DaveTroupe

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?

Apostle

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

Rotarctica

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.

XDEEDUBBX

oh boy

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

Rotarctica

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

dmp

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

VRZOOMZOOM

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.

maxxdamigz

iTrader: (1)

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

no dice

XDEEDUBBX

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

Rotarctica

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

Rhythmic

funny

Socr8tes

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

Raptor2k

Buy an STi and abuse him.

playdoh43

take it to the twisties?

alfy28

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

Red Devil

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.

DaveTroupe

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.

CAM427R

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.

UFGator12

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.

CarAndDriver

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

bruce_van

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!

KoHC

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.

TheKeyboardDemon

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.

HolyCross05

hi