RX8 or 350z
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Joined: Jun 2007
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RX8 or 350z
First I have to say I am just looking for input, not trying to get a huge debate that goes on forever. I know you are all 8 fans otherwise you wouldn't be here. To give some background I've been around Camaros, T/As, and crappy mustangs most of my life. I couldn't wait to get an 8 but when they went into production without a turbo I was more than disappointed with mazda. Since Camaros don't come out until late next year I am looking for a different car. There are so many mustangs running around it makes me want to puke. So it is narrowed down to an RX8 and 350z. I like the look of both cars. The 4 seats in the 8 is a plus. But I like the power of the z. I just test drove an RX8 today. Since the car dealer road with me I couldn't give it everything it had, but I did manage to get 8500 rpm in second before he wanted to go back. I was impressed after 6500 rpm. I've also heard that you have to add oil to the 8. Just wondering how often. Has anyone got an 8 to run with a 350z or mustang without a turbo? BTW whatever I get will be a 6 speed. I also saw this from motortrend. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ecs_price.html
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 817
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From: Connecticut
The 350Z and RX-8 are the two most compared cars on this site (direct competitors). There are literally 100 other posts on this site comparing the RX-8 and 350Z.
Here's one of the more recent ones:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=RX-8+350Z
Here are some online comparisons, including the recent one done last month by Car and Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...di-tt-20t.html
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=101039
They are both great, and both have their pluses and minuses. On the plus, the RX-8 is one of the best handling / best chasis vehicles on the market for the money, with a unique high revving rotary engine. Very comfortable, high quality interior materials, and room for 4.
On the negative, it gets poor gas mileage and is designed to burn oil at a faster-than-normal rate. Also, it has little low end torque, meaning that it is slower than the 350Z in the 1/4 mile.
On the plus for the 350Z is the V6 engine which really does put out a considerable amount of power. 50+ more than the RX-8, including a large increase in torque. Faster 0 - 60 and quarter mile as a result.
On the negative, it only seats two and rides very harsh. One of the cheapest interiors out there, IMO.
The choice is up to you.....which do you like more? A nimble, well balanced car with room for 4 that is great in the corners, or a beast that can post very respectable 1/4 times. Drive both, and then choose.
Oh, and in case you're thinking the 350Z, watch this (Top Gear Review):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA
Here's one of the more recent ones:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=RX-8+350Z
Here are some online comparisons, including the recent one done last month by Car and Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...di-tt-20t.html
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=101039
They are both great, and both have their pluses and minuses. On the plus, the RX-8 is one of the best handling / best chasis vehicles on the market for the money, with a unique high revving rotary engine. Very comfortable, high quality interior materials, and room for 4.
On the negative, it gets poor gas mileage and is designed to burn oil at a faster-than-normal rate. Also, it has little low end torque, meaning that it is slower than the 350Z in the 1/4 mile.
On the plus for the 350Z is the V6 engine which really does put out a considerable amount of power. 50+ more than the RX-8, including a large increase in torque. Faster 0 - 60 and quarter mile as a result.
On the negative, it only seats two and rides very harsh. One of the cheapest interiors out there, IMO.
The choice is up to you.....which do you like more? A nimble, well balanced car with room for 4 that is great in the corners, or a beast that can post very respectable 1/4 times. Drive both, and then choose.
Oh, and in case you're thinking the 350Z, watch this (Top Gear Review):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA
Last edited by Huskyfan23; Jun 13, 2007 at 09:27 PM.
Blue By You
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
The 350Z and RX-8 are the two most compared cars on this site (direct competitors). There are literally 100 other posts on this site comparing the RX-8 and 350Z.
Here's one of the more recent ones:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=RX-8+350Z
Here are some online comparisons, including the recent one done last month by Car and Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...di-tt-20t.html
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=101039
They are both great, and both have their pluses and minuses. On the plus, the RX-8 is one of the best handling / best chasis vehicles on the market for the money, with a unique high revving rotary engine. Very comfortable, high quality interior materials, and room for 4.
On the negative, it gets poor gas mileage and is designed to burn oil at a faster-than-normal rate. Also, it has little low end torque, meaning that it is slower than the 350Z in the 1/4 mile.
On the plus for the 350Z is the V6 engine which really does put out a considerable amount of power. 50+ more than the RX-8, including a large increase in torque. Faster 0 - 60 and quarter mile as a result.
On the negative, it only seats two and rides very harsh. One of the cheapest interiors out there, IMO.
The choice is up to you.....which do you like more? A nimble, well balanced car with room for 4 that is great in the corners, or a beast that can post very respectable 1/4 times. Drive both, and then choose.
Oh, and in case you're thinking the 350Z, watch this (Top Gear Review):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA
Here's one of the more recent ones:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=RX-8+350Z
Here are some online comparisons, including the recent one done last month by Car and Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...di-tt-20t.html
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=101039
They are both great, and both have their pluses and minuses. On the plus, the RX-8 is one of the best handling / best chasis vehicles on the market for the money, with a unique high revving rotary engine. Very comfortable, high quality interior materials, and room for 4.
On the negative, it gets poor gas mileage and is designed to burn oil at a faster-than-normal rate. Also, it has little low end torque, meaning that it is slower than the 350Z in the 1/4 mile.
On the plus for the 350Z is the V6 engine which really does put out a considerable amount of power. 50+ more than the RX-8, including a large increase in torque. Faster 0 - 60 and quarter mile as a result.
On the negative, it only seats two and rides very harsh. One of the cheapest interiors out there, IMO.
The choice is up to you.....which do you like more? A nimble, well balanced car with room for 4 that is great in the corners, or a beast that can post very respectable 1/4 times. Drive both, and then choose.
Oh, and in case you're thinking the 350Z, watch this (Top Gear Review):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRiPSlx8PxA
i pwn therefore i am
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 3
From: Delaware, USA
Uh oh. That video is a very enthusiastic endorsement for the 8. But just know it's not the right car for everyone. If you're even considering a Camaro, I really don't think you'll be happy with an 8. Good luck with the decision though.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
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If prefer a car that can go straight fast (judging from your previous cars, i would say so), have a sporty yet classy look that you can use to take fine women out to nice restaurants, and dont mind getting attention from a more mature crowd, get the Z.
If you prefer a car that can zig zag in traffic really quick, pack all your buddies, groceries, and car pool to work/lunch, have a sporty boy-racer look that will get lotsa heads turning when u pass by highschools, get the 8.
If you prefer a car that can zig zag in traffic really quick, pack all your buddies, groceries, and car pool to work/lunch, have a sporty boy-racer look that will get lotsa heads turning when u pass by highschools, get the 8.
If prefer a car that can go straight fast (judging from your previous cars, i would say so), have a sporty yet classy look that you can use to take fine women out to nice restaurants, and dont mind getting attention from a more mature crowd, get the Z.
If you prefer a car that can zig zag in traffic really quick, pack all your buddies, groceries, and car pool to work/lunch, have a sporty boy-racer look that will get lotsa heads turning when u pass by highschools, get the 8.
If you prefer a car that can zig zag in traffic really quick, pack all your buddies, groceries, and car pool to work/lunch, have a sporty boy-racer look that will get lotsa heads turning when u pass by highschools, get the 8.
thanks for clearing that up... i was hoping someone with your insight would fill in the blanks...
o wait..
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...6&postcount=78
you know less about dick than dick... btw,, hows the z motors now.. i hear they have some issues with the new ones already..
did they get that pesky tire problem fixed?
troll off...
beers
The Prototype
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 0
Yeah right..... And pigs fly!
Funny most of my talk time comes from car enthusiast at heart ,from young to old, not just " a mature crowd".
i pwn therefore i am
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 3
From: Delaware, USA
If prefer a car that can go straight fast (judging from your previous cars, i would say so), have a sporty yet classy look that you can use to take fine women out to nice restaurants, and dont mind getting attention from a more mature crowd, get the Z.
If you prefer a car that can zig zag in traffic really quick, pack all your buddies, groceries, and car pool to work/lunch, have a sporty boy-racer look that will get lotsa heads turning when u pass by highschools, get the 8.
If you prefer a car that can zig zag in traffic really quick, pack all your buddies, groceries, and car pool to work/lunch, have a sporty boy-racer look that will get lotsa heads turning when u pass by highschools, get the 8.
Thread Pirate, Ahhrrrrr
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
From the sound of things the 350 is closer to the type of car you are used to. It's easy to be beaten by SUVs from stop light to stop light. If you put effort into it you will probably beat or at least keep up with them. But that's letting the revs climb over 4K,
If you do go for the 350z check out this article. It's based on an older year model but it should still be useful in improving the 350.
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/pr...t_2/index.html
Around here the 350 has a wide spread rep, because so many people drive them. Ranging from chicks to boy wannabe racers to middle aged men.
No one knows what the Rx8 is, and I've heard it called a race car a few times by other people at the gas station and by neighbors.
(Keep in mind this is an area where seeing 3+ Porsches, 4+ Range Rovers, and BMWs / Mercs beyond count per drive is the norm.)
If you do go for the 350z check out this article. It's based on an older year model but it should still be useful in improving the 350.
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/pr...t_2/index.html
Wow, I'm not sure where you live, but around me that is definitely not the case. The reputation of the Z is that it's a car for mid-aged men going through mid-life crises that couldn't afford anything nicer. The reputation of the 8 is non-existent because no one knows what the hell it is. Because of that and the way it looks people almost always assume it's some sort of exotic which is just about the opposite of "boy racer".
No one knows what the Rx8 is, and I've heard it called a race car a few times by other people at the gas station and by neighbors.
(Keep in mind this is an area where seeing 3+ Porsches, 4+ Range Rovers, and BMWs / Mercs beyond count per drive is the norm.)
Last edited by SmokeyTheBalrog; Jun 14, 2007 at 09:11 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Fl
Ok this is how I'll put it since I'm a previous owner of an 2005 RX8 and now currently own a 2007 350z.
As previously stated from most of the posts above the 8 handles exceptionally well, good balance, and looks are appealing (interior & exterior). Here are some of my gripes from what I experienced in my car.
*poor gas mileage but it's a sports car ^_^ - conservative driving for the most part 16-17mpg avg.
*occasional rattling from interior plastic parts that needed to be hunted down.
*more difficult to replace audio system - head unit
*low torque output
*driver side sun visor broke (replaced with warranty) - it's pretty common with other 8's -- if it was out of warranty ....
As for the good things about the 8 it was really fun to drive, oil consumption was pretty minimal but you have to keep an eye on the oil since it is a rotary. Aside from the rusty rotors, I absolutely loved being in that car, it was just a bit more responsibility to keep tabs on stuff that needed attention (not flooding the motor on short trips without proper warm up).
With the 2007 Z, it has a newer motor so you'll get more power versus 2006 models (twin intakes) and the torque that the thing puts out is pleasing if you want your ride to kick you back a bit. Interior is kinda blah, I liked the seats on the 8 better. But I am able to replace the audio head unit without extensive modification, so I'm a happy camper in that department.
I also get slightly better fuel mileage with the Z, about 22 mpg, it just hit 3000 miles so I haven't floored it like a madman yet. As for oil consumption, there was a little bit in the beginning since it was still being broke in, but I think it's a good rule of thumb to check the oil every once while anyway in any sports car.
I like the three gauges inside the cabin, and I like how you can set the rev limit and have a lap timer for track days. Auto climate control is also included. I think the profile of the vehicle is dependent on personal preferences.
As for handling, it handles well but with some suspension upgrades I'm sure it could hold it's own on the twisties. I think the Z might hold a better resale value in the future so I'll just have to wait and see. Modification wise you'll find more aftermarket parts for the Z.
Con's on the Z:
*it's heavy, it feels sometimes like I'm lugging around a pile of bricks but power makes up for it.
*trunk space is limited - 2 seater ^_^ G35-37 is even worse.
*Comes with a staggered setup (rotation of tires is going to cost me some money in the long run)
*no sun roof in all the models unless you go with a G37, I believe is has a lower curb weight as well.
*I find it more difficult to get out of the Z since its low.
*Larger blind spots!! and the glove box is in the rear of the passenger side area, it can be difficult to get to.
I'm leaning more towards the 350z more in terms of which car I like better. The power and torque are a big factor, and it's more practical for my needs at the moment: fuel mileage, audio upgrades, less hassle.
I do miss the rx8, handling, great breaking, and innovation of Renesis rotary. It was a great car to own, so I'll still be looking out for the next evolution of rotary powered cars that Mazda puts out.
As previously stated from most of the posts above the 8 handles exceptionally well, good balance, and looks are appealing (interior & exterior). Here are some of my gripes from what I experienced in my car.
*poor gas mileage but it's a sports car ^_^ - conservative driving for the most part 16-17mpg avg.
*occasional rattling from interior plastic parts that needed to be hunted down.
*more difficult to replace audio system - head unit
*low torque output
*driver side sun visor broke (replaced with warranty) - it's pretty common with other 8's -- if it was out of warranty ....
As for the good things about the 8 it was really fun to drive, oil consumption was pretty minimal but you have to keep an eye on the oil since it is a rotary. Aside from the rusty rotors, I absolutely loved being in that car, it was just a bit more responsibility to keep tabs on stuff that needed attention (not flooding the motor on short trips without proper warm up).
With the 2007 Z, it has a newer motor so you'll get more power versus 2006 models (twin intakes) and the torque that the thing puts out is pleasing if you want your ride to kick you back a bit. Interior is kinda blah, I liked the seats on the 8 better. But I am able to replace the audio head unit without extensive modification, so I'm a happy camper in that department.
I also get slightly better fuel mileage with the Z, about 22 mpg, it just hit 3000 miles so I haven't floored it like a madman yet. As for oil consumption, there was a little bit in the beginning since it was still being broke in, but I think it's a good rule of thumb to check the oil every once while anyway in any sports car.
I like the three gauges inside the cabin, and I like how you can set the rev limit and have a lap timer for track days. Auto climate control is also included. I think the profile of the vehicle is dependent on personal preferences.
As for handling, it handles well but with some suspension upgrades I'm sure it could hold it's own on the twisties. I think the Z might hold a better resale value in the future so I'll just have to wait and see. Modification wise you'll find more aftermarket parts for the Z.
Con's on the Z:
*it's heavy, it feels sometimes like I'm lugging around a pile of bricks but power makes up for it.
*trunk space is limited - 2 seater ^_^ G35-37 is even worse.
*Comes with a staggered setup (rotation of tires is going to cost me some money in the long run)
*no sun roof in all the models unless you go with a G37, I believe is has a lower curb weight as well.
*I find it more difficult to get out of the Z since its low.
*Larger blind spots!! and the glove box is in the rear of the passenger side area, it can be difficult to get to.
I'm leaning more towards the 350z more in terms of which car I like better. The power and torque are a big factor, and it's more practical for my needs at the moment: fuel mileage, audio upgrades, less hassle.
I do miss the rx8, handling, great breaking, and innovation of Renesis rotary. It was a great car to own, so I'll still be looking out for the next evolution of rotary powered cars that Mazda puts out.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2007
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Thanks for the input guys. I love everything about the 8 and there wouldn't even be a question if it had close to 300 hp. After reading the post from 8 owners I believe you guys are right. Guess I'll be looking for a Z. Of course I'll have to mod it enough to out run a GT Mustang. But if Mazda ever drops the compression and adds a factory turbo the Z is gone. Thanks again for your help.
