I don't know if you are looking at new or used but last November before I bought my 05 RX8 Shinka, I test drove a used 04 Z. It was fun in to drive with all that torque. I then did a search and read about both cars on the forums. There is a major problem with the used Z's 05 and older with tire feathering. The front tires are wearing out in about 9K miles. Nissan has done everthing (replace tires, realign) with no resolve. There is a class action lawsuit against them. This was as of last year so I don't know if it was ever resolved so just check out the internet if you are leaning towards a Z as the tires on the rear are different size then the front.

As for driving, the Z was fun in the straights, but the 8 is fun in the twisties. Simply, the 8 is a drivers car. Hope this helps.

 

I have both cars, but my 350z is a roadster. I like them both.

As for handling, at low speeds, it does feel like a boat, but at higher speeds, the car seems more responsive. My initial impression is that I could not tell the limits when taking corners, but once you learn the nuissances of the handling, it actually handles pretty well for a 3500 pound pig.

I have the roadster so the coupe probably handles even better, not to mention 200lbs lighter?

In comparison to the RX-8, I can't really compare since my RX-8 supension is no longer stock. But one thing that my RX-8 can't do is....cruise down HWY 1 with the top down....

 

'vert 350z has got to be the ugliest 'vert on the market today. Something has gone terribbly wrong when chopping the top off the 350z.

 

/signed

 

I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME, BUT YOU ARE RIGHT, THAT IS ONE HIDEOUS CONVERTABLE. WHAT ARE WITH THOSE HORRIBLE LOOKING DOOR HANDLES ON THE 350 Z AS WELL.....NASTY

 

The look actually kind of grows on you, just like the RX-8. I thought the RX-8 looked like a big ***** when I first bought it, but I got used to it.

I have a different purpose for both cars, so I'm more into the feel of the drive rather than feel insecure on how I look in the car. Frankly, I could care less what people think, I just like to go drive.

 

wow - grows on you?! But i agree on the "feel of the drive", that's the day-to-day. I must say I think about looks differently. When i look at the RX-8 I see beauty, the same kind of beauty you see when looking at a woman or flower. Love on sight. There are best lights and worst lights, but it has innate beauty in it's physical presence. I Thank the designers for that, they tweaked my endorphins. The Z, not so much - it's a looker, but there's something big missing compared to the 8's style. Personal preference i guess. "got used to it"????? - wow