veilsidev1

pheww, how should i start.

First off i would like to say I love my 8 very much. My first sports car, I will never forget her. It's beautifull, handles like a dream, and well, its beautifull. I just think I made a mistake. See i bought the car, sloley for the looks, yea I know , slowly i realized the performance capabilities this car had, and started going to the track. Where I realized, she is not the most powerfull car.

To make a long story short, I jus't dnt think I am ready for a rotary. I was never really a big fan, even thou i learned to love its smoothness. I am 18 years old, my father bought me the car, I have to pay for gas and its killing me. Not to mention any repair costs after the warranty is over (I have had a series of problems with this car) including the replacement of transmission and clutch, a long with endless little problems, and im scared what the future hold for her, realiability wise.

So I am deciding between a used 350z, and a used GTO, note that I am going to have to pay the difference for the trade in. BTW, I am for some reason considering to just turbo the 8, but everything in me tells me this will just make the problems I have now, worse. But one thing is for sure, I need more power. I am just going to go ahead and compare all 3, as to things that are important to me.

Reliability; I am not completely sure about this, but it is important, I am going to take a guess, tell me what you think

350Z
GTO
rx8

Gas mileage; This is also a guess, but I am pretty sure I am right

350Z
GTO
rx8

Cost; I think if this were not an issue, i would get the z hands down, but it is an issue, and I am the one who is going to pay the difference. Remember these are used cars. I have seen some 2004 GTO's in the low 20g's.

350z
GTO

Looks; I love the rx-8 beautifull curves, catches an eye wherever I go. The Z is also a very nice car. The GTO is not so good looking, and is one of the things that is making me reconsider (are there body kits for this car?)

Rx8
350z
GTO

Performance; one of the most important. I am an idiotic straightliner, so its all that really matters to me. I am sure I would miss the handling of the 8, but its something i would get over. The GTO is a monster and so is the Z. Is there really a huge difference between the 2? I have heard that a GTO wont touch an STi in the straights. Which of the two cars take mods better, and what are some common 1/4 and 0-60 times, for these modded monsters.

GTO
350z
RX8

And one more thing, I Frequently use the other two seats, one thing thats is making me stay away from the Z, but again, its something that is not absolutely necessary. But it is another factor.

As you guys can see, it is incredibly difficult for me to decide. To summarize

350z; better looks, better handling, better gas mileage and more reliable?
GTO: Raw power, better priced, 4 seater

Any suggestions would really help, I am tied up. And please, any information on performance for these two cars would be awsome.

Oh, btw, please dont ask me to "consider" any other cars, im down between these 3, thanks soooooo much

trickshot

you must have been going to the 1/4 mile track.

veilsidev1

yup, thats the one. Im one of the non-talented drivers, who gets a boner seeing cars go in a straight line . But anyways, I heard the engine of a GTO once, and ever since that day i fantasize about pulling up in one. The looks are just like ehh.

carbonRX8

iTrader: (1)

If you are serious that you want one of these three, stay with the eight. If you absolutely want power, you should go with the z, cause while you say that you only want to go straight, you are going to miss the handling. Z out handles the GTO.

I have to say that you are way wrong on several of your above points, but it will be no use arguing.

And while I am at it, the number one performance mod that you can do to your car is to learn to drive. And if you are the sensitive type, dont bother replying with how your are a great driver. I wont be back to answer.

BlueEyes

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Docum...QQcmdZViewItem

buzzardsluck

He already said he had no talent.

Have you driven the cars you are considering?

HAHA BlueEyes, but the last thing this kid needs is an FD(even one that looks terrible).

veilsidev1

Im not a bad driver, I pulled a 14.6 with my stock 8. But anyways, thanks, but no more rotarys for me. And no, I have not driven these cars. I kno i kno, im gettin on that soon.

Raptor2k

Is going to the straight track your occupation? Is that where you spend most of your day at? Is that your only hobby?

Think about it.

edit: I don't see how the rx8 is unreliable. There are some people (a minority) with flooding problems, but clearly most of us don't have to deal with it. There are technical issues for every brand of car, it's just unavoidable. Saying the Z and the GTO are more reliable cars over the rx8 is just by looking at the general stereotypes people go by. Rotary - small, less moving parts, and lasts long as long as you watch the dip stick.

trickshot

Nothing wrong with that. There are a lot more opportunities to feed that addiction.

The new Mustang GT would be a better choice than any of the others you listed imo. Or the vette, of course. Of the three you listed, I'd stick with the 8 and just turbo it.

babylou

Basically the guy wants to choose the best drag car between the three. That's a no brainer; the GTO has a 5.7 liter V8. Plenty of aftermarket parts to get that puppy in the 500 hp range.

Senna

350 Z hands down!! Really dislike the sound of the GTO.

My 2 cents.

Steiner

No replacement for displacement in the 1/4 mile. The GTO gives you the best times and the best potential for improving upon them. You also get an aftermarket so huge it's hard to imagine. If the 1320 is your thing the GTO is the only car in that group you should consider.

BTW...what about an '03 or '04 Mustang SVT Cobra?

playdoh43

I love the sound of the ls2 v8, but i also vote 350Z for its balance of good handling and power.

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

first off...you said gas is killing you with the 8. performance = gas guzzler. IMO, i wouldn't get the GTO or the 350Z. instead, i'd go with an EVO

never driven a GTO. but i can definately say that the EVO will out handle the car in every way. light weight car with turbo can be a huge potential, capable of taking a GTO on the straight.

driven the 350Z. i like the power and handling. but the car is only a 2 seater and the interior is so small.

i've driven my friends EVO IX MR and can definately say it's one of the best cars i have driven.

Ike

Get a WS6 or an '03+ Cobra... Or if you really want to save some money and want a good drag car get an SRT-4.

Japan8

My two cents...

The Z looks "modern" and sporty... I can live with the outside. The interior? Ewww. I've heard that the 2005's or 2006's have improved in that area as well as with problems like "feathering" with the front tires. But that might be out of budget. Personally... I'd never get a Z because I don't do two seaters. You sound like you can live without the backseats, but it's useful to have them and you do actually use them. Don't end up getting the Z and in a year or two decide that it's too small... you actually need backseats.

The GTO? It's got a lot of power. Even more in the 2005's. Looks are so so... I agree. I hear the interior is nice though. Too bad the 2004's only have the exhaust exiting on one side (lame). The handling isn't so bad actually... just heavy. But hey... you care more about the drag strip...

The RX-8? It has the room and it has the style. It also handles well and while it may not feel it, it is decently fast. Not the fastest kid on the block, but compared to a VW GTI or even R32... new Civic Si, WRX, Cobalt SS, SRT-4, etc. its performance starts looking better. Sure it's slower than a GTO and Mustang GT... it's only a hair slower than the 350Z. But you can't be faster than everyone... there's always someone faster.

You didn't want alternatives, but if you want a 1/4 mi drag car, then what you want is a Mustang GT. Ford kept the live rear axel for a reason on the 2005 Mustang... not only is it less expensive (keeping prices down for the V6 model), but many hard core Mustang owners prefer drag racing. The live axel puts power down better than IRS (independent rear suspension) period. That's why Mustang Cobra owners have swapped the IRS out for the GT's live rear axel. Even better... the 2005 Mustang handles better, rides better, puts out almost as much power as the last Cobra WIHOUT FI, better ergonomic, better build quality... the new car is just better all around. With a few suspension mods the car can track pretty well too.

My recommendation? It's tough. I'd say keep the 8 and just get FI... wait for one of the upcoming superchargers is probably your best bet. You can go Greddy Turbo, but be prepared to put some work in or know a GOOD shop. The only problem is... launching the 8 for good quarter mile times, particularly NA, requires dropping the clutch at high rpms... not good for the tranny. The multi-link IRS which gives the car such great handling is not good for drag racing (wheel hop)... maybe softer springs in the rear with "drag racing" road tires will help. All of your other options will likely have similar problems (and the Z isn't any cheaper to mod). So... if you are determined to spend all kinds of money... get a 'Stang.

Japan8

NG. AWD cars have TOO much traction. Dumping all that power for 1/4 mi runs into the AWD system with all that traction... you're looking at likely killing your drivetrain. Going from a full stop (inertia) and suddenly dropping all that power to the pavement means all the force is directed immediately against the inertia with no give (wheel spin). You want good hookup, but too much hookup is a bad thing in drag racing.

Japan8

Ever seen a 10 sec twin turbo Mustang? A husband and wife tuner team run a couple (his and hers) at the track in Bradenton, Florida.

PetersonPeleRx8

Get the Goat...

My Dad owns one and I just got done driving it around the texas hill country this weekend... WHAT A BLAST!!!

I can run through all the reasons why I LOVE this car, just shoot me a pm.

veilsidev1

I am kind of taking the z out of the contest. Why?. I really think I will need the space more than i realize, and because of it's higher cost. Il have the chance to get a two seater later in life. I was looking at the Z for its power and for its looks. But the GTO and the 8 (respectively) beat it at both.

U guys really don't know how much I like the 8. But I am just scared of what its going to end up costing me in the long run. I am one of those who have flooding problems, I flooded it yesterday actually. And as for gas, I just find it incredible how a V8 is more economical. Not to mention how much worse it would be if i turbo'd the car.

So now, it measures up like this.

RX8; better handling, better looks,

GTO; better gas mileage, MORE POWER, (i still think it is probably more reliable)

I was also considering TURBO'n the, but the 1/4 times would still not be close to these other monsters.

StealthFox

get an F body like a ws6 or camaro ss and with under 10k you'll be in the 9's and they don't handle too bad either. the ws6 might be a better choice because its the same thing as the ss except less.

Japan8

Yeah... F body is definitely not a bad choice for 1/4 mi times, but the seating position sucks. Looked at them when new around 1999 and would never buy one.

Steiner

No need to apologize. The RX-8 owners in here know damn well that TRUE cost of ownership on this car is high...especially for a teenager. Is your dad going to be paying for the new car?

veilsidev1

No, i would be payin everything myself. Including the cost difference, gas, and repairs.

ECHO1

get the gto man. the z (to me) is just played out. yeah it's a nice car, yeah it's got good power, but everyone and their middle-aged mom has one.

if you need more convincing on the gto, check this out: http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...14355&q=monaro