So I test drive a Z again yesterday...
03-18-2005, 08:11 AM
#1
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So I test drive a Z again yesterday...
My friend now works at a local Ford dealership where they had an 03 Z Touring model on their used car lot with 17,895 miles.
I've been wanting to drive one again after having the RX8 for a while, so yesterday I drove down there and did just that. So I thought... well this will be make or break - will I like my "8" better or think, uh, uh... should'a got a Z.
My impressions:
The interior felt very cramped to me... although I did like the seats. One thing I really don't like is the clutch - it's alot stiffer than ours and I had to kind of pick my leg up to push down on the clutch, that felt uncomfortable - like the clutch was too high.
It rode like a tank! And this was a touring model. The car felt very heavy - although it handled great, stiff steering. Although it doesn't feel quick and nimble like the 8.
Power: Well, the Z does have more torque down low, and it may jump us off the line, although it didn't feel that much quicker than the RX8... if the Z would get the jump off the line I think the 8 would catch up.
Overall - I think the 350Z fells like an older car - more muscle car, as the RX8 feels more newer - as in newer technology. After driving the Z I really appreciated the ride in the "8".
I've been wanting to drive one again after having the RX8 for a while, so yesterday I drove down there and did just that. So I thought... well this will be make or break - will I like my "8" better or think, uh, uh... should'a got a Z.
My impressions:
The interior felt very cramped to me... although I did like the seats. One thing I really don't like is the clutch - it's alot stiffer than ours and I had to kind of pick my leg up to push down on the clutch, that felt uncomfortable - like the clutch was too high.
It rode like a tank! And this was a touring model. The car felt very heavy - although it handled great, stiff steering. Although it doesn't feel quick and nimble like the 8.
Power: Well, the Z does have more torque down low, and it may jump us off the line, although it didn't feel that much quicker than the RX8... if the Z would get the jump off the line I think the 8 would catch up.
Overall - I think the 350Z fells like an older car - more muscle car, as the RX8 feels more newer - as in newer technology. After driving the Z I really appreciated the ride in the "8".
03-18-2005, 10:37 AM
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cool
when i test drove the Z almost a year ago, it was actually very uncomfortable for me. Not because of the seats or anything but because i was sitting way too low. In a sports car that's a must, but being as short as i am, the Z just sunk me. Otherwise, even compared to the 8 that i test drove fairly recently, the Z is a very impressive car. The deal breaker for me (with the Z) was the missing back seats and the looks. Not crazy about either.
i'm looking to get an 8 sometime mid to late next year
when i test drove the Z almost a year ago, it was actually very uncomfortable for me. Not because of the seats or anything but because i was sitting way too low. In a sports car that's a must, but being as short as i am, the Z just sunk me. Otherwise, even compared to the 8 that i test drove fairly recently, the Z is a very impressive car. The deal breaker for me (with the Z) was the missing back seats and the looks. Not crazy about either.
i'm looking to get an 8 sometime mid to late next year
03-18-2005, 04:07 PM
#8
Per Motortrends comparison:
RX-8:
0-60 = 6.0 seconds
1/4 mile = 14.49 @95.47
350Z
0-60 = 5.3
1/4 mile = 13.77 @100.94
Thats a difference of 0.7 seconds to 60 and in the 1/4 mile. In the world of cars, that is a BFD. That's the difference between and Enzo and a Porsche 997S.
If were talking track times, however, they even out nicely.
RX-8:
0-60 = 6.0 seconds
1/4 mile = 14.49 @95.47
350Z
0-60 = 5.3
1/4 mile = 13.77 @100.94
Thats a difference of 0.7 seconds to 60 and in the 1/4 mile. In the world of cars, that is a BFD. That's the difference between and Enzo and a Porsche 997S.
If were talking track times, however, they even out nicely.
03-18-2005, 04:13 PM
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There's some wiggle room there: Other ones I found on Google found only a half second difference, or 0.60, on each measure. I still say BFD. I know there's a difference, but for me half a second, or seven tenths, is only significant if you're into drag racing, which I'm not.
03-18-2005, 04:16 PM
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RX8 and a Truk....
Originally Posted by IkeWRX
Good review overall but no matter waht your felt the RX-8 isn't catching a Z in any acceleration category.
'Lateral' acceleration.
03-18-2005, 04:18 PM
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Two things bothered me about the 350z, the salesman, and the windshield. The salesman is not Nissan’s fault, but the windshield is.
When I got into the car it felt like I was having a hard time scanning the road, because the window was way to small. Otherwise I loved the car. If the sales pitch had been done the right way, I would probably have a Z.
When I got into the car it felt like I was having a hard time scanning the road, because the window was way to small. Otherwise I loved the car. If the sales pitch had been done the right way, I would probably have a Z.
03-18-2005, 07:45 PM
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Most of the z's advantage i believe is in 1st gear, for some reason the rx-8's first gear isnt the greatest. A 45mph roll however in 2nd should prevail much greater.
03-19-2005, 01:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Hard 8
How much did they want for it? What color was it?
I dig those cars' looks. Too bad they apparently don't ride very well, and don't have four seats.
I dig those cars' looks. Too bad they apparently don't ride very well, and don't have four seats.
03-19-2005, 02:02 AM
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If you just jammed two seats in there somewhere (if two more seats would even fit inside the car), I'd imagine you'd have some VERY uncomfortable and unhappy passengers.
03-19-2005, 02:16 AM
#15
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Originally Posted by Rhawb
If you just jammed two seats in there somewhere (if two more seats would even fit inside the car), I'd imagine you'd have some VERY uncomfortable and unhappy passengers.
Its pretty quick, and the response is great.
As far as the back seat thing goes, have you looked at the G35 Sedan or SC, they both have a back seat, and in 6speed trim are both a blast to drive, but that all comes with the added price :-(
sure other cars in the 8's category have 'better' things about them, but in and out of its class, nothing ive seen has that 'total package' ... the right looks, performance, technology ... ect.
Ill be buying one this summer june/july time and the cars Ive looked at are all around ~30k :
Subaru STI
Acura TL A-Spec
Mitsubishi EVO MR
Nissan 350Z
Mazda RX8
c'mon theres clearly only 1 winner, lol :D
03-19-2005, 10:54 AM
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Yeah, I was just referring to jamming two seats into some part of the Z...There isn't a whole lot of space for holding any more seats in that thing regarless of how you orient them. I love the G35, but the premium paid for a little more luxury and two extra seats over the Z is pretty darn steep, especially when the 8 can do it for so much less. (though I can understand how proud they must be that they got those seats into the G :p)
03-19-2005, 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted by c2k4-8
The interior felt very cramped to me...
It rode like a tank! And this was a touring model.
It rode like a tank! And this was a touring model.
I stopped at a Mazda dealer on the way home from test driving the Z, and two minutes into the test drive on the '8, I knew it was the car for me. Bought it on the spot.
I think the 350Z is a great car, but it didn't fit my 6'3", 190 pound frame very well. The '8 (without sunroof) is/was my ticket to happiness.
Bill
03-19-2005, 01:30 PM
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Originally Posted by PoLaK
Anyone else like the wheels on the 35th Anniversary Edition 350Z..... 
It is pumping out power tho 300hp at the crank, more expensive now $37,000, at that price I'd just buy an elise.
It is pumping out power tho 300hp at the crank, more expensive now $37,000, at that price I'd just buy an elise.
good call..i love teh elise...now i wonder if i'd fit in it.:p
37 large is a lot for a z. but to each his own.
04-05-2005, 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by raji
cool
Otherwise, even compared to the 8 that i test drove fairly recently, the Z is a very impressive car. The deal breaker for me (with the Z) was the missing back seats and the looks. Not crazy about either.
i'm looking to get an 8 sometime mid to late next year
Otherwise, even compared to the 8 that i test drove fairly recently, the Z is a very impressive car. The deal breaker for me (with the Z) was the missing back seats and the looks. Not crazy about either.
i'm looking to get an 8 sometime mid to late next year
04-05-2005, 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by c2k4-8
My friend now works at a local Ford dealership where they had an 03 Z Touring model on their used car lot with 17,895 miles.
I've been wanting to drive one again after having the RX8 for a while, so yesterday I drove down there and did just that. So I thought... well this will be make or break - will I like my "8" better or think, uh, uh... should'a got a Z.
My impressions:
The interior felt very cramped to me... although I did like the seats. One thing I really don't like is the clutch - it's alot stiffer than ours and I had to kind of pick my leg up to push down on the clutch, that felt uncomfortable - like the clutch was too high.
It rode like a tank! And this was a touring model. The car felt very heavy - although it handled great, stiff steering. Although it doesn't feel quick and nimble like the 8.
Power: Well, the Z does have more torque down low, and it may jump us off the line, although it didn't feel that much quicker than the RX8... if the Z would get the jump off the line I think the 8 would catch up.
Overall - I think the 350Z fells like an older car - more muscle car, as the RX8 feels more newer - as in newer technology. After driving the Z I really appreciated the ride in the "8".
I've been wanting to drive one again after having the RX8 for a while, so yesterday I drove down there and did just that. So I thought... well this will be make or break - will I like my "8" better or think, uh, uh... should'a got a Z.
My impressions:
The interior felt very cramped to me... although I did like the seats. One thing I really don't like is the clutch - it's alot stiffer than ours and I had to kind of pick my leg up to push down on the clutch, that felt uncomfortable - like the clutch was too high.
It rode like a tank! And this was a touring model. The car felt very heavy - although it handled great, stiff steering. Although it doesn't feel quick and nimble like the 8.
Power: Well, the Z does have more torque down low, and it may jump us off the line, although it didn't feel that much quicker than the RX8... if the Z would get the jump off the line I think the 8 would catch up.
Overall - I think the 350Z fells like an older car - more muscle car, as the RX8 feels more newer - as in newer technology. After driving the Z I really appreciated the ride in the "8".
just stirring the pot
oh almost forgot....140 ish top speed for an 8 and a 170ishmph topspeed in a z and its computer controled speed limiter... try that in an 8
Last edited by 8urrx8; 04-05-2005 at 06:52 PM.
