Chase

Money is definitely not an issue. My dad is going to pay cash for my new car. I am trying to decide between an 8 and a Z. I like both. This topic is definitely overrun. But, if money wasn't an issue, what would you recommend?

PatrickB

An old beater that you won't cry over after you roll it over and total it?

Personally, I like the RX-8 because it' has 4 seats, and I need space for my family to sit in the car. I also like the way it looks. However, the Z is out, and the RX-8 won't be out for 6 more months, at least.

Rich

RX-8 vs. 350Z
Subarus Suck?
The reasons *I* want an RX-8 over its competition
G35 Coupe an RX-8 killer?


I'd suggest reading through those threads and asking more specific question after that. It's impossible for anyone to tell you which would be better for you. For me, the 350Z is way too heavy. I don't want a 3300 lb. car. I do want a rotary engine. In my opinion, the RX-8 isn't good looking but the 350Z is hideous. For me, that's about the end of the story as far as those two cars go. You certainly have different priorities than I do though.

Grimace

Hell, as long as your Dad is buying, get both. And tell him to buy me an RX-8 as long as he has his wallet out.

fuz

Get the Z.

Actually, based on the information, or lack of information you gave us, there is no way we can make the decision for you. This is an RX-8 forum so what the heck do you think people here will think about the Z vs. the RX-8?

Although if you are young, I'd get the Z. The reason being is that younger drivers are much more dangerous when they have friends in the car. I can attest to that, as I've had all my friends suggest that I do foolish things in my car way back when. I've even done some without them asking just to earn some respect. Well, it's a really dangerous way to do so. In just a 2 seater, you really have nothing to do but learn how to drive, and are less inclined to do stupid things, except race. (at least there are less people in your car to hurt) And you'll get plenty of respect (or ire) from other kids when you tell them the spec sheet for the car. The 2 door is just inherently cooler to the less knowlegeabe, and the distinctive styling will get people's attention. So that should be all that you need right?

Good Duck

Thanks, fuz, for pointing him the other way.

Hercules

I'll say get the RX-8 vs the Z, only for the reason that Mazda cars have their renowned ability (Protege, MX-5/Miata, RX-7, etc) to handle better than any car in their price range.

The RX-8 having a stiffer body than the RX-7, better balance and a (if I assume correctly) bulletproof rotary, will best the Z in every department except off-the-line power. When it comes to a racetrack the RX-8 will beat Z because you have MAX power at 8000RPMS! The Z tops out at 3000-5000, so when you hit the redline shifting, you aren't going to get the oomph the RX-8 will give you.

Besides, the RX-8 is useable with a nice back seat. The RX-8 has a reasonable trunk. And the RX-8 isn't as ugly as the Z, not by a longshot. The Z looks like a retarded child of the Audi TT.

TheLaw

I guarantee you, the faster the car you get, the more likely you will die. Get the 8. The Z will probably get you laid more likely. Myself included, I knew tons of people when I was 16-19, that crashed their cars horribly. I drove a big oldsmobile cutlass supreme '86, and I crashed that tank twice, once totalling another car. I now drive a Sentra '01, and have gotten into a minor accident where I flattened two of my tires, but nothing really serious. As I've gotten older I think I've become a better driver. IF I had had a fast car as a teen, I shudder to think what I would have done. One of my favorite hobbies back then was ogling girls as I drove past, not paying attention to what was in front of me. I must have slammed the brakes on at least a hundred times. Has happened less as I've grown older, and my libido has shrunk. SO I recommend something big, something safe. Maybe your mom's volvo.

Hercules

If it was my first car... I'd get neither.

If you want a sporty car that you can LEARN to manage, get like a Miata or something. It's a sporty car but without the power of the RX or the Z, so you won't really damage yourself, but instead learn to master vehicle dynamics, control of a RWD vehicle, and still have a BLAST. Besides, if you get it used and crash it (which there is a HIGH likelihood for a first-time driver), it's not going to set you back as much as the Z or the RX.

But of course, it's going to be the lack of age that will always push for 'the new, sporty car' instead of being sensible and getting a car that you can learn on without killing yourself.

The Z and the RX may be quick and handle exceptionally (though I still question the former's handling..), not knowing how to handle the car is going to get you hurt really bad, really fast.

Bet on it.

fuz

Hey guys, this may be news to you all, but I don't think any of them young people are going to listen to advice and get a less powerful car, when they can get a more powerful one.

I mean, it was only a few years ago that I was still a teenager. I sure as hell didn't listen to what advice I was given. We can only steer whomever towards a safer route, not completely block him/her out and redirect them to what we say they should.

Chances are, chase is going to get either a Z or an RX-8, or something similarly absurd for a new driver. It's just best to warn, not criticize. That's why I'm steering him towards the Z--so he doesn't drive up the insurance rates for the RX-8! :p

Sputnik

For some reason, there's this green mist in my eyes, making it hard to type right now .

The cars are actually going to be pretty different from each other. The 350z will be a heavy, powerful, two-seater, while the RX8 will be a light, tight, 4 seater, with decent power.

I would suggest, finding a Miata to test drive. This will give you a chance to experience light and nimble handling. Then, find a turbo 300z to test drive. This will be similar in basic feel to the 350z (or, find a 350z to test drive, if you can find one that they'll let you test drive). That way, you'll have a better idea of the difference between the two.

---jps

Hercules

Actually, if you're dead set on getting a NEW car for your first, get the Z.

I'd rather a Z get messed up than hearing about an RX-8 in an accident. Keeps our insurance down

Good Duck

I was down at a Nissan dealer checking out the new 350Z. The car on display was a white Z. It looks even better in person. Anyway, one of the salesman pointed to an older couple, indicating that they were the owners. I went over to them and to offer my congratulation on their purchase. But as I talk to them, I found out that the Z was not for them but for their 18 years old son. They bought it for him as a graduation present. I had to hold back the laughter. As I left, I jokingly mentioned to the salesman, that the parents should consider getting life insurance for their son. He chuckled.

rpm

Get the 350Z!!!

If you had to deal with Mazda's service department you wouldn't think twice about getting 350Z.

Just my experience!!!

later,

zoom44

get the z then when your tired off looking at it and of your freinds talking about its fat and droopy rear end and saying how you can't fit enough chicks in it then trade it in on the rx8. oh yeah and have your dad throw a few bucks my way. :D

Jerome81

I do understand where a lot of the folks here are coming from, however, I must chime in....

As a 22 year old, it was not too long ago I was a teenage driver. In fact, in Idaho, we could get a daytime license at 15 (not a permit, a license, as in no parents had to be with you). To this day I have NEVER been in an accident, my fault or otherwise. I would classify myself as an excellent driver, though I have received 2 speeding tickets in those 7 years, so I'm not perfect I have had 2 cars, a 1987 and 1990 626 (which is my current car). But over that time I have driven several more powerful cars and several less powerful cars and here are my impressions.

If, and I seriously do mean if, you are a responsible, sensible, courteous, defensive driver, I honestly do not think that a car such as the RX-8 or the 350Z should ever be a problem for you. If you watch your speed (and I know we all speed sometimes), and know your limits, as well as the limits of the car and the limits of the road conditions, you can be a good, safe driver, and have a blast with a real sports car. However, if you are into looks, street racing, and constantly looking around to see if people are looking at you in your fancy car, then no, you should not get a car like the RX-8 or 350Z. Cars such as this demand your full attention (and really, ever car should get your full attention), but one little goof up and you can seriously injure or kill yourself, or maybe even worse, someone else.

So, if you can honestly say that you are a truly safe driver, who is very sensible, and knows where to go for a speed fix (the track is the only place), then by all means get one of these cars. If not, I suggest you get yourself a Protege or Civic or something, and at least when you crash, you won't be able to be doing 100+ mph.

It is true, safe driving comes with experience. If you drive safe in a 1990 626 or a 2004 RX-8, you will be fine.

And since you're asking, the RX-8 is the ONLY choice in my eye

Hercules

See that's the thing... I'm not a safe driver by your standards. I'm agressive on open roads, I take hard turns, kick the tail out purposely on the normal streets.

But I know my limits. And I know when I'm approaching them. That's what the experience of 6 years of driving has given me though. And that's what will make the difference between a NEW driver, and an experienced one.

I don't think anybody here will drive the RX-8 'safe' (as defined by you) on the open road and then drag their *** to a track to have their fun. The fun is meant to be had all the time, because this is a useable sports car.

And I think that we all know, that 90% of people that buy sports cars don't know how to handle them at all, and either get into an accident or drive like a grandmother in them. And their idea of agressive driving is going really really fast.

Sputnik

When the Miatas first came out (within a month of first arriving, so you know it cost some $15k over sticker), I was at a Radio Shack spending beer money on replacing an amp in my car. I had little money at the time, and was a little frustrated about it that day. There was a red Miata in the lot, and the older lady in front of me was telling the clerk that they just got it for their son for his birthday. I asked her "That car is your son's birthday present?".

"Oh noooo." She said, as if I were a silly boy for asking, "It's for his birthday AND Christmas!"

Yeah, that made me feel better .

---jps

Jerome81

Hercules,
I understand where you're coming from, and I too take corners quickly, and every now and then get a little tire noise, but I don' t do that every day I drive, and I don't kick the tail out (FWD )

But if you drive all the time that way, that is not what I call a defensive driver, and while everyone who can afford a RX-8 is more than welcome to get one, driving all the time in that manner is bound to get you or someone else hurt sometime.

There is nothing wrong with aggressive driving, just aggressive driving in the wrong place at the wrong time (heavy traffic, Manhattan, rush hour, etc).

I guess maybe I should change my whole criteria to "if you are a smart driver I don't think I see any problem with a car like the RX-8 or 350Z." But I have some friends who are never smart drivers, and I'd much rather ride with a smart driver in a Z, than one of my ditzy spacehead friends in their Honda.

Donny Boy

Chase:
You are one of the lucky younger drivers around. The choice is simple, the RX-8 is the one. Ihave seen both cars and prefer the RX's looks by far. Engine wise, the ROTARY is simply superior engineering.
For your knowledge, Le Mans, the most prestigeous race in the world, has been won only by Mazda, and no other Japanese car ever. When Mazda won in 1991, the Rotary was banned as having an unfair advantage. How superior design could be an unfair advantage, I don't know. Just shows how GREAT the ROTARY is.
I have owned various Mazda vehicles as well as many other Japanese makes, and have had the most satisfaction with the Mazdas.
Now, lets look at the interiors of both cars, the 350Z looks plasticky and not too ergonomic or inviting. The Mazda's interior is absolutely inviting, the seats, the dash, the shifter, the . . . well, I think I've said enough.
Just remember, the Mazda is chock full of innovation:
The rotary engine and the suicide doors.
No contest, take the Rotary Rocket!

dolemite85

Buy the Rx-8 so mazda will make a new Rx-7! :D
I would go with the Rx-8 personally.

m477

Can I have one of the rotors tafter you total it? I want to use it as decoration in my garage. Thx.

73JPS

Probably more luck than anything will determine the life expectancy of a young male with a recently new driver's licence...

Sputnik

I wouldn't go that far. Some young males are more mature than others. Just like some 40 yr olds are more mature than others. Heck, I've met young males that were more mature than some of the 40 yr olds runnin' around this planet.

---jps

Immi

if money ain't an issue: buy a viper