blinkme323

Hey guys,

I'm new to the RX-8 and this forum. I am in the process of buying a new car and have narrowed my options down to two. The RX-8 and the 350Z. I think both cars have their merits, but I really can't decide. The deal I will be getting on the RX-8 is slightly better and is a new 07 versus a leftover 06. The only thing that worries me about the 8 is it's lack of power compared with the Z and the fact that I keep hearing that they are discontinuing the model after this or very soon. If anyone could give some insight on this I would really appreciate it. Thanks

DarkBrew

The Z is a very heavy 2 seat GT
The 8 is light sports car with four seats.
Mazda will release a new model in 2010.
Search a bit for Rx8 vs 350Z
Read 'the little things'

eforer

Weather it is discontinued or not is irrelevant in my mind. I chose the 8 over the 350z. I chose it primarily because I got a better price and the Z was too impractical because of the excessivley small trunk and lack of rear seats for additional storage or passengers.

I like both cars alot. Fortunately the decision was made for me because of the form factor+price. Comparing them dynamically is tough. The rx8 is definately more nimble, easier to drive fast and control while sideways. The Z is on a good chassis, but doesn't quite posess the handling prowess of the 8. It does have loads more torque with a much broader, easy to access power band. The power is certainly appealing.

Its a tough choice. If you have lifestyle needs not met by the Z its easier, but if you don't need a back seat or a decent sized trunk, its just preference.

Old Rotor

The Z has more HP and Torq and if that is what is important to you get it. The RX-8 is more of a balanced then a grunt car. Sure we would love more hp&torq, who wouldn't! There are ways to make the 8 much faster if you have the funds. The 8 is Rotary and rotary means the fun is in the high RPM's. Drive both cars whats right for me does not mean its right for everyone. THERES A BUTT FOR EVERY SEAT! We are so lucky we have choices here in America.

dbright007

You seem to have it all down=
350 is more powerful, 8 handles better. Yes the 8 is being discontinued in its current form.
Go drive them both and make a decision based on what u want it for.

BTW - we get one of the threads a day - should I buy a whatever or an 8. We picked 8, so we are biased.
Trying not to sound mean, why come here and ask? It's an 8 FORUM! Come hear to read and learn, or have a specific question on something.

The cars are not the same.
Want a 2 seater that REALLY handles, buy a miata.
Want power, get a 350
Need 4 seats and want handling over power, get an 8
Got cash, buy a vette or a lotus

Razz1

Discontinued is bullshit.

They are just going to add a new body style.

As far as the Rotary engine it will be around for years.

IT's been around 36yrs or more now.

blinkme323

Yeah, I'm definitely leaning towards the 8. I'm not sure I can pass up the deal I'm getting which is the Sport AT w/ appearance package for 26k out the door. I was a little concerned about the AT, but I've heard that the 8 AT has made strides in recent years.

CarAndDriver

Buy the Z.

Ever Hernandez

No sports car is worth buying with an automatic transmission. Renesis 1:1

eforer

Thats not a great deal actually. Alot of 8s mt or otherwise are going for below invoice. On top of that, very lightly used (less than 20, or even 10k miles) can be had for well south of 20 grand.

Pairing an RX8 with an automatic is like putting a priest in charge of a boys choir. No good can come of it.... Wait, they do both those things. Damn it.

Anyways, buy a stick and you can thank us all later.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

x2

beers

NoTears316

Crossfire

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

^someone had to say it.

good job.

NoTears316

I do what I can.

delhi

G35Coupe is better than the Z.

map

If you're buying an auto go with the Z. The 8 really needs the manual to use the power that's there, I wouldn't bother getting an auto 8. If it's an option, the best thing to do is learn to drive stick. I had it down in a week. Traffic is no big deal, the 8's clutch is very light and easy to modulate.

eforer

+1

Or if your going auto, as mentioned a G35 might be a nice way to go in terms of having the form factor of the 8 (or close) and having some torque to slog through the A/T gear box. It doesn't feel nearly as lively as the Z though. The extra weight, extended wheel base etc. dull alot of the Z's reflexs.

Quest8

Your choice should be pretty simple if you have driven both cars. Which one puts the biggest smile on your face? I personally would never even consider an auto RX-8. You do need the manual to get sports car worthy performance out of it. I chose the 8 because it was more fun to drive, cheaper, looked cooler, and is far more practical. Those rear seats really come in handy.

rodrigo67

Get the auto Z. When it comes to automatics, the z is the better of the 2. The z's auto gives you near manual performance, while there is a big difference between the auto/manual 8.

If given a choice get the manual 8, but if your in it for an auto only, get the Z...

StewC625

Putting an auto in an RX-8 is tantamount to forcing Lindsay Lohan to wear a bra all the time. You could do it, some would say there are benefits, but at the price of taking a lot of the fun out of the equation!

Like Lindsay wearing a bra, an AT RX-8 is a compromise.

astrozoom

RX-8. Need I say more?

04RX8man

Definatley go for the 8 but only with a manual tranny! You just can feel the 9000 RPM's with the auto. Stick is easy to learn and you'll enjoy it much more. NOTHING BETTER THAN NO PISTONS!

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

good job

swoope

iTrader: (5)

pie or toast?

beers

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

definitely toast - I'm surprised you need to ask ....