RX-8 Verses 350Z?
 

Hi guys I'm kinda a newbie when it comes to rotary engines and high performance. However a friend of mine is purchasing a new 350z and I'm trying to get a RX-8. I noticed that both cars are in the same class, however the Z has about 70 more horsepower stock. So my question to you guys is do you think that if we both were to add high performance parts (single turbo maybe) that the RX-8 could compete with a Z for overall performance?

Recommend you do a search, alot of info here about the two compared to each other.

The RX-8 is a better overall car. It may not be the fastest, torqueiest or economical car...but it makes up for that in handling. The interior on the 350z is also pretty cheap...and there's that horrendous stabilizer bar in the back. Driving the 350z hard through a corner is pretty brutal when compared to the point-and-shoot experience of the RX-8.

I'd stick with the RX-8.

oh boy

i seriously think people create threads like this just to cheese eveyrone off..hahaa

I disagree...He probably just wants a good comparison. I'm going to find him one...brb..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I1h8LrVO0Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZFXtiKxD6Y

I'm wondering - I can't recall the RX8 EVER being compared to the 350Z...good topic :)

RX-8 is slow compared to a 350Z. You do know that the RX-8 wasn't meant for straight line speed but for carrying and holding speed through turns which the Z isn't really made for without some mods to the suspension.

Overall speed = Z wins hands down esp at the drag strip
Overall handling = RX-8 wins hands down.

It really all depends on your definition of overall performance. If we're just driving straights all day long, the Z would whop the RX-8 over and over again, if we're talking about mix of straights and turns, RX-8 is competitive. What it lacks in straightline speed performance it makes up for curves. Something to consider and think about.

I'm with DMP. This is both new and exciting.

if you've been around long enough you would know why i say the things i say

Therein lies the problem...I haven't been around long enough! :mdrmed:

funny :hahano:

Sounds like you're in a pissing contest with your friend. :piss: If you buy the 8 solely for that purpose, you'll be greatly disappointed.

Buy an STi and abuse him.

take it to the twisties?

Yay Another 8 Vs Z, I Can Now Go On With My Life Knowing Another Thread Is Made On This Topic. Wooottttt

When is someone going to start and 8 vs. Yugo thread?

I think in a long distance race the Yugo would win because it gets better gas mileage. But the 8 is better in the twisties, and gets me mad females, yo.

Thanks alot guys. It seems like the 8 has alot more to offer overall as a car. I mean its not like we are going to be racing on a test track.

The 350's ride is pretty rough. I'd much rather drive the 8 daily. Also think the 8's interior looks better, but I do like the little gauge pods in the center of the dash on the Z. The Z is more of a pure sports car, while the 8 is slightly more functional on a daily basis, with the suicide doors and whatnot (amazing how much those little doors come in handy). And I'd also like to second the fact that the ladies love the 8, hehehe.

Not to mention it's better looking, you can carry some chicks in the back, and it's a lot rarer than the Z. That's why I bought an 8 rather than a Z.

Is this a poetry contest between the two cars involving writing verses?

The RX8 has 2 back seats and has a somewhat useable trunk. These are two things you give up in the 350Z. Sometimes speed ain' everything.

BALANCE!

2 words: test drive. Wight in your price/options and choose the one you like more.

350Z if you don't need more than 2 seater, prefer faster overall speed, and don't mind rough ride. RX-8 if you need 4 seats & good daily driving car.

But if you want 4 seats, good speed & good handling. Check out EVO or STI, both cost slightly more but will have all of the above (except plain interior and unimpressive exterior) features, good after market support, and very easy to mod.

And yes, search the forum.... This question has been asked way too many times.

I have neither, and I'm thinking about either.

However as much as the Z has great looks, the tech specs make for good reading and straight line performance beats the 8 it just doesn't reach me on a more emotional level.

You see there's a few things about the 8 that just really strike me in a way that tech specs and simple 0-60 times don't. The front grill looks awesome, it sometimes feels like looking at an AC Cobra or similar classic sports car. The rotary engine takes on a completely different approach to any car that I've driven, and I like to be different (same as everyone else ;) ).

Also on another note the interior while not as spacious as an M3 is far more exotic in many respects, and I think the smaller interior makes the car feel as it's moving faster even when stationary if that makes sense. I really like the lines, and mostly I like the way that there don't seem to be as many RX-8s around as there are BMWs. Also with regards to the Z, I think the Z looks too much like the Audi TT, it's better looking than the TT but still too similar.

Lastly despite this being my first post I think a great place to get a balanced view on the best car between the 8 and Z would be on a forum where the members are neutral towards either. I'm pretty sure that if you asked this question on a Z forum they would all prefer the Z otherwise they'd all be members here, but what do I know I have neither and I'm here to get to know more about the 8.

hi

the rx8 would do better on the SAT's, the 350z is the high school running back. and the srt4 is the guy go starts food fights at lunch period.

hi

bye

ciao

<sighs>

Why do people need affirmation for a bunch of people that already own the car. You know what the response is going to be.

Here's the order for every freaking thread like this...

1.) Hi, I'm a noobie and I don't know how to use the search button. Which of these two cars is better.

2.) Queue the fanbois with comments like, the other car is ugly, speed isn't everything, chicks dig the 8, my interior is made of prettier plastic, rear seats, blah blah blah.

3.) In comes me and some other sensible members to defend the other car that's being trashed unjustly. (mix in a few bits of good advice)

4.) Fanbois get upset and insult my car and the other non fanboi members.

5.) Thread gets locked or fades away only to have another thread just like it pop up the following week.

Alright, I'll take the bait.

Stock for stock or mod for mod you will NOT be able to keep up with your friend. If it bothers you that you'll probably always have a slower car get something else. The 8 has its strong points and so does the Z, the RX-8 is not the hands down best handler, they're pretty damn close and with the changes that have been made to the Z it may be better. Feel and balance with the RX-8 is most likely still better. Looks and interior are totally subjective so I won't even get into that.

1.) Yes, search should be fully utilized before thread posting.

2.) Yes, I prefer the RX-8 over most anything even when it isn't the superior car.

3.) I don't 'trash' opposing cars, but I have the habit of giving the cons before the pros.

4.) The offending fanboi's should leave.

5.) Haha..yeah, that always happens.

I almost forgot about you... :mdrmed:

Just an FYI, your video of a good comparison... Later that year Top Gear magazine chose the 350Z as their car of the year. When watching Top Gear don't forget to keep reminding yourself that they deal in hyperbole and the show is supposed to be entertaining first and foremost. Lastly, their track times should be taken with a grain of salt.

Here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGmDdF75iI4

You forgot to use the word "unique" at least 5 times when describing the RX-8, and don't forget the RX-8 is gods chariot. :beer05:

I forgot to say "twisties" as well, I fail :(

I think Edmunds.com said it best…
"The Z may be faster, but the RX-8 is the better sports car"

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=101039

You should definitely get the 350Z instead.

I've driven both on a track, and I can tell you the 350z handles beautifully.

But... the rx8 handles beautifully and you wont need a kidney transplant after a few hours of driivng it like you will the Z :)

You must have misread his question.


He was not interested in stock vs stock, but turbo charged rx8 vs turbocharged 350z.

I don't know what kind of price/power levels you can get for a Z, but in the 8 you can get anywhere from 300-400 whp with the current kits available. With price tags in the 3 - 10k range. Plan for an additional 2-3k on top of that for install, gauges, and tuning.

Anyway, since the Rx-8 is a few hundred pounds lighter, as long as your friend isn't pushing more than ~350 whp, you should be very competitive.

why are you asking us what you should get.... just go testdrive them both on a curvy road :ylsuper:

on stock 350z internals the best bolt on twin turbo kit makes at least 471whp on 93 octane fuel map.

with rebuilt internals the potential is much higher.

dollar for dollar the gap only seem to widen because the 350Z seems to respond better to mods than the rx8. for example, Z owner can pick up 18+hp and 30+torque with the MREV breathing mod for only around 450 bucks. im not sure on this but i dont think 450 bucks can get you any meaningful gain on the rx8.

i also think spending mass amount of money for FI is pretty pointless for both cars, its smarter to just save the money toward buying a better car.

450 bucks will get you a used emanage ultimate good for atleast 15 WHP if you tune it right!

Can you really getter a better car for 10k more than an RX8 with 300-350 HP ?

Depends on what you're looking for... If you want better overall performance, yes. If you want more practicality, yes. If you want more reliablity, yes. If you want more luxurious, yes.

Oh god, not again. What the hell are you smoking? Couple hundred pounds? They might be up your :bootyshak maybe.

Let's do some simple math here, a 2004 base RX-8 is 3024lbs, a similar equipped Nissan 350Z is 3198lbs. A difference of 174lbs. While it might seem like a lot, but look at it this way.

RX-8 DOESN'T come equipped with a spare tire, a spare tire on the Z is nearly 30lbs. On top of that, the Z has a gas tank that is nearly 4 gallons bigger. You are talking about 40-50lbs of weight that can be easily removed in order to compare them from an equal point of view. 130lbs for 50hp isn't all that much of a weight penalty

The only problem with that logic is that the 350's weight is about 200 pounds more than you're quoting it.

3200? Most curb weights for the 350Z I've seen are usually at least 3320+.

200lbs? I have a 2004 RX-8 and 2004 350Z in the driveway right now. According to the brochure, a regular RX-8 is 3024lbs, an Enthuiast Z is 3198lbs. (base is even lighter). How is that 200lbs? Also add a spare tire on the RX-8 if you want to compare equipment to equipment. Last time I checked, I can remove the spare pretty easy at the track....

I did the same, 100% agree with you. Finally someone making sense here.

I think the 2006 Z is heavier than the older models. 03 - 05 were in the 3200 lb range. They supposedly added some sound deadening material in the new one.

http://www.automobilemag.com/am/2004...fications.html

This is a 2004 spec. The 06+ are heavier, but I was talking about 2003-2005. The 2006 has 300hp, but a bunch of other BS in it.