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370Z vs RX-8 ...let us hear it from owners of both cars

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Old 07-02-2009, 10:33 AM
  #101  
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Originally Posted by MICHGoBlue
I'm not a kind of person that wants other drivers to sweat and drool all over my car, all I'm looking for is an approving nod from an enthusiast.
Well said MICHGoBlue - but your limitus test of a 'good track car' being 'great lap times' - all I can say is wow. I use my 8 (or any car I might own - like a Cayman, Lotus, Nissan, etc.) for enjoyment and education. I happen to find the 8 more enjoyable and more educational on track than any other place I drive it.

HPDE Track use i.e., a place to improve driving skill, means my criteria of "good track car' is a car that responds reliably, handles with no vices, enables improving one's track driving skills, and allow enjoying, rahter than fearing, a track's turns and straights.

A very fast car that's unpredictable, or unreliable.. that's not a 'good track car', but rather an expensive P.I.T.A. that can kill you. I live in a $$$, time, and flesh & blood world, not a magazine's world of spec and numbers. If I could afford it, I have a Radical, or Porsche or some such thing and a pit crew, but not the case. And you'll have to admit even the magazines throw specs and lap times to the wind and exclaim that numbers aren't everything when speaking of the RX-8 capabilities to entertain.

Judging a 'good track car' on its laptimes might however be a good way to look for a racecar, but something else again altogether. Is that really why you don't think the 8 is a good track car???

But this has got far off topic, esp. as neither of us own both a 370Z and an RX-8.

Last edited by Spin9k; 07-02-2009 at 10:35 AM.
Old 07-02-2009, 10:44 AM
  #102  
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Originally Posted by Spin9k
Well said MICHGoBlue - but your limitus test of a 'good track car' being 'great lap times' - all I can say is wow. I use my 8 (or any car I might own - like a Cayman, Lotus, Nissan, etc.) for enjoyment and education. I happen to find the 8 more enjoyable and more educational on track than any other place I drive it.

HPDE Track use i.e., a place to improve driving skill, means my criteria of "good track car' is a car that responds reliably, handles with no vices, enables improving one's track driving skills, and allow enjoying, rahter than fearing, a track's turns and straights.

A very fast car that's unpredictable, or unreliable.. that's not a 'good track car', but rather an expensive P.I.T.A. that can kill you. I live in a $$$, time, and flesh & blood world, not a magazine's world of spec and numbers. If I could afford it, I have a Radical, or Porsche or some such thing and a pit crew, but not the case. And you'll have to admit even the magazines throw specs and lap times to the wind and exclaim that numbers aren't everything when speaking of the RX-8 capabilities to entertain.

Judging a 'good track car' on its laptimes might however be a good way to look for a racecar, but something else again altogether. Is that really why you don't think the 8 is a good track car???

But this has got far off topic, esp. as neither of us own both a 370Z and an RX-8.
damn, after reading this post, I am now scared to even go near a 370z. apparently, its unpredictable, unreliable and expensive PITA and if I try to drive it on a track, I would fear every straight and turn on the track and inevitably be killed.

Last edited by playdoh43; 07-02-2009 at 10:49 AM.
Old 07-02-2009, 10:56 AM
  #103  
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Originally Posted by playdoh43
damn, after reading this post, I am now scared to even go near a 370z. apparently, its unpredictable, unreliable and expensive PITA and if I try to drive it on a track, I would fear every straight and turn on the track and inevitably be killed.
cute ...but I never mentioned/wasn't even thinking about the Z above (although it might apply ). Rather discussing 'good track car' concept divorced from any brand. Therefore why mentioned we're off topic.
Old 07-02-2009, 12:32 PM
  #104  
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lol i juss went over to the 350 370 forums coz im a member since i owned one and looked for a thread about the 8 and OMFG those guys are so immpature all they say is that the 8 is UNBALANCED underpowered and no fun to drive! WTF we are so much more grown up on here lol at least we see both cars for what they are.
Old 07-02-2009, 01:05 PM
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And its not like the RX8 didn't have a single issue when it came out in 2003.

The 370 needs a second oil cooler and yes Nissan should have that on stock. Hopefully they will fix it quickly. Not familiar with the brake issue but I'm sure if its prevalent then it will be addressed.

At least Nissan upgraded the power on the 350z and has come out with a new redesign in the 370z, what has Mazda done other than mild cosmetic changes and a new color?
Old 07-02-2009, 02:31 PM
  #106  
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Originally Posted by Design1stCode2nd
And its not like the RX8 didn't have a single issue when it came out in 2003.

The 370 needs a second oil cooler and yes Nissan should have that on stock. Hopefully they will fix it quickly. Not familiar with the brake issue but I'm sure if its prevalent then it will be addressed.

At least Nissan upgraded the power on the 350z and has come out with a new redesign in the 370z, what has Mazda done other than mild cosmetic changes and a new color?
Sorry, this sort of arguement gets me good sometimes....

If you are going to knock the 8 down because of the lack of extra power added; if you can add more power to the 8, keep it within the laws of emissions in the US and still be as reliable and cost effective as it is now, without lowering the MPG any more....please show Mazda.
Old 07-04-2009, 09:17 PM
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Ive been looking into trading in my 8....Im waiting o see how well the rev match technology holds up....I agree the 8 looks alot better than the Z. I have the GT 8 and think its a bit out dated as far as interior goes. I know the new 8 has the up to date tech stuff...but I am still leaning towards the power of the 8....I dunno....I shall see and wait.
Old 07-04-2009, 09:52 PM
  #108  
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Originally Posted by meskism
I have the GT 8 and think its a bit out dated as far as interior goes. I know the new 8 has the up to date tech stuff...
What exactly is your 8 missing in terms of interior technology? The car only goes back to the 2004 model year, have interiors evolved so much since then that it's so out of date already? I have an '04 GT, and I can't honestly think of a single thing about the interior that feels dated or a piece of miraculous technology that it's missing. Cooled seats maybe?
Old 07-04-2009, 10:37 PM
  #109  
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^ +1 that was one major turn off for me as far as the z's are concernd i love the interior of the 8 and i dont see whats missing.
Old 07-05-2009, 02:17 AM
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^^ trip computer maybe?
what's really the point of this thread really? they are two very different car subjected to very different potential buyers
Old 07-05-2009, 06:36 AM
  #111  
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its all really about what the person likes, 3 years ago when i was shoping for a new car it was between the 8 and the 350, i test drove both of them and yes the 350 was faster, and had more tourqe, but the handling and just the feel driving was horrible, i live in wv and there isnt alot of stright roads, and when i drove the 350 it felt like drving a brick, it would turn but it felt like it didnt want to. then i drove the 8 and as soon as i took of and made the first turn i feel in love, it turns like no other, and does it so easly. to me the 8 is so much more nible and resopnsive then the 350, and is alot funner to drive. so for me i would want to have a car that is nible and responsive then just having massive horspower and tourqe, so for me it was the rx8 and i think it was the best decision i have evermade in buying a car
Old 07-05-2009, 09:04 AM
  #112  
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the 8 drives VERY good...i didn't like the 350z when i drove it (slow on turn in)...of course i didn't run it at the edge and that could make a difference.

370z is a different animal alltogether as it's performance numbers are comparable to higher end cars. not sure i really care enough to find out.

it all boils down to personal taste in the end...and imho the 8 delivers where it counts the most.
Old 07-05-2009, 11:02 AM
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A debate that goes on and on and on and on....
Old 07-05-2009, 12:05 PM
  #114  
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They are both awesome cars.

When I see a 370 on the road I'm like awwww its a cute little kitty!!! But not a normal kitty a fucked up one like one that got run over and then I go awww sad!

The 370 looks ugly as **** like really just horrendous.. With that said I am a Z fanboi and I gotta give it up I wouldn't mind owning one.

Who cares about performance 3/4 of z drivers and 8 drivers don't even race their cars.
Old 07-05-2009, 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by lucifuge
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.
Nice avatar.

I bought an RX-8 because I like the look better and I wanted back seats. Performance wise, the car seemed more balanced, but I had never driven either hard before buying. I've still never driven a Z, but I know for a fact I wouldn't like the rough ride or care much for the apparently rough engine, especially after driving a rotary.
Old 07-06-2009, 06:43 AM
  #116  
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Well I got to sit in a 370Z over the weekend,the sales men are still stiff neck about letting people test them out unless your going to purchase one. Getting closer though....

The interior is sweet in the 370Z, a much better interior than the 350Z by a mile.
Rarely any cheap plastic in the interior, plush leather feel and quality, updated plastics like the RX-8 instead of the fischer price interior of the 350Z . Controls seem to be driver oriented like what was in the Z32 cars(1990-1996). The blue glow from the controls is sweet and very easy on the eyes, I am glad they moved from the stupid looking orange back ground lights on the speedo which the previous 350Z sported.

Shifter seemed tight , and not to notchy a true test would be for the car to be in motion to row through the gears. Seats feel great , even better than the regular RX-8 , the support and side bolsters seem to hug you a bit more then the 8 seats. Although the R3 seats in the 8 edge out the 370Z seats by a small margin in comfort and keeping you in place. Head room was sufficient , I am 6'-2 ,entry and exit was fine for me.

The hood was up , I noticed Nissan went back to the twin throttle body/intake design again which was introduced on the Z32 cars.
The motor looked cramped in the engine bay , there is literally no room to work on changing the belts, hoses, or anything of that nature. The engine is so close to the radiator that , if one was to take on the the task of changing the belts , the person would have to remove the radiator. Anybody who would get into a fender bender would send the radiator/fans directly into the belt pullies and main crank pully, OUCH!

I was happy to see the return of the twin intake system again , a aftermarket intake system mated to the twin throttle bodies will produces wonders in the HP and Torqe range.

Well getting closer to my goal , so far the Z is looking good.
Old 07-06-2009, 03:35 PM
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The 350z also had the "twin intake" system.
Old 07-06-2009, 10:49 PM
  #118  
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^+1 like seriously how often do you or more like CAN you use all that power in the super fast cars. my new camaro ss has alot of hp and is seriously fast so is my 335 but how often does it matter without getting in trouble with the cops or worse ending up in a ditch or hw divider. its really subjective about what you like and the z is an awesome car BUT the rx8 looks better has 4 seats n is more comfy IMO plus if you want a 2 seater go get a vette n smoke all the z's put together ... thats what i would do
Old 07-07-2009, 07:58 AM
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there is also the fact that the 370z uses less gas hmm

but yeah I would never buy one because I would not pay that much to have a car overheat at the track and go into limp mode and have mushy brakes
Old 07-07-2009, 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by rodjonathan
^+1 like seriously how often do you or more like CAN you use all that power in the super fast cars. my new camaro ss has alot of hp and is seriously fast so is my 335 but how often does it matter without getting in trouble with the cops or worse ending up in a ditch or hw divider. its really subjective about what you like and the z is an awesome car BUT the rx8 looks better has 4 seats n is more comfy IMO plus if you want a 2 seater go get a vette n smoke all the z's put together ... thats what i would do

In the course of the daily commute I tend to get more use out of power than agility. Passing slower cars when there is a safe opportunity or even getting on it from a stop up to around legal speeds. Unless you are lucky enough to have mountain roads between you and work the agility is used much less often.

For the RX8 and 350z I think it was just a matter of what you wanted more, handling versus power. In the 370z you have a better interior, even more power and pretty good handling. So its more, do you want two seats or do you need the occasional 4?

The 370z looks great to me and I liked the look of the 350z as well. It does need to have the “fangs” blacked out though.
Old 07-19-2009, 07:53 PM
  #121  
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Ex Rx8 & now new 370z owner comments

Group,

After owning 2 Rx8s, i decided on changing wheels for this summer. Here's a brief summary on what i have to say after 1500 km on the "FairLady":
- That engine isn't a high rev engine (ref to prior posts...) i agree 100%;
- overheating: no issue so far (always below 220) but i haven't track the car yet;
- perf: kick *** at all levels of RPM
- technology: good stuff (10gyg radio w. Ipod interface, synchro match does really work well also)
- overall quality: very pleased, no issues
- other: no rear view...

My short terms plans is to get a Berk HFC and a Stillen catback. I'll keep you posted on my track findings i.e. heating & limp mod...

ps. I also noted that the Z forums members aren't like the Rx forums...

Cheers,

Phil
Old 08-11-2009, 07:41 PM
  #122  
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I test drove a 370Z last weekend. Besides the guys at the dealerships being douchebags since I test drove and didn't buy, I have to say I DID like the Z.

I honestly think the styling is much improved. The 350 looked like a prego elephant, the 370 looks much shorter, squater, and better. It still feels heavy compared to my 8, tho.

The power is much more linear compared to my turbocharged 8....my 8 is deff fast but it wouldn't crush it or anything as my 8 sits now. The brakes are fantastic. Of course in a test drive I didn't push it too hard so I didn't notice any squishyness.

Handling is much better than the 350....but I still believe the 8 is better. There is much less body roll than I anticipated. Lots of grip. The interior is nice, again nicer than the 350. The little computer on the left of the gauge cluster is cool- gives instant MPG, average MPG, trip computer including distance on remaining fuel, then your usuals like trip odometers, ambient air temp, etc. My main complaint about it is the button to scroll through the menu is on the top left of the gauge stack, meaning to do it while driving is a risky proposition.

The pedals are placed very nicely. And the syncro-rev match thing is cool but mostly an oddity. I still found myself wanting to rev match and ended up taching the VQ out a few times when the computer and I revved at the same time. Once I got the hang of it, it was cool.

It's still amazing to see how the aftermarket has responded to the 370 as opposed to the 8. The 8 was really left behind but already there are as many turbo kits out there for the 370 (a car on the market less than 9 months) than there are for the 8. And the new VQ37 is proving to be one stout motor- stock block G37's are laying down 500-rwhp on prototype twin turbo kits on pump gas with room to grow.....

I'm still holding onto my 8, however. The 370 maybe for me in the future but not now.
Old 08-11-2009, 09:28 PM
  #123  
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370 > Rx8 just get over it! i don't care i'm happy with my 8.
Old 08-12-2009, 12:00 AM
  #124  
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I am sorry, but 370z in one lap can generate a faster lap time than your RX-8 in one hour. No offense, you can sit out there and run for hours, but it makes no difference if your car is running seconds slower than the car in front of you. It's like the Miata guys bragging about how their cars can do 30 minutes session with no problem. With street cars, they are not setup to do endurance races.

The snap oversteer issue is mostly gone in the 996+ chassis, it's no different than driving any mid or rear engine car. Most accidents are caused by bad drivers, especially in the new ones. Driving a 300HP car is different than driving a 200HP car.

I am sorry, but did you trash other car's reliability when Mazda had to up their warranty to 8 years on the rotary engine? Also how many people actually made it to 150K miles on the original engine? I know my RX-7 did, hopefully my RX-8 will too.

The other poster is right, how many people actually go to the track? Since you are in NH, I am curious as to what you run at Lime Rock as I don't think your car can run the same times as my 350z even if I have to cool the tires and brakes down after 5 laps.....

Yes I have taken both the RX-8, 370z and 350z to the track.....You don't have to like something, but at least respect it.

Originally Posted by Spin9k
...one lap of the track? ...huh? ...the 370Z can go all of several laps on track before it has to pull in with Limp-Moditis depending. Ambients temps being below ~70 deg helps, but not much. Most are saying around 10 minutes or 1/2 session under hard throttle. That's a blessing in disguise as if it went fast for long, it'd have to stop well, and given the brakes, another epic fail.

Meanwhile my $33K RX-8 can spend literally HOURS on the track in a day with Porsches in advanced run group (we're not just going through the motions is the point) of all flavors, Cayman, GT2, GT3, Boxsters, 911s, keep up, pass some, get passed by some, brake and go through the twistie bits with the best of them. I loose big time on the straights, but I only have 180HP! Still, I guess Mazda is one of those exceptional companies that can compete with Porsche on track, but lap after lap after lap

Porsches are cool, but after you spend alot of time with them under track conditions, they're just another car, and in lot's of cases not the equal of an RX-8 in handling or acceleration, believe it or not. I know this not from magazines, but rather I walk the walk with them and experience what happens in the real world. Driver confidence has something to do with it I'm sure, Porsches have legendary ability to snap oversteer and many experience spins. That's gotta slow you down knowing how easy it is to get in a bad situation. Not so the RX-8, give it its head, and you'd be amazed how good it gets.

Also totally surprising to me has been the lack of 350Zs on track. I've never seen a 370Z, period. The 350Zs however few and far between, seem to go decent and somewhat faster lapping than my 8, driven right. I did have a track buddy with a Nismo 350Z a couple years ago, he sold it and said they were scary dangerous on track, brake problems, suspension problems, massive understeer...I guess he didn't like his.

And I hate to burst another of your bubbles, but if Porsche cars are reliable on track, I must have been tracking for the last 5 yrs in an alternate universe. One very surprising, but ever present impression I've got by going to many Porsche track events with all manner of Porsches from spanking new GT3s to historic Porsches in attendance...is that they sure break down alot

The engines seem to have problems with oil leaks, either dropping oil outright (game over) or leaking oil drip drip drip. Perhaps it's a gasket problem, or perhaps all the stuff stuck in the back there together is stressful, but it's normal to hear "Oh, so and so car is done for, has to trailer it home". At any event there's likely a car or two just sitting out on the sidelines.

You own an 8 MICHGoBlue, you really should appreciate it more than you seem to. It's not the best car in the world, but it has some really great attributes when you put it in a place that shows the car off to advantage, like track duty. That's my acid test, and the nice shiny new 370Z fails that test miserably, unfortunately. And I mean that with all my accelerator foot as I'd love to be barreling down the straightaway with all that power for $35K, but as is the awful truth - epic fail

PS; I just saw a mag writeup about the Nismo 370Z and noted it has some suspension work, body kit, etc.....but no fixes for the problems on track...not anything. The editor said all the changes made it an even more wonderful track day car. Hahaha I guess he in for a suprise should he ever actually try one! So much for magazine reviews.

Last edited by tmak26b; 08-12-2009 at 12:05 AM.
Old 08-12-2009, 02:04 AM
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I definitely fell in love with the 370 Z! We were purchasing a Maxima, and after our purchase I asked for a test drive in the Z. The salesman was more than happy to grab me the keys. The interior definitely was better than the the 350's. The throttle's response was instant and I had a lot of fun ripping the crap out of the car. The handling was also very responsive and I had lots of fun driving it for a good 20 minutes. Honestly, I love my RX-8 but the 370Z outperforms the rx8 in every way. Now that all my family members have a whip, I am contemplating whether or not I need those extra two seats. Regardless I still love both cars.


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