Hotsauce

My cousin has a red G35 auto with the rear spolier, pretty sharp looking car. She let me take it for a spin this was around the time I started looking for cars but I hadn't driven a Rx-8 yet. It was pretty quick on the straights, and I loved the exhaust note. The interior was ok, not as sporty as the Rx-8 again this is a luxury sporty car.

My wife was sitting in the back seat she's 5'3 tall and she complained about her head hitting the ceiling. I'm 5'11 and I have plenty of head room in the back seat of the 8.

Again the G35 is a nice car but it just doesn't get me excited like the 8.

Now back on the 350z, I was always a fan of the Z car, I've ridden in almost every version starting from the 240z. I really wanted the 300z when they first came out. But, they were too expensive at the time and I heard repairs where costly too.

Now when the 350z came out, I set my sights on buying one. Now,
I live within walking distance to a Nissan dealership. One day I walked over there and test drove the 350z. I remember the clutch was stiff and my head bobbing as I released it. Sort of reminded me of other cars with plenty of torque (Mustangs, Camaros, Firebirds). I also remember it generated a lot of road noise and the interior reminded me of the Altima. I did like the angled instrument pod in the middle of the console, throw back to the 240z. Still I liked the car, I could see driving it on short jaunts through the country side, but I was reserved on its use as a daily or distance driver.

Then came the test drive of the Rx-8 GT with its buttery smooth high reving rotary motor, silky short shifter, sporty interior (blue hue on the instrument panel, that did it for me right there) , light weight feel, 50/50 balance, crisp steering, excellent brakes, suicide doors (easy to get the kiddies in and out), and sharp looks (350z starting to look like a box). I was sold, it also helped that I was getting the car for I 10k less than a equally equipped G35 and 4k less than the base 350z. I bought it with full knowledge of the quirks of a rotary car, but after a drive in the 8, who cares?

RX4life

uhu..yes..skidpadding ultimately determines what a sports car is .. hmm...


i was talking about a true sports car.. not comparing figures...i already know this car can handle.. as i already mentioned, this car is a hybrid sprts car/ slash 4dr...that has to be comfortable yet sporty.. and it did achieve that...

so WTF are you talking about or trying to prove to me.. that this is a true sports car??

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

What is your definitive criteria for what is and isn't a "genuine sports cars" (your words, not mine), in arriving at your conclusion that the RX-8 isn't one (but implying that the 350Z is)?

We're all awaiting your anticipated pearls of wisdom.

playdoh43

id say the rx8 is a sports car, but not in the purest sense. performance is sacraficed by gainging more practicality such as a softer suspension and back seats and comfort. Otherwise a 2 seater lighter, stiffer rx8 would be faster, and handle even better. Z is more of a pure sports car with emphasis on performance and sacrafice comfort and utility. but both are sports cars to me

RotoRocket

iTrader: (1)

Well, the 8 definitely handles better (objectively) than the Z, but the Z is definitely faster (objectively) than the 8, so it seems more like a wash to me.

In fact, it's actually pretty amazing that Mazda was able to imbue the 8 with better handling than the Z given that the sacrifice you talk about with the Z - poor ride quality - is something the 8 does not suffer from. So, Mazda brought the handling talent without any pain.

playdoh43

its not about how well the rx8 performs, the Miata dosnt perform as well as the RX8, but its a purer sports car than the rx8. There are plenty of non-sports cars that perform better than both the RX8 and 350Z. And I dont think the overall performance between the 2 cars is a wash, the better handling rx8 is not enough to overcome the power difference on the track. but for normal people who dosnt take it to the track and drive at the limit, RX8 can be a better car because it can be more fun to drive and is way more practical.

mpt_yellowRX8

playdoh, doesn't the G35 have seat problems? I remember reading on more than a few forums and car sites a while back that lots of folks were having back pains caused by the seats in the G35. Was this addressed as the years went by? My wife was interested in the G35 for a time but she already has nagging back pains and we didn't have the opportunity to take a lengthy test drive. Dealer said there was no problem, but you never know who to believe and seat comfort is a big factor for a daily driver.

Back on topic, My choice was ultimately between the 8 and the Z. Wife liked the four seats more and the performance differences are miniscule no matter what setting you are in. I don't get on the track anyways so overall feel was more important. Ride in the 8 was better, especially important to us because of aforementioned back problems and lack of smooth roads in our area. I loved the look of the Yellow 8 and was so-so on the Z's color choices, I like the Orange most on the Z. As for the engines, the rotary is smoother and gives you a great feeling and sound. The VQ is rougher up high and a bit louder, but I rarely hit the stratosphere on the tach so that didn't make much difference. Not going to tune a car until it's paid up so mods weren't a question at the time either. The rotary is an amazing concept too and I really enjoy the rarity and learning about the technology that went into it.

My choice was based predominately on feel and research. I looked up every possible detail on both cars and the 8 was more appealing. After driving them the 8 was the clear winner. My wife always asks me when I plan on trading the 8 and getting a new car and my response is always the same, I'm never getting rid of the 8. Besides, I want to start a car collection and the 8 is a nice first piece for me. I don't plan on buying any trailor queens.

playdoh43

im the one that posted that funny thread about dude having back pain on the g35 seats on this forum. The dude also have some psychological condidtion which he mentioned in the thread... some condition where you complain a lot, i forget the scientific name.

But neways, its the same seats, never changed. Its race inspired just like the RX8 so its got this groove. Dude was real thick and wide, built like a Full back, so the lumbar support was giving him problems. Like any sporty seats, the G35 seats can give you back problems if you are real wide and fat. If you look at the shape of the seats its pretty much the same as the RX8. Im athletic build, play a lot of sports so im not skinny or anything and i love my seats and they are extremely comfortable. do a search on g35driver.com and you'll see that its a myth and happens very rarely.

If you are getting one, i hope you go for 05 or 06 6mt for the nicer interior and standard 19 inch rims. The 298hp rev up engine is smoother and the rev limiter is at 7500rpm, so the top end is improved and feels more sporty. There is also this really sweet mod for it called MREV (its a lower plenum+spacer combo) that just came out for the rev up engine.
It adds about +18-20whp and +20-25wtq for only 460 bucks, group buys makes it even cheaper. I tested it against my dads M3 and was able to go even against it from stop and from the roll (he was able to walk me easily before). It really makes a huge difference in acceleration.

Hotsauce

My neighbor has a 6MT G35 and he's interested in driving my 8. I think we might swap cars this weekend and head out into the country. When I was car shopping, I wanted the 6MT G35 but couldn't find one on the dealer's lot. The only one I found was at CarMax with 30k miles on it and a sticker of around 28k.

mpt_yellowRX8

I don't have any buds around here with cool cars that I can swap with for a day. You guys are lucky.

playdoh43

i highly doubt the g35 would feel nearly as fun on the country roads, its got more grip than the rx8 thats about it... nothing can replace that nimbleness of a light car. A lady friend of mine got an 05 auto rx8, we took it to Blue Ridge Mountain Road one day, http://www.automobilemag.com/great_drives/ It was the funnest drive ever, i dont think the G35 or M3 can produce the same excitement.

NomisR

But a Mx5 would be more fun on the same road too.

Hotsauce

My neighbor to houses down just bought a Mx-5 he use to own a Miata until it got rear-ended. I'll probably swap keys with him too. Further down the street theirs a guy with a 350z roadster, I might ask him for a spin when spring rolls around.

My neighbor with the G35 was interested driving the Rx-8 after I told him about how much fun I had at the VIR track. It was the first time I drove on a race track, It was fun but a little nervous when speeds reached 120mph on the straights. But I had a grin the whole time. Then you had to get on the brakes to slow down to 40 for the curves. The 8 handle very well, the tires never lost traction (DCS never kicked in either). It only had a hint of oversteer on some turns.

Sportura_Collection

This is important info that could take even more potential RX8 buyers away, assuming price difference isn't a factor.

Rhawb

Yeesh guys - I don't think we're getting anywhere with all this arguing.

I didn't buy my 8 because it was a hp giant, I bought it because it was the best combination of features for the price (plus it's hard to argue with the rotary).

People who bought the Z clearly don't have too much of a concern with day to day practicality, they likely prefer a more "raw" or "classic" feeling sports car that's going to give them a rush at a touch of the throttle.

I would have looked at the G35 more realistically, but I think if I'm going to be getting into that price range, I'm going to start looking at some nicer cars. When you're getting up into that bracket, I think I'd be looking for something a bit more practical and luxurious rather than sporty. Even if you wanted to stick with a sports car, give a Vette long enough and it'll come down to the $35k range.

DARKMAZ8

Exactly

playdoh43

i dont think theres that much arguing, its been constructive in nature.
and your same logic can be applied to any car, inluding the rx8 when factoring in potential used cars.

playdoh43

i dont think acceleration matters that much in the eye of potential rx8 buyers who did their research on what the rx8 is. plus theres always someone faster out there, the E46 M3 is soon to be obsolete and considered slow when compared to the E90 400hp V8 M3.

Shiri

Threads like these will never die.

I've never seen as much development in racing/modification for a current, affordable Japanese sports car as the 350z. That alone speaks volume of its popularity. Same goes for the G35c (a car that isn't meant to be as successful).

Aseras

when I got my 8, I had the opprotunity to get a plain c6 ( not z06 ) for 35K inc ttl etc.. new. Local dealer had 4 on the lot. 6 speed basic options. I just never got into corvettes that much.. and I've all but swore off american cars now. The thought did cross my mind though..

RedLineShinka

I test drove a G35 (ouch, price tag), the Z "Special Ed." and the RX-8/Shinka. I was SO ready to drive home the Z and then I sat in, and drove the RX-8... it took me 3 seconds to drive hom in this car. It actually has TRUNK space, a back seat, and I can absolutely smoke the road in this thing... aside from the smooth ride, head-turning styling, and everything else... ask yourself, how many Z's do you see on the road? I can count TONS of 'em... the rarity of the RX-8 also got my attention, and coupled with the SHinka being super-rare... I was sold.

10,000mi and I wouldn't trade her in for anything on the road right now... I love this car.

mkaresh

When you're in the driver's seat, the RX-8 feels like a sports car. A matter of driving position and willingness to change directions. And if it feels like a sports car, it might as well be one.

OTOH, the great majority of people consider the C5 Corvette a sports car, but its unwillingness to change directions has made me wonder whether it is more properly a grand tourer.

Now for the original question...

My old Lexus-driving father had a Z as a second car back in 2003-2004. He put 6,000 miles on it in a year and a half. Hardly ever drove it. Just plain beat him up. When I visited him I drove it. It beat me up, too. I also agree with those here who find the powertrain unsophisticated and the handling somewhat plodding.

Since he rarely drove the car, I suggested that he sell the car while there was still a market for it. He bought it for 27000. Sold it for 24500 189 months later. Best thing about the car--at that point there was always someone else wanting to give the Z a go. My sense is they often change hands quickly.

I got sports car fever last spring, but wasn't ready to buy one myself. Protege5 still too new, and frankly fun around town. I have three kids--they fit in the back. Drove RX-8 again along with S2000 and Z3. Found RX-8 much more fun to drive than I expected. Told my father he had to drive one.

He ended up buying one. The Lexus GS 400 now rarely leaves the garage. I figured he'd tire of it in a year, tops, and then I'd buy it from him.

But he's not tiring of it.

I drove the car on the BRP, WV16, OH26. Glorious. Other cars might be as fun, but I doubt many would be as fun over as long a distance.

I priced insurance on the RX-8. It would cost me $40/six months more than my 130-hp Protege5. Crazy.

saturn

Sorta off topic, but why 3.5 years? Are you dying?

playdoh43

hes probably leasing.

astro

Yes, I am leasing. However, I am hooked in this rotary experience. I am just going to enjoy this car and hopefully in 3.5 years I'll upgrade into another rotary powered Mazda. Rotary power RULES!

BTW... I intend to live a long, happy and hopefully a prosperous life!

Off topic... BUT I like to practice my typing!