Here is a link to a New York Times 350Z vs. RX-8 comparo. RX-8 wins, by the way.
http://edmunds.nytimes.com/reviews/c...rticles/101039
/article.html?tid=nytimes.e.....Nissan*

 

Why must people keep comparing the Z and the 8. They are completely different. If you want a real comparison try a G35c vs. the 8.

 

Ok, how bout a 3rd gen Rx-7 against the Z? I think you'd like the Z's chances agains the Rx-8 better.

 

It's the sportscar aspect of the 8. Everyone loves to compare it to sportscars more than coupes.

 

I love the exhaust note and engine sound of the G35/350Z.

 

Geez...

This forum is f---ing awesome! M3 forum isn't nearly as cool as this. I love the comments!! I'd love to see what the Z forum crowd has to say about the Rx8 I admit that I have not test driven either car but I have heard terrible things about the Z's handling. If Popular Mechanics magazine criticized the car for...and I quote, "not feeling like a sportscar". Coming from an E46 M3, I NEEEEEEEED the handling. All that the 340hp in the M3 got me were speeding tix and one VERY close call that almost placed me in jail for the night. I really want to believe that one day when the younger rice generation grows up the Japanese will rule the sportscar market. My M3 was overpriced and there were rattles coming from every corner of the car.

Drellenium: That's pretty cool, I had a Miata at 16 too and I loved it. Just a lotta fun and a pure sportscar.

 

Speed ER Doc,
I will just leave that one alone. But note I couldn't help myself from thinking it...

 

I don't get it.....

 

ufgator,

I started my quest to own an RX-8 back in June of 2002 (note the 02). Submitted my pre-sale request within 24-hours of the emailed pre-sale announcement in January of 2003. So why did I choose a "paper" car over a real one?

1. The back seat. I have a six year old daughter and I was tired of not driving my Miata because is was a "Sarah" day. I wanted an "everyday" sports car.

2. I was on the waiting list for 4 months for one of the first RX-7s delivered here in Richmond VA back in 1978. Bought that car long before seeing one and it turned out to be a great experience. After seeing the way Mazda handled the intro of the original RX-7 and the Miata, I figured that the RX-8 was an experience not to be missed. Turns out I was right. Despite the rhetoric on this forum, its a hell of car for a hell of a price.

3. I drove rotary engine cars from 1972 to 1986. I got a Miata in the mid-1990s because I couldn't afford the 3rd Gen RX-7s. I was excited by being able to drive a rotary again. Kind of like going home ....

4. I'm not a Z-car person. I have never been drawn to the Z styling and the reviews never spoke to me the way RX-7, Miata and RX-8 reviews have.

My advice would be, if you want a roadster, don't buy the RX-8. If you want a car with pure engine muscle, don't by the RX-8. If you are a total sports car purest, don't buy the RX-8 (unless you are into doing the mods ). You probably won't be happy. However, if you want a car that is a beautiful balance of performance and convenience, of fun and practicality, of race track handling and around town errand comfort, a car that always makes you look forward to the next time you can drive it, the RX-8 is for you.

Not a lot of objective information, but you asked so I figured I would lay it out. Good luck with the car that you pick, either way.

 

msrecant,

Put very well. That is good advice.