RX8 vs. 350Z- comfort, style, and performance
09-15-2006, 11:20 AM
#78
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Not if you drive your rx8 though a bank's vault, toss all the cash in the back seats, then drive away avoiding the police untill you hit the porshe dealership, inwhich case you toss 3 full bags of money at them, grab the keys and drive away a new proshe owner.
Well thats how my uncle did it anyway.
Well thats how my uncle did it anyway.
09-15-2006, 11:48 AM
#81
Had three Z's
If the 350Z drove and felt like the 240Z but with the 350's power I would have got one.
fyi: I work at Nissan as a service advisior. They bosses & customers always ask me why? No comment. I will be replacing my Frontier with a Toyota when it gets worn out.
If the 350Z drove and felt like the 240Z but with the 350's power I would have got one.
fyi: I work at Nissan as a service advisior. They bosses & customers always ask me why? No comment. I will be replacing my Frontier with a Toyota when it gets worn out.
09-15-2006, 11:58 AM
#83
Originally Posted by zeblien
That is not a reassuring statement Silver. Do you at least like.... FORD?
Funny you asked. Our sister company is a Ford Co.(I worked there also).
The mustangs and F series trucks are OK. Eveything else, PASS.
09-15-2006, 12:05 PM
#84
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What bout the 07 sporttrac v8? My dad works high up in the Ford Chain (get it, food chain, ford chain....) and I almost waited for the new shelby500 comming out. If I had a garage I may have got it just to resell, since I can buy ford's at manufacturing costs.
09-15-2006, 12:18 PM
#85
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I think the 8 and the Z are both good looking cars. I didn't even test drive the Z since I have to cart around more than one other person once in awhile. My GF has a TT and the back seats are useless. Even old people can get into the back of an 8. I usually don't like white cars (who wants to drive an appliance?) but there is a white Z around the corner and it looks very good in white. They are both fun to drive and wouldn't mind owning both. I would bet the Z is a little more costly in insurance also since it is a two door.
I wanted the 8 because of the rotory engine (owned an RX-3 in 72), better seating, fewer of them on the road than a Z, and it just looks d&mn good in black.
I wanted the 8 because of the rotory engine (owned an RX-3 in 72), better seating, fewer of them on the road than a Z, and it just looks d&mn good in black.
09-15-2006, 02:32 PM
#86
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Well well well where do I begin... I used to own an 04 A/T RX8 I traded it back in July and now I have an 06 350z M/T. RX8 is very gas comsuming highway 18-19 mpg with the Z 22-24pmg has 20 gallon fuel capacity. As for handling, the RX8 has the edge bitch can hold on twisties. I like the interior on my Z better. I can actually rest my arm without breaking the center console. I like the the overall interior on the Z better. Comfort is about the same. I like how the exterior look on the Z and plus with the 06 it comes with bi-xenon headlights and led tailights. I only like the RX8 w/ aftermarket bodykits. Z comes with 6 cd changer mp3 stock headunit. I have driven M/T RX8 before and its no where near the Z's performance. I wanted a 2 seater it was either the S2000 or the Z. The S2000 looked small and it's convertible. Didnt want to pay for a hardtop S2000 either. Overall I'm very happy owning a Z than when I owned my RX8.
Last edited by slllygrl10; 09-15-2006 at 02:37 PM.
09-15-2006, 03:41 PM
#87
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These comparisons will never end, so my 2 cents…
Over 3 years ago a neighbor bought a 350Z, and I was blown away by the looks, though I hated the sitting in a hole feeling of the interior. Still feels like sitting in a big black plastic bathtub. But he’d always let me take it out and I remember being really impressed by all performance aspects.
A year after I tried a work colleagues RX8 and was blown away by its “lightness”, a feeling I last experienced in my old Miata. The 9000rpm rush was a blast, I was hooked. But the owner hated it for several reasons, and as a former Vette owner she called it slow, though I watched her when she nailed the throttle, always at lower revs…she couldn’t drive if her life depended on it. She tried to sell it to me, but it was yellow…no thanks.
Fast forward to last year and another colleague and his wife bought a G35 coupe and a 350Z, both auto’s. My best bud then buys a 3 series coupe. After driving and being driven around in their toys, I start thinking about my next one, maybe out of jealousy but I also was fed up with my 1.8T Passat. So why didn’t I buy the G35/350? For starters we had a Maxima fleet car, and the engine failed to live up to first impressions. Powerful, but little excitement when thrashing it. I’d take an inline six anyday. But also the rotary was like comparing silk to polyester, nothing smoother or similar in feel.
But I did like the timeless nature of the G35 coupe design more than the 8, while the 350Z’s rear hasn’t grown on me at all. I was also leaning towards Infinity service. But in the end, I chose the 8 because it was a far more exiting car to drive, with a flick-ability that the Nissans lacked, and nearly all RWD cars in today’s market lack. It also ended up being cheaper, so a very easy choice.
So far, not a single regret.
Over 3 years ago a neighbor bought a 350Z, and I was blown away by the looks, though I hated the sitting in a hole feeling of the interior. Still feels like sitting in a big black plastic bathtub. But he’d always let me take it out and I remember being really impressed by all performance aspects.
A year after I tried a work colleagues RX8 and was blown away by its “lightness”, a feeling I last experienced in my old Miata. The 9000rpm rush was a blast, I was hooked. But the owner hated it for several reasons, and as a former Vette owner she called it slow, though I watched her when she nailed the throttle, always at lower revs…she couldn’t drive if her life depended on it. She tried to sell it to me, but it was yellow…no thanks.
Fast forward to last year and another colleague and his wife bought a G35 coupe and a 350Z, both auto’s. My best bud then buys a 3 series coupe. After driving and being driven around in their toys, I start thinking about my next one, maybe out of jealousy but I also was fed up with my 1.8T Passat. So why didn’t I buy the G35/350? For starters we had a Maxima fleet car, and the engine failed to live up to first impressions. Powerful, but little excitement when thrashing it. I’d take an inline six anyday. But also the rotary was like comparing silk to polyester, nothing smoother or similar in feel.
But I did like the timeless nature of the G35 coupe design more than the 8, while the 350Z’s rear hasn’t grown on me at all. I was also leaning towards Infinity service. But in the end, I chose the 8 because it was a far more exiting car to drive, with a flick-ability that the Nissans lacked, and nearly all RWD cars in today’s market lack. It also ended up being cheaper, so a very easy choice.
So far, not a single regret.
09-15-2006, 04:19 PM
#88
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Originally Posted by DrDiaboloco
So I have to ask... Mazda, who engineered the car and printed the manual, says that you should use those speeds as a guide... And they're WRONG?
Basically that's what you're saying. Every car I've ever had prints numbers in the manual for speed-in-gear, and they're always predicated on some mileage consideration. Do you really think that Mazda is recommending speeds that will damage the car?
While we're at it, what RPM does Alfy recommend? What gear at 45mph? And why? I'd prefer it if you would give me solid evidence (not anecdotal evidence) that 2200-2300rpm in steady-state driving (presumably irrespective of gear) will lead to engine damage.
Basically that's what you're saying. Every car I've ever had prints numbers in the manual for speed-in-gear, and they're always predicated on some mileage consideration. Do you really think that Mazda is recommending speeds that will damage the car?
While we're at it, what RPM does Alfy recommend? What gear at 45mph? And why? I'd prefer it if you would give me solid evidence (not anecdotal evidence) that 2200-2300rpm in steady-state driving (presumably irrespective of gear) will lead to engine damage.
09-15-2006, 05:08 PM
#89
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Here is a question guys... I know the z is faster off the line thanks to the 8 having no torque at all, but once up to speed and the 8 being in its rev range can it keep up with a z?
09-15-2006, 05:09 PM
#90
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Originally Posted by cgvalant
Here is a question guys... I know the z is faster off the line thanks to the 8 having no torque at all, but once up to speed and the 8 being in its rev range can it keep up with a z?
09-15-2006, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by sosonic
The ONLY thing the Z has got going for it is a little more power in 0-60. Put a good supercharger or turbo in the RX-8 and that advantage is gone.
09-15-2006, 05:44 PM
#93
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The Z is faster than RX-8 in virtually all conditions. I believe the Z was designed to perform double duty as a track car. I doubt the RX-8 was designed with that purpose.
If I'm not mistaken, the RX-8 was designed for an entirely different demographic. Supposedly, the RX-8's target demographic was people who wanted a sports car that didn't compromise creature comforts and versatility, and at the same time providing sports car handling, style, and zip.
Let me tell you, there are family sedans out there as fast or faster than the 8. If you must have the fastest car for your money, the RX-8 is not the answer. But if you like to have a great driving experience on a daily basis, this is your car, because the Z probably will leave you weary if you drive anywhere outside of a track.
Mind you the RX-8 (6MT) is not slow and in certain circumstances can overcome even faster vehicles like the Lotus Esprit V8 and the Holden Monaro (Pontiac GTO?) around a track.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps.shtml
If I'm not mistaken, the RX-8 was designed for an entirely different demographic. Supposedly, the RX-8's target demographic was people who wanted a sports car that didn't compromise creature comforts and versatility, and at the same time providing sports car handling, style, and zip.
Let me tell you, there are family sedans out there as fast or faster than the 8. If you must have the fastest car for your money, the RX-8 is not the answer. But if you like to have a great driving experience on a daily basis, this is your car, because the Z probably will leave you weary if you drive anywhere outside of a track.
Mind you the RX-8 (6MT) is not slow and in certain circumstances can overcome even faster vehicles like the Lotus Esprit V8 and the Holden Monaro (Pontiac GTO?) around a track.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps.shtml
09-15-2006, 05:58 PM
#94
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Originally Posted by dynamho
The Z is faster than RX-8 in virtually all conditions. I believe the Z was designed to perform double duty as a track car. I doubt the RX-8 was designed with that purpose.
If I'm not mistaken, the RX-8 was designed for an entirely different demographic. Supposedly, the RX-8's target demographic was people who wanted a sports car that didn't compromise creature comforts and versatility, and at the same time providing sports car handling, style, and zip.
Let me tell you, there are family sedans out there as fast or faster than the 8. If you must have the fastest car for your money, the RX-8 is not the answer. But if you like to have a great driving experience on a daily basis, this is your car, because the Z probably will leave you weary if you drive anywhere outside of a track.
Mind you the RX-8 (6MT) is not slow and in certain circumstances can overcome even faster vehicles like the Lotus Esprit V8 and the Holden Monaro (Pontiac GTO?) around a track.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps.shtml
If I'm not mistaken, the RX-8 was designed for an entirely different demographic. Supposedly, the RX-8's target demographic was people who wanted a sports car that didn't compromise creature comforts and versatility, and at the same time providing sports car handling, style, and zip.
Let me tell you, there are family sedans out there as fast or faster than the 8. If you must have the fastest car for your money, the RX-8 is not the answer. But if you like to have a great driving experience on a daily basis, this is your car, because the Z probably will leave you weary if you drive anywhere outside of a track.
Mind you the RX-8 (6MT) is not slow and in certain circumstances can overcome even faster vehicles like the Lotus Esprit V8 and the Holden Monaro (Pontiac GTO?) around a track.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps.shtml
So track focused means shared platform with a suv, shared motor (the new HR version is pretty nice) and a lot of weight?
Mind you I did not say which is faster nor care, but the 8 can be put on a track from the factory and does well for itself. This 'track ready' argument is lame.
The only STREET car that applies to is an exige.
09-15-2006, 06:39 PM
#95
Originally Posted by dynamho
The Z is faster than RX-8 in virtually all conditions. I believe the Z was designed to perform double duty as a track car. I doubt the RX-8 was designed with that purpose.
If I'm not mistaken, the RX-8 was designed for an entirely different demographic. Supposedly, the RX-8's target demographic was people who wanted a sports car that didn't compromise creature comforts and versatility, and at the same time providing sports car handling, style, and zip.
Let me tell you, there are family sedans out there as fast or faster than the 8. If you must have the fastest car for your money, the RX-8 is not the answer. But if you like to have a great driving experience on a daily basis, this is your car, because the Z probably will leave you weary if you drive anywhere outside of a track.
Mind you the RX-8 (6MT) is not slow and in certain circumstances can overcome even faster vehicles like the Lotus Esprit V8 and the Holden Monaro (Pontiac GTO?) around a track.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps.shtml
If I'm not mistaken, the RX-8 was designed for an entirely different demographic. Supposedly, the RX-8's target demographic was people who wanted a sports car that didn't compromise creature comforts and versatility, and at the same time providing sports car handling, style, and zip.
Let me tell you, there are family sedans out there as fast or faster than the 8. If you must have the fastest car for your money, the RX-8 is not the answer. But if you like to have a great driving experience on a daily basis, this is your car, because the Z probably will leave you weary if you drive anywhere outside of a track.
Mind you the RX-8 (6MT) is not slow and in certain circumstances can overcome even faster vehicles like the Lotus Esprit V8 and the Holden Monaro (Pontiac GTO?) around a track.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps.shtml
Agreed, My Maxima is faster than most 8"s @ 14:30et
Track car? I dont know about that. I'm sure track to track the Z or the 8 might have advantages at either
09-15-2006, 09:22 PM
#96
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What's your definition of a track car fellas? I used the term "track car" loosely, largely based on the hard suspension setup of the Z, much like the S2000, which I find a bit impractical for daily driving.
The RX-8 undoubtedly performs respectably well on the track, and it's comfortable to boot. It's strikes a fantastic balance for the demographic it targets, which is why it's the darling of auto critics.
In the Top Gear track (http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps.shtml), the RX-8 matched the best lap time of BMW M3, the BMW 535d, and the 350Z. Quick.
The RX-8 undoubtedly performs respectably well on the track, and it's comfortable to boot. It's strikes a fantastic balance for the demographic it targets, which is why it's the darling of auto critics.
In the Top Gear track (http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/powerlaps.shtml), the RX-8 matched the best lap time of BMW M3, the BMW 535d, and the 350Z. Quick.
Last edited by dynamho; 09-15-2006 at 09:25 PM.
09-15-2006, 10:14 PM
#97
[QUOTE=dynamho]What's your definition of a track car fellas?
Somthing like the Ford GT(not mustang) or some of the early Jaguars. Car that were race cars first(Track) and then made street legal. Not street cars with bolt on's raced at the track.
I dont consider the Nissan 350Z Track model a "Track Car" just because it has the name. If somone races their dailey driver at the track does this make it a track car? You asked
My two cents
Somthing like the Ford GT(not mustang) or some of the early Jaguars. Car that were race cars first(Track) and then made street legal. Not street cars with bolt on's raced at the track.
I dont consider the Nissan 350Z Track model a "Track Car" just because it has the name. If somone races their dailey driver at the track does this make it a track car? You asked
My two cents
09-15-2006, 10:23 PM
#98
Registered
[QUOTE=Silver_Surfer]
Thanks for sharing. What about the Lancer EVO and the Impreza STi? To me they're rally cars made street legal. Would they be considered track cars?
Originally Posted by dynamho
What's your definition of a track car fellas?
Somthing like the Ford GT(not mustang) or some of the early Jaguars. Car that were race cars first(Track) and then made street legal. Not street cars with bolt on's raced at the track.
I dont consider the Nissan 350Z Track model a "Track Car" just because it has the name. If somone races their dailey driver at the track does this make it a track car? You asked My two cents
Somthing like the Ford GT(not mustang) or some of the early Jaguars. Car that were race cars first(Track) and then made street legal. Not street cars with bolt on's raced at the track.
I dont consider the Nissan 350Z Track model a "Track Car" just because it has the name. If somone races their dailey driver at the track does this make it a track car? You asked
My two cents What about the Lancer EVO and the Impreza STi? To me they're rally cars made street legal. Would they be considered track cars?
09-15-2006, 10:35 PM
#99
Originally Posted by dynamho
Thanks for sharing. What about the Lancer EVO and the Impreza STi? To me they're rally cars made street legal. Would they be considered track cars?
What about the Lancer EVO and the Impreza STi? To me they're rally cars made street legal. Would they be considered track cars?
that are faster than our 8"s
& has 4 doors 
dynamho, you do own an 8? just wondering.
Last edited by Silver_Surfer; 09-15-2006 at 10:40 PM.