I currently have a 300zx TT, I'm currently having a hard time deciding what car i should get, i want something within the next week or so. My Mazda Dealership has a black RX-8 in and wants to sell localy if possible, but i don't know if should do that or go with the 350z. any input would be appreciated....... thanx

Hi, if you want more of a "seat of your pants" feel, then get the Z. Maybe the 8 gives a little less of that feel, but it also offers 4 seats, unique body design and interesting rotary engine. If you mainly drive in a straight line and want to go to 0-60 at every stop light, then get the Z. If you want a car that has those elements to lesser degree yet offers, more in terms of interior, design and "wow factor", then get the 8.

By the way, this is the rx8forum, how do you plan to not get an unbiased reply... Test drive both, make a decision based on your personal preferences.

My girlfriend has the 350zx and I have the RX-8 now so I get both of them! Luckily I didn't have to decide. But if I were to, I would go with the RX-8 if you are more concerned with ride comfort. She got the Z touring, and I got the 8 GT, so they are comparable luxury. The RX-8's ride is noticibly smoother, and more "refined". The Z is a little faster, but not noticibly so driving around town. I have used the 8's back seats several times already, so they are definitely useable. Plus the trunk is great of you have smelly leftovers [:P]

If you are going to race it, go with the Z. The RX-8's body roll is felt during really high speed turns. If you want to feel a little more "classy" then get the 8.

For performance, without actually DRIVING either, on paper it seems the 8 would be slightly more tossable and nimble in the twisties, but lacking the grunt of the Z. If you're big on your current Z's style of performance (more straightline speed than suspension) then the 350Z might be more to your liking.

For style, that's on you. Having seen both at the stealers, I prefer the 8's interior layout and design. Exterior isn't even a question in my mind, I really don't like the Z (but I like the small changes the G35C employs a lot better).

For service, lets just say I hope Mazda is a lot better than Nissan :) That's somewhat dealership-dependent, as you may or may not know from owning a prior Z

ive seen tons of 350zs here in miami, and im getting sick of them , theres nothin special about them, they dont get any looks

Originally posted by audio_RX-8
I currently have a 300zx TT, I'm currently having a hard time deciding what car i should get, i want something within the next week or so. My Mazda Dealership has a black RX-8 in and wants to sell localy if possible, but i don't know if should do that or go with the 350z. any input would be appreciated....... thanx

The BOSE sound system in the RX8 is Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooo much better.

So Audio_RX-8, what have you decided?

(If you go back through the Canada forum, you'd see that I had talked to the Brandon dealer about their car before it arrived. I found one closer to home that was the colour I preferred, though.)

Regards,
Gordon

I've sat in both (ridden in the 350z), and I currently own a 300zx as well. The 350z is a step-down as a daily driver from the 300zx IMO. I feel the interior of the 300zx feels MUCH better than the 350z, but not so with the rx8. The rx8 is in a different league if you're looking for a well-balanced daily driver. The 350z is a cheap thrill in comparison, IMO.

i'm a 350z owner here and i actually like the rx8 better. i would have got the rx8 if i had waited.

the 350z is more of a sports car than the rx8, not to put the rx8 down. what i mean is the z has a harsh ride, and not as comfortable. its got speed, but harsh at everything else. overall, i would say the car is kinda cheaply made. the bang for the buck can be compared to the mustang gt.

the rx8 is more of a daily driver car. it's interior is luxurious and comfortable, the ride is much better. you might not get brembo brakes and 287hp engine and some other stuff, but you have the high revving rotary and almost as good performce on the rx8.

i would say if you want something for speed, and the track, get the Z. since you own the 300zx, you might want to stay loyal to the z heritage. but the rx8 is just as good and even better in some areas.

about the looks. i want to say i like the rx8 better, but i still like the retro-futuristic look of the z. imo, the rx8 has a more eye-pleasing line and shape.

hope i gave some help.