Originally Posted by RX26b

Well , as far as an S2000 an the z comparison, the S is lighter and faster in a corner but not out of a corner. Drive them and you will see. If you believe an S isn't a car that can easily get away from you, then even Honda disagrees with you as they toned them down for a more compliat albeit safer ride. As far as braking is concerned concerned I have seen test both ways with both winning the Z or the S or the 8 winning. In other words a toss up according to how your car is fitted and what you decided to buy. As for handling I said earlier in multiple post from this forum to the 350Z forum that the 8 is a better handling car, but I don't think the difference is enough to stop you from getting from point A to point b the quickest in your car on yes a real world car. By the way I have driven all three cars up and down the Dragon. The Z is faster through it than the 8. I will be honest with you though the brakes of the 8 will last longer doing it without a doubt. On that particular stretch by the way the S2000 can beat them both. As far as a G35 coupe or sedan, once again go drive one. Pre HR then the Z was just better. if you want to call the Z a hog then add some more pounds and you have the G. It does feel sluggish in a corner going in and coming out. By the way I owned the sedan, took it to the same dragon and I promise you there is no comparison between sedan G and Z.

No. The 8 wins because it's a better sporty car. If you don't include torque there's nothing the Z does better than the Mazda. Not brake. Not handle. Not better steering feel. Not better ride quality. Not better chassis feel. Your car is the one that actually appeals to the broader market. Anyone truly knowledgeable about cars and driving would be able to tell that from 2 minutes of seat time in both cars. It's that obvious.

No, its not that obvious and i will admit I made a mistake here because I made a statement like it was fact and not opinion. So let me restate, IMO the Z is a better performance car hands down. I have driven them both and actually want an 8 for a DD. You may disagree and that's ok because an opinion is like a rectum, I hope everyone has one.

Your first line was that 8 owners are misinformed. No man. The only misinformed are the 350 owners who think they're real sports car enthusiasts.

Originally Posted by LionZoo

A couple things that I found interesting in the scoring:
The gap between the top two and bottom two was immense.
The 7 points the RX-8 gained for its rear seat space and comfort was the difference. Of course, the TT made points on its trunk.
The RX-8 scored a 7 for Engine NVH while the Mustang took that category with a 9. Huh?
Why is the Gotta Have It for the RX-8 so high? It's certainly not the latest and greatest.

Originally Posted by More_Revs

I don't get it....so in the C&D "Lightening Lap" test, the RX-8 blew away the GTI and beat the Mustang GT; yet in this test, it lost to both (TT is pretty much a GTI with new hat, and the Shelby is barely faster than the GT) in what looks like a much tighter track? What gives? Something doesn't add up.

oh, and their test mpg figure made me laugh

Originally Posted by Winfree

Tried the Corvette and Mustang before getting the 8 - for comfort and style I will take the 8 any day!

Originally Posted by More_Revs

I don't get it....so in the C&D "Lightening Lap" test, the RX-8 blew away the GTI and beat the Mustang GT; yet in this test, it lost to both (TT is pretty much a GTI with new hat, and the Shelby is barely faster than the GT) in what looks like a much tighter track? What gives? Something doesn't add up.

oh, and their test mpg figure made me laugh

Originally Posted by Sunset ZR

...Hey Phantom indeed I knew you were joking and know very well about letting your wife in the car. Everytime my fiancee drives the Z its like getting gum outta hair. I'd have an 8 already but even though i know better. hate to pull the trigger and the 8 become a car with more mpg and power 6 months after I buy it.

Lata all

Originally Posted by TALAN7

If you wouldv'e read my post I said 0-100 times not 0-60, which you agreed with hurt the 8

Originally Posted by Phantom Menace

Bro,
EVERY car'll do that to you! Cars are like computers now. By the time you get it home, there's a newer, sexier, faster, lighter version for a few hundred bucks more. And if you tired to "upgrade" your version to match the new one, it'll cost you thousands...my advice, just buy what you feel you wouldn't mind "getting old" you ya. The 8, Z, and a couple of other cars are pretty well equiped to the point that, unless you get stop light envy real quick, should keep their owners happy for a long time.

BTW, are you on any Z forums?

Originally Posted by 23109VC

I just got my C&D in the mail.

they had a shootout between the new Audi TT, 350Z, Mustang Shelby, and the RX8.

Mustang came in LAST.
350Z was Third.
Audi TT was Second.
RX8 WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

they basically said the shelby was fast but a big fat unrefined POS.
the 350z was the quickest on the track but it was "japanese corvette". lots of bang for the buck but no refinement.

the RX8 was underpowered and gulped fuel....like we don't now that... but they said it carried the most speed through turns and was the easiest one to drive fast. they said despit being an older design and underpowered, it was the most fun.

I don't even own one..and now I want an RX8 even more.

Originally Posted by LionZoo

The article almost reads like Car and Driver didn't really want the RX-8 to win as the first half of the article is all about the flaws of the car and people tend to put more weight on what they read in the beginning. Also some damning words for the rotary engine, though really the rotary is a very polarizing engine and you either love it or hate it.

A couple things that I found interesting in the scoring:
The gap between the top two and bottom two was immense.
The 7 points the RX-8 gained for its rear seat space and comfort was the difference. Of course, the TT made points on its trunk.
The RX-8 scored a 7 for Engine NVH while the Mustang took that category with a 9. Huh?
Why is the Gotta Have It for the RX-8 so high? It's certainly not the latest and greatest.
Phantom Menace, the 350Z is called fat here because of its higher weight. Horsepower per pound has nothing to do with overall vehicle weight.

Originally Posted by mkaresh

Just got my issue. This is how I would rank the cars, but didn't think C&D would give an older design the win. ALMOST restores my faith in them.

I've personally driven nearly 500 cars since 1999. I frequently praise the RX-8 as the easiest to drive fast and the best overall handling of all of them.

I've posted my account of the roads in WV and OH in an RX-8 before, but for those who haven't seen it:

Mazda RX-8 on WV16 and OH26

Originally Posted by UltraRX

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review of the 8 during your long trek. I have family in WV, and always try to find roads like you speak of when I visit. How about the looks you (your 8) get when you stop in some of the more rural areas???

Originally Posted by mkaresh

There aren't many roads in that part of the country. It's one of life's ironies that sports cars are rarest where the roads are curviest.

Originally Posted by Razz1

To make the 8 even or better thant the TT in acceleration.

Get some light weight 16" or 17" wheels.

RB intake and CAI with RB exhaust and RB sways and springs with Koni shicks.

Then tell everyone to mover over. Your handling speed will be much higher than 68mph

Originally Posted by Razz1

To make the 8 even or better thant the TT in acceleration.

Get some light weight 16" or 17" wheels.

RB intake and CAI with RB exhaust and RB sways and springs with Koni shicks.

Then tell everyone to mover over. Your handling speed will be much higher than 68mph

Originally Posted by CarAndDriver

I can see the threads now on the Mustang boards.

Originally Posted by Beanboy

Count me in for the RX8 needing another 50HP or so.