A similarly equipped 8 is much cheaper, especially in terms of real-world pricing it is about an $8k difference. It's like comparing a 300ZX Twin Turbo to a Prelude. Yeah, the Z is faster, but for way more money not to mention it's much less pratical. You might as well compare the Z to a Corvette or an Ariel Atom.

 

Yawn. Lame argument.

5th gear raced the new Z against the new 8.

The 8 has far less horsepower, yet is only a second slower when driven by Tiff.

I'm sure the average driver would be able to push the 8 a lot harder then the Z before killing themselves, meaning in the real world driven by a real person, the 8 would be faster because it's easier to handle.

Z's are all muscle and no brain. Not my style. If I wanted muscle not finesse I'd have bought a mustang.

When I test drove the Z, it was like trying to hang onto a rocket with anger issues, while the 8 just kinda does what I want it to.

 

For average drivers its much easier to drive a Z fast around the track than the rx8, the Z's power makes up for bad turns while the rx8 has to take great corners just to stay on the Z's tail. Most average drivers won't be taking good corners. While I personally think the 8 handles better than the Z its not nearly as big a difference as the difference between the acceleration power of the two cars on the track.

 

yeah that and the new 370z handles better than the 350z so it should be an even lesser difference in handling.

 

I agree. Big hp allows noob drivers to correct mistakes. RX-8 like the S2k, Boxster etc requires more finesse to coax good lap times. Driving skills are overated anyways right?

 

Old post... I know. Just solved the question and ordered the new 370Z after a test drive. Very nice car but very different from my 2007 RX-8. I've decided to keep both. They both do much of the same very well and each has an entirely different way of communicating with the driver. I'll keep my RX-8 for a long time I think...but I'll have an affair with the 370Z in the meantime.

 

i knew something was missing from my list.

 

 

as a previous z owner i agree with RXNV theyre both different cars with different attitudes. personally id never own another z once you start modding the issues start coming and i cant have a standard car so no more z. loved the car while i had it but i love my 8 even more its a personal preference lol. i have a 2010 camaro 2ss/rs now too and its an amazing car but the 8 is just something special

 

Thanks RXNV

 

Thread revival.

 

I read somewhere that the VQ engine from the 350 and 370Z's are not made by Nissan but by Renault. Is this true?

 

The RX-8 is something special... no matter what model you have... Even if you have a automatic base model with no LSD and a 4-port that gets to 60 in ~7.5 seconds... lol, i wouldnt trade my car in for anything but a Manual 8 :D

 

Well since Renault owns a controlling stake in Nissan. Yes, they are made by Renault. But if you mean, built in an actual Renault factory, I don't think so.

 

It is a french engine after all

 

it is not fair to compare the rx8 to the 370z because the z so much better... I am ready to trade, but I need a little more money... dammit! I feel like a trader

 

This is a very valid thread topic. I don't why people get so defensive. OK, it's a comparison between the Rx8 and another sports car, but it is in the "General Automotive" section after all.

People should however try to compare base with base. Cars are different enough "stock" to compare against. What is the point in saying the Rx8 will beat a 370Z "if I add a rocket engine to it". Such arguments are pointless. Yes you can add a 20B and it will probably smoke a 370Z, not too mention a series of other performance cars, but it's gonna cost some serious dough and suck fuel worse than a stock Rx8....what's so wonderful about that??

Threads like this really help the masses decide on future cars. I really like both cars, so it's helped me with my research.

 

Well if you're planning to trade in your 8 for the z, then yes you are a trader.
But if you are planning to talk **** about 8's after you trade it in, then you are a traitor.

 

I thought this was an awesome thread. It helped clear up a few questions that I had.

 

both cars are fast just have fun

 

Stock for stock, performance wise, I reckon the Z
It's a lot more powerful, much more newer and apparently handles well too.
The interior is a huge improvement over the 350Z but still plastic
Exterior is up to each own's eyes, but in the real world, the Z looks A LOT better than on paper.
Practicability? Still the 8, with 4 actual seats and a decent boot.

With regards to "It's like comparing a 300ZX Twin Turbo to a Prelude." as an analogy to 370Z and RX-8, it is a very bad one. I own a 300ZX TT and it's no where near the same class as a Prelude, unlike the 8 and the Z being in the "sports car" category. The 300ZX feels like a muscle car, lots of grunt, lots of noise, nonsense handling! The Prelude, idk what you can say, it's just a family car that looks a tad bit sporty. Stock for stock it's slow, it's ugly, and their drivers are up themselves.
The Z and 8 however, are both amazing cars in stock form, a 300ZX cannot compete with a 370Z (well it's 20 years apart) and you should have your flame suit on if you're saying the 8 is anything like a prelude compared to a Z. Idk why so many hate on Z's.

 

uhh...If anything I am.....

 

I doubt anyone on here owns both cars though, but who knows.

 

lol oops didn't even notice I typed the wrong word... haha but I guess I might become a trader!

 

Something I would personally put high on my list would be how "engaging /involving" it is. The 370Z clearly has more power, but is it as engaging as an Rx8? Within reason, I'd prize that feature above increased power.