Mazda RX-8 VS Nissan 350z- Which one is better?
04-09-2005, 03:59 AM
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Ohio-RX-8
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Mazda RX-8 VS Nissan 350z- Which one is better?
I'm a Mazda RX-8 fan and future owner and I love the RX-8 for its superb "balance," however the Nissan Z is getting its fair share of good reviews, and you know there are Nissan Z fanatics out there. Many people say the Nissan Z is in a higher class than the RX-8, some say the opposite. what do you guys think?
Let's formulate good, strong and intelligent arguments as to why or why not the RX-8 is a better vehicle. You should incorporate styling, aesthetics, power, handling, "Racing-appeal," practicality and "fun-to-drive" characteristics in your argument. I'm sure there are many other characteristics or mannerisms in both cars that I have not thought about, that you might want to use in your argument.
I understand the majority of us here, are RX-8 enthusiasts, however we are also "car" enthusiasts, so let's try and be as objective (unbiased) as we can be. Let's give the Nissan Z a fair shot, I happen to think it is a great car and it holds its own against the RX-8
But in my opinion, the one thing the RX-8 offers is "balance". It has good power, good weight distribution, its light-weight and it has SUPERB HANDLING. Not to mention the RX-8 is fun to drive, practical and it is not going to cost you too much, even with all of the options.
The Nissan Z is also a great car. GREAT power, tight handling, wonderful looks and it's serious about racing, but it is also very heavy and compromising, and that is where I think the RX-8 takes it. Sure the Nissan Z is powerful and fast, but racing is not all about the dragstrip. The Nissan Z can handle well, but it's no match for the RX-8 in that department. The Nissan has tons of power, the RX-8 does not, but when the race gets turning, the RX-8 shows its beautiful instinct and bloodline for racing.
Balance is the key, and that is why to me,
THE RX-8 WINS!
:D
Let's formulate good, strong and intelligent arguments as to why or why not the RX-8 is a better vehicle. You should incorporate styling, aesthetics, power, handling, "Racing-appeal," practicality and "fun-to-drive" characteristics in your argument. I'm sure there are many other characteristics or mannerisms in both cars that I have not thought about, that you might want to use in your argument.
I understand the majority of us here, are RX-8 enthusiasts, however we are also "car" enthusiasts, so let's try and be as objective (unbiased) as we can be. Let's give the Nissan Z a fair shot, I happen to think it is a great car and it holds its own against the RX-8
But in my opinion, the one thing the RX-8 offers is "balance". It has good power, good weight distribution, its light-weight and it has SUPERB HANDLING. Not to mention the RX-8 is fun to drive, practical and it is not going to cost you too much, even with all of the options.
The Nissan Z is also a great car. GREAT power, tight handling, wonderful looks and it's serious about racing, but it is also very heavy and compromising, and that is where I think the RX-8 takes it. Sure the Nissan Z is powerful and fast, but racing is not all about the dragstrip. The Nissan Z can handle well, but it's no match for the RX-8 in that department. The Nissan has tons of power, the RX-8 does not, but when the race gets turning, the RX-8 shows its beautiful instinct and bloodline for racing.
Balance is the key, and that is why to me,
THE RX-8 WINS!
:D
04-09-2005, 04:28 AM
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Oh no, not another RX-8 vs insert type of car here thread. I know you are new to this forum, but please use the search button. This topic has been beaten to death.
04-09-2005, 04:41 AM
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Ohio-RX-8
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Dude, I don't know what garbage other people have been talking about in this forum, but RX-8 VS Nissan Z, which one is better is a very relevant question. It's not only about which car is faster or which car looks better, or any of that stuff, but it is about which car can offer people more. I'm sure others have posted ridiculous threads like Mazda RX-8 VS F-18 jet or Mazda RX-8 VS Mclaren F1. My goal here is not to be "Ricey," but rather it is to stimulate some thought as to why or why not our beloved car is or is not better than its direct competitor. I'm not going to compare the RX-8 to the Ferrari Enzo, just give it some thought and you'll come around "LiveToRev," I promise.
Last edited by Ohio-RX-8; 04-09-2005 at 04:46 AM.
04-09-2005, 04:56 AM
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The Z is a 2-seat Japanese musclecar, if you will.
The RX-8 is something unlike anything else. I think the S2000 is a better comparison because you have to rev the hell out of both cars to get them to perform like a Z does with just a blip of the throttle.
This of course is based on acceleration performance. In the turns, the 8 wins because it's lighter and has better steering and weight distribution. To each his own.
The RX-8 is something unlike anything else. I think the S2000 is a better comparison because you have to rev the hell out of both cars to get them to perform like a Z does with just a blip of the throttle.
This of course is based on acceleration performance. In the turns, the 8 wins because it's lighter and has better steering and weight distribution. To each his own.
04-09-2005, 05:12 AM
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Why are you doing this comparo? Are you considering buying one or do you already own one and just want to justify your purchase?
Both are badass cars... Just don't expect to win races off the line with the RX and don't expect to carve up curves in the Z.
Both are badass cars... Just don't expect to win races off the line with the RX and don't expect to carve up curves in the Z.
04-09-2005, 05:21 AM
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Ohio-RX-8
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I'm doing this comparison to strike up some thought about both cars. I want to hear some opinions. Some people say the Nissan Z is not that bad of a handler, and some say the RX-8 is not that slow, I want to hear what people, owners or not have to say. I am considering buying either the RX-8 or the Nissan Z in a few months. Although, I am leaning heavily towards the RX-8. Given the fact that I am posting this thread on an RX-8 site, I probably am trying to find away to justify my biases with concern to the RX-8. But I love the "Z" as well, and I'm sure many in this forum know that the "Z" is a very formidable competitor, but is it better? Maybe? That is the point of conversation, opinion and argument...I want to hear people....
The RX-8 is BETTER to me.
The RX-8 is BETTER to me.
04-09-2005, 05:35 AM
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If you want instant power, get the Z. if you don't mind waiting for the power to steadily build through the RPMs, get the 8.
Personally, I like the torque and feeling I get when I hit the gas pedal and the thing just explodes down the road. Instantly smoke your tires if you feel like it, or just downshift from 3rd to 2nd and blast away from an annoying traffic jam...
But if you don't like raw power, and prefer a more patient, yet far more sophistocated approach to power, get the 8. It's quieter, more refined, built better, has better gauges, better stereo, nicer rims, and that whole "2 extra seats" thing, go for the RX-8.
How often do you go to dinner or bars with more than just one person? I own a Spyder, and the no trunk/no backseat thing is kind of annoying sometimes. Can't even go food shopping with a friend because there's no place to put the groceries.
If you get a Z, there's very little room for your goods in that back compartment and storage area under the hatch.
Choose wisely! I think the 8 is very unique and will be lots of fun. Then again, it's fun exploding off the line and driving a traditional-looking portscar with a big, long hood, 2 seats, and a huge engine providing gobs of torque that's always there on demand.
Personally, I like the torque and feeling I get when I hit the gas pedal and the thing just explodes down the road. Instantly smoke your tires if you feel like it, or just downshift from 3rd to 2nd and blast away from an annoying traffic jam...
But if you don't like raw power, and prefer a more patient, yet far more sophistocated approach to power, get the 8. It's quieter, more refined, built better, has better gauges, better stereo, nicer rims, and that whole "2 extra seats" thing, go for the RX-8.
How often do you go to dinner or bars with more than just one person? I own a Spyder, and the no trunk/no backseat thing is kind of annoying sometimes. Can't even go food shopping with a friend because there's no place to put the groceries.
If you get a Z, there's very little room for your goods in that back compartment and storage area under the hatch.
Choose wisely! I think the 8 is very unique and will be lots of fun. Then again, it's fun exploding off the line and driving a traditional-looking portscar with a big, long hood, 2 seats, and a huge engine providing gobs of torque that's always there on demand.
04-09-2005, 05:37 AM
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Whoa, calm down there dude. I'm merely using the RX-8 vs. insert type of car here as an example. I know you are only interested in an RX-8 vs. 350Z discussion, but there have been several threads in the past that is similar to this topic. Discussions about the styling, pros and cons of each car, etc. https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=rx-8+350z , https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=rx-8+350z , https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=rx-8+350z , https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=rx-8+350z , https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=rx-8+350z , https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=rx-8+350z
04-09-2005, 05:46 AM
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LiveToRev: Only 26 posts in a year, yet you use the Search function so sophisticatedly 
Nicely done, my friend. Ohio, good observations on the cars--sift through the threads LiveToRev has supplied to see what others have said. Personally, I don't see why they're so often compared, other than perhaps because the 8 and Z are the flagship sports vehicles of their respective makers. Other than that, it's apples and oranges. The Z is a muscle car. The 8 is not. End of discussion.
MR2: Interesting thoughts. If the 8 has a "better stereo," then I shudder to think what the Z's stereo must sound like b/c I, and others here, personally think even the stock Bose system sounds like crap. Some have argued that you have to listen to all the speakers in unison, but even then, I've heard AC Delco systems that are much better than ours.
Also, there's a good thing to having only a two-seater: when you DO go out, you never have to be the DD! Even with the 8, I've used that to my benefit...
Nicely done, my friend. Ohio, good observations on the cars--sift through the threads LiveToRev has supplied to see what others have said. Personally, I don't see why they're so often compared, other than perhaps because the 8 and Z are the flagship sports vehicles of their respective makers. Other than that, it's apples and oranges. The Z is a muscle car. The 8 is not. End of discussion.MR2: Interesting thoughts. If the 8 has a "better stereo," then I shudder to think what the Z's stereo must sound like b/c I, and others here, personally think even the stock Bose system sounds like crap. Some have argued that you have to listen to all the speakers in unison, but even then, I've heard AC Delco systems that are much better than ours.
Also, there's a good thing to having only a two-seater: when you DO go out, you never have to be the DD! Even with the 8, I've used that to my benefit...
04-09-2005, 05:58 AM
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Ohio-RX-8
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"LiveToRev,"
I appreciate the gesture, you mastered the search engine. I'm looking for fresh thoughts. "MR2 Spyder," those are pretty good observations, I wouldn't think having a two-seater would be that inconvenient, but if you have one and you have experienced it, I'll take your word for it. "markd," good observations. Also, I understand they are truly different cars, there is no argument there, but because they are the flagship sports cars of their makers they are going to be compared and they are inherently competitors.
I appreciate the gesture, you mastered the search engine. I'm looking for fresh thoughts. "MR2 Spyder," those are pretty good observations, I wouldn't think having a two-seater would be that inconvenient, but if you have one and you have experienced it, I'll take your word for it. "markd," good observations. Also, I understand they are truly different cars, there is no argument there, but because they are the flagship sports cars of their makers they are going to be compared and they are inherently competitors.
04-09-2005, 06:08 AM
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Fresh thoughts... it's been beaten to death, the thoughts we have had over the past two years aren't going to be much different today other than maybe a little more beligerent because we're sick and tired of talking about it! Two of those threads have been active within the past week, go read them, contribute to them, but there's absolutely no reason to have another 350Z thread. They're in general automotive if you haven't figured it out yet.
04-09-2005, 06:29 AM
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I drive a 350Z and it seems like your mind's pretty set on the RX-8, Ohio-RX-8. I say just go ahead and get it. I've driven the 6-speed RX-8 and I liked it. I'd own both cars if I could. It all boils down to being happy with you're driving. After all, you'll be the one making the monthly payments.
After spending most of my day at work, I instantly forget that I was even at work the moment I get in my car. I hope you get that feeling with whatever car you get. Good luck.
After spending most of my day at work, I instantly forget that I was even at work the moment I get in my car. I hope you get that feeling with whatever car you get. Good luck.
04-09-2005, 08:18 AM
#14
They're both great cars:
Both handle extremely well and balanced, the RX-8 is lighter so it feels more nimble and easily tossable, easier to drive near the limits. This is why it can keep up or surpass the Z in courses where handling is put to the test.
The Z has the edge on torque and power but it needs to move a heavier load. It will still beat the 8 in straight line acceleration. It has more "instant" power available while the 8's grows linearly with rpm.
The looks are a personal opinion, I like both but the 8 more :P My opinion is that the 8 looks better in and out, specially with the MS body kit, and you have to love the extra doors and seats!!!
Both handle extremely well and balanced, the RX-8 is lighter so it feels more nimble and easily tossable, easier to drive near the limits. This is why it can keep up or surpass the Z in courses where handling is put to the test.
The Z has the edge on torque and power but it needs to move a heavier load. It will still beat the 8 in straight line acceleration. It has more "instant" power available while the 8's grows linearly with rpm.
The looks are a personal opinion, I like both but the 8 more :P My opinion is that the 8 looks better in and out, specially with the MS body kit, and you have to love the extra doors and seats!!!
04-09-2005, 08:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Ohio-RX-8
I'm a Mazda RX-8 fan and future owner and I love the RX-8 for its superb "balance," however the Nissan Z is getting its fair share of good reviews, and you know there are Nissan Z fanatics out there. Many people say the Nissan Z is in a higher class than the RX-8, some say the opposite. what do you guys think?
Let's formulate good, strong and intelligent arguments as to why or why not the RX-8 is a better vehicle. You should incorporate styling, aesthetics, power, handling, "Racing-appeal," practicality and "fun-to-drive" characteristics in your argument. I'm sure there are many other characteristics or mannerisms in both cars that I have not thought about, that you might want to use in your argument.
I understand the majority of us here, are RX-8 enthusiasts, however we are also "car" enthusiasts, so let's try and be as objective (unbiased) as we can be. Let's give the Nissan Z a fair shot, I happen to think it is a great car and it holds its own against the RX-8
But in my opinion, the one thing the RX-8 offers is "balance". It has good power, good weight distribution, its light-weight and it has SUPERB HANDLING. Not to mention the RX-8 is fun to drive, practical and it is not going to cost you too much, even with all of the options.
The Nissan Z is also a great car. GREAT power, tight handling, wonderful looks and it's serious about racing, but it is also very heavy and compromising, and that is where I think the RX-8 takes it. Sure the Nissan Z is powerful and fast, but racing is not all about the dragstrip. The Nissan Z can handle well, but it's no match for the RX-8 in that department. The Nissan has tons of power, the RX-8 does not, but when the race gets turning, the RX-8 shows its beautiful instinct and bloodline for racing.
Balance is the key, and that is why to me,
THE RX-8 WINS! :D
Let's formulate good, strong and intelligent arguments as to why or why not the RX-8 is a better vehicle. You should incorporate styling, aesthetics, power, handling, "Racing-appeal," practicality and "fun-to-drive" characteristics in your argument. I'm sure there are many other characteristics or mannerisms in both cars that I have not thought about, that you might want to use in your argument.
I understand the majority of us here, are RX-8 enthusiasts, however we are also "car" enthusiasts, so let's try and be as objective (unbiased) as we can be. Let's give the Nissan Z a fair shot, I happen to think it is a great car and it holds its own against the RX-8
But in my opinion, the one thing the RX-8 offers is "balance". It has good power, good weight distribution, its light-weight and it has SUPERB HANDLING. Not to mention the RX-8 is fun to drive, practical and it is not going to cost you too much, even with all of the options.
The Nissan Z is also a great car. GREAT power, tight handling, wonderful looks and it's serious about racing, but it is also very heavy and compromising, and that is where I think the RX-8 takes it. Sure the Nissan Z is powerful and fast, but racing is not all about the dragstrip. The Nissan Z can handle well, but it's no match for the RX-8 in that department. The Nissan has tons of power, the RX-8 does not, but when the race gets turning, the RX-8 shows its beautiful instinct and bloodline for racing.
Balance is the key, and that is why to me,
THE RX-8 WINS!
:D
04-09-2005, 11:00 AM
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angelo350z Nicely put... I wish I could own both as well. I do love my 8 because of the way it handles, I have also drove my friends track Z which also impressed me.
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