I have to agree with Bunny, it depends greatly on where you live as to how many of each you see on the road. In Orlando, you see a lot of 350zs, much more than RX8's, but I do see a few 8's a week and we have over a dozen now where I work, but we easily have that many 350zs as well. I know what the test data shows, but in the real world, I have not had any problems keeping up with a 350z or G35coupe and at the end of the day, I probably had a more comfortable ride and more fun, but used more gas.

 

[QUOTE=saturn]
RX-8 North American Sales
2003: 12,346
2004: 23,690
2005: 14,673
Total: 50,709

350Z North American Sales
2002: 13,253
2003: 36,728
2004: 30,690
2005: 27,278
Total: 107,949

[QUOTE]


These numbers really surprise me. I see 8's around here every day (6 or 8 or them on Keesler AFB), but I expected the 350z/RX-8 to be far higher than 2:1. Seems to me this is a very respectable showing in a niche market.

 

Yeah, I agree. I thought it would be more like 3:1 or higher. Seeing as how the 350Z got a year head start, I don't think this is bad at all for Mazda. However, since it looks like a pretty big decline from 2004 to 2005 so that could spell trouble.

 

Not to stir up any trouble, but I was looking at numbers so I figured I'd update my earlier post to include the 2006 numbers.

RX-8 North American Sales
2003: 12,346
2004: 23,690
2005: 14,673
2006: 9,343
Total: 60,052

350Z North American Sales
2002: 13,253
2003: 36,728
2004: 30,690
2005: 27,278
2006: 24,635
Total: 132,584

sources:
- http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20050...4012005-1.html
- http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20060...4012006-1.html
- http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_...ticle_id=25154
- http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...03/152210.html
- http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...04/313751.html
- http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...04/204943.html
- http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...03/032862.html

 

Hope you like the Z, I almost bought one the 1st year they were out for 25k.!

 

hmmm about double the Z's out there. thats a good and a bad thing.

 

well.. my friend has a 350Z.. which is why i dont want one..too many people have them.. i live on long island, and you cant go anywhere without seeing at least 1, sometimes 2 or 3.., same for a G35. there are 5 Z's within a two block radius by my house.. however, i only get to see an rx8 on the road every now and then..maybe once a week.

maybe it sjust me ...but i dont like when people have my stuff u know? i like bein one of the only people with this car that you dont see too often.. but if you want some power and looks.. get the Z... trust me you wont be dissappointed.

 

i believe the sharp decline from 2004-2005 would be because of the poor resale value of the car... u know? wow who would buy a new 05 for 26k+ when they could get an 04 w/ low miles for 19k... u know wut i mean?

 

Wow, that's certainly not the ratio of sales I expected...here in DFW, I definitely see at least 10 Zs or so for every RX-8, maybe more.

 

Wow, I cant believe the sharp decline from yrs 4 -> 5 -> 6 for the 8. Mazda needs to do something to boost the image of this car to generate some more sales! I remember when they first came out with the 8, there would be commercials and advertisements for it everywhere. Now, I only see them for every model but the 8!

 

Well its been one year of ownership and 10,000 miles later and I've been loving it so far. Only complaint is the damn flywheel. I really wish they didnt put in a dual-mass piece. It causes the rpms to not drop fast enough in the first couple gears. This is only a problem when trying to accelerate quickly.

25k is a really good deal on a first year model! Even though I think you're better off because they were plagued with problems.

 

I think you should get whatever car you like LESS. Then sign up on the message board of that car and constantly talk crap about the car. Then trade in the car but remain on the forum to talk crap about the car.

 

Check out the date from the original post...I think he is looong gone.

 

Being a former 05 6spd Enthusiast owner, I am a big fan of the Zcar.

Pros: Good power, lots of TQ low down, handles well. Pretty decent balance. Decent weight transfer. Nice sound. No nonsense interior. Cheap to buy. Heritage of marque. PPW is the best "white" out there! Loved that color!!

Cons: Heavy, feedback is limited, numb steering, everyone has one.

Either way you can't go wrong. You will be getting a damn good car whatever you choose. IMHO the RX8 offers the better overall package for me. The Z offers the better "sports car" experience.

Good luck.

 

I test drove both & there is no bad decision but the Z rode like it had no springs (ie super stiff) & has no room at all. I couldn't take a Z to the races for a weekend because you can't get a tent, a cooler & a sleeping bag in it. As an everyday driver, I don't think the Z can touch the RX but I must be in the minority as sales figures suggest the buying public disagrees. How great to have 2 such excellent sports cars to chose from.

 

Drive both and see if you like which one best. I'd prolly consider the G35 Coupe over the Z if I am biased towards the Carlos Ghosn camp.