about how your RX7 will own a 350z. Thats all you bloody do.

Ok, I admit I push the envelope, but it didn't start that way. I got tired of all the Anti - rX-8 posts. I mean threads like "Rx-8 owners are stupid" or "An rx-8 runs 14.3 and breaks its tranny and everyone gets a hardon".

It was fun while it lasted.

let me start by saying that I am EXTREMELY BIASED toward rotary cars.

HOWEVER, I like ALL Japanese sports cars in general. I REALLY WANTED to like the Z, but when I drove it I was bored to tears with it.

I had a Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V and it drove better than the Z. If you're going that route..... go with the G35 coupe. It's still not as fun, but at least you'll have a classy ride that doesn't look like a bar of soap.

Also, most 350Z owners that I have encountered think that God created their car. Reminds me of Supra owners !!!

(FLAME SUIT ON !!!)

Just my $.02

Originally posted by poison123
Banger, your so biased its not even funny. All you do is go over to the Z forums and annoy the hell out of people about how your RX7 will own a 350z. Thats all you bloody do.

Zerobanger, have you noticed how he's calling you? He needs a lesson!

I've laid down my dough but the 8 won't arrive for another two weeks, so this is from someone who has made the decision but doesn't really have the experience to comment:

RX-8 spells SE-X

It's the most cohesive, well-balanced, thoughtfully designed coupe ever and it makes my heart flutter to think I'll be driving one in a couple of weeks. I cheered when Nissan brought out a new Z-car out but strangely it feels like a sterile beast (albeit with big balls).

The Z is a great car in its own perspectives and the 8 is a great car in its own perspectives

The problem is , never ask an OWNER for their advice, because the truth is , owners will always BE RIGHT

Take it from a salesman, IVe heard everything from an owner bragging about their neon to a Saturn ok..

What it really comes down to, is what YOU like and what YOU want out of the car. Some people are picky, some dont care about engine, some dont even know anyting about a car, but still love it and would die for it...

take a test drive and go from there.. Good luck !

Z

I am a future RX8 owner. Currently I have a Millenia S and I have had all Mazdas in the past. I started out at 16 with a Miata--someone hit it though. At which point I lucked up on a 1993 RX7 Twin Turbo which I had modified to close to 300HP; however, I lost the car in a flood (Tropical Storm Allison). I then got my Millenia because I needed more space than the two-seats in college. I just graduated and I was looking at both of the cars in question. Being a previous rotary owner I was already biased to the RX8--I've test driven both and I have some conclusions:
The 350Z is a nice vehicle, but it felt cheap compared to the RX8--the G35C felt cheap as well. I did not feel the interior leather was as supple as it should be. The 350Z is a strong car as is the G35C; but it felt very heavy and not as nimble as the RX8. I thought about it a while and decided that the RX8 would win out--mainly because of its design and usefulness--as well as features for the $$. I am not really concerned with HP numbers any more on the auto RX8 or 6spd because all of them are a step down in speed from my old 3rd Gen and they are still faster than my Millenia S. The 350Z can't compete with a 3rd Gen anyway without mods.:cool: So I'll be looking at getting an RX8 by this summer.

<- I've never driven a 350z btw.

If you need to seat more than 2 people on occasion there is only 1 choice.

If you want a high reving lightweight, nimble, precice handling sports car bet an 8.

If you want 2 seater coupe , jap version of american muscle get the 350z.

There both great cars, IMO I dont like the 350's styling nor aproach to solving the performance problem, but that doesnt mean its a bad car.

Originally posted by hotpot
Zerobanger, have you noticed how he's calling you? He needs a lesson!

its ok, he can call me "banger". I'm all smiles, I'm driving an Rx-8 and FD, he has a right to be jealous.

Originally posted by zerobanger
its ok, he can call me "banger". I'm all smiles, I'm driving an Rx-8 and FD, he has a right to be jealous.

So you're gonna let him get away with this? You're losing it man!

Here is a link to a New York Times 350Z vs. RX-8 comparo. RX-8 wins, by the way.
http://edmunds.nytimes.com/reviews/comparison/articles/101039
/article.html?tid=nytimes.e.....Nissan*

Why must people keep comparing the Z and the 8. They are completely different. If you want a real comparison try a G35c vs. the 8.

Originally posted by poison123
Why must people keep comparing the Z and the 8. They are completely different. If you want a real comparison try a G35c vs. the 8.

Ok, how bout a 3rd gen Rx-7 against the Z? I think you'd like the Z's chances agains the Rx-8 better.

It's the sportscar aspect of the 8. Everyone loves to compare it to sportscars more than coupes.

I love the exhaust note and engine sound of the G35/350Z.

Geez...

This forum is f---ing awesome! M3 forum isn't nearly as cool as this. I love the comments!! I'd love to see what the Z forum crowd has to say about the Rx8 :) I admit that I have not test driven either car but I have heard terrible things about the Z's handling. If Popular Mechanics magazine criticized the car for...and I quote, "not feeling like a sportscar". Coming from an E46 M3, I NEEEEEEEED the handling. All that the 340hp in the M3 got me were speeding tix and one VERY close call that almost placed me in jail for the night. I really want to believe that one day when the younger rice generation grows up the Japanese will rule the sportscar market. My M3 was overpriced and there were rattles coming from every corner of the car.

Drellenium: That's pretty cool, I had a Miata at 16 too and I loved it. Just a lotta fun and a pure sportscar.

Speed ER Doc,
I will just leave that one alone. But note I couldn't help myself from thinking it... :)

:confused: I don't get it.....

ufgator,

I started my quest to own an RX-8 back in June of 2002 (note the 02). Submitted my pre-sale request within 24-hours of the emailed pre-sale announcement in January of 2003. So why did I choose a "paper" car over a real one?

1. The back seat. I have a six year old daughter and I was tired of not driving my Miata because is was a "Sarah" day. I wanted an "everyday" sports car.

2. I was on the waiting list for 4 months for one of the first RX-7s delivered here in Richmond VA back in 1978. Bought that car long before seeing one and it turned out to be a great experience. After seeing the way Mazda handled the intro of the original RX-7 and the Miata, I figured that the RX-8 was an experience not to be missed. Turns out I was right. Despite the rhetoric on this forum, its a hell of car for a hell of a price.

3. I drove rotary engine cars from 1972 to 1986. I got a Miata in the mid-1990s because I couldn't afford the 3rd Gen RX-7s. I was excited by being able to drive a rotary again. Kind of like going home ....

4. I'm not a Z-car person. I have never been drawn to the Z styling and the reviews never spoke to me the way RX-7, Miata and RX-8 reviews have.

My advice would be, if you want a roadster, don't buy the RX-8. If you want a car with pure engine muscle, don't by the RX-8. If you are a total sports car purest, don't buy the RX-8 (unless you are into doing the mods :) ). You probably won't be happy. However, if you want a car that is a beautiful balance of performance and convenience, of fun and practicality, of race track handling and around town errand comfort, a car that always makes you look forward to the next time you can drive it, the RX-8 is for you.

Not a lot of objective information, but you asked so I figured I would lay it out. Good luck with the car that you pick, either way.

msrecant,

Put very well. That is good advice.