rx8wannahave

:D

Hello everyone,

I plan on buying a newISH used car (no later than a 2003 model) early next year (about April). I’ve looked at the following cars:

RX-8, G35, GTO, IS 300, 2005 Mustang GT, tC “the only FWD and my last choice if I can not afford the other cars”

Note: I’m not considering cars like the S2000 or 350Z because they only are two seats and I hope for a family soon. Also the EVO or WRX/WRX STI, while very fast, look too much like cheap cars which they are based on so they do not interest me enough.

I’ve done a lot of research on my top choices (not too much with the Mustang cause it’s so new) and I think all of them are pretty good cars. The RX-8 & G35 stand out as the top choices in the list so the battle is really between them. My problem with the remaining cars is:

GTO: While it’s fast and has a nice interior…it’s a fat hog and handles like one too
2005 Mustang: While it will be really fast and has a sweet AMERICAN V-8…it’s looks are disappointing and price too
IS 300: Nice looks…nice I-6, put it has poor (for the size of the engine) fuel economy and is not really that fast
TC: Looks nice inside and out but is a dreaded FWD car with only 160HP and weighs as much as the RX-8???

So, that leaves me with the RX-8 & G35. From all the reviews I’ve read I can see that both cars are very loved by their owners. The G35 is quicker and has more torque. The RX-8 handles, breaks, and has those 2 extra doors that make it special. Fuel economy goes to the G35 but not by much while the RX-8 is like 250-400 pounds lighter and has a better interior. Rear legroom goes to the G35 but the rear headroom goes to the RX-8.

As you can see the cars are evenly matched and as my formula (LOL, yes…I made a spreadsheet and tried to find a winner with some rankings and highly suspect formula) has shown…it’s a toss up. I think both cars would be a good choice but since I’m going to stay with who ever I pick for the long haul (7-10 years) I’m trying to make the right choice.

So, here I am asking for your help. I wont ask you to talk about the G35 because I know you love your 8’s but please let me know what you think about the following concerns I have.

Rotary’s drink some oil, don’t like the cold too much, aint so good with fuel economy, have low torque, and do not like to be awaken for short bursts like to move it outside the garage for a wash (turning off the engine soon after turning it on). Also, they are special engines and not every mechanic will be able to work on it and it seems like it might be expensive to make repairs on it.

WOW…and I still love the car…let me tell you!

Note: Keep in mind that I think I know some of the answers, will continue to research on the 8 & rotary, and that some of my worries might be a little foolish to say the least.

I worry that when I go on break at work to ship something I sold on eBay (15 min break with about 3min worth of driving before I have to turn off the car and then turn it back on for another 3 min drive back to work) that the car will flood out on me. This is a real world application of short driving that I don’t know if the RX-8 will like. Is this concern legit, keep in mind I’m a rotary newbie?

If I take a trip in the RX-8 300 miles or more, should I worry that I could run out of oil while driving or would I have to give it an oil drink at each gas station?

Rotary’s have only 3 moving parts, from what I understand, is there a timing chain…belt, etc? What are the main things that are different or need special attention for a rotary? What have people done (historically) to improve HP/Torque other than a turbo or supercharger? Could I work (minor to moderate repairs nothing major) on a rotary engine like a normal engine or should it be left to only special mechanics? How is the temperature of the rotary compare to a normal engine…is it hotter or colder, or the same?

I think I have made up my mind on the RX-8 because of it’s looks, 2 extra doors, good back seats, nice interior, sweet tranny, and price (bang for the buck). BUT, a well priced G35 could change my final decision just because I’m more familiar with normal engines.

So…calm my fears and let me know!

THANKS for your help!

RX8wannahave (hope to become RX8gotzit)

klegg

Well, this topic has been covered pretty well here, a search would show a lot of back and forth. Now, I have driven the G many times, when I was shopping for my car, and my friend has one. I own an 8, so I guess I can give you a fairly well informed opinion: it is a toss up. Both are nice cars, and you really can not go wrong with your pick. The G has a classic engine, feels like a small block V, and is very nice inside, IMO. The qualty is high, much better then the Z, and I have not seen many people talking about the tire issue the Z has. Now, the rear seats are very cramped in the G, the 8 feels like there is much more room, and the leg room stat is misleading, due to the shape of the seats. I have fit two 6 foot friends back there with no problem. Unless they are yoga experts, I do not see that happening in the Z.

Now, as to the flooding issue, I have a first run car, and have NEVER had this happen. I do not doubt that it does, I just have never seen it. The new engine flash seems to have taken care of it. You do need to let it run for about 5 minites to be safe. The oil issue is a non issue...the engine uses a little more oil then a "normal: engine, as it uses oil injection to lube the chamber and for the seals. I need to put about 1/4 of a quart every 1500 to 2000 miles or so, which is not a big deal. My understanding id that the engine is very tough, and if properly cared for should not be an issue. It does not use a drive belt, and yes, there are very few moving parts. If you lose a seal, you are looking at a big bill.

I have had no problems with my car, which is pretty good for a first year early prodution model. My friend has had very few problems with the G.

I do think the style of the 8 is better, but that is a matter of opinion, and I do like the G a lot.

My MPG was fairly low at about 16-17, but after the engine flash it improved, and I swear after I hit 13,000 miles it jumped again. Now I average between 18 and 20, with mostley highway, about 75%, and the rest small town/city.

If you are worried, get the 8 with a extended warrenty, which is still several thousand less then a G.

Again, while I picked the 8, they are both fine cars...a tough, but happy problem.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

Not ANOTHER RX-8 vs. G35 thread.......

FX-RX8

Well I came down the same road when I sold my 2002 WRX....I know the WRX is faster than the 8 but its like he said...its based on a cheap economy sedan same as the EVO or even worst because the EVO inside looks like the 13K rental Lancer .... Any ways I went with the 8 because of the looks, interior and handling and also because it had a different engine than any other cars....the G35 looks great also but it feels a little harder on the suspension side and the interior is nice but not up too par with the 8.
Power to weight ratio should be also considered in this comparison. The 8 is alot lighter than the G35.


Choose the right one for you were you going to be happy thats al it matters.

Dan_

Uhhh.... do like everyone: search.

khtm

I was in Winnipeg a couple weekends ago and traded cars with a buddy there. He got to drive my 8 and I got to drive his G35 Coupe. After driving both, I am happy that I'm the one with the 8

The G35 does have more torque, but it feels UNCOMFORTABLE when you drive it. The headroom was terrible. We both had sunroofs/moonroofs, yet I had to bend my neck to drive, and I'm only 6'1''. Also, I noticed the 8's handling and quickness in response to making quick turns with the steering wheel was noticeably better than the G35. This is comforting to know, in case you ever have to dodge cars bouncing down the road like in Bad Boys 2.

That night, he was driving around with someone in the front and me and another friend in the back and the rear headroom is absolutely TERRIBLE. It was only about a 20 minute trip but I left the car with a sore neck and back (I've had problems before but this really made it worse). I've went from Edmonton -> Calgary in the back of my 8 with no problem whatsoever. Rear legroom can be a bit tighter in the 8, but I'd rather have headroom personally.

But hey, both ARE nice cars. If you haven't already driven them, you should go for a test drive and then make your decision. The price may also be a factor, as the 8 is about $10k cheaper in Canada.

TheColonel

I drove both cars. I must say, the G35 is sleek and seductive looking, has a fantastic interior and decent power from that v6. However, I must also say I just bought and RX-8 and 72 hours later I'm still grinning... grandma was right, your face can freeze... :D

Twinturbo2800

test drive both like i did..... G was alittle faster, but thiers somthing about the 8.

the fuel does suck though.... im getting about 13-15 mpg.

spork

I have an 8 (obviously) and two friends of mine have G35s. Looks wise, one looks sportier and edgier, the other looks more classy. I like both cars myself but with 2 friends with G35s and none with RX-8s... But actually Sunday I was behind a titanium RX-8 and I saw a yellow RX-8 going the other way down the street so they're getting more common too. Anyways, let's just do cons.

8 Cons
- lack of torque. low end torque isn't so hot, but once you start speeding up, it accelerates very nicely
- mileage. The G35 mileage is much better than mine. I get about 15-16mpg driving 85% city. I get about 18mpg driving 60% city. Friends get ~20mpg I think.
- flooding. i've never flooded but i make sure to let my engine warm up for a few minutes before driving. i do hop in my cold car let it warm up for like 3 minutes then head to the gym which is only like 3-4 miles away. The engine warms up quickly and once it's warm i don't think it can flood. or at least once it's warm i never worry about flooding and i haven't done it.
- drinks oil. i actually never had to refill my oil and i've gone 1300 miles tho. but keep it in mind that i don't push it often (tending to shift at 3.5-5K instead of the 8-9K that a lot of other people do). so yeah they recommend checking every 2nd fillup but like 6 fill ups later and i've still got plenty of oil.

G35 cons
- lack of suicide doors (loses style points - hey i love the things and ease of backseat access points)
- more expensive
- doesn't handle turns as nicely
- one friend complains that a lot of little things go wrong. he's **** though but he's brought his car in to the dealer a lot to get small stuff fixed and it's driving him crazy. he admits that a lot of the stuff that he insists on getting fixed wouldn't bother most people though so take his comments with a grain of salt.
- that same friend says the ride is a bit rough
- and that he gets too much road noise at high speeds

Rupes

At least you narrowed it down to two great cars. If it makes you feel any better, you can't pick the wrong one, cause they both will do what you want just fine. I'm not here to sell the car though, so I'll just say that you should test drive them back to back and decide which you would rather live with everyday.

-Rupes

czr

iTrader: (3)

As they said read the older posts and do a search. My friend has a loaded G35C and I have the RX8 loaded. I like in both cars is the way they look because they look fantastic, their 6 speed transmissions are excellent, and their brakes are also excellent(although g35c brembos look better).

Pros of the G35 over the 8:
Torque/power is better
Gas mileage is better
Exhaust note is superb
Standard In dash 6 disc cd

Pros of the 8 over the G unit:
Better handling
Better interior
More rear room
Four doors (I had a coupe before and this is much better/easier)
Nice rotary hum
Less expensive
Cheaper insurance

The thing that I noticed the most going from my friend’s car to mine is the G35 feels like powerful machine that I drive and the 8 is so balanced it feels connected to you. The RX8 gets a 9.5 on the fun scale and the G35 gets a 9. You mentioned used so these are 2004 model comparisons, but 2005 models with the G35 and all its upgrades(power, interior, new sport package) might be a different story for the price new.

PS- Oh yea, the analog clock in the G35 doesn’t fit with the car. It's really the ugly focal point of the interior.

Lookey-
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andy.wray/topgear.wmv

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/compa...9/page002.html

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...12_0403_three/

http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...66/section/all

Ophitoxaemia

try sitting in the back seat of the G35 coupe. better be under 5' tall.

james

czr

iTrader: (3)

That's not true, I'd say about 5'7"

LucasET

Just like everyone else has stated, you really can't go wrong with either. I actually would have purchased the G35 if I could have afforded it (with leather, nav, and all the fixings). IMO, it has a little sexier line to it, and I'm a sucker for curves. For what you would like to use it for...I would go with the 8. I had a Probe GT before my RX8, and I can attest to the benefit of the suicide doors, and the seats are unusually accomodating (I'm 6'1")
To address your concerns:
-My Tech said that Mazda recommends topping off the oil every 2500 miles. This usually ends up being about a half quart. Small inconvenience for the novelty of the rotary.
-In a three minute jaunt to the post office, the engine will have warmed up considerably, regardless of the RPMs (though you don't want to go racing on a cold engine). When I start up the engine, I wait about 2 minutes for it to warm up. Some wait longer, some don't wait at all. You just have to get in the routine of starting the car first, and then doing all the little things you do before you head out, like buckle your seatbelt, check your teeth in the rear view, put in a CD, pick your nose, ya know, all the little stuff.
-As far as reliability of the engine...you would actually be hard pressed to find a better engine than the one in the G35. As you probably know, Infiniti's ties are with Nissan. And, you may or may not know, that the engine Nissan makes for the Maxima (and tweeks for several other cars, including the G35) has been touted as one of the best engines ever made. The rotary, in theory, should hold up VERY well. I'm sure Mazda tested the heck out of this engine before it was put into production. They have a lot riding on this engine, and because of this, I'm sure they have made it rock solid. I actually have not heard of anyone having an engine specific problem with their 8.
-The after market for the 8 is a little slim. Racing Beat seems to be working on some items that may or may not improve the engine performance. As of now, there are only a few companies making a turbo, and I'm not even sure if they are being made in mass yet. I don't care what anyone says...but right now, you are not going to be able to slap a different air intake and exhaust on this car and get any benefit that would outweigh the cost.
Hope all this helps.

RX-Hachi

It seems you've done your homework very well. But in case you haven't seen them, both Car&Driver and Road&Track have done RX-8 vs. G35 comparos. Search this website and you'll find them.

Personally, I like the Z much more than the G35. I ruled out the Z mainly because of its lack of a back seat. But the RX-8 was always my favorite. A couple of key points:

- Rotary : very unique, makes the car special. It has its quirks, but you learn to live with it because the rotary is so cool. Just think of it as an exotic engine that needs a little extra TLC.

- Handling : The light weight, nimble, razor sharp and connected handling is unmatched.

- Style : love it or hate it, there's nothing else like it

- Power : if you love to shift and rev, this car has it. Unless you're into stop light drag races, the power is enough to hold its own. Revving the rotary to its 9000 rpm redline is addicting!

- rear free style doors : if you plan to have a baby, believe me you will find these handy. I had a 2dr coupe when my son was younger, and getting him into the car seat in the back was a real pain!

As far as problems, knock on wood, mine has been faultless. The problems reported on this website are really more like first year bugs and have all been fixed by Mazda. A 2005 should have no worries. The mpg isn't great, but our other car has a big gas guzzling V8, so what do I care.

Go with your gut instinct, it's usually right...

LucasET

Oh yeah, I consistantly get 19 mpg in mixed driving with premium gas. AND, the M flash takes care of the flooding issue. It doesn't allow fuel into the engine when you first start up, allowing the leftover fuel to burn before fresh is injected (I'm sure it's much more complicated than that).

Eddyx

I traded my G35 6MT for the 8.

They are both great cars -

The 8 has a much better transmission and a high reving engine. (More fun to drive)

My G35 gear shift vibrated like a cheap hotel bed and the clutch pedal was heavily sprung, not good for stop and go traffic.

Noise in the G35 is a problem at highway speeds.

These are the main things that made me switch, others may not find them annoying, but at almost 2 years I couldn't take it anymore

6speed8

Forget about what everyone says, forget about the magazines, forget the comparo tests, forget the awards. DRIVE an RX-8! If you do not fall in love immediately, don't buy it. It is that simple.

rx8wannahave

First, thank you all for your help and input!!! Sorry for another RX-8 vs G35 article and yes...I blame myself since I normally don't search before asking...sorry about that (but I was...well, not able to be online long enough to search, I actually wrote the thing in word first...)

I have driven a RX-8 and while I could not play with it much I came out of that drive with a huge smile on my face. I actually wrote a review that I'll post here later...when I get some time.

The RX-8 does have my heart but I was worried since I did not have any experiance with rotary engines...so that's why the G35 was still alive in the battle. I have not driven the G35 but I might give it at least a chance to defend itself before I go and buy an RX-8 (GOD WILLING).

The main issue I had with the 8 was that scary 13-15 MPG issue (at $2.17 per gallon for premium...13-15 MPG is not family approved in my opinion)

and

Flooding issue

According to what I hear the M flash fixed these issues and I hear people reach, with NORMAL driving, 18-20 MPG CityISH driving and 23-26 MPG Highway driving. If I can get, with NORMAL driving, 18/24 per Mazda's spec's, then I'll be fine with it...it is a sports car.

All the other little issues, being married, are just part of the relationship so I can take it.

Again, THANKS all of you for helping me with this issue and I'll make sure to seach for some other RX-8 vs G35 stories.

Oh yeah, I've read a lot of articles and so far the RX-8 has beat out:

G35
350Z
S2000
Mustang Cobra

So, I know the RX-8...and with my little time with it, will be a FINE FAMILY SPORTS CAR...if there is such a thing.

Oh yeah, one last thing...

Where could you go to see the technical data on ECU flashes, what I mean is...M flahs did this and that...etc

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE...hopefully I'll be one of you soon enough...

Rupes

You can get 18/24 MPG in the RX-8, but it's quite hard. Most people would rather not shift at 3k RPM, but rather crank it up and suffer with getting lower fuel ecconomy. I get about 18 MPG with 70% highway driving. I wouldn't expect too much more.

-Rupes

khtm

J, K, L, and M Flash Explanation

Courtesy of our good friend, Polak.

grapes

rx8wannahave ----Drive them both on the same day , if you have a family, bring them along. See which you like best. Forget about the MPG, i get over 22 fairly agresssive driving. Still can't decide, drive them both again wait a week , and buy the one that really gets to you. That's what i did, Rx-8 won. It's a matter of personal opinon. By the way i'm 51 yrs old so the G35 probably would have been the logical choice, but there is nothing like the sound of a wankel engine accelerating to 8k, brings tears to my eyes. LOL

Slick8

The RX-8 has better gas mileage than the G35c per www.edmunds.com long-term test:

RX-8
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/mazd...alpage=page001
Current Odometer: 13,412
Best Fuel Economy: 19.7 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 13.2 mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 17.6 mpg
Body Repair Costs: None
Maintenance Costs: $46.89
Problems: None

G35c
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2003/inf...alpage=page004
Current Odometer: 7,230
Best Fuel Economy: 16.8 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 13.8 mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 15.6 mpg
Body Repair Costs: None
Maintenance Costs: None
Problems: None

RocketMonkey68

I really like the G35. My talked my ex into buying the sedan, but I think the coupe is gorgeous. But I paid $24,400 for an 8 with the sports package. You can't even get the base G35 6MT for under 31K, although they come pretty loaded, but thats a big difference that I couldn't over look. But like so many have said, those are 2 of the best cars at that price range and you can't go wrong with either one.

rx8wannahave

Humm...that's kind of strange...I never would have thought that would be true?

But...17.6 is not too bad and I still hear people getting in the low 20's...so I'll belive the 18/24 but I realize that it could be less if I flog it around in the city...

I can't wait to see what MPG I get from it since I can get 2 MPG more in the city than my Probe GT has stated (22, but I get 24 without a problem)

Thanks again!