9100RPM

I have driven both for long distances. The RX-8 is much more supple. The Z is wonderfully responsive and a great "OLD SCHOOL" FR drive. It's ride however is harsh, especially around the goat tracks that pass for roads in Sydney.

I Love them both! 9100RPM

HottRx8Girl

Before getting my 8, I had my mind set on a 350Z roadster. I drove a Z touring model, and I was not impressed at all. The interior is garbage, and there is no room. I was looking for a daily car, and this one had no room for anything. The ride wasn't so bad, but it was pretty stiff. Coincidentally, the car I test drove was one that someone had traded in because it hurt their back when they drove it. It just wasn't comfortable to me. Even when I talked to the insurance company, the guy told me to go for the Infiniti instead of the Z. I have a few friends with Z's, and they are nice-looking on the outside, but we always take my car on long trips I went camping in New Hampshire last year - almost a 5 hour drive. Very comfortable the whole time.

SlashMatrix

I drive an 8 and my mother drives a 350. I don't know why people bash the seats in the Z so much. You can adjust them almost as much as the ones in the RX-8. The confort level is not that bad. I would tell you to get an 8 over the Z though. In a Z you feel every bump in the road. And i mean EVERY one. Hers is an automatic but it still drives really well. The compartment space behind the seats is practically nonexistant. There is a good bit of trunk space though. The biggest thing that turned me away from the Z was there is nothing in the dash but a cupholder. You would think it would have a glove box. But no.....

Xtasy94

I have a 6 spd touring RX8 and I drove my friend's enthusiast model 350Z. I found his to be a little smoother on the road. I didn't take it on the freeway. We thought it might be because mine has 18" lower profile tires compared to his 17" tires. Maybe the extra 250 lbs on the Z lends to extra damping. Not a bad ride though. Although I do like my clutch and seats better. Just make sure you drive the exact models you're looking at before buying. Good luck!!!

Shiri

Woah the Z bashing keeps going, for no good reasons either other than its a no frill sports car. Want a pair of shoes for all-day walking? don't get a pair of basketball shoes.

For long distance driving, get something GTish if you still want to retain the sportiness of a car. A G35C is my pick over the RX8 by a long shot, looks better, takes the highway comfortably and is probably faster.

Shiri

Woah the Z bashing keeps going, for no good reasons either other than its a no frill sports car. Want a pair of shoes for all-day walking? don't get a pair of basketball shoes.

For long distance driving, get something GTish if you still want to retain the sportiness of a car. A G35C is my pick over the RX8 by a long shot, looks better, takes the highway comfortably and is probably faster.

alamike

And don't forget $12K more. Most 6 speed G35Cs in my area were going for ~$37-38k with little to no discount. If you can afford or willing to spring the extra cash for a G35, it is a nice ride.

RX-Hachi

You know you're right. But the bashing is not intentional, it's because he asked about the Z's ride vs. the RX-8's, and folks are just stating the facts. If someone asked about the RX-8's power vs. the Z's on a Z board, the 8 would be bashed to death (and with much more ruthlessness at that.)

You're also right about the G35, if you like the Z but want a better ride, the G35 is probably the pick. I happen to like the Z a lot personally. I'm an enthusiast and love all sports & GT cars for what they are. Just wish I was Jay Leno.

VRRocket

A buddy of mine bought his wife a 350 auto (I know, a terrible sin) that was beautiful. I drove it during its break-in period, so needless to say I had no fun. He traded it within 6 months because of the beating his/her kidneys took every time they went to the grocery store. You shouldn't be peeing blood when you get out of a car IMHO. He bought a Murano instead (with the same VQ engine) and hasn't looked back.

I almost bought a 350 with 5K on it prior to buying my 8. I loved the response, the handling, the torque, etc. However, in comparison to the 8, it felt like driving an SUV due to the size. It's not necessarily a quantitative dimension comparison between the cars, but rather just a pure feeling behind the wheel. The 8 felt more like my '91 MR2 Turbo - like I got in the seat and they poured the interior around me. The 350 just didn't give me that experience. It's a great car, but I'll likely not have one in my garage. To each his/her own.

soundrive

i own a black z and a black 8. in ride area the 8 wins every time the only time the z ever gets the best of it is in the long straits. in my opinion the 8 is an all around better buy.