BillR

Hi,
I thought I would introduce myself to the forum. I just bought a "8" for my wife. We sold our IS300 to get the Mazda. I used to have an '80 RX7. I built the motor (ported, webers, headers, flywheel, exhaust, balanced, etc) and used to go looking for 5.0L Mustangs back then. That car was seriously fast; in fact it would chirp the tires at 55 mph!! I then started our local RX7 club.

Anyhow, we wanted to see what the 8 was like since this was the latest rotary. We liked it.

I have read alot of interesting comments reguarding the 350Z and the G35. Well, if you want any UNBIASED facts about how the 8 compares to a G35 coupe; I'm the guy to ask. I have a G35.

Nice stable of cars; RX8, G35 coupe & and truck for the rain.

Spin9k

Welcome aboard! When you get a few miles under your belt, please do give us some unbiased comparisons. I'm sure we'd all appreciate them.

ciccone376

I'm comparing the G35C to the rx8 (both 6spd).

Of course the questions of power, handling etc etc are always thrown in.

I noticed that the 8 drives more like the S2000 (though not as darty and precise), the G and Z are almost twins.

I would love the extra power of the G, but man the balance of the 8 was very intoxicating.

what are your personal likes and dislikes. I find that both cars are actually HARD to compare because they bring different flavors to the table.

i would find it easier to compare the S2000 to the 8 actually.

thanks
Ciccone

BillR

Since I have not driven the 8 much yet, these are preliminary.
The G35 (from drivers seat) feels roomier and has more space for my big feet. The 8 doesn't feel as fast as the G, BUT I have only driven the demo real hard. Our car has only 75 miles, so far. The 8 handles better and feels more balanced, the G turns more crisply. I find the 8's nav system way more confusing than the G, but then again I am not as familiar with the 8 yet.

Bottom line, both cars are fun. The 8 feels like it handles better, the G feels alot faster. . . . . . . . . more to come as I drive it more.

Sin

Welcome, nice cars!

Senseny

Nice stable. I like my stable just a bit better because of the raw speed of a 300+rwhp FD (but lets face it--that is because it is mine). But if I didn't need a wagon to haul equipment for work, I would go with the G35 coupe instead of the WRX. God, I love that car.

Senseny

Before I say I like my stable better, your truck isn't an f150 lightning, Infiniti FX45, VW Toureg or a v10 dodge is it. Because if it is one of those vehicles, I may beg you for a trade.

BasenjiGuy

I'd be interested in getting your input on the losing the IS300 for the RX8. I've been favoring the IS300 for a long time - until I drove the RX8.

I have a BMW 325is that needs to be replaced. Obviously, the IS300 is a very similar car to the 325is, and is a great vehicle. I didn't really think about the RX8 but on a whim I drove one, and was very impressed. The car is so much fun to drive. The IS seems a little more "responsible", easy to get in and out of, has more storage, and is extremely quiet, among other things, and is fun to drive.

I've driven the IS twice and walked away really liking the car. I've driven the RX three times and each time I like the car more. The last two rides were in broken in demo's so I got to wind the car out and feel the full acceleration. The RX feels really "happy" and fun, and it's such a unique design. My only concern is road noise - especially on concrete - the RX is a lot louder than the IS300 and my old 325is.

I'm having some concerns about being able to live with the noise...I used to play in rock bands and I'm a documentary sound mixer, so I have very sensitive ears (i.e., some hearing damage) and have to protect them. For example, most inline four cylinder cars hurt my ears with their buzziness.

The RX didn't seem too loud on pavement but on a concrete Interstate it was pretty darn loud. I guess I could mount some Yokohama AVS dB's - I've been running those on my 325is and they're incredibly quiet tires. But, I don't know ultimately how much quieter they would make the car.

So, how do you like the RX vs. the IS? In addition to noise issues, what do you think of the difference in low and mid range torque between the two cars? I love inline sixes....though I'm leaning towards the RX pretty heavily.