I Chose Between RX-8 and 350Z (and G-35) - Page 2

Aug 6, 2003 | 01:01 PM

#26

ggreen29

Registered User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 184

Likes: 0

From: Lake Forest, CA

Quote:

The RX-8 is like the first NSX to me - a silent swift killer

Slightly OT, but a couple of days ago I was driving something other than the 8 at about 75mph, and out of nowhere came an NSX passing me on the right, going 85+. It was so quiet and smooth, then I got passed by another one pacing with the first. They sounded like well-crafted precision machines...then came a mid90s Camaro on my left, and that thing sounded like it was slapping itself double time on both butt-cheeks to keep up. While I enjoy the sound of good V8s, the contrast between those cars made me laugh. The Camaro sounded like it had to go twice as fast as the NSXs in order to keep up with them! I could easily envision the Camaro straining, sweating out of every pore while the NSXs were as fresh as a summer breeze.

Aug 6, 2003 | 01:17 PM

#27

Lethalchem

Registered User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 35

Likes: 0

From: NLR, Arkansas

Re: I Chose Between RX-8 and 350Z (and G-35)

Quote:

Originally posted by rodmeister
Bad News: I bought the automatic transmission despite the wonderful manual shifter and clutch. I'm getting old and I can't stand the constant shift/start/stop/shift/start driving in west Los Angeles. Giving up 40 horsepower and the precision driving of the manual hurts me deeply, but I refuse to shift/stop/shift every 50 feet in rush hour traffic (it lasts four hours in LA). I also got the (gasp) 16" wheels for a better ride to fight LA driving fatigue. If you live in a more benign part of the country, get the manual, it's great.

What are your impressions of driving the automatic? I was just browsing the other day and the salesman came up and asked if I wanted to drive it. I took out a manual yellow. I will be going back to try out the automatic this weekend, but I'm curious how much difference you FEEL between the two. Although the Auto has less HP, it has more torque. What are your thoughts?