I just read another RX-8 vs 350Z thread. (that was posted on both Z and 8 forums) I drove one (RX-8) at the track last weekend and had no problems with any of the things most people pan the 8 for.

What I did have a problem with, was the seating position required to A: reach the pedals and B: keep the helmet off the headliner. I had the seat bottom as low as it could go and still had to race with a "gangsta' lean" that left the steering wheel too far away.

I am only 5'10". What gives?

 

Did it have a moonroof?

 

Now that you mention it, it did. I'm guessing it's not an issue otherwise?

 

I'm surprised it came up, since most Z forums I've read only have "OMG teh RX8 is slow omg" to say.

 

The sun roof makes the room lower for your helmet.

 

Very few people actually take their cars to tracks (1/8 mile and 1/4 mile), and it seems that even fewer run on tracks that have turns. I think much of the "slow" reputation comes from, stop light encounters, drag strips and printed 1/4 times. The course I ran on allowed me to stay high in the tach (most of the time) so I had no issues with the 8's power.

 

you must have a lengthy upper body and/or be tall. im pretty evenly proportioned and 5'10". while i had to put the seat back a bit, and more than i was used to, i still have slack in my arms when gripping the wheel. helmet does touch the roof though.

moonroofs ftl. gt package should include an option for no moonroof.