370Z vs RX-8 ...let us hear it from owners of both cars
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From: Paramount
+1 yes, the rx8 is a nice car if you need backseats and enjoy driving. For all the guys that loved revving their older 7's but now have a real life and need to carry a kid and wife to the occasional event this is a great car.
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From: Australia
Truth be told, I don't know how the RX-8 would stack up in that lineup. I'm guessing it would not do very well at all.
But it does drive home the point that numbers can only tell you so much about a car. I checked out the full article last night, and as expected the MX-5 gets absolutely thumped in every performance category, but yet look at how highly it scored in the 'fun to drive' category. And I really trust the Motor Trend crew a lot more than any group of schmucks from some import tuner magazine. I am sure that a high school sophomore would rate the Z as way more fun, but I'm not sure that's really even a point in its favor!
To me, there is just so much more to a car than it's horsepower numbers, track times, and capacity for rapid acceleration. Those things are nice, of course, but they're just not the whole story.
In the end, the right car is like the right woman. She just has to have it. And since it is different to everyone, we'll never all agree on the same car. But to me, the Z just doesn't have it and the RX8 does. That's all I really need to know.
But it does drive home the point that numbers can only tell you so much about a car. I checked out the full article last night, and as expected the MX-5 gets absolutely thumped in every performance category, but yet look at how highly it scored in the 'fun to drive' category. And I really trust the Motor Trend crew a lot more than any group of schmucks from some import tuner magazine. I am sure that a high school sophomore would rate the Z as way more fun, but I'm not sure that's really even a point in its favor!
To me, there is just so much more to a car than it's horsepower numbers, track times, and capacity for rapid acceleration. Those things are nice, of course, but they're just not the whole story.
In the end, the right car is like the right woman. She just has to have it. And since it is different to everyone, we'll never all agree on the same car. But to me, the Z just doesn't have it and the RX8 does. That's all I really need to know.
The MX-5 and it's bigger BRO (the 8) is not about power or SPEED, as I have said before some just will NEVER get it.
The Rotary engine is WHAT MAKES the RX-8, put in a banger and it would be a heavy overweighted and out of balanced sports car.
Last year the R3 came 3rd in Handling by Motor trend, even beat the GTR, I wonder why, it is because of it's balance and weight distribution..
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Madison, WI
Let me see if I can settle this with brutal honesty.
On this board, a good number of members thinks 370z is better.
On the Z board, no one thinks rx-8 is better.
It's gotta mean something, right?
I mean, with the 350z, NO ONE on this board think it's a better car...
On this board, a good number of members thinks 370z is better.
On the Z board, no one thinks rx-8 is better.
It's gotta mean something, right?
I mean, with the 350z, NO ONE on this board think it's a better car...
Call me ROTO BAGGINS
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From: The big OH yeah! (Cincinnati, OH)
http://www.motortrend.com/features/p...car/index.html
There's a link to Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car article. It's really good actually. They seem to really like the Z, but it still finished 7th.
Most illuminatingly, the mighty ZR1, which smokes and I mean SMOKES the bejesus out of all of them on the track, lapping Laguna Sega 5 seconds faster than 2nd fastest, manages to finish 6th. Yes, it could lay down the fastest lap time by a wide margin, but they just didn't seem to enjoy driving it as much. In fact, their race driver, a 24 hours of Le Mans winner, seemed to actually be a little bit afraid of it.
They give a pretty good run-down of exactly how they define "Best Driver's Car" and there's a lot more to it than numbers. Again, it all boils down to the subjectivity of the evaluators, it's still a good look at exactly what these professionals would consider counts toward being the best driver's car.
There's a link to Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car article. It's really good actually. They seem to really like the Z, but it still finished 7th.
Most illuminatingly, the mighty ZR1, which smokes and I mean SMOKES the bejesus out of all of them on the track, lapping Laguna Sega 5 seconds faster than 2nd fastest, manages to finish 6th. Yes, it could lay down the fastest lap time by a wide margin, but they just didn't seem to enjoy driving it as much. In fact, their race driver, a 24 hours of Le Mans winner, seemed to actually be a little bit afraid of it.
They give a pretty good run-down of exactly how they define "Best Driver's Car" and there's a lot more to it than numbers. Again, it all boils down to the subjectivity of the evaluators, it's still a good look at exactly what these professionals would consider counts toward being the best driver's car.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/p...car/index.html
There's a link to Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car article. It's really good actually. They seem to really like the Z, but it still finished 7th.
Most illuminatingly, the mighty ZR1, which smokes and I mean SMOKES the bejesus out of all of them on the track, lapping Laguna Sega 5 seconds faster than 2nd fastest, manages to finish 6th. Yes, it could lay down the fastest lap time by a wide margin, but they just didn't seem to enjoy driving it as much. In fact, their race driver, a 24 hours of Le Mans winner, seemed to actually be a little bit afraid of it.
They give a pretty good run-down of exactly how they define "Best Driver's Car" and there's a lot more to it than numbers. Again, it all boils down to the subjectivity of the evaluators, it's still a good look at exactly what these professionals would consider counts toward being the best driver's car.
There's a link to Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car article. It's really good actually. They seem to really like the Z, but it still finished 7th.
Most illuminatingly, the mighty ZR1, which smokes and I mean SMOKES the bejesus out of all of them on the track, lapping Laguna Sega 5 seconds faster than 2nd fastest, manages to finish 6th. Yes, it could lay down the fastest lap time by a wide margin, but they just didn't seem to enjoy driving it as much. In fact, their race driver, a 24 hours of Le Mans winner, seemed to actually be a little bit afraid of it.
They give a pretty good run-down of exactly how they define "Best Driver's Car" and there's a lot more to it than numbers. Again, it all boils down to the subjectivity of the evaluators, it's still a good look at exactly what these professionals would consider counts toward being the best driver's car.
i LOVE the ZR1 its truly a beast especially at that price a true supercar!
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Fun to drive factor=Subjective
Performance data=Objective
It's the same reason why drifting is not racing given they rate base on subjective scores from judges.
If you are reading this forum, chances are that you made the choice to go with the RX-8 for whatever reasons.
Performance data=Objective
It's the same reason why drifting is not racing given they rate base on subjective scores from judges.
If you are reading this forum, chances are that you made the choice to go with the RX-8 for whatever reasons.
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From: Australia
In the UK the MX-5 (5th) beat the new 370Z (17th) out of 20..in a PCOTY
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...ance_car_2009/
BTW: the RX-8 R3 came in 8th Last Year...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...ance_car_2008/
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...ance_car_2009/
BTW: the RX-8 R3 came in 8th Last Year...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...ance_car_2008/
Oh and to add more to the conversation, I think the 370Z is a lovely machine but it simply does NOT have a Rotary... Rotary>Pistons, end of story... No other car is like the 8, when your driving your 8 along the highway or a street and you see another 8, 8/10 times they wave at you and thats when it hits you you know your apart of something bigger than the car itself. Your in a brotherhood of other rotary enthusiast's and it feels good that the other guy has got your back, its the simple waves or light flash that puts a grin on your face, not to meantion the 9k RPM redline... Id prefer to have a car that belongs in its own genre than a car that shares something with every other car out there, being unique makes people bitter, jealous and angry... makes me feel good that I have something he doesnt have... Most people dont get that Speed isnt everything... The 8 is like a glove, any other car out there like that other than the Miata??? Not likely... In the end, once again Rotary>Piston, I like standing out 
Ill step off my soap box now
Ill step off my soap box now
3.2 Liter Inline Sex
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 635
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From: South Texas
The 8's have a cool community for sure...I really enjoy hanging with the 8 guys...although it is getting a little younger these days than I'd prefer. Back in the early days most all of the 8 owners were older rotary enthusiasts willing to drop pretty hefty coin to enjoy it...not so much any more.
On the other hand, most of the bimmer folks are tools...either that or they are too self absorbed in the superficial drama of their pampered existence to even pay attention to other bimmers...and they tend to be older than I'd prefer...dare I say they are a little stiff and boring?
Oh well, I guess I just can't win, eh?
On the other hand, most of the bimmer folks are tools...either that or they are too self absorbed in the superficial drama of their pampered existence to even pay attention to other bimmers...and they tend to be older than I'd prefer...dare I say they are a little stiff and boring?
Oh well, I guess I just can't win, eh?
Last edited by Kevo; Sep 8, 2009 at 07:43 PM.
wankel my wanker
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: indiana
Oh and to add more to the conversation, I think the 370Z is a lovely machine but it simply does NOT have a Rotary... Rotary>Pistons, end of story... No other car is like the 8, when your driving your 8 along the highway or a street and you see another 8, 8/10 times they wave at you and thats when it hits you you know your apart of something bigger than the car itself. Your in a brotherhood of other rotary enthusiast's and it feels good that the other guy has got your back, its the simple waves or light flash that puts a grin on your face, not to meantion the 9k RPM redline... Id prefer to have a car that belongs in its own genre than a car that shares something with every other car out there, being unique makes people bitter, jealous and angry... makes me feel good that I have something he doesnt have... Most people dont get that Speed isnt everything... The 8 is like a glove, any other car out there like that other than the Miata??? Not likely... In the end, once again Rotary>Piston, I like standing out
Ill step off my soap box now
Ill step off my soap box now
The 8's have a cool community for sure...I really enjoy hanging with the 8 guys...although it is getting a little younger these days than I'd prefer. Back in the early days most all of the 8 owners were older rotary enthusiasts willing to drop pretty hefty coin to enjoy it...not so much any more.
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From: South Texas
Please don't misunderstand...this was just a general statement on how the demographic of the 8 owner has changed over the years...not a kick to the crotch of anybody.
Back when I bought my 8 I was in my early 30's and most other 8 owners I knew were easily in their mid to late 20's. Not all, but most. You find the average age is starting to get younger since the 2004-2005 8's are becoming easier to obtain...that's not necessarily a bad thing, I like the youthfuless of the group (it helps keep me young!), but you have to agree that with youth often comes a level of juvenility that can make it undesirable to be considered part of the group especially when you are in your mid 30's. There are alot of mature younger 8 owners out there and on this board...you guys know who you are.
On the other end of the spectrum, the bimmer group is like going to Country Kitchen Buffet at 5:00 pm...or bingo on a friday night...many of them are nice people too, but hanging with folks my parent's age is not my cup of tea either. LOL
All in all, I like the 8 group...that's why I hang here and go to the local 8 meets. A BIG pat on the back to this community.
Back when I bought my 8 I was in my early 30's and most other 8 owners I knew were easily in their mid to late 20's. Not all, but most. You find the average age is starting to get younger since the 2004-2005 8's are becoming easier to obtain...that's not necessarily a bad thing, I like the youthfuless of the group (it helps keep me young!), but you have to agree that with youth often comes a level of juvenility that can make it undesirable to be considered part of the group especially when you are in your mid 30's. There are alot of mature younger 8 owners out there and on this board...you guys know who you are.
On the other end of the spectrum, the bimmer group is like going to Country Kitchen Buffet at 5:00 pm...or bingo on a friday night...many of them are nice people too, but hanging with folks my parent's age is not my cup of tea either. LOL
All in all, I like the 8 group...that's why I hang here and go to the local 8 meets. A BIG pat on the back to this community.
Last edited by Kevo; Sep 8, 2009 at 08:50 PM.
Right, well makes sense Kevo... Well only think I can say is i try my best to act mature but i am still 16, 17 in a week (God that sounds terrible to say, reminds me of when kids used to say im 6 1/2 NOT 6) you know... But i know more about the 8 then most people so that kinda boosts my age up a tad heh... Plus I try to act the best I can... No stupid street racing for me lol, its funny to see all of these kids in my high school want to race me with their mustangs... pretty much a joke...
wankel my wanker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 243
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From: indiana
WBTRotary don't worry about it. What you will find is you will get **** at any age buying a sports car. When I was your age (by way you act a lot older then a lot of 16 I know) I was told I was to young for sports car so i said ok. College I can't afford a sports car at mid 20 -30s nope can't have one yet need start a family. So in mid 40s finally get to HAVE A SPORTS CAR. Guess what I'm called for having a midlife crisis. My lesson is F'em all just do it NOW and ignore all the **** and enjoy it.
Heh nice man, well the important thing is you finally got yours... and I try my best, im normally the guy to come to for a problem... etc. But I dont have all of the mechanical experience yet but it will come... sorry for the thread jack...
RX-8> 370Z Unique>normal...
RX-8> 370Z Unique>normal...
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: South Texas
Right, well makes sense Kevo... Well only think I can say is i try my best to act mature but i am still 16, 17 in a week (God that sounds terrible to say, reminds me of when kids used to say im 6 1/2 NOT 6) you know... But i know more about the 8 then most people so that kinda boosts my age up a tad heh... Plus I try to act the best I can... No stupid street racing for me lol, its funny to see all of these kids in my high school want to race me with their mustangs... pretty much a joke...
!!!Sorry for the thread jack too....so where were we????
Oh yeah...370z sux and RX8 rules! j/k LOL