I picked the RX over the Z-car for many reasons. Styling was not one of them. I really like the smooth clean lines on the 350 and the rear end flows together and is much more stylish than the read end of the RX-8.

That being said, i DID choose the RX-8. As noted many times it is the more complete sports car - backseat or not. There were no compromises with an SUV design on the chassis, the brakes are far superior, the suspension is fully adjustable, the interior is nice - not all hard and plastic looking and the motor has a lot of potential in a small packaging.

 

Yeah, those comments have alot of credibility. Try driving the RX8 first before writing into Car and Driver. I have friends who issued criticism when I bought my car. I threw them the keys and said drive it. Never heard a word since.

 

People often don't understand/appreciate that one unique thing about the Renesis is that it has a very wide power band. While peak torque isn't really ***-kicking, we have that torque for a very wide range. I really notice the difference while passing other cars.

 

I love this car. The most enjoyable car I have ever owned.

But it is a very slow car. Just the way it is.

Grandma in her 07 Toyota Avalon can smoke this car in a straight line if you are not on your "A" game.

And yet, I absolutely love driving this car!!!

 

Are you sure?

 

I believe this car is quick... Not so fast, but quick...
Another thing I suspect is that new Rx8 owners on this forum don't really know how to extract all the HP out of the rotary.... I mean many probably shift @ 5K or something..... without really taking it to redline....
I think one you get used to driving a rotary, the car can do some wonderful things...

 

"Speed" and "fast" are relative terms. To me a new Corvette is fast. A new 350Z is slow. I am used to V8's. Someone coming from a Civic will have a different perspective.

Also time spent with a particular vehicle can change one's view as well. I baby sat an 05 M6 C6 Vette while a friend was deployed to Iraq. It has some mods and gears. Felt fast as crap the first week. By the time he returned this car felt average and everything else seemed slow.

The Avalon has about 280 horses or so from a 3.5L V6. I think it does mid 14's in the quarter mile ( the new ones, not the older ones). So whoever got the jump is most likely to win.

Of couse the RX8 is not a drag car. And it really is the most enjoyable car I have owned. Just not the fastest.

 

That depends on how you define "fast." If it's straight quarter-mile time, then no. If it's autocross or track performance, then it's a VERY different story.

 

give em a break, they're compensating for their cars......

 

The muscle car folks just like going fast either in circles or in a straight line a quarter-of-a-mile at a time.

 

I find the RX8 to be very fun to drive. I think the response is way better than any Z car I have ever driven. I've driven quite a few different model Z cars. I hate FAT mustangs. High End Volkswagens (TT) break and cost TOO much money for the crap they are especially when a turbo is involved.

 

They also don't appreciate the best thing about it.

Smooth and very few moving parts.

 

Even as an RX8 owner I was surprised it won. To say it's not a sportscar is pretty stupid. Which platform the RX8 or the 350z was designed as a sportscar platform? Gee it wasn't the sedan and crossover based 350z. No reason a two-seater should weigh 400lbs more than a 4 seater (not even a 2+2 but a 4 seater).

I like the Z, its a prettier and better handling Mustang. Its not a total package. Its why a Boxster is better than a Z4 even if it is slower, its just an overall better performer in the real world.

I'd still like another 75hp and 125tq.

 

Me too

 

I am not surprised at all with the result. I mean they compared RX8 to a fwd car, heavy V8 car with an unrefined transmission and chassis then lastly 350z which is again heavier than RX8. That article and a nickel will get you a stick of gum.

 

Yeah, I just bought an Avalon and a gray wig. I'm going RX-8 hunting tomorrow!

 

I'm just happy somebody on this site finally called the FX35 a crossover instead of a SUV 2 totally different things.

I've always said the 350z is the jack of all trades, but master of none, but then again ....

OMG, think how shitty you'd feel if everyone you ever talk to says your car is basically a Japanese Mustang.