RX-8 Verses 350Z?
11-02-2006, 01:22 PM
#76
i get tired of the rx8 vs 350z threads just like everyone else, but hey it's part of the forum. They are competitors, they should be compared, i'm sure the 350 forum gets the same questions.
11-02-2006, 01:28 PM
#78
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actually..... not really... rx8 vs 350Z discussion is very very seldomly discussed on my350Z.com compared to here. they like to talk about the s2000 and M3 a lot over there though
11-02-2006, 01:40 PM
#79
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well contray to popular belief this topic isnt brought up that often. for instance breake squeal and tpms sensor lights have been getting many more thread starts recently. i mena i havent seen a 350z comparison in probably 2 months.
11-02-2006, 01:44 PM
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yeah thats tru actually... you are right... but there is quite a few threads that involves the 350Z in the general automotive section, not 350Z vs RX8 threads. I start some of them and other people start some of them, and they inevitably turns into 350Z vs RX8 discussions anyways. which is not strange or anything. but if you consider the popularity of those threads all together, it does seem like a very common topic. and every time theres a 350Z thread, the thread seems to get pretty long with quite a few responses :p
11-02-2006, 02:58 PM
#82
Sorry, I just can't resist.
Good list and pretty fair review. I will add that the weights Road and Track posted for both cars.
RX-8 3030 lbs
350z 3340 lbs
That's over a 300lb difference or the same as saying that the Z is 10% heavier then the RX. We should also remember that most other dedicated 2 seats sports cars are in the 2600 to 3100 lbs. range ie Z4, S2000, miata, while most 4 seaters come in at over 3200 lbs to 3600 lbs ie STi, EVO, MS6, M3 ect....
If you also look at the SCCA autocross results the RX-8 consistently beats the 350Z. Of course an open track could show different results. The Z would win on a track with more straight aways but as you tighten into a track where vehicle dynamics rule the RX would have the advantage.
Personally I feel your luck to have access to two such fine cars.
Good list and pretty fair review. I will add that the weights Road and Track posted for both cars.
RX-8 3030 lbs
350z 3340 lbs
That's over a 300lb difference or the same as saying that the Z is 10% heavier then the RX. We should also remember that most other dedicated 2 seats sports cars are in the 2600 to 3100 lbs. range ie Z4, S2000, miata, while most 4 seaters come in at over 3200 lbs to 3600 lbs ie STi, EVO, MS6, M3 ect....
If you also look at the SCCA autocross results the RX-8 consistently beats the 350Z. Of course an open track could show different results. The Z would win on a track with more straight aways but as you tighten into a track where vehicle dynamics rule the RX would have the advantage.
Personally I feel your luck to have access to two such fine cars.
Originally Posted by tmak26b
Before I hit this post again, let's just say that I own a 2004 350Z and I JUST picked up a 2004 RX-8 in the family. I had driven both cars on and off the track. They are both good cars in their own right, what you pick will be entirely up to you. While we can't compare objective items, but there are subjective items that you can look at.
Here are the facts
#1 RX-8 is lighter, but not as much as you think, 125-200lbs roughly
#2 RX-8 RIDES better
#3 RX-8 is a better daily driver with the room and the softer ride
#4 RX-8 is going to net you a better gas mileage on a day to day basis
#5 The Z is going to drag faster
#6 RX-8 is slightly cheaper
Here are things that are objective
#1 Handling (I think they both do a good job, but the 8 feels lighter and it seems to be easier to drive)
#2 Brakes (I am leaning toward RX-8 on this one, my Z doesn't have the Brembos)
#3 Engine (The Z is definitely more power, but you got to love the RX-8)
#4 Interior (I think the RX-8 has a nicer interior, but the Z is very good for a Japanese car)
#5 Reliability (This might be a toss-up, but my Z seems to be more solid than the 8)
Things that are in between
While there are always exception, but I am 99.99% sure the Z will be faster on a race track on a stock to stock basis. The power on the Z is just too hard for the RX-8 to overcome. I actually would not be surprise if you tell me the RX-8 can hit the apex at a higher speed, but overall the RX-8 would get killed down the straightaway. I have been to quite a few race tracks, let's just say RX-8s don't even come close to matching my times.
Oh yeah, the Z does feel heavier, but not much heavier than you think.
Here are the facts
#1 RX-8 is lighter, but not as much as you think, 125-200lbs roughly
#2 RX-8 RIDES better
#3 RX-8 is a better daily driver with the room and the softer ride
#4 RX-8 is going to net you a better gas mileage on a day to day basis
#5 The Z is going to drag faster
#6 RX-8 is slightly cheaper
Here are things that are objective
#1 Handling (I think they both do a good job, but the 8 feels lighter and it seems to be easier to drive)
#2 Brakes (I am leaning toward RX-8 on this one, my Z doesn't have the Brembos)
#3 Engine (The Z is definitely more power, but you got to love the RX-8)
#4 Interior (I think the RX-8 has a nicer interior, but the Z is very good for a Japanese car)
#5 Reliability (This might be a toss-up, but my Z seems to be more solid than the 8)
Things that are in between
While there are always exception, but I am 99.99% sure the Z will be faster on a race track on a stock to stock basis. The power on the Z is just too hard for the RX-8 to overcome. I actually would not be surprise if you tell me the RX-8 can hit the apex at a higher speed, but overall the RX-8 would get killed down the straightaway. I have been to quite a few race tracks, let's just say RX-8s don't even come close to matching my times.
Oh yeah, the Z does feel heavier, but not much heavier than you think.
Last edited by Raptor75; 11-02-2006 at 03:03 PM.
11-02-2006, 03:06 PM
#83
Originally Posted by playdoh43
actually..... not really... rx8 vs 350Z discussion is very very seldomly discussed on my350Z.com compared to here. they like to talk about the s2000 and M3 a lot over there though
11-02-2006, 05:42 PM
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can't speak for the 350z, but I just got my 8 back from the body shop and gave it a healthy redline, and hard corner. That suspension, wow. I thought I took the turn way too fast and then SNAP! It just jumps right back in line. Awesome.
I've also dusted a bunch of 350z's on the freeway.
I've also dusted a bunch of 350z's on the freeway.
11-02-2006, 06:20 PM
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all this reviews pros and cons are so pointless the verdict has been decided for a long time by consumers .. just look at resale values .. its the best scoring system out there and no magazine, rx8, or 350z guru will ever beat it
now assuming the rx8 is a lot cheaper than the z and more at the civic si or rsx-s level, the challange is to figure out whether youd pay the price of the z or get the value of 8
now assuming the rx8 is a lot cheaper than the z and more at the civic si or rsx-s level, the challange is to figure out whether youd pay the price of the z or get the value of 8
11-02-2006, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 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?
If..... I had the money......and pedestrian tastes (let's just say in the realm of the almost affordable).....
I would own.....
RX-8
350Z
S2000
Redline
NSX (ok almost not affordable but saw one today)
Any 60's/70's muscle car
Audi TT
But I gotta tell you that the 8 revs quickly and differently than anything else.
11-02-2006, 07:27 PM
#89
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Originally Posted by hoosier
NSX (ok almost not affordable but saw one today)
11-02-2006, 10:46 PM
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Originally Posted by mysql101
What dealer is going to have FI kits in the 8 and Z on hand for him to test drive?
I am under the impression the weight diff is about 200 lbs. This of course varies depending on model.
By your logic, why have anything more than 50 hp since you only need to travel 70 mph on the road?
I am under the impression the weight diff is about 200 lbs. This of course varies depending on model.
By your logic, why have anything more than 50 hp since you only need to travel 70 mph on the road?
11-02-2006, 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Smileynh
That said. I love the 8. Z's are a dime a dozen. You'll never beat a Z off the line stock to stock. At a track event the 8's do just fine. The Z will cost you in tires.
-NH
-NHI have 12 dead slicks in the garage and 2 sets of worn out brake pads after one season, go figures
11-02-2006, 10:53 PM
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[QUOTE=Hotsauce]
My bad, it should be the other way around. God no, my gf called me and complained about how she saw the gas gauge went down two clicks after sitting in traffic for an hour in Boston
Originally Posted by tmak26b
"#4 RX-8 is going to net you a better gas mileage on a day to day basis"
Really? I thought the Rx-8 would get less gas mileage than the Z.
Really? I thought the Rx-8 would get less gas mileage than the Z.
My bad, it should be the other way around. God no, my gf called me and complained about how she saw the gas gauge went down two clicks after sitting in traffic for an hour in Boston
11-02-2006, 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Rhythmic
I'd like to see an 8 with upgraded susp. on the track vs. some comps. like the Z, s2000, etc. Anybody seen anything like this?
I don't think you understand the problem. The problem with the 8 isnt the suspension, it just LACKS power compare to the Z. I have driven both cars on and off the track, the 8 can fitness through the corners while the Z just sort of steamrolls through it. If the RX-8 has anohter 30hp in it, it can certain match what the Z can do. Also the Z can reward bad drivers with all the torque to save their *** in case they run off the line, RX-8 is more like a momentum car.
11-02-2006, 11:07 PM
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This was probably for a 06 model, which has a lot more stuff than the 03-05. The earlier cars were lighter. As I said before, I HAVE one and I did weight it and I do know the CURB weight on it, a fully loaded one isnt more than 100lbs more. Do I REALLY have to scan my documents, I hate walking to the printer.
Going by your "classification", what are you going to do with the M Coupe? Ferraris are pretty heavy the last time I checked, and didnt the Lambo clear two tons? Weight sure matters, but if you have other equipments to back it up, you can compensate for it up to a certain point.
I am lucky to have both cars and I do have the luck to race many other cars. This year alone I did C55, SLK32, M Roadster, STi, Elise Mustang GT, 350Z, RX-8, C32 and many other slower cars. There are things I like about both cars, but the RX-8 is slower at the track.
SCCA Autox, they are not exactly track event. The RX-8 will be faster on tighter course, but a longer course the Z would murder the RX-8. I do about 10-15 autox a year at a "higher speed" course, I generally kill the RX-8 by quite a bit if I get over 60mph. This year alone I have 2 FTD on a stock 350Z with just race rubber. PAX AND RAW FTD. I did get beaten by .1 sec at the season opener by a RX-8 on race rubber ( i had the aweful Azenis before I went to the V710s)
Sorry for all the posts
Going by your "classification", what are you going to do with the M Coupe? Ferraris are pretty heavy the last time I checked, and didnt the Lambo clear two tons? Weight sure matters, but if you have other equipments to back it up, you can compensate for it up to a certain point.
I am lucky to have both cars and I do have the luck to race many other cars. This year alone I did C55, SLK32, M Roadster, STi, Elise Mustang GT, 350Z, RX-8, C32 and many other slower cars. There are things I like about both cars, but the RX-8 is slower at the track.
SCCA Autox, they are not exactly track event. The RX-8 will be faster on tighter course, but a longer course the Z would murder the RX-8. I do about 10-15 autox a year at a "higher speed" course, I generally kill the RX-8 by quite a bit if I get over 60mph. This year alone I have 2 FTD on a stock 350Z with just race rubber. PAX AND RAW FTD. I did get beaten by .1 sec at the season opener by a RX-8 on race rubber ( i had the aweful Azenis before I went to the V710s)
Sorry for all the posts
Originally Posted by Raptor75
Sorry, I just can't resist.
Good list and pretty fair review. I will add that the weights Road and Track posted for both cars.
RX-8 3030 lbs
350z 3340 lbs
That's over a 300lb difference or the same as saying that the Z is 10% heavier then the RX. We should also remember that most other dedicated 2 seats sports cars are in the 2600 to 3100 lbs. range ie Z4, S2000, miata, while most 4 seaters come in at over 3200 lbs to 3600 lbs ie STi, EVO, MS6, M3 ect....
If you also look at the SCCA autocross results the RX-8 consistently beats the 350Z. Of course an open track could show different results. The Z would win on a track with more straight aways but as you tighten into a track where vehicle dynamics rule the RX would have the advantage.
Personally I feel your luck to have access to two such fine cars.
Good list and pretty fair review. I will add that the weights Road and Track posted for both cars.
RX-8 3030 lbs
350z 3340 lbs
That's over a 300lb difference or the same as saying that the Z is 10% heavier then the RX. We should also remember that most other dedicated 2 seats sports cars are in the 2600 to 3100 lbs. range ie Z4, S2000, miata, while most 4 seaters come in at over 3200 lbs to 3600 lbs ie STi, EVO, MS6, M3 ect....
If you also look at the SCCA autocross results the RX-8 consistently beats the 350Z. Of course an open track could show different results. The Z would win on a track with more straight aways but as you tighten into a track where vehicle dynamics rule the RX would have the advantage.
Personally I feel your luck to have access to two such fine cars.
11-03-2006, 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Huskyfan23
You're only contributing to the size of this thread....
11-03-2006, 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by tmak26b
I will scan it tonight when I get home
As for the scan, why bother unless you weighted both the RX8 and 350Z same day same scale. EVERYTHING I've seen shows the Z as being minimally 300 pounds heavier, as it should be being a shared platform with a heavier engine (although a 2 seater 2 door). My co-worker shares a 350 and a G35 coupe with his wife and I've driven both often, both are very nice but they certainly have a heavy feel to them. Doesn't matter anyways, weight is not the end all.
11-03-2006, 09:30 AM
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rx8 owners are all anorexic lol obssess with weight... I wonder if you guys that have all those options and GT packadge and all that stuff think your car weighs the same as the barebones curb weight? i wonder what the people on the miata forums are saying about the rx8's wieght if they are anything like you guys :p