Mazda rx8? or Nissan 350z?
Registered
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
From: Norway
I drove both extensively before I made my choice. As others have said, the Z is certainly straight-line faster, but the '8 holds its own in the twisties. In the head to head road races the '8 hangs close, but ultimately can't make up for the Z's higher straightaway speed.
The '8 is more elegantly appointed and refined. The Z is an Asian muscle car and handles like one. You strap on the '8 and feel a part of the machine. You're along for the ride in the Z.
So, it comes down to which type of driving you prefer more. Obviously I value maneuverability over straight line performance. Get what You enjoy.
The '8 is more elegantly appointed and refined. The Z is an Asian muscle car and handles like one. You strap on the '8 and feel a part of the machine. You're along for the ride in the Z.
So, it comes down to which type of driving you prefer more. Obviously I value maneuverability over straight line performance. Get what You enjoy.
Altima, it is on the Altima chasis
Doppelgänger
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Murano/Altima/Maxima/Infiniti FX
Standard fare engine, chassis, etc, all in the name of cost savings. You get the soul of a suv/econobox vehicle with 2 seats, no trunk space, and a lot more weight.
The RX-8 on the other hand, had it's chassis designed from scratch, it didn't share with any other vehicle. CF driveshaft, hand built engine, etc. It's everything the 350Z isn't. And Mazda did it with a lower MSRP.
Standard fare engine, chassis, etc, all in the name of cost savings. You get the soul of a suv/econobox vehicle with 2 seats, no trunk space, and a lot more weight.
The RX-8 on the other hand, had it's chassis designed from scratch, it didn't share with any other vehicle. CF driveshaft, hand built engine, etc. It's everything the 350Z isn't. And Mazda did it with a lower MSRP.
Um... No. The 350z is built on the FM platform which is shared by the G35, FX, and M45. The Altima is base don the FF-L platform which is shared by the Maxima, Quest, Murano, etc. You can even tell from the FF layout of the Altima and the FR layout of the 350z... Come on, man. They almost have nothing similar expect for the VQ35 (available with the 3.5 Altima), some accessories, and craptastic Nissan/Infiniti build quality.
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
I've had both cars so here goes:
The RX-8 is not that slow....... Because it is so agile and predictable, I used to drive it a lot harder than my current Z. The RX-8 is deceptively fast. It makes speed so easily and without any sign of stress, almost relaxing. You are not even aware that you are breaking the law (except for the fact that the rest of the world is moving in slow motion).
The Z is undoubtedly fast as well, but it seems to be a lot harder work to get pace out of it. I never get the same confidence driving the Z fast that I did with the RX-8 (mind you, the fact that it's a convertible doesn't help). When you go fast in the Z, you feel it. There's more torque, more noise, more sensory overload....... That being said, it's the best damned Altima I ever drove.
The RX-8 is not that slow....... Because it is so agile and predictable, I used to drive it a lot harder than my current Z. The RX-8 is deceptively fast. It makes speed so easily and without any sign of stress, almost relaxing. You are not even aware that you are breaking the law (except for the fact that the rest of the world is moving in slow motion).
The Z is undoubtedly fast as well, but it seems to be a lot harder work to get pace out of it. I never get the same confidence driving the Z fast that I did with the RX-8 (mind you, the fact that it's a convertible doesn't help). When you go fast in the Z, you feel it. There's more torque, more noise, more sensory overload....... That being said, it's the best damned Altima I ever drove.
Doppelgänger
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 1
From: Florida
z's arent even that fast..simple bolt ons will get you ahead of one of those things.. if power is what you want.. and can spend a 2-3K on simple bolt ons HAHAHAHA
i rode in a z the other day my buddy got one and well the ride seems nice similar to my 8 but we only went around 40-50 the torque is felt hahah but it doesnt seem right.. in the 8 you feel like the car was built around you and not the other way around..
one thing that also blows the 8 away is the fast that the Z has a ICE BLOWER! the ac works like a charm!!!! soo cold.. wish my 8 had that..
but my interior is a little nicer.. the z seems really dull.
it looked like a rebadged altima interior
i rode in a z the other day my buddy got one and well the ride seems nice similar to my 8 but we only went around 40-50 the torque is felt hahah but it doesnt seem right.. in the 8 you feel like the car was built around you and not the other way around..
one thing that also blows the 8 away is the fast that the Z has a ICE BLOWER! the ac works like a charm!!!! soo cold.. wish my 8 had that..
but my interior is a little nicer.. the z seems really dull.
it looked like a rebadged altima interior
On a side note, I smoked a 350Z yesterday. The look on the driver's face was priceless. I test drove the Z before I bought my car, and I was bored to tears. Even if it wasn't a 2-seater (also tested the G35 coupe), I still would have gone with the 8. Much better value in my opinion, and you don't automatically become an ******* when you buy one (like all the 350Z drivers I've encountered on the road).
Zoom Zoom....
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 770
Likes: 4
From: Western Canada, eh?
