I have been keeping watch at my local Mazda dealer for the arival of the RX8. Stopped by last night and to my delight there was a green RX8 sitting outside and a red one in the show room. The dealer indicated that they have delivered several RX8s already and more were on the way. The red car in the show room was sitting angled nose to nose with a 350z. The dealer stated that the Z had been traded in on an RX8 so they thought it would be interesting to have the two cars together on the show room floor. This provided me with a great opportunity to contrast and compare the cars side by side. I must say that I was very impressed with the RX8 in the showroom as it had the aero kit and rear spoiler. IMO this totaly makes the car! Side by side with the Z, the RX8 definitly held it's own in the looks department! I can not say as much for the green car without the aero package and rear spoiler. It definitely looked a bit plain and was bested by the Z in looks. The dealer had driven both cars and said that the Z was faster, but that the RX8 was much more fun to drive. He stated that the RX8 was much more refined, smoother and provided a much better feel of being one with the road. And of course there is the back seat. I tried it and found that it was quite comfortable and easy to get in and out of as long as the front seat was not all the way back. I am amazed that a car with a real back seat can challenge the 350Z in looks and proportion. I am headed back to the dealer today for a test drive of the RX8 and an opportunity to further side-by-side comparison of the two cars. I will be looking more closely at the finish and quality of the interior on both cars. I also want to get more scoop on the circumstances of the 350Z being traded in on the RX8.

"I also want to get more scoop on the circumstances of the 350Z being traded in on the RX8."

Probably just someone who wants the latest toy.

I seriously doubt we'll see an 8 in a Nissan dealership.

Originally posted by Puppy1
I seriously doubt we'll see an 8 in a Nissan dealership.

Theres nothing stopping the dealer buying one :)

Most 350Z owners are hipsters who quickly tire of the new toy, or can't find that perfect set of god-awful chrome 20s to ruin the car. I've seen people who've traded their Zs in on hideous pieces of shit like a Chevrolet Avalanche. An Avalanche! That being said, I absolutely adore my 350 after several serious, track-worthy mods and wouldn't dream of trading it.

A co-worker and member of this board, rowentx recently picked up his RX-8 and I've had a chance to go over the car and shoot some pics with the Z. I shot in the same garage at work as I did when I took my pics and utilized many of the same angles for comparisions sake. I REALLY like the front 2/3rds of the RX-8, but lose interest at the suicide doors. Interior wise, I'll just mention that the material on the bolsters is extremely disappointing and anyone who thinks that the plastics used inside are leaps and bounds above those in the Z is completely delusional. The pedals are PERFECTLY spaced for heel/toe applications! WOW! And, although I haven't driven it yet, the clutch and shifter feel very smooth and slick. Kudos to Mazda for going with the larger diameter rotors up front. Even though they are the same thickness as the smaller rotors, surface area is surface area and will aid in heat dispersion.

On to the pics!

Side by Side
http://www.waynewmedia.com/rx-8/rx-8_04.JPG

Side profiles
http://www.waynewmedia.com/rx-8/rx-8_01.jpg
http://www.waynewmedia.com/350Z/images/Dscn1114.JPG

Front 3/4
http://www.waynewmedia.com/rx-8/rx-8_05.JPG
http://www.waynewmedia.com/350Z/images/Dscn1123.JPG

I like the 8, but I like my Z more. Would I take one as a daily driver? Absolutely.

I must say that I was very impressed with the RX8 in the showroom as it had the aero kit and rear spoiler. IMO this totaly makes the car!

Glad to hear that. That's the way I ordered mine. My feeling was that the aerokit and spoiler would start to become more popular as time goes on.

As far as the Z. I never liked that thing at all. To me there isn't one appealing angle. The Infiniti G35 Coupe is a much prettier car, but I'll still take the 8.

DROIDEKAUS wrote: "anyone who thinks that the plastics used inside are leaps and bounds above those in the Z is completely delusional. "

We're all entitled to our opinions but I am not delusional in thinking that the vast amount of plastic on the dash of the Z makes it the main reason I didn't get one. Nice car, and to each his own, but really, the interior of a Z reminds me of a VW bug. I could never get used to that cheap looking layout. No offense to Z owners.

Sign me delusional and proud of it.

[thread creep]
i just wanna say...

damn nice pics droidekaus! composition, lighting, clarity...etc. all great.

what type of camera do u have? do u have any formal art/photography training?
[/thread creep]

Originally posted by LesPaul
DROIDEKAUS wrote: "anyone who thinks that the plastics used inside are leaps and bounds above those in the Z is completely delusional. "

We're all entitled to our opinions but I am not delusional in thinking that the vast amount of plastic on the dash of the Z makes it the main reason I didn't get one. Nice car, and to each his own, but really, the interior of a Z reminds me of a VW bug. I could never get used to that cheap looking layout. No offense to Z owners.

Sign me delusional and proud of it.

What I'm getting at is some of the "chest thumping" about superior quality materials. That's simply not the case. The materials on the door panels are the same as found in the P5. Those bolsters. WTF is that material? I simply expected more.

Design and materials used are two completely different things. Even if the Z's dash were covered in leather ala Porshe or Aston Martin you'd still probably dislike it. That's fine. Strap in for a ride in my car and there's no time for dash molestation. Going through the windshield when I hit the binders would be your first concern. ;)

Originally posted by ELX13
[thread creep]
i just wanna say...

damn nice pics droidekaus! composition, lighting, clarity...etc. all great.

what type of camera do u have? do u have any formal art/photography training?
[/thread creep]

Thanks! I'm a formally trained designer and amateur-enthusiast photog. Those pics were all shot with my outdated by today's standards Nikon 990.

Yes, thanks for the pics! I somewhat agree with your opinion of the RX8 from the rear doors back. I guess that is why I liked the red one wiht the aero kit and rear spoiler. It makes this a totally different car. To me, it looks like something is missing without it. But that is just me. I will be looking more closely at the interiors tonight, however, layout not withstanding, I did not notice any huge difference in quality. I will go back and forth between the cars and see which layout appeals to me. Again, this is all individual preference.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by droidekaus
[B]Most 350Z owners are hipsters who quickly tire of the new toy, or can't find that perfect set of god-awful chrome 20s to ruin the car.

You nailed it, this car did have a high dollar set of chrome 20s on it.

Originally posted by droidekaus


Thanks! I'm a formally trained designer and amateur-enthusiast photog. Those pics were all shot with my outdated by today's standards Nikon 990.

wicked, i was just thinkign the same thing as i was scrolling through... beautiful work. haha... a 990?? i should be so lucky ;) Min X-9 w/ 50mm :p

edit: btw, what was the film, lens (looks like a 30? for the nice perspective shots, and something pretty long for the profiles), f/ you were using???

Really beautiful pics - I have a 990 as well but my photos don't look as nice. Must be a duff unit ;).

Personally I think the rear half doors are wonderful things - the only reason I can even consider this car is because of those doors and what lies behind them. The only view of the RX-8 I am not totally sold on is the rear - the Altezza lights could be better. I think the interior looks beautiful, but I would also prefer plain leather to the rubber ribbed side bolsters, and I hate the plastic sunvisors.

Hello guys, I am an avid sports car fan and I have been lurking here ever since I seen a post about your missing HP numbers from the www.my350z.com site.

The guy that lives a few houses down from me picked a silver rx8 MT up about a month ago and we were chatting and checking out each other's cars. My opinons:

RX8 looks pretty nice overall, but something I could not put my finger on seemed off, like the proportions were wrong or something, kind of an odd looking car from some angles. But anyway I like the interior, kinda dark and dingy but had a nice theme and seemed of high quality. He suggested we go for a cruise in our individual cars to the beach and we did, on the way back we horsed around a bit on the highway and I would say it was about as fast as my buddy's modded 2000 celica GTS (runs around 15.2 in the 1/4). FYI he had already near 2k miles on it, him and his wife went on a road trip to break it in.

Anyway I think its a cool car but is deffinatly missing some power, I hope they find the root of it and get a fix out, I know if my Z came short 20% power I would be bellyaching..

Also I find it strange that people have bad comments about the looks of the new Z on this site. Everybody has their own opinion but I have heard from so many people that the new Z is one of the best looking cars ever designed, even from a guy that owned and drove a 2002 Porsche 911 who I met at a gas station. But I do admit I feel the silver and white Z's look a bit bland (thats why I got the Daytona Blue).

Well good luck in your quest for the missing HP, I think the rx8 is a cool car and all but for the price it needs every single HP to be worth it since there are soo many GT cars in the $20-25K range running mid 15's in the 1/4.

PS: I have 8k miles on it and I am no where close to being bored with "my new toy". Also I wouldn't say I am a "hipster", I just want my car to look its best, I added a body colored Stillen rear wing but its gonna be all power upgrades from hear on out.

DROIDEKAUS wrote: "Even if the Z's dash were covered in leather ala Porshe or Aston Martin you'd still probably dislike it. That's fine. Strap in for a ride in my car and there's no time for dash molestation. Going through the windshield when I hit the binders would be your first concern. "

Even with leather, I just don't like the layout of the entire dash or the "go cart" feel of the drive. I've driven the Z (in a fit of impatience waiting for my 8). I can see how people fall in love with it, but I've out grown those kinds of feelings by now. The total picture is more important. I'd wear my seat belt so not much concern about going through the windshield.

Excellent pictures, by the way. (Even if the Z looks like it was squeezed out of an elephant's anus.):p

Those pictures are great, they show just how attractive both cars are.

Originally posted by LesPaul
Even with leather, I just don't like the layout of the entire dash or the "go cart" feel of the drive. I've driven the Z (in a fit of impatience waiting for my 8). I can see how people fall in love with it, but I've out grown those kinds of feelings by now. The total picture is more important. I'd wear my seat belt so not much concern about going through the windshield.

Excellent pictures, by the way. (Even if the Z looks like it was squeezed out of an elephant's anus.):p

Umm... I hope I NEVER outgrow "those feelings". Driving on the street doesn't even begin to compare to flogging the shit out of my car on a roadcourse. I take it you have no interest in track time in your RX-8? Believe me, when massive 4-piston calipers loaded with racing pads grab on to 13" rotors at 110 MPH heading into a 40 MPH right-hander, you are left wondering if you are in fact going to come flying out of your seat.

If the Z came from an elephant's ass, I guess the 8 was forced through it's urethra. :D

I retract the elephant turd comment. Even with the smiley face I could see how someone might not take the comment in the goodnatured, funloving spirit in which it was offered. The Z is a beautiful car.

And no, I don't care to drag the 8. I ran my big block Camaro when I was a kid and had a blast. I know about centrifugal force. Ran my RX7 until I killed it. Those were the days. If I wanted a runner I'd get a Viper. I want something cool, with some power that is different from all the other mindless crap on the road today (Z excluded). Don't get your knickers in a twist.

Originally posted by LesPaul
I retract the elephant turd comment. Even with the smiley face I could see how someone might not take the comment in the goodnatured, funloving spirit in which it was offered. The Z is a beautiful car.

And no, I don't care to drag the 8. I ran my big block Camaro when I was a kid and had a blast. I know about centrifugal force. Ran my RX7 until I killed it. Those were the days. If I wanted a runner I'd get a Viper. I want something cool, with some power that is different from all the other mindless crap on the road today (Z excluded). Don't get your knickers in a twist.

I took it in goodnatured fun. Did you miss my smiley?

Dear Lord. Please, PLEASE don't think I was talking about drag racing. The 1/4 mile is NOT racing IMO. I am talking about track days on road courses with right and left turns. If you want to have the most fun ever in a car, sign up for a local high-performance driving school at a track near you. You will never be the same afterwards and will learn SO MUCH about really driving your car.

Saw the smiley. We're all friends here.

"You will never be the same afterwards and will learn SO MUCH about really driving your car." That seems to imply I don't currently "really" know how to drive my car. True about the RX-8, not so about GM, MR2, RX7, Stealth twin turbo or my Craftsman 12 horse.

Originally posted by LesPaul
Saw the smiley. We're all friends here.

"You will never be the same afterwards and will learn SO MUCH about really driving your car." That seems to imply I don't currently "really" know how to drive my car. True about the RX-8, not so about GM, MR2, RX7, Stealth twin turbo or my Craftsman 12 horse.

We are all friends, but you and I seem to enjoy the pissing contest. ;) I know nothing about your driving skillset, but I can assure you that you can never, ever come close to pushing your car as hard on the streets as you can on a proper roadcourse. That's all I am saying. People who do try that on the street usually wreck and die, or kill other people. I'm quite positive that you and I are both at an age where we are way past street racing with children.

I'm so hooked on the go-fast crack pipe after several events this year that I'm going to start looking for a fully-prepped, track-only race car.

Right, I've only been on a track twice (Stealth), got to about 120 and chickened out. I'm sure I could have blown up past 130 or more but I really got the willies. Felt like at any second I could end up mush. When I got out I was literally shaking, in a good way.

Good luck with your racing and I'm trying hard not to bait you again before I end this message.......
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.
.
.
.
.
There, I did it.

Originally posted by droidekaus
I'm so hooked on the go-fast crack pipe after several events this year that I'm going to start looking for a fully-prepped, track-only race car.

Anybody who's looking for a track only trailer queen is a friend of mine, even if you are a Z owner ... there's no better suited track only car than a 93-95 RX-7.

What tracks do you typically run?

sadly, i think the 350z looks better

Originally posted by BOOSTD 7


Anybody who's looking for a track only trailer queen is a friend of mine, even if you are a Z owner ... there's no better suited track only car than a 93-95 RX-7.

What tracks do you typically run?

I'm just getting started. I've done two weekends at a little track here in TX called Motorsport Ranch (http://www.motorsportranch.com). KILLER, technical course with some great elevation changes. I'm seriously thinking about getting a membership out there and quitting the DE scene. The Z is the first car I've ever hit the track in. I did some karting before, so I knew how to drive, but don't like the idea of not having a cage around me or not being belted in at 100 MPH 3/4" off the ground. ;)

A HUGE hurdle is the misses. A car is one thing, but the truck and trailer could be a deal breaker. I'll have to play this one easy and see how it goes. I don't want to lose the Z and have to get a '89 Civic daily driver. :D I'm thinking Spec Miata, or a fully-prepped Civic or Teg. Anyhow, I won't be real serious until I get R-Compounds on the Z for a couple of weekends and see how it goes. I don't have dreams of being worth a shit in any competitive SCCA class, but tearing it up on the course is more fun then one should legally be able to have. I have to keep doing this, you know?

Originally posted by no cup holders
sadly, i think the 350z looks better

Sadly is right. I don't see it, personally. To each their own I guess.

To me, the Z, like most new Nissans, is tragic. I wouldn't take one if it was given to me free and clear.

And before the panties of some members start bunching, that's just an opinion.

Hey, you guys that have polarised opinions about the 350Z and the RX-8 should consider yourselves lucky. I had to choose between them. I had both ordered, could afford either, had no need for 4 seats (although they're useful), thought they both looked great but had to make a decision. In the end the Mazda won it and the Z order was cancelled but I mourn its passing. They are BOTH superb cars and I have the greatest respect for them.

Originally posted by droidekaus



Dear Lord. Please, PLEASE don't think I was talking about drag racing. The 1/4 mile is NOT racing IMO. I am talking about track days on road courses with right and left turns. If you want to have the most fun ever in a car, sign up for a local high-performance driving school at a track near you. You will never be the same afterwards and will learn SO MUCH about really driving your car.

You are so right. I had a chance to take my brother's S2000 on Mid Ohio last spring. It is a blast. I would highly recommend it. I plan on taking the 8 next year (maybe this year if it ever arrives). Not to start a war here but I was surprised how many times I passed a Z. My brother said the same thing (different group). This was a NASA HPDE event so inexperience could be a factor but neither of us are that experienced (karting, autox) in fact it was only my second time in the car.

Also karted there (later in the year). Now that's scary. I'll be back in Oct. :D

Originally posted by Turbo1.8
Not to start a war here but I was surprised how many times I passed a Z. My brother said the same thing (different group). This was a NASA HPDE event so inexperience could be a factor but neither of us are that experienced (karting, autox) in fact it was only my second time in the car.

That is not at all unbelievable. The thing I like about road courses most is that it's ALL DRIVER. Dragging is about being lucky and hooking up and not missing shifts. Last time I went out it was with the PCA. I lapped a 993 TT three times in one session in my run group. That car would RAPE me on the highway.

droidekaus, Sorry if I'm a little late but AWESOME pictures dude !

Good work bud.

those pictures are great man, really pro quality with the layout and everything, great job

both cars are beautiful, i used to HATE the Z, but its really grown on me for some reason and now i really like it, though i personally like the 8 more for whatever reason, i love the looks of both cars

Excellent pics, Droidekaus. I think both cars look the best when seen from the side. I also agree that there's a strong polarity between people who like the RX-8 or the Z. Perhaps this is due to the fact that some people don't like sharp angled lines (which is seen on the Z) or the lack of it (can't find a sharp curve on the '8)?

Ref the comparative looks:

I'm waiting for my RX-8 to be delivered ... that said, I love the front end of the RX-8 and really don't like the rear end at all (doesn't really matter as I don't have to look at it!). The 350Z has a lovely rear, but the front is bland and the overall shape looks like someone trying to create a Jap modern 911 look-alike.

Mazda: If you are reading this then I would do something about the rear end of this car: so many people have commented on how FORD it looks :(

IMHO both cars are good looking cars. Both has their plusses and minuses. Dunno why it has to result into a pissing contest. same type of atmosphere in some Z boards too. <sigh> :( just be glad that japanese sports cars are making a come back!
I'm also one of the many who has this dillema of which to choose. the rx-8 for what it can deliver for the price or the Z with it's power and good tq. then there's IMHO the benchmark of performance of these two cars should stack up to. an all out balls out STi. Yes, it's a boxy four door car with big wings and scoop. But I had a chance to sample on older version (few years back) and it just amazing to be able to put the power down on all 4 wheels effectively.
Anyways I am here to read all the goodness....and badness of the 8 cus it rocks! I'm also in some Z boards cus that rocks too!

Hey, you guys that have polarised opinions about the 350Z and the RX-8 should consider yourselves lucky. I had to choose between them. I had both ordered, could afford either, had no need for 4 seats (although they're useful), thought they both looked great but had to make a decision. In the end the Mazda won it and the Z order was cancelled but I mourn its passing. They are BOTH superb cars and I have the greatest respect for them.

Righteous choices Lensmen ! I like each in their own way.

Thanks for the compliments on the pics, everyone, but the real accolades go to rowentx and his beautiful 8. I have a series of pics of his car, but didn't want to spoil his unveiling if he was going to post them.

Here's another teaser...

http://www.waynewmedia.com/rx-8/rx-8_02.JPG

True, the large passenger cabin of the 8 does look a little bulbous, but that was due to the constraint of having to hold 4 passengers. My main gripe with the Z it looks "chubby" from many angles, and even though the format of a 2-seater has so many design possiblilties, the just went for the easy way out with the "flavor of the month" Audi TT look. I guess I'm just an old timer that misses the days when Nissans looked like Nissans.

Originally posted by droidekaus

If the Z came from an elephant's ass, I guess the 8 was forced through it's urethra. :D

At least we all agree the Z is "Number 2" and the RX-8 is "Number 1" :D

Originally posted by Puppy1
I seriously doubt we'll see an 8 in a Nissan dealership.

that's where i picked up my 8! :)

they are building a mazda dealership next to the nissan dealer and all rx-8s are being delivered and stored at the nissan dealer until the building is finished for the mazda dealership.

hmm. Classic sports car image or futuristic lines.. It is up to the buyer and both look great to me.

Originally posted by RodsterinFL
hmm. Classic sports car image or futuristic lines.. It is up to the buyer and both look great to me. Exactly. The RX-8 will be a classic as you can't tell what year it is from, where the Z is trendy and will look very dated 10 years from now.

Originally posted by TJRX8


At least we all agree the Z is "Number 2" and the RX-8 is "Number 1" :D

Ouch. Nice one.

Originally posted by m477
I guess I'm just an old timer that misses the days when Nissans looked like Nissans.

Word to that.

These days Nissan is an automotive freak show.

Personaly I think the Z's front is somewhat anonamous and a poor TT copy, the Z's rear IMO is a real mess.

The fromt of the 8 is great, cross between lotus 7 and an s2000, side on is great, rear is somewhat anonamous.

Even if I didnt need 4 seats the Z wouldnt be on my shopping lists, we have MANY more attractive 2 seaters to choose from in UK, some with staggering performance, TVR anyone?:)

Lensman, why didnt you just take delivery of the 350Z and sell it for several k profit?

Originally posted by Puppy1
Exactly. The RX-8 will be a classic as you can't tell what year it is from, where the Z is trendy and will look very dated 10 years from now.

Betcha can because of the Altezza lights!

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Lensman, why didnt you just take delivery of the 350Z and sell it for several k profit?

Lack of initial capital. One or the other.

Originally posted by Puppy1
Exactly. The RX-8 will be a classic as you can't tell what year it is from, where the Z is trendy and will look very dated 10 years from now.
Originally posted by RobDickinson
Personaly I think the Z's front is somewhat anonamous and a poor TT copy, the Z's rear IMO is a real mess.

Originally posted by IIIseries


These days Nissan is an automotive freak show.

LMAO, you people are crazy on this board, I was nice with my last post but now that last dated after 10 years comment is just plain ignorant! Every Z made all the way from the origional are now classics, the 13 year old 300zx models are still winning car shows after car shows. The new RX-8 is a decent looking car but its proportions are all wrong, the cabin space makes it look like a mutated coupe and as soon as you add a license plate to the front of the car the front (which IMO is the only nice angle) is ruined.. Follow me down to the beach or any place where "hip" people hang out and I bet my life 8 of 10 people will like the Z's styling better.

Also while you are bagging on the Z, the Z won how many awards in the 8 months it was released? How many top 10 lists? How many rave reviews? And your 30k+ car is running mid 15's in the 1/4 with Honda civic like torque and getting 15-16 mpg?? I can run high 13's, corner on a dime and get 31 mpg on the hwy, and even in hard city driving I get about 20mpg aT worst .Please, get over it.

And your backup story of the rx8 handling good is just an excuse to make you guys feel better about buying a 30k+ car that is getting 175rwhp, running mid 15's in the 1/4 getting 16 mpg and looks like an over inflated coupe gone wrong in photoshop.

Have fun with your $30k+ civic with bad gas milege with your engines known for problems and unreliability!

PS.Whats the fascination with rotary engines? No torque, weird anomalies like back firing and sputtering when cold, HORRIBLE gas mileage, bad reliability and very short engine life, not to mention the expensive services routine and repairs. I don't get it?

Originally posted by Blue 350z




LMAO, you people are crazy on this board, I was nice with my last post but now that last dated after 10 years comment is just plain ignorant! Every Z made all the way from the origional are now classics, the 13 year old 300zx models are still winning car shows after car shows. The new RX-8 is a decent looking car but its proportions are all wrong, the cabin space makes it look like a mutated coupe and as soon as you add a license plate to the front of the car the front (which IMO is the only nice angle) is ruined.. Follow me down to the beach or any place where "hip" people hang out and I bet my life 8 of 10 people will like the Z's styling better.

Also while you are bagging on the Z, the Z won how many awards in the 8 months it was released? How many top 10 lists? How many rave reviews? And your 30k+ car is running mid 15's in the 1/4 with Honda civic like torque and getting 15-16 mpg?? I can run high 13's, corner on a dime and get 31 mpg on the hwy, and even in hard city driving I get about 20mpg aT worst .Please, get over it.

And your backup story of the rx8 handling good is just an excuse to make you guys feel better about buying a 30k+ car that is getting 175rwhp, running mid 15's in the 1/4 getting 16 mpg and looks like an over inflated coupe gone wrong in photoshop.

Have fun with your $30k+ civic with bad gas milege with your engines known for problems and unreliability!

Very nice. Now you've gone and done it. This is their board and they can *think* whatever the fvck they like. At least I was civil in my complaints about the 8. All you've managed to do is stir up an inevitable backlash of ripping on the Z.

Nice work.

OK backlash time.

I think the Z's rear is ugly. For that and that alone I wouldnt consider it.

But you yanks dont get decent 2 seater sports cars anyhow.

Originally posted by Blue 350z
.. Follow me down to the beach or any place where "hip" people hang out and I bet my life 8 of 10 people will like the Z's styling better.Thank you for proving the Z's styling is trendy (HIP=TRENDY, and TRENDY means it will go out of favor).

Once you turn 25 you will start to realize, some things never go out of style. The original 240Z is a classic, the 300ZX is also a classic, far better looking than the current model.

I agree that the 8's Alteeza lights are a blemish on an otherwise beautiful car. They are trendy, and that trend has already long passed, as will the 'hipness' of a certian squshed back 2 seater that is very powerful but more importantly, NOT fun to drive. Over time, that will lessen its apeal greatly.

We will probably see many rear lamp treatments available in aftermarket to fix the trendy ones in the 8. In order to fix the trendiness of the Z, you would have to exchange the whole car for the far better styled G35c. ;)

actually ive heard that rotaries are more reliable than piston engines, or as reliable anyways, as long as they remain NA. and that the unreliability issues of the 3rd-gen were due to overheating turbos and not the actual engine.

true, they dont get great gass mileage, but people getting below 18mpg are just driving wierd since a lot of people are getting mpg's in the low 20's and some even beyond 24. also remember that the rotary hasnt had near the development of the piston engine, so its efficiency is probably nowhere near where it can be.

this is only what ive heard from here on the board and in some car mags, i personally think both cars are great and dont see why people have to whine and cry about one or the other.

oh, and the illusory missing HP is not related to the engine at all and is, in all likelyhood, an ECU issue with fuel maps, many have speculated it runs a "break in" map for x miles to protect the engine from ign'ants at the dealer, dropping the AFR to 12 or 11:1 even in the upper rev range, hopefully that will be FULLY resolved soon and that ponderance will be turned into fact

ciao

edit:
since i was typing this and you guys posted about altezza lights...
wtf are they? are the lights considered "altezza" because of the round iris-type main bulb or what? they dont look anything like the lights on the is 300, or the civic for that matter;)

Originally posted by Puppy1
I agree that the 8's Alteeza lights are a blemish on an otherwise beautiful car. They are trendy, and that trend has already long passed, as will the 'hipness' of a certian squshed back 2 seater that is very powerful but more importantly, NOT fun to drive. Over time, that will lessen its apeal greatly.

What exactly is your idea of fun to drive? If you've never really driven a Z, and I mean flogged the shit out of it, you have no idea just how fun it is to drive. It is a pain in the ass to tool around town in, especially after a suspension upgrade. Borderline uncorfortable depending upon your outlook, but at 120+ it is GLUED to the road. GLUED. You can't putz around in it.

I disagree that the Z will lose it's luster after ten years. Looking at previous Zs..... actually the 240Z and the 300ZX in particular, they both look great even today. How can one pass judgement on the current Z when it's only about 1 year old. I personally think it is quite a successful design. It's a simple TT/911-like design that is aging gracefully. The only thing that bugs me about it is that almost all of the new Nissan cars are sporting similar design to the Z which really detracts the Z's uniqueness. I mean when I saw the new Maxima's taillamp, it immediately reminded me of the Z. Not to mention pretty much all Nissan/Infinity vehicles now share the same VQ engine. Crikeys... talk about cost savings! :)
Same thing with RX-7s.... they age gracefully as well. the 3rd gen rx-7 is still a fine looking car after 10 years!
cheers!

Originally posted by Puppy1
Thank you for proving the Z's styling is trendy (HIP=TRENDY, and TRENDY means it will go out of favor).

Once you turn 25 you will start to realize, some things never go out of style.

I just turned 25 on July 29th thank you very much... I also get old guys complementing the car and little kids with jaw dropping action so age range has nothing to do with it. And for you people that some how think a Z is not fun to drive? Well have you ever driving a car that can hit 100 mph in under 14 seconds? I am guessing 99% of you people have never even drivin one hard unless you own one, or even drivin one peroid . Also around town traffic is obviously not fun, no car is fun in traffic, but my heated seats, auto climate control, pow seats and 300 watt bose stereo keeps me happy and comfortable.

I like the rx8, I am NOT here to bash it, but I will defend nonsense comments about the 350z.. And I have driven cars before with high HP and low torque, wasn't very fun to me at least, no get-up and go unless you downshift, and pop on the AC and your car turns into a total dog.

Z owners really are a trip, I tell you. I hate that my little bro is part of that group. At least he, at only 19, has more maturity than most of the owners I've come across.

***moderator edit***

Originally posted by IIIseries
Z owners really are a trip, I tell you. I hate that my little bro is part of that group. At least he, at only 19, has more maturity than most of the owners I've come across.

***moderator edit***

LOL.. Did I hit a nerve? Is your 19 year old brother your older brother? I think so making an intelligence telling post like that. No wonder you don't like the Z, you have no clue..

PS: Soon as I get a recent digital pic of my car I will post it here. Then I want you to say it looks retarded.

Originally posted by Blue 350z


LOL.. Did I hit a nerve? Is your 19 year old brother your older brother? I think so making an intelligence telling post like that. No wonder you don't like the Z, you have no clue..

PS: Soon as I get a recent digital pic of my car I will post it here. Then I want you to say it looks retarded.

You dont read very well do you? Little brothers typically aren't older, last time I checked. I have all the clues in the world, my man.

You're the one with no clue, since you just can't seem to grasp that your car isn't for everyone. Quit acting like a bitch with his feelings hurt.

Man you can post all the pics in the world (but for the love of GOD, please spare us), and I will stiill say your shit is ugly. I've driven them enough and seen them enough to know.

You sound like an angry person, maybe its time to see help or get a new job or relive your missing childhood. If you have to resort to name calling in a car forum you are acting like a kid, thus my comment about you being younger then 19.

Hey, I see you own a Mazda6 - Sweet ride, what color? Now thats a sharp looking car, much better exterior then the rx-8 IMO.

Originally posted by Blue 350z
You sound like an angry person, maybe its time to see help or get a new job or relive your missing childhood. If you have to resort to name calling in a car forum you are acting like a kid, thus my comment about you being younger then 19.

Hey, I see you own a Mazda6 - Sweet ride, what color? Now thats a sharp looking car, much better exterior then the rx-8 IMO.

Angry, no. Asshole willing to share my opinion, most def. I don't recall calling you any names, but that can change easily since I hate you after only 2 exchanges.

Yeah, I know the 6 is sweet. Coming from someone with such obvious bad taste in cars, that's a surprising compliment.

Okay, I'm gonna use some pictures here to illustrate:



This is a badass Nissan.
http://www.jbskyline.net/R34/GTR/Showroom/Bilder/R34%20GT-R%20Blue%20side%20top.jpg


This is a badass Nissan.
http://300zx.whateverjames.com/300zxangle.jpg


This is a badass Nissan.
http://www.fast-autos.net/nissan/silvia3.jpg


This is a half-assed Audi.
http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/nissan/2003/z/photos/photos_002.jpg


True, Nissan has had some awesome designs. But not every Nissan, or even every Z has had a great design. The Z31 for example has a cheesy dated 1980's look to it. The new Maxima looks like the ugly Renaults I seen in magazines like EVO or CAR. Yeah, the 1990s where a time of great designs for Nissan. Today, however, isn't. As a Nissan owner, I really hope that they can have another period of great, distintive styling again someday.

Wow that was a funny punch line, not. Funny to see how people that can love the styling of the out of proportion photo shopped looking misfit of a wannabe coupe people don't like a clean, muscular looking performance coupe. I am beginning to thing you rx-8 folks are crazy!

But I will agree with you on one thing, the 80's 300z was no looker, expecially now. When they first came out they were chalked full of technology and gadgets for its time, but it was deffinatly not top notch styling.

Also I noticed all of this pics of Z's here are silver which is probably the worse color for a Z since you can't see the chrome accents.

Originally posted by m477

This is a half-assed Audi.



You mean a half-assed Audi WANNABE.

Audi makes gorgeous cars; Nissan wouldn't know a gorgeous car if Ghosn was runover by one.

My RX8 is a lot more fun to drive than my other car. But my other car is a lot faster than my RX8. But I love them both.
I tested the Z before and it is not as nimble as the 8. The steering is too one dimensional. The RX8's handling is far more adjustable than the 350Z. 350Z has a more sportier suspension though. I believe if I change the suspension of my 8 to something as hard as the Z, it will corner harder than the Z. I don't mind a 350Z though, but I am saving up for the new RX7.

pic of my other car

See now you look at those pictures and see "badass Nissan". I see unimaginative, massproduced crap. I'm not saying your are stupid. I'm not attacking you, I'm just saying that those designs are dull, dull, dull. My opinion is as valid as yours. There is nothing there, from a design perspective, that is more interesting than any of the mindless American-made-for-the-masses McCars. Maybe you work for Nissan and have some allegiance to them, but from an honest, unbiased viewpoint, there's nothing "badass" about any of those.

Originally posted by P00Man

since i was typing this and you guys posted about altezza lights...
what are they?

A style of light first seen on the Toyota Altezza. They are 'jewel' like and considered overtly fashionable in some circles. Expect them to go out of fashion REALLY soon. The RX-8's rears are 'Altezza'ish but in some ways more imaginative. They might endure.

The GTR, you have to see it in real life. Picture don't do it justice, it is a very menacing car in metal. I never like the look of the 300ZX and 200SX. As for the 350Z, I don't mind the look, but I like the RX8 better. Then again every individual has different taste.

Many people thinks my Sti is butt ugly. I don't care, I think it is gorgeous. Please note before saying that I have bad taste, my other car is RX8.:p

Judging the looks of a car is such as subjective thing, personally I like both of them.

We can go on and on and on about the stylistic merits/supposed ugliness of both of these cars until we are all blue in the face, but designs like the 350z and RX-8 are polarizing ...

designed to stand out of the crowd of other cars.

Both Nissan and Mazda took some stylistic risks when designing these cars. You either love them or hate them.

Come on guys, I am a 350 owner and I really like the RX-8. I highly doubt that the other 350Z owners made it a point to register on this forum if somewhere they really did not like this car at all. If you did register here just to make trouble, shame on you! Some are just too quick to defend their decision, especially when out numbered away from home. Everyone is entitled to their opinion . . . this is a RX-8 forum so I would expect this argument to be one sided.

Both cars are quick, both can handle off their a$$'s, both are values, and both are unique.


I wonder if Murcielago and Enzo owners get into these debates? Who knows? (I like the Enzo better myself)

Originally posted by VandyZ
I wonder if Murcielago and Enzo owners get into these debates? Who knows? (I like the Enzo better myself)

I like the Enzo's technology better and it's better than the Murcielago in most performace measures but... I hate its looks! The Murcielago is close enough performance wise but looks soooooo much better!! :D

Of course, opinions are a very personal thing. I may like the VQ engine but prefer it on the G35c over the 350Z, in my opinion the Z is ugly. I love the 300ZX though!! :D

Originally posted by VandyZ
I wonder if Murcielago and Enzo owners get into these debates? Who knows? (I like the Enzo better myself)

Oh you bet they do! :D

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t113994.html

EDIT: Actually, most forums I see discussing the two are non-owners... I guess the owners are too busy enjoying their vehicles to even bother with comparisons :D

Blue 350Z:

Sorry to have caused so much bashing. I was just being light hearted with my comments. (that's why I put in the wink) If the 350z spins your socks. Great! Whatever works for you and makes YOU happy should be the only opinion that matters.

Happy Motoring.

The Mazda Xedos design is 10 years old now, but still lives quite happily with today's cars. Shows that Mazda can create style that is timeless.

Just caught this, the age old "my car is better than yours" argument. :D
I ordered my 350Z back in Feb, I couldn't decide between that and the RX8, but since I could get the Z sooner, I opted for that, just to keep me and my bf sane. I love my Z so far, and I love the way it drives. The Z won't be practical for me much longer, so I will probably trade her in on the RX8. But they are both great cars and luckily pretty rare in my area :p

Ummmm.... I'd just like to say.... that you are all retarded.


Oh... and the S2k is the best looking sports car to come out of Japan since the FD.

Thank you for your time,

X

ToRX-8orToZ wrote: " Ummmm.... I'd just like to say.... that you are all retarded"

As the father of a Down Syndrome daughter, a form of mental retardation, I find your statement highly offensive. You would never make such a comment about a racial group yet you find it appropriate to slur a group of people unable to defend themselves. Yeah, you are a real tough cookie. Grow up. My daughter, through no fault of her own, might not know right from wrong, but what is your excuse??

As the father of a Down Syndrome daughter, a form of mental retardation, I find your statement highly offensive. You would never make such a comment about a racial group yet you find it appropriate to slur a group of people unable to defend themselves. Yeah, you are a real tough cookie. Grow up. My daughter, through no fault of her own, might not know right from wrong, but what is your excuse??

My excuse? Hrm.... I'm just an A$$-hole; though I'd disagree that the parameters around my offense constitute a debate on what is "wrong" and what is "right".

Recognize that because of the anonymous nature of the internet, that people are (consiously or not) more inclined to speak their mind. If your daughter was within earshot of me, I would be more sesnative to her "plight", however since I doubt she is reading this message board... I won't take anything back. The fact that you are offended as a Father of a DS girl... well, in all honesty means nothing to me. I'm not quite sure if I'm sorry for THAT; lemme get back to you.

Anyhow, I doubt even your daughter is as sensative.

still though, that isnt really called for...

like, calling something like a book retarded, is fine by me, but using it to try to make fun of people really bugs me, not that i care about your statement, just sayin

like, calling something like a book retarded, is fine by me, but using it to try to make fun of people really bugs me, not that i care about your statement, just sayin

I hear you, and LesPaul as well. Now that someone on this board has voiced a concern over that specific comment, I'll take it into consideration when it pops into my head again. I do feel that we are looking at a case of hypersensativity here though.

wow.........things got really wierd in here,,,,,,,,,lets get back to talking about our cars

This is indeed a very interesting thread.But I always have the weird feeling that ppl own one car then bash the others,why?? I guess each has each own tast and opions, but one doesn't need to bash the others just to prove his own is the best.

My 2cs worth.BTW,I like both :)

Forget both those cars! It's all about the Saleen S7. HAHAHAHA! But seriously, both are great cars. They both have their ups and downs. In my opinion, it comes down to me loving rotary over your conventional piston engines. If I had a choice, I'd just take both!

Blue 350zx:I like the rx8, I am NOT here to bash it, but I will defend nonsense comments about the 350z..... but you just bashed the RX8 w/ nonsense commentsHORRIBLE gas mileage, bad reliability and very short engine life, not to mention the expensive services routine and repairs.Standard care will give you hundreds of thousands of enjoyable miles. And so far it's only the 8's green engines that have disappointing gas mileage.

Blu350Z posted on another thread the question: What is so inovative about the RX8? He is a troll destrying alot of good threads, but this is just in case he truly wanted an answer. 1) The dual rear door was in the RX concept car long before saturn stole the idea. 2) The only car, and company who still uses and refines the rotary engine. 3) The mach super charger effect created by the third port kicking in at 6200 RPM. This inovation gives you the durability, reliability and longevity of a N/A engine, with a non destructive method of boosting performance. (Innovation still in work). 4) Compact car with comfortable back seat, that can realistically seat adults. 5) Seats and headrest that truly makes you feel one with the car. These are just a few that are in stark contrast to Z(not) car.

Go ahead BLU350Z, go to your local Mazda dealer and drive an 8, no one will laugh at you, you can take a different car. You know how I know you have not driven an RX8, because you bought a Z. Test driving an RX8 won't necessarilly make you buy an 8, but from my experience test driving an RX8 before or after a Z will keep you from buying a Z. There are too many intangible differences, let alone the tangible savings, that would not allow me to even give the Z a second thought. Been there, drove a Z, nice car, drove an 8, great car, bought an 8, no regrets.

On second thought don't drive an 8, I hate to see grown men cry. I've already seen one Z owner do that after looking and hearing my car. He just kept murmuring, I should have waited, I should have waited. I told him he had a very nice car and he should be proud, and that didn't appear to make him feel any better. While I was trying to console him, I was looking at his car thinking, thank god I waited. At least I drove the comparables and made a choice.

More opinion, I know, but its mine, and thats all that matters to me. Oh yea, and that Z owner I met, if his opinion counts.

Yea, 350Z blueboy caused another thread to be closed down because of his inane comments.

He's was exposed as a troll and a liar!

Originally posted by RX8-U-UP
Blu350Z posted on another thread the question: What is so inovative about the RX8? He is a troll destrying alot of good threads, but this is just in case he truly wanted an answer. 1) The dual rear door was in the RX concept car long before saturn stole the idea. 2) The only car, and company who still uses and refines the rotary engine. 3) The mach super charger effect created by the third port kicking in at 6200 RPM. This inovation gives you the durability, reliability and longevity of a N/A engine, with a non destructive method of boosting performance. (Innovation still in work). 4) Compact car with comfortable back seat, that can realistically seat adults. 5) Seats and headrest that truly makes you feel one with the car. These are just a few that are in stark contrast to Z(not) car.

that was a response to my post saying the RX-8 was innovative...anyhow, he came back saying his precious 350Z has a stopwatch (?), aluminum driveshaft, and tire pressure monitors...ok, well we have a carbon fiber driveshaft, tire pressure monitors, and an LCD screen displaying time, CD track, ambient temperature, and climate control...

his real only defense is the speed of the car, and that's it...he basically keeps going back to 0-60, 5-60, and 1/4 mile...while that's great and all, the few 1/10ths of second longer it takes the RX-8 to get those numbers is a worthy tradeoff for having a revolutionary INNOVATIVE sports car that seats 4 grown adults, 2 doors + 2 suicide doors, and is powered by a rotary...i see no other car like it...THAT's innovation...

oh, and i see no point in feeding the trolls so i didn't bother responding to him...i feel that feeding the trolls only makes them more hungry as they are already starved for attention...

Originally posted by graphicguy
Yea, 350Z blueboy caused another thread to be closed down because of his inane comments.

He's was exposed as a troll and a liar! No, Blue 350z has not caused any of the threads to close down. And frankly, I didn't see where anyone was able to expose him as a liar either.

---jps

And frankly, I didn't see where anyone was able to expose him as a liar either. Don't these qualify?HORRIBLE gas mileage, bad reliability and very short engine life, not to mention the expensive services routine and repairs.

Originally posted by Sputnik
No, Blue 350z has not caused any of the threads to close down. And frankly, I didn't see where anyone was able to expose him as a liar either.

---jps

Very true, thanks for the backup.. Nice to see level headed mods here..

And somehow graphicguy thinks my timeslips are not mine or fake or somehting, not sure why.. I have about 10+ more timeslips scanned from diffrent dates too if your interested.. But I take it as a complement since he must think they are really good since he is trying to discredit them :cool:

http://www.geocities.com/azwhoopin22/TimeSlips.html

Also back to the innovation. I didn't get into this much but now if you really want to start this crap up again fine, you people can't get enough of me here, restarting treads, creating new ones just for me, I feel so loved :D So I guess I can't deny you a response

This is basically copied and pasted from Nissan's site.. These are some of the highlights on the Z

Traction Control System
Vehicle Dynamic Control
Viscous limited-slip differential
Carbon-fiber Composite Driveshaft
Front: independent multi-link
aluminum-alloy suspension
Rear: independent multi-link
aluminum-alloy suspension with
aluminum-alloy subframe
Front and rear stabilizer bars and strut bars
Power-assisted engine-speed-sensitive
rack-and-pinion steering
Tire Pressure Monitor System
Aluminum hood
High Intensity Discharge xenon headlights
Heated outside mirrors
Automatic Temperature Control
Tilt steering column with integrated gauges (Gauges move with steering wheel)
DVD Navigation
Analog Type Speedometer, Tachometer, Water Temperature, Oil pressure, Voltmeter, and Fuel Gauge
Shift Up Dual Digital Indicator Light
Drive Computer that includes Outside Air Temp., Distance-to-Empty, Avg. MPG, Avg. Speed, Speedometer, Stop Watch, Shift Up Indicator
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and HomeLink© Universal Transceiver
Heated seats
Radio Data System
AudioPilot™ noise-compensating technology
Head, front and side airbags
ABS brakes
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Brake Assist
Vehicle Immobilzer System (chip in key)
Micro-finishing on Crankshaft and Camshaft
Small Pitch, Silent Cam Chain
Electronic Drive-by-Wire Throttle
PowerSeats
Bose Stereo 7 Speakers and 10" Sub - 6 Disk CD Changer
Four-piston caliper brakes

Seems pretty innovative to me! Feel free to challange that list with stuff the RX-8 has :)

Can't we just call this a day? It's a waste of electricity. The fact is that both cars are superb but they are different and have strengths and weaknesses. One is not better than the other unless you define specific tests such as 0-60 or passenger carrying capability. Arguing about this is just trying to assess who has the biggest dick when it's not size that counts but what you do with it!

Originally posted by Lensman
Can't we just call this a day? It's a waste of electricity. The fact is that both cars are superb but they are different and have strengths and weaknesses. One is not better than the other unless you define specific tests such as 0-60 or passenger carrying capability. Arguing about this is just trying to assess who has the biggest dick when it's not size that counts but what you do with it!

LOL.. Nicely put, I actually agree with you 100% - I had said what I wanted to say now anyway.. Probably not gonna post here anymore anyway since I have a bullseye on me because I drive a Z and I need my flamesuit on all the time..

I don't see what youre trying to say. There is no difference here except climate control, trip computer, and a radio data system. Any differences hardly amount to an advantage.

BTW, don't you have a carbon driveshaft on your Z, and not an aluminum? if you upgraded from stock, why did you upgrade to aluminum?




Originally posted by Blue 350z


Very true, thanks for the backup.. Nice to see level headed mods here..

And somehow graphicguy thinks my timeslips are not mine or fake or somehting, not sure why.. I have about 10+ more timeslips scanned from diffrent dates too if your interested.. But I take it as a complement since he must think they are really good since he is trying to discredit them :cool:

http://www.geocities.com/azwhoopin22/TimeSlips.html

Also back to the innovation. I didn't get into this much but now if you really want to start this crap up again fine, you people can't get enough of me here, restarting treads, creating new ones just for me, I feel so loved :D So I guess I can't deny you a response

This is basically copied and pasted from Nissan's site.. These are some of the highlights on the Z

Traction Control System
Vehicle Dynamic Control
Viscous limited-slip differential
Carbon-fiber Composite Driveshaft
Front: independent multi-link
aluminum-alloy suspension
Rear: independent multi-link
aluminum-alloy suspension with
aluminum-alloy subframe
Front and rear stabilizer bars and strut bars
Power-assisted engine-speed-sensitive
rack-and-pinion steering
Tire Pressure Monitor System
Aluminum hood
High Intensity Discharge xenon headlights
Heated outside mirrors
Automatic Temperature Control
Tilt steering column with integrated gauges (Gauges move with steering wheel)
DVD Navigation
Analog Type Speedometer, Tachometer, Water Temperature, Oil pressure, Voltmeter, and Fuel Gauge
Shift Up Dual Digital Indicator Light
Drive Computer that includes Outside Air Temp., Distance-to-Empty, Avg. MPG, Avg. Speed, Speedometer, Stop Watch, Shift Up Indicator
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and HomeLink© Universal Transceiver
Heated seats
Radio Data System
AudioPilot™ noise-compensating technology
Head, front and side airbags
ABS brakes
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Brake Assist
Vehicle Immobilzer System (chip in key)
Micro-finishing on Crankshaft and Camshaft
Small Pitch, Silent Cam Chain
Electronic Drive-by-Wire Throttle
PowerSeats
Bose Stereo 7 Speakers and 10" Sub - 6 Disk CD Changer
Four-piston caliper brakes

Seems pretty innovative to me! Feel free to challange that list with stuff the RX-8 has :)

in·no·va·tion [ ìnnə váy sh’n ] (plural in·no·va·tions)

noun

1. origination: the act or process of inventing or introducing something new


2. new idea or method: something newly invented or a new way of doing things

Nothing on your window sticker meets this definition. Keep trying, maybe you could print a few pages out of your owners manual.

Example: Nissan invented a method to duplicate another cars body style without being sued. Now that is innovative.

Droidekaus said that the materials on the door panels of the RX-8 are the same as the P5.

This is not true. I traded in a loaded '03 Vivid Yellow P5 for my 8 and I can tell you with confidence, that the materials of the 8 are much better than those of a p5.

I have nothing against the Z that Droid drives. I've always said that if the Z had four real seats, it would have been really, really, tough to make a decision between the two.

Example: Nissan invented a method to duplicate another cars body style without being sued. Now that is innovative.




If you're referring to the 350Z, I don't know what you're talking about. I recall reading an article where a sketch artist was brought in for an initial design of the new car.

He just drew 2 arcs. I don't know how, but those arcs won some art awards, but the 350z is based on those 2 arcs, and it's especially noticeable from the side profile.

I think he might be referring to the Audi TT... something of a watershed in auto design apparently. It's a poor example though because ALOT of cars have borrowed from its themes.

Dunno why, but I thought the 350z looked like a Porsche 911.

But I figured if I was gonna spend that kinda money on a car that looked like a Porsche, I might as well buy a Porsche (and yes, I understand the inherent flaw of that argument, but I didnt get either, so does it matter?)

Originally posted by R32


If you're referring to the 350Z, I don't know what you're talking about. I recall reading an article where a sketch artist was brought in for an initial design of the new car.

He just drew 2 arcs. I don't know how, but those arcs won some art awards, but the 350z is based on those 2 arcs, and it's especially noticeable from the side profile. I'm kinda not following this thread, but having read this post, I just have to make this remark. This has nothing to do with you R32, you just wrote it, but,...this is the most incredibly assinine thing I have EVER read in the way of automotive deign!:eek: Some "artist" - of all things - draws two - count 'em - 2 - dos - snake eyes - duce - two fuggin -------------------- crooked LINES that, o my god, are not very straight, nor parallel; and they design the 350Z based on those 2 crukid pencil turds.

Well, no wonder..................

Originally posted by Lensman
Arguing about this is just trying to assess who has the biggest dick when it's not size that counts but what you do with it! And as far as Blue 350Z goes, it's "at what part in your anatomy has it replaced?" Do you think?
L.I.B!
M.R.Ducks!

Doh!

Flame-out!

I'm kinda not following this thread, but having read this post, I just have to make this remark. This has nothing to do with you R32, you just wrote it, but,...this is the most incredibly assinine thing I have EVER read in the way of automotive deign! Some "artist" - of all things - draws two - count 'em - 2 - dos - snake eyes - duce - two fuggin -------------------- crooked LINES that, o my god, are not very straight, nor parallel; and they design the 350Z based on those 2 crukid pencil turds.

Well, no wonder..................

Yeah, so imagine my disbelief when I read the article. I wish I remembered what magazine it was so I could look it up, but my goodness, when I was 5 I could've drawn the same 2 arcs.

Does anyone remember the early 350z commercials? They used to show actual footage of the 2 arcs.

Regardless, I still like the RX-8's style anyway. :D

Whatever, the designer of the 350z, Ajay Panchal, owns an Audi TT and if you've ever read an interview with him, he is totally obsessed with that car. (as if it wasn't obvious from the 350z design...)

Not sure how you can compare a 350z with the Audi TT, anyway I finally got around to take a new pic of my Z with the Wing.

http://www.geocities.com/azwhoopin22/ZAlbum5.html

Originally posted by Blue 350z
Not sure how you can compare a 350z with the Audi TT, anyway I finally got around to take a new pic of my Z with the Wing.

http://www.geocities.com/azwhoopin22/ZAlbum5.html

Looks like a resemblance of the TT to me. I think there are shape and line ideas that was copyied from the Audi. Silhouttes are close, except Nissan's rear end looks much worse, IMO.

Give me a choice between those two, and I would choose the Audi. I'd trade off the performance of the Z, for the better looks of the TT.

Of course I would still choose the G35c over the unattactive (to me) Z, and the RX-8 over both of them. :D

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


Looks like a resemblance of the TT to me. I think there are shape and line ideas that was copyied from the Audi. Silhoutes are close, except Nissan's rear end looks much worse, IMO.

Give me a choice between those two, and I would choose the Audi. I'd trade off the performance of the Z, for the better looks of the TT.

Of course I would still choose the G35c over the unattactive (to me) Z, and the RX-8 over both of them. :D

LOL.. You (and probably the others from this site) are the only people in the free world that would pick a girly Audi TT over a Z, with the exception of woman.

Originally posted by Blue 350z


LOL.. You (and probably the others from this site) are the only people in the free world that would pick a girly Audi TT over a Z, with the exception of woman.

And I don't have to prove I'm masculine by buying a Z, which you are obviously trying to do.. I already know I'm a man.

Originally posted by Blue 350z


LOL.. You (and probably the others from this site) are the only people in the free world that would pick a girly Audi TT over a Z, with the exception of woman. Yeah, I pick woman.

Originally posted by Blue 350z
I finally got around to take a new pic of my Z with the Wing.


IMO, that spoiler doesn't look bad at all.

If it was my Z, I'd probably opt for one that was a little shorter though.

Originally posted by OmegaBob


IMO, that spoiler doesn't look bad at all.

.

I agree. The rear of the Z, looks too plain to me. I think the spoiler definately improves the looks. Reminds me of a "Porsche" look.

Nice job putting all the accolades for the RX8 on your site. Mind if I copy them?

Originally posted by graphicguy
Nice job putting all the accolades for the RX8 on your site. Mind if I copy them? Yeah, I definitely agree on that!

Hey RX-8 Zoomster, have you considered adding the front splash guards? I've been wondering about doing that in addition to the mods you already have. Beautiful car, huh!!!

Originally posted by Racer X-8
Yeah, I definitely agree on that!

Hey RX-8 Zoomster, have you considered adding the front splash guards? I've been wondering about doing that in addition to the mods you already have. Beautiful car, huh!!!

Racer,

I didn't give it much thought. If I recall, don't they come in a set of 4? If so, then that's why I probably didn't get them because the rear set I couldn't use since part of the aero flares is behind the rear wheel. I do agee that they look good.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


Racer,

I didn't give it much thought. If I recall, don't they come in a set of 4? If so, then that's why I probably didn't get them because the rear set I couldn't use since part of the aero flares is behind the rear wheel. I do agee that they look good. No, they are sold separately, so you can buy just the fronts for $74.10 @ trussville. I even started a new thread in the body/appearance forum, with no response. I'm real surprised that nobody has done this yet with their aero stuff. It seems to me to be a perfect match! It'll catch the low line of the front air dam & taper it to the higher line, where the side aeroflare tapers it low again & the rear aeroflare tapers it up for the finishing look. Besides, they would function as a protector and would help to reduce dirt on the sides.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


Looks like a resemblance of the TT to me. I think there are shape and line ideas that was copyied from the Audi. Silhouttes are close, except Nissan's rear end looks much worse, IMO.


Here is a shot of two of them together.

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0803/CarEnthusiast/5eb3346c.jpg

Im not sure how people can quickly say the 350z is a copy of the TT. The 350z stance is more pronounced compared to the TT.


Side profile resembles the past Z cars more than it does the TT.

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0803/CarEnthusiast/3c3d94cb.jpg

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0803/CarEnthusiast/61f5f222.jpg

If you take a look at a 300zx especially, you can see where the lines of the 350z come from.

So makes you wonder who copied from whom. Unless the TT has a long heritage of the Z car, i'd give the benefit of the doubt to the 350z.

But hey, its all in the eye of the beholder. :)

Originally posted by Racer X-8
No, they are sold separately, so you can buy just the fronts for $74.10 @ trussville. I even started a new thread in the body/appearance forum, with no response. I'm real surprised that nobody has done this yet with their aero stuff. It seems to me to be a perfect match! It'll catch the low line of the front air dam & taper it to the higher line, where the side aeroflare tapers it low again & the rear aeroflare tapers it up for the finishing look. Besides, they would function as a protector and would help to reduce dirt on the sides.

Thanks. I might look into that since I can buy them separately. I do see what you mean by giving it that tapered look after the front wheels.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


Thanks. I might look into that since I can buy them separately. I do see what you mean by giving it that tapered look after the front wheels. Yeah man! Whaddaya say, let's give this one of those "Tool Time" manly-type growls, huh?
Gruuuhhhhyeahhhhhbaby!

Originally posted by Racer X-8
Yeah man! Whaddaya say, let's give this one of those "Tool Time" manly-type growls, huh?
Gruuuhhhhyeahhhhhbaby!

LOL! All we need now is some after-factory Binford Forced air induction and cat back modifications.

As the previous owner of a 280Z (bought it used with every cent I had at the time), I think the original 240Z/260Z/280Z cars were more of a classic look.

350Z has more in common, looks wise, to the 300ZX. Unfortunately, I was never too fond of the move away from the 2XXZ body styles.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


LOL! All we need now is some after-factory Binford Forced air induction and cat back modifications. ROFL! Rrrrr...Rrrrr..oooooooyeahhhhhhhhh.......Nitrous!! !!

edit: oh, hey there graphicguy! Xcuse us, uh, we were just gettin a little off-thread a little there I guess..Ahem.

Yeah, this new Z doesn't even look like a Z at all to me. I had to do a triple or quadruple take the first time I saw one - couldn't believe it was actually a Z. I still can't get over it! Never owned one, but I had one foxxy blondy-blond next door to me that had one - late 80's like an 89 I think maybe. I like that look way more than this look. This look is lifeless to me.

Originally posted by graphicguy
As the previous owner of a 280Z (bought it used with every cent I had at the time), I think the original 240Z/260Z/280Z cars were more of a classic look.

350Z has more in common, looks wise, to the 300ZX. Unfortunately, I was never too fond of the move away from the 2XXZ body styles.

I totally agree! I loved the "classic" look of the 2xxz body styles. Long hood, recessed lights, sloping "fastback" roof. Loved them. It was that what set the Datsun/Nissan's apart from the other sports cars. You could see any one of those from a distance, and definately say that was a Z. Although the 300zx moved away from that style, it was still more appealing to me, then the current 350Z.

Originally posted by Racer X-8


Yeah, this new Z doesn't even look like a Z at all to me. I had to do a triple or quadruple take the first time I saw one - couldn't believe it was actually a Z. I still can't get over it! Never owned one, but I had one foxxy blondy-blond next door to me that had one - late 80's like an 89 I think maybe. I like that look way more than this look. This look is lifeless to me.

That's EXACTLY what graphicguy and I are talking about. It doesn't look like a Z. If you are going to follow a heritage, then you need to do it with looks and not just name only. You can look at the cars like the Mustang, Corvette, Porsche 911's, etc. throughout their lineage and SEE the similarity between the first few years of production to today. I don't see that with the 350Z. That why I said it looks more like the Audi TT then it does it's own ancestors. I'm sure many Z fans were disappointed to see what happened to the classic looks of the Z with the last two models.

Shoulda called it the Nissan TT.

Originally posted by Racer X-8
Shoulda called it the Nissan TT.

:p Makes sense. Would that also apply to the Infiniti TT +2 coupe? :D

Seriously, IMHO, the G35 coupe does looks hell of a lot better than the 350Z. Infiniti did a good job with looks on the coupe.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


:p Makes sense. Would that also apply to the Infiniti TT +2 coupe? :D

Seriously, IMHO, the G35 coupe does looks hell of a lot better than the 350Z. Infiniti did a good job with looks on the coupe. Agreed again! I was looking reeeeeel hard at the G35C (manual, of course) before I gave it up for the 8. I have a G20T and, although it's quite lame, it is an Infiniti. The G35C really caught my attention when one passed me in rush hour traffic & it took all my MX-6 had to keep up, and I could only do that by catching up when he/she was trapped behind slow traffic. When traffic broke, "bye bye". Really was impresssive, but I wonder how that would replay now with me in my 8?

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
Thanks. I might look into that since I can buy them separately. I do see what you mean by giving it that tapered look after the front wheels.

I have also contemplated this but am not sure how good they will match. The splash guards don't taper to the same shape as the rear pieces of the app pkg. Need to see them in person first.

Mark,
If you get them I'll have to check them out when you get back to town.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


I totally agree! I loved the "classic" look of the 2xxz body styles. Long hood, recessed lights, sloping "fastback" roof.

Did you not see the side profile I posted? The things you mentioned can easily be applied to that of the new Z car.

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0803/CarEnthusiast/3c3d94cb.jpg

If that isnt clear enough, then I dont know what is. Sure the new Z is much bulkier looking than the Z cars of old. But the things you describe as "classic" characteristics of past Z cars are visible in the current form.

Im not going to pick any more bones with you as you are entitled to your own opinion. But, quick generalizations such as your opinion of

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
I'm sure many Z fans were disappointed to see what happened to the classic looks of the Z with the last two models.

can have as much substance as me saying that Z fans are applauding Nissan for bringing back a car that symbolizes what the first Z car had done during its time...a well performing sports car for not much money.

Either way, we should all be excited for car makers of Japan on bringing back affordable sports cars to rival those of Europes and the US.

As far as the G35 coupe, all that I would say it does look better...in pictures as compared to the 350z. But in the real world when side by side, I prefer the look of the 350Z with its more "sporty" look. But thats just my opinion.

I agree. Even though my personal preference is obvious, I am really happy to see some of the variety and inovation coming out lately. The rotary is a new thing for me that I am enjoying, but I know that down the line there will be other things that catch my eye, and the stuff out now is pretty damn compelling too!

I mean, With cars out now such as SRT-4, EVO and WRX we are seeing some amazing cars that would never have hit market a few years ago. Just think of some of the things to come!

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast
Either way, we should all be excited for car makers of Japan on bringing back affordable sports cars to rival those of Europes and the US.Not.
It's a darned shame that car makers of the US can't compete, time after time again. Every time they come up with a winner, they gotta price it outta reach. Viper. Vette. Stang comes close, but misses. A darned shame. How can they compete with the UAW providing wages that strangle any viable attempt at being fiscally competent & other crap that goes on in the upper ranks, exhorbident concessions made unwisely that have a snowball's chance in hell of being rescinded to regain some sense of sanity. But that's just my opinion.

Nice presentation of evidence, but these RX-8 people are 95% anti-350z for some reason. Ain't nothing going to change any of their minds and or give into to any evidence even if you put the designer of the Z on the lie detectior and ask him if the Audi TT influenced his design and he said NO they would still not change their mind. And you could have pictures of every angle comparing the old Z's with the new and have mathamatical evidence from the designers and it woudl still not matter. Even the center gauge cluster in the 350z (Volt meter, Oil pressure etc) are styling que's taken directly from the origional Z.

Also wether it looks like an old Z or not, its still a Z!!! No matter what you think, my car is called a 350z, has Z's all over it and on my window sticker.. Its a Z and we don't need any RX8's fan approval to make it official

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast


Did you not see the side profile I posted? The things you mentioned can easily be applied to that of the new Z car.

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0803/CarEnthusiast/3c3d94cb.jpg

If that isnt clear enough, then I dont know what is. Sure the new Z is much bulkier looking than the Z cars of old. But the things you describe as "classic" characteristics of past Z cars are visible in the current form.

Im not going to pick any more bones with you as you are entitled to your own opinion. But, quick generalizations such as your opinion of



can have as much substance as me saying that Z fans are applauding Nissan for bringing back a car that symbolizes what the first Z car had done during its time...a well performing sports car for not much money.

Either way, we should all be excited for car makers of Japan on bringing back affordable sports cars to rival those of Europes and the US.

As far as the G35 coupe, all that I would say it does look better...in pictures as compared to the 350z. But in the real world when side by side, I prefer the look of the 350Z with its more "sporty" look. But thats just my opinion.

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast


Did you not see the side profile I posted? The things you mentioned can easily be applied to that of the new Z car.

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/0803/CarEnthusiast/3c3d94cb.jpg

If that isnt clear enough, then I dont know what is. Sure the new Z is much bulkier looking than the Z cars of old. But the things you describe as "classic" characteristics of past Z cars are visible in the current form.



I'm sorry. In all due respect, I don't see it. The nose is different, the headlights different, hood line is different, the rear body panels lines are different. The Z is much higher and bulkier. Maybe the sloping roof is a little similiar. The closest things to those two cars is that they are both silver.

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast

Im not going to pick any more bones with you as you are entitled to your own opinion. But, quick generalizations such as your opinion of can have as much substance as me saying that Z fans are applauding Nissan for bringing back a car that symbolizes what the first Z car had done during its time...a well performing sports car for not much money.

I don't think it is quick generalization. How can anyone honestly say that those two cars are related except by name and manufacturer?

Some Z fans are applauding that Nissan brought back the Z, but there are some Z fans that probably doesn't care for the look and would like to have seen a more "classic" look. The same goes for us here. There are some rotary fans that are applauding Mazda for bringing back the rotary, but there are some rotary fans, that say the RX-8 is not an RX-7. And rightfully so, they are expecting a RX-7. But there lies the difference. The RX-8 is nota RX-7. It was never meant to be a replacement. The 350Z is a replacement for the Z, but to most people it does not look like a Z of old. They should have labeled it something else, IMO.


Originally posted by CarEnthusiast

Either way, we should all be excited for car makers of Japan on bringing back affordable sports cars to rival those of Europes and the US.

I am excited. I never said I was. I think it great that we all have great Japanese sport coupes and sedans that are competitive with the Audi's, Bimmers & other European makes. Choice is a good thing.

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast

As far as the G35 coupe, all that I would say it does look better...in pictures as compared to the 350z. But in the real world when side by side, I prefer the look of the 350Z with its more "sporty" look. But thats just my opinion.

The 350Z does look sportier in pictures and "in-person", and I'm glad you like that over the G35 coupe. I prefer the coupe with it's classy, yet sporty looks over the Z. Like I said before, it's great to have choices for one's different wants and tastes in an automobile.

As for me, before the RX-8, I was going to get the G35 coupe. Since the RX-8 had the coupe style (vs 4-dr sedan) and even a sportier look, the RX-8 was the better car for me.

Except you're forgetting the fact that the 350z designer OWNS a TT and always talks about how much he LOVES it.

Originally posted by m477
Except you're forgetting the fact that the 350z designer OWNS a TT and always talks about how much he LOVES it.

I know. I'm not the one that can't grasp that concept. One shouldn't be ashamed of where their roots originated. ;)

Heck, if I was to design a car, it would have an Italian design flair to it, yet be more reliable; be high reving, reliable engine; be a great handler; get me to 60 in the low 6 secs; have reasonable gas mileage; have a sporty interior; be ideal for 2 but have the occasion +2 for short trips. Wonder what it would look like? Damn, I already know. I already own it - an RX-8. :D

Originally posted by Racer X-8
Agreed again! I was looking reeeeeel hard at the G35C (manual, of course) before I gave it up for the 8. I have a G20T and, although it's quite lame, it is an Infiniti. The G35C really caught my attention when one passed me in rush hour traffic & it took all my MX-6 had to keep up, and I could only do that by catching up when he/she was trapped behind slow traffic. When traffic broke, "bye bye". Really was impresssive, but I wonder how that would replay now with me in my 8?

I like the G35 coupe too. That was the car I was going to own before the RX-8 came out. I wanted a coupe styling, yet have sportier looks than the 330ci, which I was cross shopping. The G35c fit the bill. When the RX-8 came out, there was a car that had even sportier looks (exterior & interior), had a coupe styling vs. a 4-dr. sedan look and with easier access, had more interior people space than the G35c, was a better handler, and was less expensive. The only trade-off was slightly less performance (straight line) and a less proven reliability than the Infiniti. To me that was worth it.

Now if I am in the market for a sports sedan down the road, since I have my coupe, I would give the G35 sedan a serious look. I think if Infiniti put another 1-2 thousand into the interior, they would have an outstanding automobile that would match or exceed the BMW 3-series in every category, except snobbiness. ;)

Originally posted by TJRX8


I have also contemplated this but am not sure how good they will match. The splash guards don't taper to the same shape as the rear pieces of the app pkg. Need to see them in person first.

Mark,
If you get them I'll have to check them out when you get back to town.

Tom,

I'm not quite sure how it would look (3-D) either. I've seen pictures, but I too would have to see it in person, before I would take that financial plunge.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
The RX-8 is nota RX-7. It was never meant to be a replacement. The 350Z is a replacement for the Z, but to most people it does not look like a Z of old. They should have labeled it something else, IMO.

So wait, let me get this straight. A mazda car that bears the label of "RX" is not in any way correlated to any "RX" cars of past? Even with the engine being a rotary in it of itself?

If your thinking of the 350Z as not worthy of being labeled a Z car, then by your definition the RX-8 should not have the same insignia of the RX-7. Then the 8 should be labeled in another form.

Correct me if im wrong as I dont know much of the RX history.

As far as design, cars of new will undoubtedly look different from their predecessors. But subtle design cues can be found. Concerning the 350Z, whether the design resembles past Z cars or not, the basic premise is still the same.

The 350Z brings back an affordable sports car just as the 240 did in its time, whether some view the design of the 350Z as not living up to its predecessors.

As far as the designer owning a TT, please point me to where that can be found. I would be interested in that reading.

And if the 350Z is inspired from the design of the TT as some of you view it, people can just as quickly regard the RX-8 as inspired by the Saturn by its doors.

Originally posted by Racer X-8
Not.
It's a darned shame that car makers of the US can't compete, time after time again. Every time they come up with a winner, they gotta price it outta reach. Viper. Vette. Stang comes close, but misses. A darned shame. How can they compete with the UAW providing wages that strangle any viable attempt at being fiscally competent & other crap that goes on in the upper ranks, exhorbident concessions made unwisely that have a snowball's chance in hell of being rescinded to regain some sense of sanity. But that's just my opinion.

I know what you are talking about. Isn't it too much to ask, to have a car that has great performance, yet be price affordable (20k-35k). The US cars that have the looks with the performance are priced 50K and up. I would think if the Japanese can put out cars like the Miata, RX-8, S2000, G35c & sedan, 350Z, IS300, etc, all for less than 40k, coupled with that Japanese reliability, then you would the US makers could do the same.

Sure, for less than 30k you get that 1/4 mile straight-a-way high HP & torque speedster, that has crappy handling, less than steller looks. I think it all goes back to that late 60's early 70's muscle car mentality. All that was important was straight-a-way speed. Hell, I owned a 69 Camaro 327, 72 Nova SS 350, 76 El Camino SS 350, and I fell into that mentality for the longest time. Until I drove, my cheap-ass, low HP & low torque Fiat X-19, I didn't know what great handling was. I swore if I ever would get another sports car, then it would have to be a great handler. I'm glad the RX-8 came along, and I had the opportunity of owning it.

If price was a factor in US not being able to provide a great looking, great handling, great performance sports car (which I think is not totally true), then they need to solve that problem. I respect your opinion, and I have similar views. Not to offend any of you labor union supporters, but, IMO, the unions need to go with their high employee wages. I don't know whether the US car makers need to start paying lower assembly line wages, hiring imigrant, or taking their manufacturing south across the border, but something needs to be done. I think it's ludricous to have the union workers bitch about their wages and hours, yet expect to be paid for what I feel is substandard workmanship (as compared to Japanese & European). Especially when you have thousands upon thousands of workers unemployed & homeless, that would give anything to have a job to put food on the table and to afford a roof over their head.

Sorry, for my social and economic rant. Time to get off my soapbox.

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast


And if the 350Z is inspired from the design of the TT as some of you view it, people can just as quickly regard the RX-8 as inspired by the Saturn by its doors.

I know you are just being sarcastic but ouch!..... Suicide door design is not something Mazda came up with. There are plenty of cars and concepts in the past that utilizes the suicide design.... the latest being the RX-8 and the Saturn before that. It's not really fair to describe the RX-8 as a Saturn Quadcoupe copy, but it's easy to see how many people would think that.

As far as all the criticism for the 350Z design goes - sure, whatever you say~ ;) This is not a Z forum, it would be pointless to defend the 02-03 Japanese Car of the Year and Good Design of the Year winner here.

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast


So wait, let me get this straight. A mazda car that bears the label of "RX" is not in any way correlated to any "RX" cars of past? Even with the engine being a rotary in it of itself?

If your thinking of the 350Z as not worthy of being labeled a Z car, then by your definition the RX-8 should not have the same insignia of the RX-7. Then the 8 should be labeled in another form.

Correct me if im wrong as I dont know much of the RX history.

As far as design, cars of new will undoubtedly look different from their predecessors. But subtle design cues can be found. Concerning the 350Z, whether the design resembles past Z cars or not, the basic premise is still the same.

The 350Z brings back an affordable sports car just as the 240 did in its time, whether some view the design of the 350Z as not living up to its predecessors.

As far as the designer owning a TT, please point me to where that can be found. I would be interested in that reading.

And if the 350Z is inspired from the design of the TT as some of you view it, people can just as quickly regard the RX-8 as inspired by the Saturn by its doors.

Nope, you didn't get it straight. I guess you have trouble with interpretation and comprehension. Correlation of RX is to rotary. It's not a replacement for the RX-7.

So what makes the Z, a Z, except for name only? Doesn't look like the 240, 260, 280 or even the 300. Explain to me please why Nissan choose to call this a Z, except for the fact they needed a 2 seater sports car, and decided to call it a Z, even though it doesn't look like any previous Z. Hey we needed a name for our 2-seater, and since the other Z's were 2-seaters, we'll call this a Z. Doesn't matter if it looks like a Audi TT, we'll call it a Z. Basic premise - a high performance 2-seater is all it is. But, I guess that's OK, if they want to call it a Z. Don't get me wrong. I'm not flaming the car. It's a great car with great performance.

As far as designer owning a TT, I can't answer that since I didn't say that. You're argueing that point with the wrong person.

Yes IMO, I believe the 350Z is inspired by the Audi TT design, but you're wrong about the Mazda RX-8 and Saturn. The concept designs for the RX-8 (RX-Evolv) had the suicide doors before the Saturn. If their was any inspiritation, it wasn't from Saturn (GM) which copied Mazda on this one. Get your facts straight.

So now your insulting me with...

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
I guess you have trouble with interpretation and comprehension.


when im just trying to get involved in a discussion. So touchy arent we. I hope this trend does not continue as I do not want a flame war.

As far as...

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
Correlation of RX is to rotary. It's not a replacement for the RX-7.

didnt I mention that in my previous post?

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast
A mazda car that bears the label of "RX" is not in any way correlated to any "RX" cars of past? Even with the engine being a rotary in it of itself?

I did not say that the RX-8 is a complete replacement of the RX-7. But for the RX-8 to have the RX name and rotary engine, should'n there be a relation to RX cars of past?

My point in this that you feel that the 350Z should not resemble the Z insignia then the RX-8 should not also since its not intended to replace the RX-7.

When in fact the 350Z has as much worthiness of holding the Z name not for its design (though it can be argued for/against) but for what it has brought. That is my main point.

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast
So what makes the Z, a Z, except for name only?

The 240z was not brought in as a design benchmark. But what it brought was affordable performance sports car to which the 350Z is now doing again. Thus making the 350 a Z car.

As far as to which came first between Mazda and Saturn for the doors, all I know is that Saturn was the first to come out with it in production form and would guess that the majority of people would also think that way.

All I am doing is providing a counter argument and prefer not to have this turn into an insult/flame war.

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac

This is not a Z forum, it would be pointless to defend the 02-03 Japanese Car of the Year and Good Design of the Year winner here.

Oh yeah, my car was Automobile magazine car of the year many years ago, and it's a .....(drum roll)

Plymouth Neon.....


awards means jack

Oh yeah, my car was Automobile magazine car of the year many years ago, and it's a .....(drum roll)

Plymouth Neon.....


awards means jack


nice one.

other than that, please continue on with the pissing contest. this is rather amusing.

take care

santino

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast
I did not say that the RX-8 is a complete replacement of the RX-7. But for the RX-8 to have the RX name and rotary engine, should'n there be a relation to RX cars of past?
I need to clear this up before you ask again - the RX simply stands for Rotary Experiment. There were other versions besides the RX-7 that you know of RX-1 thru RX-6 all existed. Of these they produced coupes, sedans and even wagons that had pretty much only one thing in common - the rotary. So, the 8 being a new series, it only has to be related to its other brethren by its engine for it to be considered an RX car.

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac


I know you are just being sarcastic but ouch!..... Suicide door design is not something Mazda came up with. There are plenty of cars and concepts in the past that utilizes the suicide design.... the latest being the RX-8 and the Saturn before that. It's not really fair to describe the RX-8 as a Saturn Quadcoupe copy, but it's easy to see how many people would think that.

As far as all the criticism for the 350Z design goes - sure, whatever you say~ ;) This is not a Z forum, it would be pointless to defend the 02-03 Japanese Car of the Year and Good Design of the Year winner here.

Sky,

Appreciate your input on the suicide door concept and history.

350Z owners and guests don't have to defend their car here. No one is saying that their car is a POS and that the design sucks. Some people like the design, some find it less desirable. Some think, including I, think the design may be more inspired by the Audi TT design than the previous Z lineage. What's wrong with that? I just think it would have been great to have a design lineage similiar to the Mustangs, 911's, Corvettes, etc. The fans and enthusiasts. They all have a similiar look throughout their history.

But if Nissan, chose to change the styling to a more dramatic fashion than some fans thought was necessary then so be it. I commend them on their COTY and design award. Even though I feel the G35c was more worthy of those two accolades. The 350Z is a great sports car. There are many of us that think it is worthy of exactly that - a great performance sports car.

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast
So now your insulting me with...



when im just trying to get involved in a discussion. So touchy arent we. I hope this trend does not continue as I do not want a flame war.

As far as...



didnt I mention that in my previous post?



I did not say that the RX-8 is a complete replacement of the RX-7. But for the RX-8 to have the RX name and rotary engine, should'n there be a relation to RX cars of past?

My point in this that you feel that the 350Z should not resemble the Z insignia then the RX-8 should not also since its not intended to replace the RX-7.

When in fact the 350Z has as much worthiness of holding the Z name not for its design (though it can be argued for/against) but for what it has brought. That is my main point.



The 240z was not brought in as a design benchmark. But what it brought was affordable performance sports car to which the 350Z is now doing again. Thus making the 350 a Z car.

As far as to which came first between Mazda and Saturn for the doors, all I know is that Saturn was the first to come out with it in production form and would guess that the majority of people would also think that way.

All I am doing is providing a counter argument and prefer not to have this turn into an insult/flame war.

Nothing I said was meant to insult you, if you took that wrong, then I'm sorry.

Bottom line, we have a difference of opinion on the design inspiration. You think it's fine that that designs changed from the older classic look to a more dramatic modern look. BTW, the new design does look meaner, in a muscle car sort of way. I think the design should have had a closer rememblence to the 2xxZ line.

Either way, the 350Z is a great sports car. No arguing that point.

So Saturn came out with the suicide door before the production RX-8. The main point, and its a shame people don't realize this, and frankly I could care less, is that the RX-8 concept had it before the Saturn, and production cars throughout history had it before Mazda and Saturn. I just wanted to clarify that Mazda's inspiration for the suicide doors did not come from Saturn. On the contrary, Saturn copied the design from others.

BTW, welcome to the board. And thanks for the debate.

Originally posted by 5Gen_Prelude

I need to clear this up before you ask again - the RX simply stands for Rotary Experiment. There were other versions besides the RX-7 that you know of RX-1 thru RX-6 all existed. Of these they produced coupes, sedans and even wagons that had pretty much only one thing in common - the rotary. So, the 8 being a new series, it only has to be related to its other brethren by its engine for it to be considered an RX car.

Thanks 5Gen_Prelude. Which is what I was trying to convey to CarEnthusiast, but I'm not as articulate as you. IMO, as a car enthusiast, I think a car should have more design similiarity with it's past then just being an affordable performance sports car sharing the same badge.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster

... Until I drove, my cheap-ass, low HP & low torque Fiat X-19, I didn't know what great handling was. I swore if I ever would get another sports car, then it would have to be a great handler. I'm glad the RX-8 came along, and I had the opportunity of owning it.
...
...
Sorry, for my social and economic rant. Time to get off my soapbox. Interesting how we parallel so much. My first brandy-new car purchase was a '73 Fiat 124 Sport Spider! Bought it only a few months before the gas crunch hit. :D I would have bought it anyway, but the gas crunch was rumored to start any day when was looking to buy, and that surely helped in my decision to go ahead & buy it right away. One of the smartest things I ever did. ;) My best friend had an X-19 and I liked it too.

As for the latter part of the above quote, me too.

Originally posted by Racer X-8
Interesting how we parallel so much.

Now THAT'S a scary thought. My wife can confess that one of me is quite enough. ;)


Originally posted by Racer X-8
My first brandy-new car purchase was a '73 Fiat 124 Sport Spider! Bought it only a few months before the gas crunch hit. :D I would have bought it anyway, but the gas crunch was rumored to start any day when was looking to buy, and that surely helped in my decision to go ahead & buy it right away. One of the smartest things I ever did. ;) My best friend had an X-19 and I liked it too.

As for the latter part of the above quote, me too.

I missed the pleasure of driving that X-19. Talk about a go-kart on rails - unbelievable handling. Targa removable top, flip up lights, mid engine. Aaah! Definately was a chick magnet. Opened a lot of doors and other things, if you know what I mean. ;)

Anyway, I bought it used and kept it for quite a few years, until I got married, and the maintenance costs started getting too excessive for my wallet. I was sorry I got rid of it (not as sorry as my '69 Camy), but it wasn't practical anymore as a family car. I would like to see a manufacturer release a car with those looks again. Put out more ponies, better reliability, and it would be very popular.

Zoomster....I thought I was the only one that owned one of those. Mine was well used also. Had it for a couple of years. That engine was nothing to write home about speed-wise, but boy did I ever love hearing it "sing" right behind me. Handling was unbelieveable (by '80s standards).

I traded it for an MGB-GT. Another great handler, but I jumped from the frying pan into the fire regarding the reliability of either of those cars.

350Z and the G35 are fine cars in their own spaces, but most of the folks here recognize the RX8 as it is...a fun sports car that gives up nothing to anything in its class.

As far as accolades, the RX8 also had quite a few..."International Engine of the Year" C&D sports car shootout winner (where it beat out the G35 and the Cobra), as well as many others. My guess would be that when Motor Trend does it's COTY, that the RX8 will be at the top of that list, as well as the C&D "!0 Best Cars" and Automobile's "Best Cars" issues.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
... Not to offend any of you labor union supporters, but, IMO, the unions need to go with their high employee wages. .... I think it's ludricous to have the union workers bitch about their wages and hours...
A little off the original topic but I agree here. A fine example are the wages that phone company employees make in the NY area (and I'm not talking about NY City). I personally know Installers and Customer service Reps. (answer phones and questions) that make $30 and hour. If you don't find that ludicrous you should be ashamed. To go along with it they get gobs of over time and the union continually protects them even if they are shitty workers. And god forbid you are asked to do something out of the boundaries of your contract. Big mommy Union will protect you, don't worry. I almost forgot the installers are instructed to do no more than 4-5 jobs a day. If the cutomer isn't home it is still considered a ticket and the tech blows time in a park under a tree reading the paper. Ever wonder why you see so many Telephone trucks parked all over the place?
Can you imagine how cheap our phone bills would be if they were only paid comparable wages and expected to work 8 hours for 8 hours pay?!?

Ok off my soapbox.

See what you started Mark!!!

Originally posted by graphicguy
Zoomster....I thought I was the only one that owned one of those. Mine was well used also. Had it for a couple of years. That engine was nothing to write home about speed-wise, but boy did I ever love hearing it "sing" right behind me. Handling was unbelieveable (by '80s standards).

I traded it for an MGB-GT. Another great handler, but I jumped from the frying pan into the fire regarding the reliability of either of those cars.

350Z and the G35 are fine cars in their own spaces, but most of the folks here recognize the RX8 as it is...a fun sports car that gives up nothing to anything in its class.

As far as accolades, the RX8 also had quite a few..."International Engine of the Year" C&D sports car shootout winner (where it beat out the G35 and the Cobra), as well as many others. My guess would be that when Motor Trend does it's COTY, that the RX8 will be at the top of that list, as well as the C&D "!0 Best Cars" and Automobile's "Best Cars" issues.

I'm finding I'm not the only one, besides you, that owned a X-19. I know what you mean about the power, but considering the weight of that vehicle, it was good enough on the fun meter. If only Fiat had Japanese reliability.

I do believe the RX-8 will be COTY. You heard it here from graphicguy and me.

BTW, are you the same graphicguy on the Edmund's forum? I'm the same RX-8 Zoomster.

Originally posted by TJRX8

A little off the original topic but I agree here. A fine example are the wages that phone company employees make in the NY area (and I'm not talking about NY City). I personally know Installers and Customer service Reps. (answer phones and questions) that make $30 and hour. If you don't find that ludicrous you should be ashamed. To go along with it they get gobs of over time and the union continually protects them even if they are shitty workers. And god forbid you are asked to do something out of the boundaries of your contract. Big mommy Union will protect you, don't worry. I almost forgot the installers are instructed to do no more than 4-5 jobs a day. If the cutomer isn't home it is still considered a ticket and the tech blows time in a park under a tree reading the paper. Ever wonder why you see so many Telephone trucks parked all over the place?
Can you imagine how cheap our phone bills would be if they were only paid comparable wages and expected to work 8 hours for 8 hours pay?!?

Ok off my soapbox.

See what you started Mark!!!

Is your soapbox large enough for me and others on this forum? I agree with everything you said.

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac


I know you are just being sarcastic but ouch!..... Suicide door design is not something Mazda came up with. There are plenty of cars and concepts in the past that utilizes the suicide design.... the latest being the RX-8 and the Saturn before that. It's not really fair to describe the RX-8 as a Saturn Quadcoupe copy, but it's easy to see how many people would think that.

As far as all the criticism for the 350Z design goes - sure, whatever you say~ ;) This is not a Z forum, it would be pointless to defend the 02-03 Japanese Car of the Year and Good Design of the Year winner here. Here ya go Sky. I'm really quite amazed you haven't used this one on us yet. This oughta really get us feeling bad...

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
Is your soapbox large enough for me and others on this forum? I agree with everything you said.
Wow! And you own a cool car too!

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster


I'm finding I'm not the only one, besides you, that owned a X-19. I know what you mean about the power, but considering the weight of that vehicle, it was good enough on the fun meter. If only Fiat had Japanese reliability.

I do believe the RX-8 will be COTY. You heard it here from graphicguy and me.

BTW, are you the same graphicguy on the Edmund's forum? I'm the same RX-8 Zoomster.

Yep...I check out Edmunds pretty regularly, too. Same graphicguy. I figured you were the same zoomster.

Haha I just had to reply since my brother had an X19, it was poop brown with camel interior. Wow was that a neat little car for the time, but wow was it a piece of crap :p He ended up after several years trading it in for the Motor Trend new car of the year, the CRX, who knew at the time what a giant Honda would become and what that car would become. Kind of funny now when I look back on it.

Ike

At the time, there weren't a lot of sports cars that were great handling. I had mine in the '80s....the "dark ages" for sports cars.

Emissions and fuel economy hardware had killed the American muscle car and the Japanese had yet offered anything that would be considered a sports car (except for Mazda with the RX7). The Datsun 2xxZ series had turned into boulevard cruisers and the Supra was just a "gussied-up" Celica.

MGs, Triumphs, Fiats, Alpha Romeos, were the only affordable sports cars available and their quality was dismal, at best.

The Fiat X1/9, the Fiat Spider were fun cars. Not fast, but fun.

Having had American muscle cars, a Fiat and an MG, I got first hand knowledge of how to work on my own cars.

Great photos...

i typed out a really long reply but my com. screwed up when i hit the submit reply button... dammit....

Originally posted by Mockngbrd
Great photos...

i typed out a really long reply but my com. screwed up when i hit the submit reply button... dammit....

Then edit ...dammit ;) ..., I'm eager to hear what you have to say.

Welcome to the club!

Originally posted by Blue 350z


LOL.. You (and probably the others from this site) are the only people in the free world that would pick a girly Audi TT over a Z, with the exception of woman.

Please don't bring the Audi TT into this. :) No Audi TT owners have said anything about your Z or the RX-8 for that matter.

Frankly, I like the RX-8 and the 350Z. I had them both on order before I got my TT. I drove them both and liked them both for different reasons...


BTW: My "girly" TT will smoke your 350 any day of the week. And I have the convertable. :)

Then edit ...dammit ..., I'm eager to hear what you have to say.


mmm... its not that i can edit, i typed it out and juz when i hit the submit button... my com screws up and everything is gone... damn...

will try to type out again tonite when i get home.... :]

Luv the pic of the RX-8 in ur avatar though... is it yours? nice kit.. wish i can afford an RX-8... (or any car for that matter...) :P

Originally posted by JTek_55


Please don't bring the Audi TT into this. :) No Audi TT owners have said anything about your Z or the RX-8 for that matter.

Frankly, I like the RX-8 and the 350Z. I had them both on order before I got my TT. I drove them both and liked them both for different reasons...


BTW: My "girly" TT will smoke your 350 any day of the week. And I have the convertable. :) Pretty car, but no boobs.:( Would still like to see some pinups of her if you can...

Originally posted by Mockngbrd


Luv the pic of the RX-8 in ur avatar though... is it yours? nice kit.. wish i can afford an RX-8... (or any car for that matter...) :P

Mockngbrd ,

Yup! That's mine. :D Thanks for the compliment. There are more pics of my car via the link below my sig line, if you are interested.

Both the Rx8 and the 350Z are great automobiles. I was debating on a 350Z, the s2000, and the Rx8. The Rx8 won me over. But only through serious consideration.

All three cars are great to drive, and all have my respect.

I have another comment. One that I posted in another thread:


I just have to say this - the RX 8 is fabulous. It is my hope that it pulls off several awards for the 2004 model year. Best Car, etc. I truly cannot imagine why it wouldn't.

I have been re-shopping and looking at cars again (toying with the idea of buy-back) today 9/7 the Nissan dealer was open !!??, I test drove a 350Z Touring about 8 miles. I can only say TRULY TRULY that I greatly prefer the RX 8. The z was heavy feeling and nowhere nearly as limber - light on its feet. It held the road but it was heavy. I also felt like I was down inside of something versus the RX position- hard to explain. The SAME road I drive on daily - road noise was louder and I felt every bump throughout the cabin. The engine sounded great but the handling was nowhere near the same sensation of fun. As soon as I got back to the dealer a guy was looking at my 8. He asked me several things about it and then said don't you miss having any torque? I said not really and I quoted the 0 - 60 z and RX specs- not too different - 5.8 Nissan vs. 5.9 acc to Road and Track.

I know this is long but I have visited 2 other dealerships again on cars of choice and have come back with the same "keep it" conclusion. Tonight on Dateline they had crash test info and one of the cars I looked at was featured = the G35. It was rated as POOR and major damage resulted in the test. Ironically the worst was the Mercedes 500 class - the bumper sprang off the car practically and caused MAJOR damage. MB commented in a letter that the bumper styling outweighed the functional aspect - WHOA!!! The Mazda 6 did very well. So much for the Infiniti. I bet insurance will climb on those babies.

My greatest concern over the buy-back issue is the resale and future marketability. I e-mailed several car reviewer/writers and have received one reply - "... Keep it. It is a very desired car...the situation with the Miata did not cause any loss of value."

My second shopping is from a different perspective and set of expectations that are confirming my original decision in favor of the 8.

As far as resale, there's not a lot of history. But, I e-mailed someone who is "VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE" (as, he's in the business of buying and selling used cars and attends many auctions every year....mostly hi-lines) and here was his reply:

".... I'm certainly can't say what they might be worth in 15/30 months .. they do seem to be enjoying a nice run right now .. most with 200/400 miles are doing in and around that $32/$33 figure ... "

That's what he's seeing with the few that are going through the auction houses. Understand, that's not many cars to base any sort of empirical data on, but the RX8s at the auctions as used cars are selling at or very near MSRP new. That's a good sign.

He went on to say:

" Those Rotary engines have always been a little quirky, do have a tendency to puff around and the fuel economy has never really been their "blue light special" and if not driven properly did see some service depts .. but even so, IF you can find a clean 90/93/95 you will pay All the money, 100k 95's still see $10 grand at the auctions .. again, can't say how reflective that will be on the new model ..


This get's back to what I always say ..


Always buy and drive what YOU like ..!"

What he means about "pay all the money" for a clean used one is that even at the auctions, they go for high dollars. He's also saying that a 100K mile 9 year old rotary is still commanding over 50% of its original cost (assuming that a 9 year old RX7 would have originally sold for around $20K). That's real strong. I trust his judgement implicitly....and his opinion is as good as gold to me.

RodsterinFL,

Glad to hear you have a Winning Blue GT 6MT.

I have gone through similar thoughts (even though I am stilll waiting for my 8 -- same specs are yours! plus appearance package).

For those still thinking of what to do, I think at some point you have to "ignore the highly-talkative HP issue" and look at the bigger pictuire of what each car gives you.

For me the big difference between Z and 8 is the 2 or 4 seats. Decide that first. That will either take you to the Z (2 seats) or to 8 or G35c (4 seats). The G35 is a compromise between sporty and luxury. From those two, its up to you. I thought I wanted a G35C then I saw a Winning Blue like the one I have on order. I drove, it was fast enough for me. So I'm eagerly awaiting it.

In the end, I "want to have fun" with the car, I don't need to brag how many HPs I have. I got plenty :)

Test drive!

Thanks for the comparison pictures of the 8 and 350Z. I must say I rather like the look of both cars. I'm waiting on my 8 to arrive, but I would be happy to own either.

Really nice pics, droidekaus. Good job there.

Just to chime in, I have to say in those pics the Z does look a little better. However, if you add the spoiler on the back of the 8, it adds a sense of balance, and then it is really hard to pick one or the other based on looks.

I was looking at getting either a Z or the 8, but in the end the 8 won out. They are both great cars, each with a sightly different focus. The Z is obvously a little faster, the 8 I think has better handling. However the 8's practicality combined with the smooth ride is what won me over.

The people who rabidly and obsessively hate the Z for being a 'competitor' to the 8 I don't understand, likewise the Z owners who are more obsessed with the missing hp than people who actually own the RX-8. Guess it takes all kinds to make a world, but some kinds are just messed up!

I was originally in the market for the 350Z .....

Then I realised that I couldn't get one this side of Xmas in the UK ...

Then I re-visited the 8 which I had discounted earlier .....

When I realised that it had room in the back for my 11 year old daughter and was getting reviews that it was more fun to drive than most others on the market ... well no competition.

Then I test drove one ...

DONE DEAL

BTW: I'm an engineer by background, so the 9k RPM rotary and the backward doors might have had something to do with it

Does anyone have pics of an RX8 with the aero package mentioned in the first post? Is it a factory option?

thanks,
William

Originally posted by WilliamT
Does anyone have pics of an RX8 with the aero package mentioned in the first post? Is it a factory option?

thanks,
William

WilliamT,

Check out MY RX-8 PICS under my sig. My car has the rotary accents, appearance package (aero pkg), spoiler, air outlet strakes, and exhaust finishers.

If one hasn't bought the car yet,the appearance package can be ordered as an option. They install the parts at the port.

If you already own the car, the appearance package parts can be ordered through the accessory brochure, and can be installed by your dealer or you.

Originally posted by RodsterinFL
He asked me several things about it and then said don't you miss having any torque? I said not really and I quoted the 0 - 60 z and RX specs- not too different - 5.8 Nissan vs. 5.9 acc to Road and Track.


LOL.. you took the slowest ever testing of a Z and compared it to a pre-production rx-8 that people now are getting no where near. I can easily pull 5.2-5.4 0-60's in my Z without breaking a sweat, dropping the clutch at 2000-2500 and get high 13 second 1/4 times at 100-101 mph.. Also the torque difference is sooo diffrent, the 5-60 tells the story, 7.6 from 5-60 for the rx-8 and 5.9 for the Z.. Now imagine being in 5th gear and hitting the gas in a rx8, the car will go NOWHERE unless you downshift, this is a fact.

Also I just read a post from the my350z boards about an encounter with an rx8, here it is, also it was determined it was an MT trans, but not that it matters because the MT and the AT test only about .1 of a second difference

""..well let me get to the point...last night i was coming home from work.. and as soon as get on route 80 ..there is a rx8 in black.. about three cars ahead of me.. lol at first i thought it was an s 2000 for sum reason but it was the rx8.. as im TRYIN to get next to him he slows down.. and i get rite next to him... and bang he down shifts and piks up speed... i did the same.. and left him by 3 car lengths... nice looking car but its not quick at all... so by 105 mph i decide to slow down ... and this A**hole..cuts me off real bad.. and was out.. but it was kool it was my first race in my z...and murdered his brand new mazda ""

So if grabbing numbers from a mag makes ya feel better, thats fine, but its not the story at all, rx-8's that I have seen myself and read posts about are trapping very low 90mph's and getting low 15's in the 1/4 vs around 14.0-14.2 @ 100+ for the average Z's not to menction the everyday drivability of 2x the torque to the wheels of the rx-8 and not having to drop the clutch at 8000 to get a decent launch, the power is ALWAYS there in the Z.

PS. One of our my350z members's wife has an MT rx8. He said he drives it regularly and it feels "whimpy" compared to the Z.

So please, STOP quoting mag times. Show me time slips or don't compare the 2 cars speed wise at all. Your trying to tell me a car with 175 rwhp and 120 rwtq is gonna feel as fast as a 240rwhp and 235rwtq car, not gonna happen.

Ya' know....I like how you post a report about a guy who thought he was running against an RX8, or maybe it was an S2000, maybe he was dropping it down a gear, maybe he wasn't, RX8 beats him, but the guy in the 350Z said he was cutoff.....maybe he wasn't even racing. What I suspect is that the person in the RX8 didn't even know the Z was there until The guy in the Z dropped it down a gear. Race was so close until the fillings in the Z drivers teeth rattled out and the noise from the rattles got to be so high he had to back off. At that time, the Z backed off while the RX8 was still winding it out and all of a sudden, noticing there wasn't going to be a "kill", the Z backed off. RX8 pulls ahead and all of a sudden the Z driver cries that he was cut off.

Time slips have been posted all over the place. It's funny, the "bad" time slips never really show what car was involved...just some nebulous "some guy who supposedly was running an RX8 told me his sucked and showed me these slips". The ones where it's clear what was actually running at the track show the RX8 0-60 in the low 6s (which I've personally duplicated and without a hi rev clutch dump) and 1/4s in the mid to low 14s.

Truth told, the Z, while a fine car in its own right, and the RX8 are so close performance wise that given two good drivers, there isn't going to be much difference in the stop light wars. On the track, sure....not cafe racing, though. Where they differ the most is the smoothness, precise, high quality feel of the RX8 over the Z. Steering is light and accurate...clutch/shifter is light and precise (not "ham fisted" like the 350Z where you feel like you have to "force it" in and out of each gear).

I've driven both the Z/G and through experience (both at the track and at the Mid-Ohio autoX), believe without a hi rev clutch dump in either car, you're looking at something like a 6 sec 0-60, low 14s on the 1/4. The RX8 is certainly within a tenth or two of the Z. In a street race, that translates to a draw, given drivers of equal tallent.

Quit your whining. If you want the RX8 so badly, why don't you go ahead and take the "money hit" and trade it in on the RX8. Your posts sound so jealous of the RX8 that you must want one real bad to spend so much time at the RX8 forum.

FWIW...

Just saw the new season opener of Motor Week this weekend. They reviewed the new 350Z roadster. Said it still has the 287 hp of the coupe. But the 0-60 and quarter mile times were no faster than their test of the pre-production RX-8. In fact, I think they were a little slower. Can't remeber exactly off the top of my head, but the Z roadster was something like mid to high 6+ seconds for 0-60 and mid to high 14s for the quarter.

Graphicguy, you seem to be stalking me, everytime I post you counter-post with some LONG opinion based blah blah chalked full of non-sense with no basis of facts. That's why I usually don't bother responding to you since you absolutely know nothing about cars and have a total disregard for facts. Most people on this site have already admitted and accepted to the fact that the 350z is quite a bit faster then the RX8, that's ok, sometimes it takes longer to accept the facts and since you graphicguy seem a bit slow, I would expect it to take longer to register for you. Hey I even accepted the fact that the RX-8 has a nicer interior then the 350z, but I think the Z's interior is still very nicely designed but is of a lesser quality.

So Mr. GraphicGuy you can quote mag times all you want, I don't care.. The fact is the rx8 is putting down a measly 175Hp and 120Tq to the wheels on average, numbers don't lie and no car with those numbers weighing 3000lbs is gonna be running mid 14's and high 90mph traps unless you got some factory freak or are lying, PEROID. I saw an rx-8 at the track well broken in with my own eyes struggling to break 15.2@91 mph in 7-8 runs in 60 degree weather with an experienced dragger.. One time I raced I completely blew the launch spinning my tires like crazy, missed the 1st-2nd shift and had to reshift and still managed a 14.58@98 Mph... I have raced with my Z probably 20 times and with a normal run (not missing gears) I have NEVER done worse then a 14.35@99mph

Also the 350z roadster was tested recently in car and driver and I believe it ran a 14.4@99mph and a 5.8 0-60, but honestly I don't care 1 bit, the roadster is almost 250lbs heavier and I don't like convertibles.

graphicguy always has some good posts. objective and to the point.

Originally posted by Blue 350z
Graphicguy, you seem to be stalking me, everytime I post you counter-post with some LONG opinion based blah blah chalked full of non-sense with no basis of facts. That's why I usually don't bother responding to you since you absolutely know nothing about cars and have a total disregard for facts. Most people on this site have already admitted and accepted to the fact that the 350z is quite a bit faster then the RX8, that's ok, sometimes it takes longer to accept the facts and since you graphicguy seem a bit slow, I would expect it to take longer to register for you. Hey I even accepted the fact that the RX-8 has a nicer interior then the 350z, but I think the Z's interior is still very nicely designed but is of a lesser quality.

So Mr. GraphicGuy you can quote mag times all you want, I don't care.. The fact is the rx8 is putting down a measly 175Hp and 120Tq to the wheels on average, numbers don't lie and no car with those numbers weighing 3000lbs is gonna be running mid 14's and high 90mph traps unless you got some factory freak or are lying, PEROID. I saw an rx-8 at the track well broken in with my own eyes struggling to break 15.2@91 mph in 7-8 runs in 60 degree weather with an experienced dragger.. One time I raced I completely blew the launch spinning my tires like crazy, missed the 1st-2nd shift and had to reshift and still managed a 14.58@98 Mph... I have raced with my Z probably 20 times and with a normal run (not missing gears) I have NEVER done worse then a 14.35@99mph

Also the 350z roadster was tested recently in car and driver and I believe it ran a 14.4@99mph and a 5.8 0-60, but honestly I don't care 1 bit, the roadster is almost 250lbs heavier and I don't like convertibles.

Stalking you? No! Calling you out when you post some sort of gibberish, heresay, allegations, etc about this and that regarding the RX8? Absolutely! So, ouside of nebulous "I saw this, I saw that, I heard this, I heard that, this post said this, this post said that" don't mean diddly here. YOU DON"T OWN AN RX8. So, your opinion carries NO weight. I doubt you've even driven one.

In the past, I've done quite a bit on the track (ratty Mustang that runs 13 sec 1/4s) as well as on the course (MGB-GT, Toyota Corolla GTS, 1st gen Mini). I sincerely doubt your you have near (if any) of the experience you say you do.

As far as I'm concerned, since you spend so much time here, you really want an RX8. Quit your bellyaching. You sond like an old woman with all your complaining. If you really want to know what the RX8 is all about, go buy one.

Hahahaha....this thread is hilarious....i own a 350z but i could care less if a bunch of rx8 owners thought their car was faster than mine. I'm sure if i was an 8 owner i wouldn't care if a bunch of z guys thought their car was faster than that either...i'm just here to be another z owner and i must say i'm anxious to race an 8 owner myself. There are always 3-4 rx8's in every mazda dealer in houston, but i have yet to meet one on the road.

anyways...wouldn't it be awesome if someone could set up a race between graphicguy and blue350z so we can finally shut these 2 up?? haha that would be awesome.......settling it the old fashion way...its like a modern day shootout

Hi,

I haven't read this entire thread, but noticed there was some sort of comparison b/w the Z and RX8. I love my RX8, but I am returning it, because the dealer "stuck" me with an issue on the leased car I gave in. Long story... I have to pick up my Mitsubishi Eclipse that is sitting in their lot and drive it until maturity when I can return it w/o early lease term penalties. I never returned a car 7 mths early. Anyhow...

...getting back to the Z

I just came from a Nissan dealer, because I was curious. I've had two Zs in the past, and I was more interested in the RX8 so I never really checked out the Z. I just sat and drove in a 2004 350Z Touring Package "whatever." I was very disappointed with the interior of the car. The sales rep sat in mine, and I even let him drive it. He had to agree that for the money the RX8 I have offered more, drove very nice and was ALOT nicer on the inside. No comparison!!!!!!!!!

I admit that I like the exterior of the Z better, and I'm sure it could win a race based upon the 289 HP...but once you drive the RX8 and sit in the Z, it's too disappointing. I will definitely not get the Z and likely get the RX8 again.

Just thought I'd share that.

Take care,
Viv

Hi,

I haven't read this entire thread, but noticed there was some sort of comparison b/w the Z and RX8. I love my RX8, but I am returning it, because the dealer "stuck" me with an issue on the leased car I gave in. Long story... I have to pick up my Mitsubishi Eclipse that is sitting in their lot and drive it until maturity when I can return it w/o early lease term penalties. I never returned a car 7 mths early. Anyhow...

...getting back to the Z

I just came from a Nissan dealer, because I was curious. I've had two Zs in the past, and I was more interested in the RX8 so I never really checked out the Z. I just sat and drove in a 2004 350Z Touring Package "whatever." I was very disappointed with the interior of the car. The sales rep sat in mine, and I even let him drive it. He had to agree that for the money the RX8 I have offered more, drove very nice and was ALOT nicer on the inside. No comparison!!!!!!!!!

I admit that I like the exterior of the Z better, and I'm sure it could win a race based upon the 289 HP...but once you drive the RX8 and sit in the Z, it's too disappointing. I will definitely not get the Z and likely get the RX8 again.

Just thought I'd share that.

Take care,
Viv

Originally posted by zthang

anyways...wouldn't it be awesome if someone could set up a race between graphicguy and blue350z so we can finally shut these 2 up?? haha that would be awesome.......settling it the old fashion way...its like a modern day shootout

Where you live GraphicGuy?? I live in Boston, MA... I will gladly line you up anyday of the week from any speeds or whatever you can come up with, See how good you can hang with a 13.9@101 car.. Then maybe you will shut up.. You can look at a few of my time slips from my last outing in my sig if you don't believe I am running what I say. Also if there are anybody that live close to Boston with an RX8 we can meet up and post our results.

And to graphicguy's quote of

"I sincerely doubt your you have near (if any) of the experience you say you do"

I just counted all my time slips from my Z since I bought it in late Jan and there are 19 slips, and I am sure I lost a few. I have not been at the track since back around 4600 miles and weather in the 90's, I just bought a brand new "Escort G-timer 2" from tweeter and got a good run in on a nice dry 50 degree weather day. I managed a 13.82@102.3mph including a 0-60 in 5.27 and if its calibrated right it supposed to be VERY accurate. Now that I have 10k+ miles on it its a bit faster then back at 4600 miles, I should have some fresh time slips within the next 30 days, hoping to get a 13.8@102ish time slip or better..

And if you call averaging 1 post a day busy on this site, what would you call the people on this site that have 1000-2000++ posts?

I think a lot of people would like to see a videotape of this event so that we can witness the outcome :D :D :D

Calm down guys. This is turning into nothing but a stupid internet pissing contest.

Originally posted by Seks
I think a lot of people would like to see a videotape of this event so that we can witness the outcome :D :D :D

My buddy's got a digital cam, this could be arranged easily.. Any takers in the New England area? Heck you can race him too, he's got a 2004 Grand Prix GTP comp edition and IT FLYS, you can line up with him too and see how it stacks up against his 260HP and 280TQ. The GTP comp supposed to be good for 15 flat in the 1/4 and 94-95 traps, my money is on him also..

Originally posted by Blue 350z


My buddy's got a digital cam, this could be arranged easily.. Any takers in the New England area? Heck you can race him too, he's got a 2004 Grand Prix GTP comp edition and IT FLYS, you can line up with him too and see how it stacks up against his 260HP and 280TQ. The GTP comp supposed to be good for 15 flat in the 1/4 and 94-95 traps, my money is on him also.. If you or your buddy were worth a crap, you would be preparing to go racing at Mid Ohio next week in the SCCA national runnoffs. Go jump!

Originally posted by Blue 350z

"I sincerely doubt your you have near (if any) of the experience you say you do"I just counted all my time slips from my Z since I bought it in late Jan and there are 19 slips, and I am sure I lost a few.
You call that "Experience"

And if you call averaging 1 post a day busy on this site, what would you call the people on this site that have 1000-2000++ posts?
RX-8 Owners or Enthusiasts...

Originally posted by Blue 350z
....not to menction the everyday drivability of 2x the torque to the wheels of the rx-8 and not having to drop the clutch at 8000 to get a decent launch, the power is ALWAYS there in the Z.

Everyday driveability?
Does the rock hard suspension make it for everyday driveability, Blue? Just a question.

And let me state a 'fact' like the ones you like to post and jerk about: I don't have any 'everyday driveability' problems with my 8.


Hoperfuly I wont be pissing blood anytime soon.











j/k :D

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TJRX8

You call that "Experience"



I was responding to graphicguy's comments about how many times I ran my Z, try reading all the posts before making idiotic comments..

Also I enjoy a stiff suspension, and the Z by far has a more forgiving suspension then some other cars I had owned and drove in. I have had sports cars all my life, every single car. But this is my 1st 2 seater. Past cars being a honda prelude Si, an eclipse turbo which I put nearly $10k into the engine and also my buddy used to have a highly modded New Celica GTS. I LOVE stiff suspensions, makes you feel very connected and I am so used to them. If I wanted a soft ride I would of bought a caddy.. If I am going to get a car, its gonna be 100% what I want, I wanted a pure sports car, I got a Z.

Also about everyday driveability, I just got back from a 1800 miles road trip with my friend in his new GTP comp and I was complaining what a gas guzzler it was because it was barely getting 25mpg on the highway at 75mph, and if you floor it on and off forget it, you can go thru 15 gallons in 100-150 miles, with mixed hard driving he gets 16-18 mpg. My Z at speeds around 75 mph gets about 30mpg and at speeds around 65 it gets 32+ and in mixed driving usually around 22-23mpg. I could NOT even imagine getting 13-16 mpg with a car, expecially now that gas prices are about $2 a gallon.. PHEW!

Originally posted by Blue 350z
Also about everyday driveability, I just got back from a 1800 miles road trip with my friend in his new GTP comp and I was complaining what a gas guzzler it was because it was barely getting 25mpg on the highway at 75mph, and if you floor it on and off forget it, you can go thru 15 gallons in 100-150 miles, with mixed hard driving he gets 16-18 mpg. My Z at speeds around 75 mph gets about 30mpg and at speeds around 65 it gets 32+ and in mixed driving usually around 22-23mpg. I could NOT even imagine getting 13-16 mpg with a car, expecially now that gas prices are about $2 a gallon.. PHEW! [/B]

Thats the beauty down in TX.....
Premium avg. $1.69 per galon
$1.89 p/g: worst one (Texaco...)
$1.49 p/g: cheapest one (would never use it again...RaceTrac)

Blah blah blah!!!

I just spent the evening hunting information to answer some the questions as to why someone would want a Rotary that Blue350Z posed.

Here is an address dealing with aviation use of rotary (high standards)


http://home.earthlink.net/~rotaryeng/Increadable-rotary2.txt

IN a nutshell, a rotary will last around 200,000 miles in an airplane before need overhaul (1991 rotary engine ) AND it burns cheaper auto fuel instead of expensive aviation fuel. RX 8 reliability is supposed to be even better. Gas mileage is not extreme either. Compare it to the other engines that do 0-60 in around 6 secs - S2000 (18), G35 (19), overall MPG. Even the new Hondar Accord with 7 sec 0-60 and 240 hp has a lower than normal Accord mpg w/ 6 spd.

Also, a note on this torque/horsepower issue.

I used to own a '96 BMW 328is coupe. That car was tested as 0-60 in 6.4 seconds with 190 hp and 206 ft lbs AND 16.42 lbs per hp. The '95 M3 was tested by the same mag as 0-60 in 6.2 seconds with 240hp and 225 ft lbs and 13.23 lbs per hp. (96 M3 was not available when I purchased) The M3 did not really pull away from the 328 until the higher mph figures were reached. (M3 suspension was better in twisties but I live in FL!!) - point? The type of driving most people do is under 80 mph. If you were street drag racing you could buy a Cobra and blow just about every normal stock car away. Handling is irrelevant (nearly) in a straight line.

As I already shared here, the RX8 driving feel is a strong suit. EVERY REVIEW COMMENTS ON IT. It is the handling factor and the FUN FACTOR. We have a Miata and it is a ball to drive. Not too fast but wow does it go. My impression of the 350Z Touring I drove a few days ago was similar to my impression of the G35. Road noise apparent, sound of road apparent, torque supply apparent. The car was a nice car but it did feel heavy as a handling IN COMPARISION to the RX 8. The steering was very different to me. It has 11.31 lbs per hp compared to the 12.72 lbs per hp of the RX 8 yet according to the tests they accelerate similarly under 80 mph. The Z will be a car length ahead or so at 100mph (in a drag) but does it really matter? That actually says a lot for the 8 with its 238 hp and 4 seats - that is the niche it is intended for - a sportscar/sports sedan and we should all be happy such a product exists. The Z is a cool car bit one has to admit that the RX 8 is also great looking.

Be careful speaking against Mazda and the HP issue. I am sure that some have seen the "others manufacturers have done this before" section in one of the publication reports and Infiniti/Nissan was listed with I believe 4 cars. On the Q45 and performance it said they did NOTHING even though the car did not PERFORM as stated. At least Mazda owners have a choice.

I have pre-ordered an 8 for spring, and I can't believe all the BS that some people post on here??..........but yours was a great post........with good facts......no doubt the 8 is not the fastest car out there, but great performance, and looking at all the data, not much slower than the 8.........I finally decided yesterday to go to Nissan and pretend I was pissed off at Mazda, and take a look at the 8.....the salesman was more than willing to take me out for a test drive if he could steal a deal from Mazda.......needless to say, I still wanted the 8, but wanted to run the hell out of the 350Z for a half hr................not a bad looking car, but like the Mags say, cheap looking interior (just my opinion as well), and it had nice torque......but in all honesty, the 8 I test drove was not much slower, and much more refined inside, with much better feel........these are just my opinions, and I am not bashing the Z, it is a great car, but I think the 8 is all around better..........I did a ton of research before buying, and looked at stats in Europe and North America, and came to the conclusion that the 8 was a great performace car, with excellent looks!...............I am actually surprised at how many on here think there is some big cover-up about HP?.........I have owned many different cars, more recently, 330i, prelude, currently 2003 1.8T Jetta, and the 8 would be the best performer by far, and probably beats or keeps pace with most of the performance cars out there........and the comments from all the mags I have read have been consistent, with rave reviews, but in the end it all comes down to personal taste.....not many cars make your head turn like this one, and there is plently of get up and go to leave some others in the dust

Originally posted by Blue 350z
[Also I enjoy a stiff suspension, and the Z by far has a more forgiving suspension then some other cars I had owned and drove in. I have had sports cars all my life, every single car. But this is my 1st 2 seater. Past cars being a honda prelude Si, an eclipse turbo which I put nearly $10k into the engine and also my buddy used to have a highly modded New Celica GTS. I LOVE stiff suspensions, makes you feel very connected and I am so used to them. If I wanted a soft ride I would of bought a caddy.. If I am going to get a car, its gonna be 100% what I want, I wanted a pure sports car, I got a Z.

Sad, very very sad!!! You call all those cars as sports cars?
350Z, Celica, prelude and eclipse are not pure 100% sports cars!! Then what do you call Porsche 911, BMW M3, Lotus Elise and RX7? Don't even bother the supercars!!

I owned a 996 911 and I refuse to accept a 350Z as a pure sports car, no way!!! It is not even close to BMW M3 or even 10 years old 993 911. Wake up boy, and don't claim you are fussy about your sports car if you only experience so little and only know about 1/4 mile run!!

People are out of there minds on this forum and can't face facts.. I am totally done with this forum. And if you think the 350z is not a pure sports car, you are a real dumbass.. Also I am 25 years old, you would not see me driving 911's or a lotus in high school or college. And the Eclipse turbo and honda prelude are sports cars (or maybe sporty cars) and the Z is 100% sports cars with a long tradition ..

You people are insane, i'll leave you people to your 175/120tq and fantasy land of thinking it will get you mid-low 14's and high 90's in the 1/4.

And for the person that thinks a Z will be 1 car lenght at the end of a 1/4 vs an RX8, thats funny since I beat a car at the track that ran a 14.3@99.5 by 2 car lenghts.

My friend's old car (modded Celica GTS) was running much better traps then the current rx8 numbers I see (he runs 15.1@94-95) and I was able to toy with him easily at any speed, and his power numbers were VERY VERY VERY close to the RX-8 numbers and his car weights 2800lbs.

L8r! Enjoy your RX8 and i'll be looking for you people on the road. I will make sure to post my results not that you will believe them anyway.

Originally posted by Blue 350z
People are out of there minds on this forum and can't face facts.. I am totally done with this forum. And if you think the 350z is not a pure sports car, you are a real dumbass.. Also I am 25 years old, you would not see me driving 911's or a lotus in high school or college. And the Eclipse turbo and honda prelude are sports cars (or maybe sporty cars) and the Z is 100% sports cars with a long tradition ..

Yeah, it is so pure it comes with maxima chassis and V6 engine!! That is also why it needs suspension so stiff to compromise with the chassis!! You remind me of the other guy with G35C, that keeps on bragging about the RX8 small torque!!! And how fast the NIssan is to 1/4 mile. 1/4 mile, 1/4 mile and more 1/4 mile

Originally posted by Blue 350z
.. I am totally done with this forum.

Ahh...finally! ;)

Originally posted by Winning


Yeah, it is so pure it comes with maxima chassis and V6 engine!! That is also why it needs suspension so stiff to compromise with the chassis

This is exactly why I am done, this forum has some of the most unknowledgeable car people I have ever seen on any forum. People should have some idea about cars before they are allowed to post. Its posts like this that make people dumber

Originally posted by Blue 350z


This is exactly why I am done, this forum has some of the most unknowledgeable car people I have ever seen on any forum. People should have some idea about cars before they are allowed to post. Its posts like this that make people dumber

"...and the heavens opened, the sun shone, all in life was once again good....!"

blue boy is gone.....lets have some cheers. I've taken a look at "blu boy's slips....they never have any indication he's run his Z at the track....just some time slips he could have picked up anywhere for any car. He had a serious case of RX8 envy since he spent so much time here perusing everything about the RX8. Jeez, what an asshole!

RacerX8, I'll be at mid-Ohio. It's kind of like a MECCA for me. Wish we could hook up. Bunch of buddies and I go with a first generation Mini that we use strictly for autoX. I'll be in the mini which is red with the Brit flag painted on the top. Do you participate? If so, what do you drive?

For the record, I don't/won't "track" my RX8. I use it as my daily driver. I've got an old, beat to hell Mustang GT for that...well modded and fast (always someone faster, though). I think it may be leaving me, though. I need the garage space.

It is an immature agrument to state that people that disagree with you don't know the "facts" or are "unknowledgable". Blue 350Z has consistently posted unsubstantiated, biased, illogical, hostile, arrogant crap. I doubt he's really gone.

I know I've gone for his bait a few times and I think the best thing we can do is let his threads die (unless you like to jostle with him for fun).

Originally posted by LesPaul
It is an immature agrument to state that people that disagree with you don't know the "facts" or are "unknowledgable". Blue 350Z has consistently posted unsubstantiated, biased, illogical, hostile, arrogant crap. I doubt he's really gone.

I know I've gone for his bait a few times and I think the best thing we can do is let his threads die (unless you like to jostle with him for fun).

I hope he's gone, but am more than happy to "jostle" with him. Besides, I'm not through with him....I was just getting started. Personally, I would like to meet up with him to "chat".

But, if it's better for the board (probably is), if he ever comes back (hope not), I'll show restraint (if that's possible). I travel to the Boston area on business. Maybe he and I could arrange to meet and "settle things"?

Originally posted by graphicguy


I've taken a look at "blu boy's slips....they never have any indication he's run his Z at the track....just some time slips he could have picked up anywhere for any car.

That makes just you, nobody else is doubting them. What kind of indication do you expect? Every car gets a shoe polished number and thats what's on the slip, I have like 16 more from diffrent dates also. Like drag slips of a nearby track are so easy to just find, lol. Like I would post fake slips on my personal web site.

GraphicGeek you know NOTHING about cars, NOTHING at all. Nothing you say even phases me. I take it as a compliment that you don't believe those slips, that means that they are really good in your eyes in which I am proud.

PS where you live? What don't we meet at the New england dragway and I can ram some fresh time slips in your mouth

Originally posted by Blue 350z


This is exactly why I am done, this forum has some of the most unknowledgeable car people I have ever seen on any forum. People should have some idea about cars before they are allowed to post. Its posts like this that make people dumber

Bye smart one!! Have a nice day!!

Hehe. I think Blue is what they mean by someone who simply *has* to get in the last word.

"I'm done.. I'm gone for good now.. unless you say something else that I have to respond to..."

"Ok this time really I'm gone...."

I wonder how long it will take ;)

Originally posted by aussie77
Hehe. I think Blue is what they mean by someone who simply *has* to get in the last word.

"I'm done.. I'm gone for good now.. unless you say something else that I have to respond to..."

"Ok this time really I'm gone...."

I wonder how long it will take ;)

Nice job making up your own quotes from me...

All I said was I was done, never said this will be my last post.. Soon as this convo is ended I am done. I am not going to just let somebody call me and asshole as graphioLoser guy just did..

You were right.

"I'm done now....no, make that later...OK, now I'm really done".

Bluboy's real brave on the internet. Forget the dragway. Let's just meet in Boston to "chat".

blue boy....what a jerkoff!

I didn't put any words in your mouth, Blue. I didn't claim you said those things, it was a comical take on the situation.

That said, you aren't really 'done'. You should perhaps have originally said "I'm done as soon I get the last word in". That would have been more accurate, because 'done' means 'done', and that you apparantly are not.

To graphicguy and Blue 350z both: so long as both of you are determined to insult the other and throw words around, this thread will not die short of a moderator shutting it down. One of you please be the better man and let it end! ;)

Aussie, I have not insulted anybody until Graphic guy started calling me a jerkoff and an a-hole.. I hope this tread gets shut down. I should of probably did the report a post thing instead of getting into a name calling thing. Very childish.

Blue boy...your Momma just called and said to come home since you can't play nice with the Big Kids and the Big Kid toys.

OK, NOW I'M FINISHED WITH BLUE BOY. YOU GUYS CAN PLAY WITH HIM IF YOU WANT.

blue 350Z wrote: "you know NOTHING about cars"

Well there you have it. How can you argue with that? Your superior command of facts, logic and pursuasive argument wins the day. I give up. You win bluey.

Blue 350Z, if you are still there, THe Z car is a sports car and a nice car. It is just different. What happens is when opinions are shared too strongly is that people get defensive. Remember too that you are on an RX 8 website. Read the article under the thread RX 8 vs. 350Z. It sums up things pretty good. It applauds the Z for great power etc and the 8 for its attributes.

Originally posted by graphicguy

RacerX8, I'll be at mid-Ohio. It's kind of like a MECCA for me. Wish we could hook up. Bunch of buddies and I go with a first generation Mini that we use strictly for autoX. I'll be in the mini which is red with the Brit flag painted on the top. Do you participate? If so, what do you drive?Man, I surely do wish I could be there! The last time I was at the SCCA National Runnoffs was when it was at Road Atlanta. This event is a must-see for anybody worthy of owning an RX-8 or any other sports-type car. This is where it's at!!!!!

Alas, I'll be at work. :mad:

My brother will be racing there in GT-2. See http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=114613#post114613 for the lowdown on that.

I try to meet with him & his great team whenever I can. He knows that I know enough about cars & racing. So he lets me "participate" as a team member when I am with them. I would LOVE to do this much more often. Too bad he's usually on the other side of the continent. :(

Look for his car & say "Hi Bud" for me please. (That's his name)

Good luck with your racing too. Wish we could have met there!

Oh man, your brother is running with the big boys. I'm nowhere within sniffing distance of his caliber. I'll try to hook up with him and say "hi" but doubt I'll get anywhere close to the "main event". My crew and I are just "hobbyists".

Still, we participate every year. I'm taking the week off and will be there the weekend before putting our car together. We trailer it with a couple of engines, 3 sets of tires, 3 brake sets, and some suspension bits out. We learned to run what we brung with regards to temps, humidity and general weather conditions. So, we trailer in everything we might need (and it's still never enough). We've got some sponsors who help us, but most of it comes out of our own pockets. Plus, the sponsors are small time and do little more than to let us use their tools and garage space for preparation....nothing in the way of cash.

We work all year for this one week. We spend the rest of the year tuning, failing, fixing, fiddling, running in locals just to get there.

You've obviously been there, so you know what it's like. Sorry you can't make it.

Man, it's killing me.

I have time still to get it together. Gonna see if I can pull some strings. Don't count me out quite yet:)

I'll be sure to find you there if I get there. I'll PM you if I have time...

Originally posted by Blue 350z
I am totally done with this forum.

An answer to my prayers. There is a GOD!

Yeah give it a rest Blue 350z, everyone knows what the RX8 is outside this forum.http://burns.thefinaldimension.org/contrib/ruinkai/biglaugha.gif

Originally posted by CarEnthusiast
Yeah give it a rest Blue 350z, everyone knows what the RX8 is outside this forum.http://burns.thefinaldimension.org/contrib/ruinkai/biglaugha.gif

Was that an insult to the RX-8?? I"m confused....

....off topic but is there a guage that tells stuff like tire pressure/ oil pressure / voltmeter on the 8?

Originally posted by Blue 350z
[QUOTE]Originally posted by TJRX8

You call that "Experience"


I was responding to graphicguy's comments about how many times I ran my Z, try reading all the posts before making idiotic comments..!
I did read them you punk ass moron. You should read your own posts, speaking of idiotic comments.

Whew, shoulda read this post when it started instead of picking it up in one session. There goes 2 hours of my life I'll never get back.

350Z owners... your car does NOT suck monkey butt.

I like it... alot.... I like my 8 BETTER.

I'm over 30 and don't feel the need for a RACER... but I did have the desire for a SPORTY car. If I wanted balls to the wall speed/power/torque... I would've picked up a Z06 Vette.

In this city of about 50,000 (city limits), I've seen at least 6 different Zs crusing around town and just as many 50ths and Z06s... I've got the only 8. (there are about 100 PT Cruisers too... ewwwwwwwwwwww)

My stepdaughter's brother in law, had his heart set on a new 350Z. After an hour in my 8 and a 30 minute road test, he's ready to order an RX-8. He said "I'm not going to race my car, these RX-8s have more than enough get-up-an-go for me."

You have to remember where you are... this IS an RX-8 forum, not a 350Z forum, so you're going to have conflict between egos. We all have opinions... it's just that the MAJORITY of those opinions will favor the 8, around here. Now if this was a general, sportscar board...

Peace

Yeah, it's silly to argue over who has the best 1/4 mile or 0-60 standing start time,the 350Z or the RX-8, when there are so many everday vehicles out there that can whip both of them hands down in that area.

I think if your gonna go head to head between the Z & the 8 in a quarter, you should also line up with one of those new Ford Lightning Pickups at the same time... might put a little perspective on your outlook.

OK, sorry guys- this is getting a little too ugly. We left it open as long as we could, but the insults are getting a bit much. Sorry to close what was originally a perfectly good thread, but this is not serving any purpose other than a place for insulting each other now.