ZOOMBY

Just wanted to know out of curiosity, does anyone know of comparisons between these vehilcles. I know which one wins easily in looks in my opinion :p , but in terms of actual performance wise(stock). I'd like to think RX8 performs strongly if not better than some of these competitors. I know what choice I made :D just interested in specs and Taka u would have test drived some of these any thoughts??

Revolver

I'm sure you can get the hard numbers somewhere - check out the Wheels magazine site - they have old tests available.

I test drove both.

Personally, while the 350Z obviously went a bit harder than the 8, I didn't think I could live with it's suspension for all the city driving I do - it is very firm and my kidneys wouldn't last!. I also found the interior looked a bit cheap and although I love the front I think the rear looks ungainly.

As for the TT, looks great but I opted for the 8 because it was cheaper, was RWD and had a ton more room in the back (I have to fit kids in mine). I also think the 8 handles better.

All in all, I think all three cars are desirable - it just comes down to personal preferences.

kiwimeat

A former colleague has a TT Quattro with Audi Racing performance upgrades. It's very fast. We drove each other's cars.

The most telling comment from the TT owner was how smooth the RX-8 was and how it just glided along.

TT has more torque and is faster but the RX-8 is more refined IMHO.

Having driven both I now which one I prefer. I never contemplated buying a TT - I have kids. I also found the interior not to my choosing and the rear seats are useless.

As for the 350Z - again not on the list as I need the 4 seats but it didn't stop me test driving one. Pretty much what the press reports say. If you want to win TLGP and other trouser-stuffing, ego serving foolerly then get one.

Revolver

Sorry - should have said I only tested the base model TT as the Quattro with all the fruit mentioned by kiwimeat was out of my price range.

timbo

I test drove the 350Z before settling on the 8. Have to say I was really, really disappointed, especially with the interior, which reminded me of the stereo system I bought in the 70's. Plus, all that car, but no space!

takahashi

I am named :embrassed: well I have to respond. :p

I don't drive the car very hard when I test drove both. But here are my observations.

350Z
The engine is the greatest asset of this car. The handling is not bad. The only thing I don't like is handling is too much weight in the rear end when accelerating. You may think that it is good. And yes it is very stable when launching through the lights. However, I feel if i have this car at Sandown, I have to prepare to have a slight understeer upon acceleration out of turn 4 for the back straight. I also think it understeer under braking, not like slight oversteering that RX-8 and my old Integra R has. So it is not my style.

PLus a 2 seater than I cannot bring my bike around with.

TT

Pretty car but the ride is boring.... very boring. No feel. Nothing. I drove it at Lake Mountain, borrowed it from my friend. It was quick for the old version but the handling is liveless. I can describe that any further. Lucky I did not snap a oversteer under brakes....

labrat

You can check out the Coolwall on the Top Gear website to see how the cars rate Top Gear Cool Wall . The RX-8 is rated as "cool" and the Audi TT as "seriously uncool". Actually, I always thought that the Audi TT looked so retro it was Hitler's revenge. Isn't the Audi TT just a Golf with a different lid on top?

Revolver

Well that's the last time I pick up an issue of TopGear!

RX8 shares 'cool' space with Copen and Hyundai Coupe!!!! whereas the 911 Turbo is deemed 'uncool'!!!

What are those pommies on????

Revolver

You kill me Taka! :D :D

Only you would have a corner of a racetrack in mind when car shopping!!!

ZOOMBY

Thanks for you thoughts, its alway good getting opinions from people that have actually have driven these cars. I know that If i had to I would still make the same choice today(RX8 looks/power/style/$$$ nothing come close in my books anyway).

RXE16T

Funny, I probably wouldn't be here if the Zed had a larger boot......... I just loved it's performance.

takahashi

Well he is asking for performance advice.... ? :p

I have loads of Top Gear UK episodes that I can do a TG Marathon :D

skc

For me there the only reason I have a RX 8 is the 4 doors and 4 seats. I used to own a 200 sx which was not practical with kids. So, when this concept came out it instantly ended up on my must have list.

...I rembember my wife saying that I cannot have a sports car again. I replied what if they come with 4 doors...3 years later my prayers were answered.

skc

takahashi

If the 4 door is not a decisive factor, I don't know what is.

In the same price range. I would have a white S2000 in my garage. I still love that thing.

RIX XXX

Funny you sould mention the S2000 Taka, I had a silver one up until a couple of years ago and loved it. In fact I would almost say the 8 is just a hardtop version of an S2000. Almost!! Anyway i don't drive sideways as much in the 8 as i did in the S2000, maybe if i turned off the DSC... . If i "had" a garage, i'd get both.

BVD

I'd agree with pretty much all the comments above.

I checked out the 350z but it failed to light any lights for me at all. It seemed cheaply finished and thought out and the design felt like someone was just trying too hard to come up with an eye-catching look, and not quite succeeding.

I've driven a friend's TT and there were some aspects that I liked, but again it failed to light the lights.

I use some pretty basic criteria when I buy cars these days.

a) Is it a known lemon, or possessed of some nasty flaw not apparent to a good inspection and test drive, and

b) Did I fall in love with it or simply want to have it - not necessarily for any specific logical reason.

Unless you intend to use a car for racing, or a specialist purpose of some kind, the majority of well known modern cars will get you from A to B, do the speed limit, etc. A super fast dream machine may do blistering top speeds and accelerate like all hell, but how often can you expect to use the full potential of that? Conversely, a modest everyday sedan may do just what you need, for a very reasonable price - but how long will that "joy of ownership" last?

When I bought my 8 I gave myself free rein to look at and consider anything on the market within reason. I looked at a huge range of models from different makers. It didn't have to be sports car, or seat any particular number, or fit a particular budget. I just had to want it!

Over several weeks I trudged round numerous dealerships but I only fell in love with one car - the RX8. It put a huge smile on my face when I looked at it and when I drove it. Nearly two years later it still does. EVERY time.

That's all that matters to me. I don't really care all that much what the rest of the world feels about a car.

EZZY

same here.... i'd be in a 350 if i didnt have the TT... didnt want another semi-circle vehicle :D the built quality in the TT is alot better than both 350 and 8.