Assuming I can sell my 93 Miata, I am going to take the plunge for a Z or RX-8. I am leaning toward the Z because the RX-8 lacks in horsepower. Are there any minor modification that can bump the horsepower in the car by about 20 or so? Maybe a chip reflash because I heard the map on the RX-8 is very conservative?

I like the Z more because of its extra power and it is more of a sports car. I know it probably doesnt drive as nice as the RX-8, but at least it is faster and it looks better

I like the Z more because of its extra power and it is more of a sports car. I know it probably doesnt drive as nice as the RX-8, but at least it is faster and it looks better


I probably would have ended up buying the Zed myself except for three things.

1.Practicality - two seater only, trunk is too shallow
2.Quality - interior plastic is cheap and nasty
3.Styling - missus loved the look of the 8 more


I agree that the Zed is more of a no-compromise sports car and certainly has more power, but are you going to be happy living with it on a day to day basis?

Most people I know who have brought a Zed have either regretted the purchase or have brought another car to use as a daily driver.

The 8 on the other hand is a joy to drive and is quite liveable with on a daily basis.

The choice for me was simple since my previous car was a DC5 Type R and as much fun as it is to drive a "hardcore" sportscar everyday, it becomes a pain in the arse (literally) after awhile.

Good luck with it.

Hey Tmak where are you located?

Both great, great cars. My 2 finalists too. Guess which one I chose. :)

While many people look at the HP as the failing of the RX-8, one must consider that the RX-8 can run as fast as the Z on the track. Also consider that while the aftermarket parts are slim for the RX-8, that will not be the case for long. When a turbo hits, the RX-8 is going to be a lightning bolt.

You can get around 40 hp from a tuning computer right now, read details here: http://tyrannical.org/page-15 It will cost you around $400 for a used unit and cable, and $150 for the canscan.

BTW, I initially wanted the 350Z as well :)

I own a Z, the pic is in my vgarage. So when it was time to get another vehicle my wife said......it must have 4 seats....uuugh what next a mini-van.....NEVER. I see guys driving mini-vans and you can see that the life has crushed their spirit. My wife loves the 8 and the back seats are very comfortable.

Watch this Video:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andy.wray/topgear.wmv

The RX8 wieghs a lot less then the 350Z (two seater)
My RX-8 Curb weight 2925 (zerobanger and S3/P3/E2) @238 HP = 12.28/1HP

2004 BMW M3 Curb Weight = 3781 @333HP = 11.35lbs/1HP

2004 Honda S2000 Curb Weight = 2835 @ 240HP = 11.812/1HP

2004 350Z Curb Weight = 3462 @287HP = 12.06lbs/1HP

My unofficial values: My RX-8 Curb weight 2925 (zerobanger and S3/P3/E2) @272 HP = 10.75lbs/1HP

Tmak have you test driven both cars? I was in the exact dilemma as you when I bought the 8. I was dead set on buying the Z. but, friends and family convinced me how impractical the Z was. Plus, the 8 feels a much more refined and finely tuned sports car. sure, you will sacrifice a bit of that low end torque, but not much of it. The 8 is just a much better value for the money. also be careful with the Z...it's had a bunch of kinks that need to be worked out...like problems with the front tires warping prematurely, and interior components being cheap and falling apart.

It's a tough choice - I looked hard at the Z. The backseat was the tie-breaker. Since then, I've read, heard and watched tons of reports that reinforce my decision, this being the most recent: http://www.familywray.co.uk/rx8vid.htm

I just put 1,200 miles on the car in 3 days. I couldn't wait to get back in it... ...

If horsepower is your main concern and you prefer the looks of the Z, and practicality is not an issue, get the Z man! I don't understand why you're hesitating.

I like the Z more because of its extra power and it is more of a sports car. I know it probably doesnt drive as nice as the RX-8, but at least it is faster and it looks better

Both great, great cars. My 2 finalists too. Guess which one I chose. :)

the z? :D

For some reason my signature doesn't appear to be working...I got a red 6 speed 8. :D

I really think tnak needs to actually test drive them before anything else. You might like the z more on paper, but it is a harsher ride than your used to unless you've done some work to the Miata, and the 8 may surprise you.

All the same, they are both great cars and after test driving them I'm sure you'll decide on wich one you like better.

I have two friends and each have a g35c and 350z. If it is power, get the 350z. I'd compare the 8 to the g35 in terms of practicality and refinement. At least you'd have 4 seats, the power, and luxury. But when I drive other cars (z & g35 included), I feel like I am driving a machine. Strong but little feel. When I am in the 8, we are siamese twins. :)

it looks better
:rolleyes: it's all in the eyes of the beholder... :p
If you don't need the extra seats -if you've driven a Miata so far, seems like you don't- the Z is by no means a bad car.

I used to own an '81 280ZX 2+2. I was also considering the 350 Z to continue the Z family. Once I learned that the Z has only two seats, I totaly scratched out from my list. So at the end having a practical and fun car to drive was my main consideration.

My two finalists as well.

I was also concerned about the lack of even a glove box in the Z much less trying to fit one suitcase in that tiny trunk.

I loved the Z after I drove it and was still dead set on buying one. I decided that I had to know what other cars in the same class were like so I drove an 8. I went home with it that night. It has way more room and way more features for much less $$ plus a sunroof (Z coupe has none).

The insurance was also way less! I don't regret it and unless you're drag racing or testing in the desert then the 8 gives you plenty of power to outrun the average Camery / Acccord driver that is on the road.

Oh no! Not ANOTHER RX8 vs. Z thread! :rolleyes:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=16698
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=33241
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=25795
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=26167
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=24822
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=22587
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=19763
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=17262
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=12195
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=17943
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=14730
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=10728
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=8377

I was debating over the 350Z, RX8 and the S2000.

For everyday practical use and bang for your buck. The RX8 took the Cake

Thought about the Z and the 8. Finally got a red 8 because of the backseats and lower insurance. Again it's a matter of preference and priorities. Good luck dude!

Hey Tmak where are you located?

I am in Connecticut


RX-8 is better on hte track? I doubt it. From what I have seen, the Z is roughly 2 sec faster at most road courses

I havent had a chance to test drive it, but I did have a chance to sit in it. The Z is actually bigger and seems to feel a little nicer, the 8 on the other hand feels ackward and funny. Yes the Z has cheap interior bits and pieces, but the RX-8 isnt that much better. It actually feels too much like a Ford. I havent had a chance to drive it yet, but the RX-8's shifter feels like my Miata while the Z feels like a truck with a cut shifter. I also found that I fit in the Z better, but the 8 seems to remind me more of my Miata and my old RX-7. Well I will drive it and see. I also have to sell the Miata first.

The numbers of the Z greatly outdo the rx, but you can't toss around the Z like a play thing or really feel connected to it. If you really enjoy driving, not just going ridiculously fast or accelerating faster than other cars, then the rx is better (you'd kinda have to really enjoy driving to buy the miata, so i guess this applies to you). it's that weird intangible factor of driving that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. the rx has it, not so much in the Z though.

I am in Connecticut


RX-8 is better on hte track? I doubt it. From what I have seen, the Z is roughly 2 sec faster at most road courses
I think it depends on the track and the driver. But I think some places have found them to be roughly similar. Topgear had the RX-8 coming in at the same time as the Z and the M3 I think. But then again the track was mostly turns from what they showed and I'm slightly skeptical (since most places find the Z to be slightly faster or just faster depending on the track and the M3 is usually much faster).

From what I've read, the Z has better low end torque so it can take off faster but aside from that it's just *slightly* better on turns with the caveat that it was much harder for the driver to get the better turn times with the Z. I forget which article I read that had a lower time (almost negliglable though) going thru the twisties for the Z but the driver said that the 8 got through them very easily where as he had to work to get the times for the Z. So it's possible that the RX-8 can post similar times or better times depending on the track and driver I would assume.

IMO get the Z if
1) You don't care about seating more than 2 people. If you think about it you're likely not going to need more than 1 extra seat (well at least most of the time I drive it's only me or me + one other person), but there will be times where the extra 3 seats will be useful.

2) You like the look of the Z better.

3) You care about mileage. (My mileage sucks).

4) You want the low end torque.

5) You don't care about a rough ride.

6) You can afford the insurance.

I got the 8 because I fell in love with the suicide doors and interior (I love the 2 tone interior). But aside from that it was for the extra 2 seats and the fact that it can ride fast or it can ride comfortable. It might not be the fastest or the most comfortable but it's definitely good enough either way for me. The lower insurance was definitely a nice bonus but I didn't even consider that actually. I just found out later and was like "whoa, nice!"

I also loved the fact that I haven't seen that many RX-8's around (though they're starting to be more common). Z's on the other hand I see A LOT (I still stop to look at them tho, heh). Same with G35s (and since two of my friends have G35s I didn't want one).

I havent had a chance to test drive it, but I did have a chance to sit in it. The Z is actually bigger and seems to feel a little nicerThe Z is a few inches taller than the RX-8, if that is what you mean.

the 8 on the other hand feels ackward and funny.I've read dozens of reviews comparing both cares, and I've yet to see ANYONE make that claim about the RX-8.

It actually feels too much like a Ford.I've owned quite a few FORDS. The RX-8 feels nothing like one. I even have a mustang convertable in the driveway right now. What exactly feels like a FORD?

My final choices came down to the RX8, the Infiniti G35, 350Z Convertible Touring, & S2000. I will say I was absolutely enamoured with the 350Z until I sat in it, and test drove it. When I sat in the car the interior was terrible. The plastic parts were incredibly cheap looking/feeling. The Nav area/compartment plastic panel didn't actually come up when I pushed it, you had to lift it with your finger. The switches felt flimsy. The power seat controls being off to the right of the seat didn't feel normal. Every car I have ever had had the controls either at the front of the seat or off to the left side of the car seat. I said alright, but it's got power and that will make up for it...not really. Whe I took it for a test drive, you could tell it was fast, but you could not feel it. The engine doesn't rev very high, and the steering & especially the shifting is floppy. Just a throughly disaapointing experience. I thought the Infiniti might solve some of the shortcomings of the 350Z (& the back seat is a nice bonus) but it didn't. I also began to notice how many of them around that I see a day. I began to notice that I probably see 5-6 Infinitis a day, & probably 10 350Z's, and I don't drive very far. I get many compliments on my RX8, and people still turn their heads when I drive by. That might change in the future, but right now there are just way too many Z's/G35's around where I live. I wanted something a little more distinctive.

If you truly think that the Z looks better...I would tell you to drive it first. If you have a Miata you are used to one of the best trannies ever made.. The 350Z will be a big surprise to you in feel & interior. The whole time I was in the car I kept thinking this is like a Japanese Mustang.

Just drive 'em both; you might be surprised. I was down to the 8 and G35c, and pretty sure I was going with the Infiniti. Better resale, reliability, service, mileage, horsepower and my wife, dad, friends liked it better. It was a kissing cousin of the cars I designed in college. The Infiniti guy even took me 10 miles out into the country for his favorite curvy 2 lane (sweet road). One fast run up an S-curve onramp in the RX-8 - contest over. Pure lust.

It's very simple, just test drive both cars and buy the one you like better.

But you do need to test drive. There are many stories of folks not expecting to like the RX-8, until the test drive.

BTW, there's a Motorweek video as well where they compared the RX-8 vs. the 350z. The nod went to the RX-8, and Motorweek felt the RX-8 was the better track car in terms of handling. The Z is going to be quicker on many tracks because it does have a power advantage.

Rx-Hachi is right. Test drive is the best way to tell. If you have freinds with the cars who will really let you hang it out in the cars, thats even better!

The Z costs $10K more that an RX. 'nuff said! Well, one more thing...there are way more Zs on the road - buy one and become part of the ever-growing pack.

umm ... yeah ... if you're not concern about ride comfort, great handling (RX8 beat the Z on slalom), cheap plastic interior of the Z does not piss you off, and you don't think you need an emergency 2 seats at the back, and you only need speed .. go with the Z. I'm happy when people buy the Z and i'm seeing a few RX8 around ... great to have a unique car .. :D

Was an easy decision for me as well. RX-8 Rules in this decision. No need to compare.

Assuming I can sell my 93 Miata, I am going to take the plunge for a Z or RX-8. I am leaning toward the Z because the RX-8 lacks in horsepower. Are there any minor modification that can bump the horsepower in the car by about 20 or so? Maybe a chip reflash because I heard the map on the RX-8 is very conservative?

I like the Z more because of its extra power and it is more of a sports car. I know it probably doesnt drive as nice as the RX-8, but at least it is faster and it looks better

A direct answer to your question: NO there are no minor modifications that can bump the hp by 20 or so!

So, if you really prefer the Z because of the horsepower, by all means go for it.

That being said, I must say that I am surprised that someone who has owned a Miata wouldn't realize that there is more to having a "fun to drive" car than just horsepower.

Be sure to test drive both of them thoroughly before making a final decision. I did!

I will test drive them and see, but the RX-8 just didnt feel as nice as the RX-7 or my Miata in terms of feel. To me feel inside the car is as important as the driving experience. Since I will be logging 25K miles per year, I will need something comfortable.

I will test drive them and see, but the RX-8 just didnt feel as nice as the RX-7 or my Miata in terms of feel. To me feel inside the car is as important as the driving experience. Since I will be logging 25K miles per year, I will need something comfortable.


omg i raise the BS card on this one................If u drove an rx8 and u still think that the miata or rx7 is more comfortable then u probably havn't even drove any of them... :rolleyes:

I will test drive them and see, but the RX-8 just didnt feel as nice as the RX-7 or my Miata in terms of feel. To me feel inside the car is as important as the driving experience. Since I will be logging 25K miles per year, I will need something comfortable.Well, if that's the way you feel about the interior then that's your choice.

However, the general consensus from owners and industry experts alike is when it comes to comfort and interior design, that's one of the key areas where the RX-8 is rated better than the Z. I've owned a 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen RX-7, and for me the RX-8 clearly has the best interior in terms of both design and quality. The handling is about equal to the 3rd gen RX-7, but the ride comfort is far better.

If you like the look of the Z and want brute sports car performance, the Z is for you. But if you truly are concerned about comfort, I believe you will find the Z's harsher suspension a bit harder to live with.

I agree... the 350 is a great lookin car... I went for the RX8 for one reason:

http://users.adelphia.net/~wrightdude/therig.jpg

fits perfectly in the trunk!!!! :)

Buy the Z. I insist.

omg i raise the BS card on this one................If u drove an rx8 and u still think that the miata or rx7 is more comfortable then u probably havn't even drove any of them... :rolleyes:

Comfortable as in a nice fund riving position with switches around my hand. I could careless if the car rides harsh, it cant be worse than my Miata on Koni's or the RX-7 on KYBs

I went to the dealer to look at them some more. Ira Mazda's sales were ignoring me, the Nissan dealer wont let me test drive the car unless I am going to buy it. I am going to test drive it back in CT, the dealer in Boston are crazy.

I drove the RX-8 today with the Z schedule for tomorrow. The RX-8 is a very nice car, it handle and rides like a modern sports car. I am amazed at how little lean the car has. The steering and the brakes are great, the whole car is very business like. The engine is good too, but it can certainly use more horsepower. It never lacks power, but I think it can use another 20-30hp. I definitely like the car, but I dont know if it is worth selling my Miata for it. I will try the Z and see what happens

If you drive manual, why not wait for 05 G35 coupe 6sp? It has 298hp and 260lb-ft of torque with the extra two rear seats. In my opinion it looks better than the Z.

If you drive manual, why not wait for 05 G35 coupe 6sp? It has 298hp and 260lb-ft of torque with the extra two rear seats. In my opinion it looks better than the Z.

This is true. I like the G35C, my friend has one loaded and it's sweet. I'm not going to rave about the 8. There is a reason why I drive that instead; see the entire forum. I can't imagine the need to bump up the hp in the G, but the interior did need work though; and it has been out 3 years already. It feels heavy and doesn't drive as nice as the 8 though, but the hp and torque are definately there.

And Nissan was being naive thinking there wasn't going to be some brand cannabalism between the z and the g35c. But for the 05, you'll have to wait till Dec at least and pay big $.

I had to drive both to decide. The 8 is simply a much more involving drive when driving hard, and it's just as good for cruising. (Or in fact, better, because it does have a better cabin.)

Comparing peak power figures is totally meaningless - take a look at the difference in drivetrain setup in the two cars, and you'll see what I mean.

The 8 is lighter, has better brake feel, and it's more communicative through corners - so it'll beat a 350 on a twisty track. On an oval the Z will win hands down. I didn't try drifting the Z on my test drive :D but I am pretty sure the 8 is more progressive at the limit. (Er, yes, I have tried drifting that...)

The 8 is also a rev-hungry cog-swapper - a proper sports car, if you will - whereas the Z is more of a torquey lazy GT machine. Yes, both cars can be driven in the style of the other one, but really, that's the difference between them.

The 8 is way better around town too.

Only thing to watch with the Z and G35...is the #5 and #6 rods. Lots of bolt on kits for those cars, turbo's, superchargers, you name it...and if you hit the forums, you'll see pages and pages and pages of blown engines.

The actual engine of the Z is not very strong at all, and can not take alot of additional power without a buildup. Something to keep in mind if your among the mindset of "oh I'll slap a greedy twin turbo on it! It'll be awesome!!"

There's also a great topgear review on the 350Z and Rx8...i suggest watching it. :)

when the z first came out, my gf and i literally wet our pants. the exterior of it was beautiful, nice looking front but a so-so porsche like rear (the slope). we knew that thing was crazy fast but the cost (car itself/insurance) was a lot. then i saw the new 8 coming out, at first i didnt like it at all, but once i came onto this forum, i saw a mazdaspeed kit on a 8. i fell in love. i was torn between which to get but in the end i chose the 8. power wasn't always an issue as long as it was decent, plus i need the backseats to haul some buddies along. :)

how many damn times can a thread like this be started...rethread rethread rethread! the king of reposts is shelley's man, who is the king/queen of rethreads? hey don't look at me I'm too lazy to do it

to reiterate...the Z is the testosterone car...no Rotary, not unique, most who drive it look like a tool (if they are guys)...girls will look hot in a Z but in an 8 too...the Z is for chromed spinners and cheezy cologne

how many damn times can a thread like this be started...rethread rethread rethread! the king of reposts is shelley's man, who is the king/queen of rethreads? hey don't look at me I'm too lazy to do it

to reiterate...the Z is the testosterone car...no Rotary, not unique, most who drive it look like a tool (if they are guys)...girls will look hot in a Z but in an 8 too...the Z is for chromed spinners and cheezy cologne


Wow, I couldn't have said it better! There is a big difference in the "tool" factor between people who drive the 350Z and people who drive the G35......and then there are the people who want to be a bit diffeent and drive an 8.

I drove both cars finally. I would have to say the RX-8 wins the close battle. The Z is a much more powerful car, it has torque all the butt but it doesnt rev high at all. The 8 on the other hand revs forever, but doesnt have enough power to make you crap your pants. It reminds me of the 1.6L to 1.8L Miata comparison.

As far as handling, I think they are fairly equal. The Z leans a bit more, but I feel like the tire gives it more grip. The RX-8 leans very little and it drives like the RX-7/Miata. I could also feel the weight difference between the two, lastly the RX-8 just feels lower compare to the Z.

As for the inside, the RX-8 wins too. I like some of the features on the Z, but the RX-8 is better in terms of build quality and overall feel.

I think they are both nice cars, but I just dont see myself spending $27K on them. They just dont convience me enough to make me spend $400 on car payment. The only way for me to get the RX-8 is if my car gets totalled or if I cant fix the rattle and oil leak on my car.

Hmmm why do the Z guys hate the RX-8 guys so much? :rolleyes:

I think they are both nice cars, but I just dont see myself spending $27K on them. They just dont convience me enough to make me spend $400 on car payment. The only way for me to get the RX-8 is if my car gets totalled or if I cant fix the rattle and oil leak on my car.

...so your saying this WHOLE THREAD is pointless?

...so your saying this WHOLE THREAD is pointless?



no, just that he is pointless.

...so your saying this WHOLE THREAD is pointless?
basically, both car felt weak

tmak: interesting post...

Actually I found the flat-ride stuff in the Z was very noticeable - if the Z does handle better then it's only through interference from gadgets. The 8 feels more natural, and is forgiving even with DSC off.

What do you mean by feeling weak?

I think the Z guys dislike the Rx8 cause it keeps winning all the comparisons. Everytime the two go up against each other (or the G35) the 8 wins. The 8 also wins basically all the time overseas, and is praised by a wide variety of reviewers.

Jeremy Clarkson utterly loves the 8, and completely and totally bashed the Z to hell and beyond. He placed the 8 as a winner in his 03/04 coupee roundup, without even considering its secondary benefits such as "actual cargo room, 4 doors, and rear seats". A coupee with all the benefits of a sedan. (If you don't know who Jeremy is, lookup "Topgear")

I guess its the whole "my penis is bigger" fights. The Z's got 287 bhp. They look at the 8's 238 bhp, stating "mine's bigger". Then they stand there and wonder why all the 8 owners get the ladies.

I mean take a look at the scoreboard.
http://www.topgear.com/content/misc/TV/lap_times/

The Z and 8 get the same time around the track...but the 8 costs less, has 4 seats, more then 2x the cargo space, much higher build quality, etc etc.

Maybe this will help. I Sold my 2002 WRX last week and got my self a Titanium 6sp GT RX8 with everything except NAVI. I'm so happy with it that I can beleive it my self...the WRX had full 4 doors and some work done to it that I will say it is faster than my stock RX8 but the refinement of the 8 and the quality of the ride is incredible also the 8 has a better feel and responce to the steering. I drove a 350Z and my final conclusion was "Cheap pplastic interior, harsh ride feeling every single vibration of the engine and road, impraticall" .

I highly recomend you to test drive both cars specially on a high way and you will know wich one is the best one for you.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

2% increase in hp for exhaust at rear wheels
2% increase in hp for intake at rear wheels
4% increas in hp fo mide pipe
20% increase or more for ECU chip at rear wheel
2% or more usable power from a new flywheel at the rear wheel
FI who knows yet

Does this answer your question?

20% increase or more for ECU chip at rear wheel


I doubt that very much. Maybe 10% more torque mid-range. I'm sure Mazda can't have been THAT conservative.

Got any proof?

I have a Z. My friend has an 8. I have driven the eight quite a bit.


Both are really fantastic cars, both do what they are supposed to do very well. But they can not be compared to each other at all. The Z is a sports car that is very quick. The 8 is a family car that is sorta fast, but it does not need to be. Mazda is not going for the same market that Nissan is going for. The Z is built to race. And the 8 is built to get to work and the kids to soccer practice. I love both cars though. If I had a family I would have bought the 8 instead of the Z.

Drive both and then decide. Do not let other people try and convince you otherwise. If you can test drive a F360. That is really fast.

And the 8 is built to get to work and the kids to soccer practice.

umm...no..

The Z is built to race. And the 8 is built to get to work and the kids to soccer practice. I love both cars though.
That just hurt my feelings... :D ...a picture will be more descriptive in this case...

At least 350Black isn't bashing the 8, he's just a little misguided. Guys i drove the Z and G35 when shopping and they're both really nice cars. My next door neighbour has a black 350 and we both smile a lot admiring each others ride. I like the 8 better (duh, i bought one) but i don't understand the need to bash the Z. It's fun and fast. I prefer the 8 for a number of reasons but that's why there's different kinds of cars, for different needs. Drive both - buy the one you like.

The Z is a sports car that is very quick. The 8 is a family car that is sorta fast, but it does not need to be. Mazda is not going for the same market that Nissan is going for. The Z is built to race. And the 8 is built to get to work and the kids to soccer practice. I love both cars though. If I had a family I would have bought the 8 instead of the Z.

Drive both and then decide. Do not let other people try and convince you otherwise. If you can test drive a F360. That is really fast.

I totally disagree with the "family car" thing. The Porshe 911 has a back seat too, does that make it a "family car"?

Well as the father of a 2 year old i can attest that the back seat and suicide doors were a big factor in my purchasing decision. Doesn't make it a family car but i do agree mazda is looking to expand the demographic for this car with these features.

Car seat mod ;) :

Haha your kid has a sweet ride then :)

Heh yeah - best quote so far: "Daddy, make it zoom zoom!"

Runner up at a stop light: "OUR TURN! OUR TURN! OUR TURN!"

I have a Z. My friend has an 8. I have driven the eight quite a bit.


Both are really fantastic cars, both do what they are supposed to do very well. But they can not be compared to each other at all. The Z is a sports car that is very quick. The 8 is a family car that is sorta fast, but it does not need to be. Mazda is not going for the same market that Nissan is going for. The Z is built to race. And the 8 is built to get to work and the kids to soccer practice. I love both cars though. If I had a family I would have bought the 8 instead of the Z.

Drive both and then decide. Do not let other people try and convince you otherwise. If you can test drive a F360. That is really fast.

WTF?!?!? The 8 is a family car? You, sir, must be high. The 8 and the Z are directly comparable. Ask anyone who bought a RX8 if they considered the 350Z, and the majority will tell you that they did. They probably considered the WRX and the EVO (wicked once the turbo engages) too, and even the G35. I almost bought a Crossfire. But, there was something that was more appealing to them and me about the 8. I didn't feel I was giving up anything by choosing the 8, and I gained a back seat and the novelty of the rotary engine and the suicide doors in the process. I have a major beef with people who think they know a lot about a certain topic, when the truth is that they are ignorant. I've been finding that the majority who say the 8 is underpowered seem to be unable to grasp the fact that the redline is at 9000RPMs, and the torque peak is @ 5500RPMs. If you want to get performance out of your 8, keep the needle at 5000 and above. There's pleanty of punch, the steering is far superior to any of the aforementioned cars, and it handles at least as well as they do. A sportscar is so much more than just numbers, and the "feel" of the 8 is just "better" (to me) than any of the others I considered. I love sports cars with a passion, and each has its own unique quality that makes it, well, unique. It's a combination of so many things, and in the end, the car you choose should speak to you in a way that the others don't.

funny thing is I think about the z all the time, then I thank God I have the 8 :D

The Z is built to race. And the 8 is built to get to work and the kids to soccer practice.

With the 8, those attributes aren't mutually exclusive. It does BOTH - a fact which confounds the heck out of most people.

Well as the father of a 2 year old i can attest that the back seat and suicide doors were a big factor in my purchasing decision. Doesn't make it a family car but i do agree mazda is looking to expand the demographic for this car with these features.

Car seat mod ;) :

That mod looks familiar :)

With the 8, those attributes aren't mutually exclusive. It does BOTH - a fact which confounds the heck out of most people.

Bingo- soccer practice on Friday, autocross on Saturday, tear up the twisties on Sunday... best of both worlds.

That's one bad-ass looking car seat.

Back when my kids were of the car-seat age, I bought my twin boys (now 9 years old) a pair of Recaro child seats. Man those things were all that! And a bloody fortune I might add - about $160 each! But they were far superior! And they worked better, attached better, etc. My wife thought I was nuts at first until all her friend's car seats from Graco and whatnot had clogged up with spit up and cheerio crumbs and our Recaro's seat belts worked like new still!

Regarding "is the RX-8 a family car?" Well, this will just add fuel to the fire of the under-endowed Zed driver that started this thread, but for me? Yup, sure is! The majority of the miles that get put on "the beast" (as my 12 year old son has named my -8) are from driving him and his twin brothers to school, soccer practice, Hebrew school, baseball games, etc. But, the major difference between the -8 and my wife's Honda Odyssey is that when I pull up to pick them up or drop them off, all their friends fall all over themselves to come check out the car. That and the driver's enjoyment of it!

So, for me, it is a family car - adapting a Mazda ad, there's a something missing for me in a 350Z, a Z4, a SLK230, an S2000, or any of the other cars I looked at: Room for all three of my sons.

GR8Boy - man your car seat so owns mine...i gotta get me a leather one. Maybe a custom one leather heh - black and tan...

GR8Boy - man your car seat so owns mine...i gotta get me a leather one. Maybe a custom one leather heh - black and tan...

I got that one at Target- Eddie Bauer leather... it was around $160 I think. My wife damn near killed me when i told her what I paid for it, but my 5yo insisted she got a "racing seat" the day I picked up the car. That would be sweet putting tan inserts on it... if I could find some matching chaparral I would.

And the 8 is built to get to work and the kids to soccer practice.


Well, kinda. But I can go from work, to having a hell of a time on the Tail of the Dragon at the same speed you can in your Z (sorry, we're even in the twisties!!), to dropping my kids(if I had any) at soccer practice, all IN THE SAME CAR. Try doing THAT in a Z. That is why I bought this car. When we go out with friends, I can drive us all. When I have kids, I can just toss them in the backseat, AND buy groceries, and still have room (in a sports car, no less). And when I want to beat the hell out of the road, I can do that too. The Z may be a teenie tiny bit faster, but in the end, the 8's almost as fast, handles just as well, has a more luxurious ride, and can carry a heck of a lot more than the Z. Which suits me just fine.



And that IS a really cool car seat- Target, you say?

All I needed was a test drive in the RX-8 to convince me it was the right car for ME! I had driven several others including the WRX and TSX and I decided on the 8. Anyone who can't decide AFTER driving the RX-8 I say, get the other car and keep on guessing what you missed out on.

Well, kinda. But I can go from work, to having a hell of a time on the Tail of the Dragon at the same speed you can in your Z (sorry, we're even in the twisties!!), to dropping my kids(if I had any) at soccer practice, all IN THE SAME CAR. Try doing THAT in a Z. That is why I bought this car. When we go out with friends, I can drive us all. When I have kids, I can just toss them in the backseat, AND buy groceries, and still have room (in a sports car, no less). And when I want to beat the hell out of the road, I can do that too. The Z may be a teenie tiny bit faster, but in the end, the 8's almost as fast, handles just as well, has a more luxurious ride, and can carry a heck of a lot more than the Z. Which suits me just fine.



And that IS a really cool car seat- Target, you say?

Well put Elara... and yep- Target :)

Repeat after me:
The rx8 is a family car!
The rx8 is a family car!
The rx8 is a family car!
The rx8 is a family car!

I just bought my rx8 three weeks ago and I've been driving my little baby in a rear facing car seat and I have a graco stroller in the boot. See?
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I love this car!

-dodo

Let's rephrase that (and GR8boy can attest since today he met my twin boys and their buddy ... at the Chicago get together) ...

The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...
The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...

8

Sorry for the shitty post but I wanted to state my choice clearly!! :)

- Irish :cool:

Let's rephrase that (and GR8boy can attest since today he met my twin boys and their buddy ... at the Chicago get together) ...

The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...
The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE[I] family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...The RX-8 is the ULTIMATE family car ...

If not the ULTIMATE practical 4-door family car! ;)

You need the Mazda if you need really usalble rear seats. If not, you will always wonder whetherthe lack of power was worth it. The Mazda, which I own, is such a great all around car for a four seater! But in the true sports car world it may be underpowered.

You need the Mazda if you need really usalble rear seats. If not, you will always wonder whetherthe lack of power was worth it. The Mazda, which I own, is such a great all around car for a four seater! But in the true sports car world it may be underpowered.The Miata holds the world's record as the best selling sports car of all time. It's a true sports car by anyone's definition. Is it underpowered? Does it matter? It's all relative.

I've owned many cars that are faster than the RX-8, but I can honestly say that the RX-8 is as fun and exciting to drive as any of them, if not more. Would I take more power? You bet. But I don't feel it's underpowered, if I did, I wouldn't have bought it.

Well, as a owner of both an 8 and a Z, just my two pennies.

To each his own.

If you are posting here expecting to get a objective view of each vehicle, you won't. The same is true if you post the question on the Z forums...each one will have a tilt.

Both the 8 and the Z are really great sports cars...perfect...no, but they are both fun and enjoyable to drive. Each car has it's strengths and weaknesses and you will find them well documented on the forums of each site. If you really are making a decision between the two, drive them, research, weigh the pros and cons for you and enjoy your new ride.

I started out with an 8 and was not satisified with some aspects of the product and decided to try the Z (I had originally wanted a Z). While the problems I encountered may not affect others here, it was more than what I wanted to deal with. Overall, the 8 did not meet my expectations...a true love/hate releationship.

So far I am very happy with the Z. I have had it for about 6 months and I love it. The vehicle has performed flawlessly and it better suits my taste in vehicles. Some of the cons listed here are not really a problem for me, so I feel fortunate to now be in the Z.

Well...objectively, neither car is perfect - I wish I could take the best parts of each thrown in with a few features from my RSX and create the perfect car but it still probably would not make everyone happy...

Guys & Gals, enjoy your 8's...

Right. A sports car is not defined by its power. A muscle car is.

The Miata holds the world's record as the best selling sports car of all time. It's a true sports car by anyone's definition. Is it underpowered? Does it matter? It's all relative.

I've owned many cars that are faster than the RX-8, but I can honestly say that the RX-8 is as fun and exciting to drive as any of them, if not more. Would I take more power? You bet. But I don't feel it's underpowered, if I did, I wouldn't have bought it.

I say if you like the power and torque but you still need the practicality of seating 4 and price isnt an issue then go for the G35 coupe. Its a really nice car, but it would have cost 8K more (ouch). There are some who say that if you want to make a car fun, don't give it too much power (the guy who designed the MR2 spyder said the same). This allows you to wring its neck and enjoy the pleasures of driving a car hard without scaring yourself silly or breaking the speed limit too soon. I think thats what journalist mean when they call cars like the 8 and S2000 as "involving you in the driving experience". I have a gixxer 600 and I can rev the nuts off of it whereas 1000 cc bike owners just loaf around in top gear. Sure they have more power but they aren't having as much fun...and isn't tha what driving a sports car is all about?

I say if you like the power and torque but you still need the practicality of seating 4 and price isnt an issue then go for the G35 coupe. Its a really nice car, but it would have cost 8K more (ouch). There are some who say that if you want to make a car fun, don't give it too much power (the guy who designed the MR2 spyder said the same). This allows you to wring its neck and enjoy the pleasures of driving a car hard without scaring yourself silly or breaking the speed limit too soon. I think thats what journalist mean when they call cars like the 8 and S2000 as "involving you in the driving experience". I have a gixxer 600 and I can rev the nuts off of it whereas 1000 cc bike owners just loaf around in top gear. Sure they have more power but they aren't having as much fun...and isn't tha what driving a sports car is all about?

How does the G35's back seats stack up with the RX8's? I've not actually crawled back into one, but there doesn't seem to be as much space as ours. I agree with you on the rest of your points... the essence of a sports car is light weight, high-revving fun, not torque.

The Miata holds the world's record as the best selling sports car of all time. It's a true sports car by anyone's definition. Is it underpowered? Does it matter? It's all relative.

I've owned many cars that are faster than the RX-8, but I can honestly say that the RX-8 is as fun and exciting to drive as any of them, if not more. Would I take more power? You bet. But I don't feel it's underpowered, if I did, I wouldn't have bought it.


Are you sure that the Miata is the best selling sports car of all time??? I really dont know so i am just asking. To me it would seem like the Mustang, Camero, or the Corvete would be a better seller.

I think they mean the yearly sales of the Miata outsold the competition. Not the total amount of vehicles produced in the products lifetime.

-Rupes

Oh cmon...the M Miata is certainly not the best selling sports car "of all time"...either is the 8...or either is the 350Z....you have to define a sports car...like a MG or Triumph...and where do you drive it?

Are you sure that the Miata is the best selling sports car of all time??? I really dont know so i am just asking. To me it would seem like the Mustang, Camero, or the Corvete would be a better seller.
Worlwide, the vette, camaro and mustang don't hold a candle against the Miata ....believe it.

The Mustang has an al time record for sales during the first year (introduction) I believe. And its been in production for a gazillion years.

Worlwide, the vette, camaro and mustang don't hold a candle against the Miata ....believe it.

The Mustang has an al time record for sales during the first year (introduction) I believe. And its been in production for a gazillion years.
Huh? The Vette, Camaro and Mustang are the quintessential cars of America...they will blow away a Miata in one second flat. Have you ever driven a vette?? It's more fun than the 8 (cause I own an 8, and would prefer a vette in Singapore) and almost as much fun as a Porsche Boxter.

Worlwide, the vette, camaro and mustang don't hold a candle against the Miata ....believe it.

The Mustang has an al time record for sales during the first year (introduction) I believe. And its been in production for a gazillion years.


I stand corrected. Looks like the Miata is the best of all time since they have come into production in 1989.

http://web.ask.com/redir?bpg=http%3a%2f%2fweb.ask.com%2fweb%3fq%3dwha t%2bis%2bthe%2bbest%2bselling%2bsports%2bcar%2bof% 2ball%2btime%26o%3d0%26page%3d1&q=what+is+the+best+selling+sports+car+of+all+time&u=http%3a%2f%2ftm.wc.ask.com%2fr%3ft%3dan%26s%3da% 26uid%3d0D139113514EFB714%26sid%3d15DAD113514EFB71 4%26qid%3d1BC449A644A6364998A536EE3C326593%26io%3d 2%26sv%3dza5cb0d72%26o%3d0%26ask%3dwhat%2bis%2bthe %2bbest%2bselling%2bsports%2bcar%2bof%2ball%2btime %26uip%3dd113cc92%26en%3dte%26eo%3d-100%26pt%3dMazda%2bMiata%2bNamed%2bBest-Selling%2bSports%2bCar%2bby%2bGuinness%2bWorld%2bR ecords%26ac%3d16%26qs%3d0%26pg%3d1%26ep%3d1%26te_p ar%3d102%26te_id%3d%26u%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fwww.theauto channel.com%2fnews%2f2002%2f02%2f13%2f035761.html&s=a&bu=http%3a%2f%2fwww.theautochannel.com%2fnews%2f20 02%2f02%2f13%2f035761.html&qte=0&o=0&abs=Mazda+Miata+Named+Best-Selling+Sports+Car+by+Guinness+World+Records+...+d oor+panels+and+the+Blazing+Yellow+SE+has%2c+for+th e+first+time+in+the+Miata...&tit=Mazda+Miata+Named+Best-Selling+Sports+Car+by+Guinness+World+Records&bin=&cat=wp&purl=http%3a%2f%2ftm.wc.ask.com%2fi%2fb.html%3ft%3 dan%26s%3da%26uid%3d0D139113514EFB714%26sid%3d15DA D113514EFB714%26qid%3d1BC449A644A6364998A536EE3C32 6593%26io%3d%26sv%3dza5cb0d72%26o%3d0%26ask%3dwhat %2bis%2bthe%2bbest%2bselling%2bsports%2bcar%2bof%2 ball%2btime%26uip%3dd113cc92%26en%3dbm%26eo%3d-100%26pt%3d%26ac%3d16%26qs%3d0%26pg%3d1%26u%3dhttp %3a%2f%2fmyjeeves.ask.com%2faction%2fsnip&Complete=1

Hey...a net search is a about as accurate as watching paint dry. Hope you don't go long the Google IPO....time to short.

Ok, ok, maybe I generalized a little too much. The Miata holds the world record for the best selling 2 seater sports car. http://www.miata.net/news/700k.html. Technically, Camaros and Mustangs aren't sports cars. They're classified as GT's or Muscle Cars.

But my point is simply that it takes more than just speed to make a car fun to drive. I recently test drove an E55 AMG benz. Fast as hell, 0=60 in about 4.3 secs, but it's big and heavy. The power was intoxicating, but the handling still left much to be desired.

Now don't get me wrong, I frankly like the 350Z very much. It has a good balance of power and handling. The only thing that would make it better is less weight. I like my sports cars to be light and nimble.

Ok, ok, I generalized a little too much. The Miata holds the world record for the best selling 2 seater roadster. http://www.miata.net/news/700k.html

But my point is simply that it takes more than just speed to make a car fun to drive. I recently test drove an E55 AMG benz. Fast as hell, 0=60 in about 4.3 secs, but it's big and heavy. The power was intoxicating, but the handling still left much to be desired.

Now don't get me wrong, I frankly like the 350Z very much. It has a good balance of power and handling. The only thing that would make it better is less weight. I like my sports cars to be light and nimble.
I still can't understand why the Miata is the best selling 2 seater roadster. It's a pig of a car that will squeel "honk honk" when faced with an 8 or a boxster.

Hey...a net search is a about as accurate as watching paint dry. Hope you don't go long the Google IPO....time to short.
As accurate as watching paint dry? Hope you don't go long on the Google IPO???? If you were long on the Google IPO of $85..... I don't see how that'd be a bad thing, especially if you are STILL long!

You made about as much sense as checking my gmail. :D

Even at $85 google's stock was overpriced. The search market is extremely volatile, and Google doesn't generate any kind of profits that would justify it's current stock prices. I agree with Genesis - I wouldn't keep Google's stock for long, though currently people are expecting it to hit $200 a share. It was definitely a great short term investment.

How does the G35's back seats stack up with the RX8's? I've not actually crawled back into one, but there doesn't seem to be as much space as ours. I agree with you on the rest of your points... the essence of a sports car is light weight, high-revving fun, not torque.

These were the finalists for the car I was going to get. Obviously ingeress/egress is easier on our cars with the freestyle doors. I personally found that the rear seat of the G35 is much like the typical 2+2's in that it was tight all the way around. I am 5'9", and when I set my front seat to my comfortable position, I can sit in the back with minimal discomfort in my 8. I did not have that feeling in the G35. They had a comparo in MT where they said the RX8 had better head room, but the G35 had better leg room. I honestly don't know how they came up with that conclusion as I found the back space in the G35 pretty much smaller all the way around. I have transported 4 people in my car numerous times. I am 5'9" and anybody approximately the same size will fit in the seats behind with no problem.

The British car reviewers who tested the Z and 8 said that the both performed exactly the same on the track - 1:31.8 MINUTES. Same with the M3 too. If straight line speed is what you want, go for the Z (faster by 0.4 seconds). You know, split seconds are not that important to me. Try counting 0.4 sec before you inhale. But overall, with the extra back seats and real road driving (with twist and turns) - go for the 8

I still can't understand why the Miata is the best selling 2 seater roadster. It's a pig of a car that will squeel "honk honk" when faced with an 8 or a boxster.

The 8 is a hardtop only.

The average Miata owner would pass out if presented with an invoice for a Boxster.

Apples with apples please!

Point taken, jez that I had a bad experience with a Miata...shouldn't vent on this forum tho...sry.

to dropping my kids(if I had any) at soccer practice,

And that IS a really cool car seat- Target, you say?

Hey Elara? Are congratulations needed??? :D

or are you getting a gift for friends with rugrats?? ;)