Phayen

Hi, I'm relativley new, been lurking for a couple months trying to gain as much knowledge as I can before I make my desicion on a car. I've been looking at a wide variety, but the two that I've come down to are the RX-8 and the G35. I know much about each, how the G35 is much quicker, probably nicer inside, more trustworth, better mpg, etc. etc. But it also comes with a 8-10k larger price tag. I saw an 05 GT Rx-8 w/13k miles. It comes with the manuf. warranty. I was curious if there were things I should be looking for before I buy it. Does the Rx-8 really have such a low torque as I keep hearing? I have driven both, and it didn't seem that bad. I'm not racing or modding, just trying to enjoy Southern California. I know it has less torque than the 350Z and G35, but does it have more torque than say an RSX-s? or similar range car? And, if someone could reiterate and reinforce the differences between these two cars, that'd be greatly appreciated. (To clarify, looking at used cars of each, too practical and poor to buy new Thanks so much!

killerj

I was in the same boat about a year ago. Drove both cars 3 times, and decided that the RX8 was a better fit for what I was looking for. The G has more torque, is quicker off the line and has a great shape. I found the RX8 to handle much better, has a better designed interior (I hated the G35 dash and gauge layout), and has a great shape too! Also thought the fit and finish in the 8 was better (although the leather and carpet in the G is better than the 8). I love the 8 and have no regrets about the decision (that extra $10K in my bank is nice too!)

I will say that when I went to the infinity dealer the last time to drive the G and told him I was looking at the 8, he was very rude and said that the 8 wasnt even in the ballpark compared to the G. I didnt see it that way. In the end its all about what is most important to you.

sunilseru

It was 350z/G35 coupe vs RX-8 for me too. I drove each car several times. So Cal has so many nissan/infiniti and mazda dealers you see Anyways, the 350z and G35 coupe felt very heavy to me. They don't feel as quick as they really are. Just not my type. The RX-8 handled better, most importantly felt a lot better. It is a fun car.

Torque is about the same as the RSX Type S at low rpms. But it pulls pretty well at higher rpms. Be in the right gear and you will not be short of power on the highway. The rotary's power delivery is very linear unlike the Honda engine which has that VTEC kick.

As you said, RX-8s are a lot cheaper compared to the G35. Also the G35s are everywhere in So Cal. The 8 is rare, more unique Get one that has a good amount of warranty left and you will be fine.

You have to make that final decision. So test drive both and make the call. Good luck!

faizan

hey, Im in the same posstion. Tested a lot of cars 350z, Boxster, RX8, What made me turn to RX8 is simple. A little bit of practibility with an amazing drive, rear seats believe me they do come in handy. If your are really lonely person get the 350z otherwise get RX8. Its fun to drive and and very sexy and praticle. But do realize . rotarry engine demands more attention!

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

oh god....

mabdeliz

Funny, I had to make the same exact decision about 3 months ago. I had test driven the RX-8 in 2004, when they first came out and remember being impressed at that time however did not give it any serious thought since then. I have always really appreciated the G35 coupe and seriously consider it starting a few months ago. I was driving a 2003 Maxima 6spd, but wanted something that handled better and so the G35 seemed to fit the bill. There was a local Infiniti dealership and stopped by for a test drive. The same dealership also had a Mazda dealership and I decided to take an RX-8 out as well. I enjoyed both machines, albeit they were different kinds of "animals", and my heart was till set on the G35. I did not include any 2-seaters in my comparison as I needed rear seats for my small children.

My impressions:
G35: I looked at a 2006 G35 with all option except 4-wheel steering, navigation, and satellite radio (MSRP ~$38,300). The G35 was a beautiful driving machine, however did not feel as nimble and did not feel much faster than my Maxima in terms of acceleration (variants of the same engine). The G35 did have bit more of the "push you into the seat" upon acceleration when compared to the Rx-8 although this probably more related to the power band/peaks. In other words, "torquey" cars can exert more G-forces during acceleration and thus "feel faster" during bursts of time. I must say that, overall, the drive was nice (somewhat stiff, which I enjoy), the interior was elegant, and I felt the vehicle looked quite nice. In the end, after quite a bit of negotiating with several dealerships, I boiled it down to a price of $35,100 (before taxes, tags, etc.). I found the service to be quite a notch above Mazda dealerships and was one of my considerations, however the nearest dealerships were 35-40 miles away from where I live.

RX-8: I looked at a 2006 GT with all options except navigation (includes aero package, rear spoiler, etc. – MSRP ~$33,600). The RX-8 grew on me over time. I found the interior well laid out, although lacking some of the "luxury" features the G35 and my Maxima had (ie, heated steering wheel, memory seats, trip computer, auto-on headlights, mirror compass), and simple. I have always enjoyed single color dark interiors (I have the black interior in leather as did my Maxima) and like the look of the RX-8 interior although some of the materials feel somewhat "cheap". The beauty of this car is the engine and handling. I might say I have only driven a few cars that I felt were on par with handling (M3, Porsche 911) and the RX-8 is quite remarkable in the handling area, considering its price point. The acceleration does not feel the same as the G35, but it more linear and steady throughout its power-band. I find the styling of the RX-8 to be "semi-exotic" and, over time, have grown to prefer the RX-8 look over the G35 look (although it was the other way around originally). The engine is quite amazing as well – you almost have to retrain yourself when driving this vehicle (high revving, smoothness, etc.). When I drive my wife's car or my winter beater, it feels quite strange now. In the end, after quite a bit of negotiating, I was able to get a price of ~$27,100 (edit: on the road, including all taxes, tas, etc.).

In the end, I was also able to get $1000 more on my trade in with the Mazda dealerships and so the ~$8-9K difference had a large part to play in my decision. I purchased the RX-8 and also purchased a winter beater for less than the total purchase price of the G35.

My advice to you (as most here would also say) is to drive each car several times and negotiate on both vehicles to get your "best deal" and make a decision. They are both beautiful machines, but in the end you are the one that must live with your decision. For some, it is the RX-8 and, for some, it will be the _______ (fill in the blank).

Phayen

Thank you guys so much for all your information. I have driven both cars many times (I was a valet at a nice and busy place, got to drive lots of nice cars) and know the difference. I was also thinking is it going to be a problem with the car having 12k miles? It was a lease vehicle, but it still has the full factory warranty. And is there somewhere I can read about, in detail, the care that I will be doing with the Rx-8? I searched for it, but only came up with "it needs the oil to be topped off every fill up" "follow the manual" "drive with varying speeds/rpm's". Again any help would be great. I am for sure leaning towards the Rx-8 for the main reasons of how the car just seems to envelope me when I drive. I agree with whoever said the G35 feels heavy even though it does push you back into your seat. Thanks again!

Phayen

Also on the price point, the sticker on the window says 23900. I know from reading on this site that that is really high considering other people on here bought new ones from 25k. How low would a dealership be willing to go on a car they just got back from leasing? Can I hope to pay less than 20k?

sunilseru

less than 20K is very unlikely at the dealer for a low mileage 05 GT, especially in So Cal.

Phantom Menace

I got my 06 GT 6spd for $26k before trade-in, taxes, lic., etc. Mazda's got crazy rebates right now, I guess because the 07s are comming in. The only difference with th 07 is the option of an iPod adaptor, which is now avail. at dealerships for all Mazdas. You could probably get a used 05 for right at $20k depending on the dealership. Remeber: REBATES!

Atrain

I got lucky and found a dealership that was trying to get rid of its overstock 2005 rx8's. I actually got the last one they had. It was a brand new touring 2005 and the sticker price was 22,300. Even though it wasn't the color I wanted I couldn't pass it up.

You can find some good deals out there if you look long enough.

Phayen

Extreme Sad Face =(. Got a call today, they sold the one I wanted. He said they have others and a "Mazda Corporate Special Edition" in the back. What is that exactly? Is that just a fancy term for a leased car that they got back?

Phantom Menace

Corporate Edition, huh? Sounds Fancy! Maybe it's got a drinking problem, cheats on its wife, and has no soul?

Razz1

Fully loaded Shinka most likely or a fully loaded RX-8.

You can get deals on Maxzda right now. I just got a letter saying they'll give me 4k off.

With negotation I'm be able to get one for 28k new without Navi and have my old 8 paid off in full. Then subtract 4k and bang what deal, a new car for 4 grand.

Phantom Menace

Whoa. How's that again?

altspace

iTrader: (2)

Excellent reviews. I've been debating the RX-8 / G35 myself.

Lpr0923

I would definitely say they need to come down on the price. I'm looking at an 05 GT with only 4,000 miles and its 23k. I'm getting them to come down from that, since the dealer in MD was supposed to ship it to another dealer in MD, and accidently shipped it to Connecticut. Yeah, I have no f*cking clue how it happened, but you can bet your *** I'm not buying it after it's been on a truck shipped all that way and back unless they come down at least a grand. Not to mention set me back two weeks. Nuh-uh!

Phayen

I ended up getting the 8. A different corporate lease, touring model. 05 w/ 7k miles. for 25,500. Thats w/ custom two tone interior that I'm still picking over and the icelink ipod installation. Then I got lojack, the "signature finish", and an extended warranty all at fleet pricing. So I'm very happy with my purchase. I put on 150 miles my first night. Incredibly joyous, although scary at a point when i realiezed how fast this car really is. I have no regrets for not getting the G35. I think its almost equally fast... just doesn't "feel" as fast. Then again, I think I'm driving it how it was made to drive =)

dynamho

Test drive and test drive.

I think G35 Skyline Coupe is a closer competition to the RX-8 than the 350Z both in terms of performance and amenities, but extremely different in handling characteristics.

Imagine a grocery cart with a 24 pack of beer loaded up front (G35). Now imagine a grocery cart with a 24 pack of beer loaded down back (RX-8). Steer both carts. That's how different they feel to me.