for those that don't actually have read the article yourself, the Z they tested ain't the garden variety Z, it's the 30th Anniversary 350Z, with a 300hp engine and highly tuned suspension, and that fancy yellow paint :D

i have a feeling this thing can and have outhandled a stock 8 :D

 

It's too bad Autoweek got a bad '8'. My car has been a dream so far (almost 40,000 miles on it). [knock wood] I've had no problems and it does not consume much oil. I've averaged 22.70 mpg those 40,000 miles. And I love it.

The 350z is a great car, too. But it's ugly as sin, IMHO.

 

I don't know why people are surprised. Whether or not you want a Z or an 8 really depends on your own preference. The 8 has won comparisons between the Z and the 8. But I've also seen the other way around where the Z has won a couple comparos to the 8.

The Z has more power, has arguably better limits for handling, less worries (no flooding and extra oil consumption), and reliability seems to be better than the 8. The 8 is more communicative, has 2 more seats, and handles quite a bit better for the average driver. Seems to me there's a trade off.

It's awfully silly to get worked up over one guy's preference. You might say "hey, they should have both point of views on there then!" But I've seen countless reviews that picked the 8 over other cars without a second opinion supporting the other car.

 

as long as the z has those god-awful door handles, the 8 will always own..nuf said :D

 

It's just as overrated as the garden variety z. In R&T's comparison, it was the slowest (5.6 to 60, slower than even the 225 hp Z4), the worst handling (19 inch wheels, and it slalomed slower than ALL, including the last 8 tested), and had the worst gas mileage (14.4 mpg) except for the 8 cylinder Vette and 10 cyl Viper. And they have the nerve to ask $38,7 for this? No thanks; two thumbs down.

 

You will love this car if it doesn't give you any headaches.. same goes for us members. It's too bad Autoweek got a bad 8. I'm pretty sure it was the first model year out compared to the 2nd year (?) Z car that they were comparing it to.

 

Wow, amazing this is one guys view, and everyone jumps up and screams he is a moron, idiot, jerk, etc... Get over it, this is the reason everyone does not drive the same car. Is this persons article gonna make you dislike your car more than yesterday?

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of internet forums. Here you can talk bad about anyone's momma but don't you dare say a thing about mine. You just have to sit back and shake you head a little.

 

werd

Mine has been a blast to drive, a dream to own, and mileage... well, I just consider that the "price of entry" -- well worth it. How crazy is this: I get 14 mpg for the short commutes I take during the week, but get it out for a long trip, and I'll pull 24mpg -- while averaging 85+ mph... It loves to run!

I did not like driving the Z. That doesn't mean others won't...

 

I think the car mags have to be politically correct. Don't forget, all these car companies do advertise. In general, they try to say nice things about all the cars they review. If I recall, when the 8 was first introduced, a lot of reviewers picked it over the 350z, g35, s2000, etc... It was only a matter of time before the 350 garnered some reviewer favor. Hopefully Mazda will upgrade the 8 in successive generations and the opinion will swing the other way.

 

"as a driving enthusaist....." blah blah blah

his reason for choosing the Z is gas mileage?

Most "Driving Enthusiasts" don't give two ***** about gas mileage

 

For me when it comes to MPG if asked. My answer is, I don't know and I don't care. All I care about is ZOOM-ZOOM. :D

 

Well someone was going to give me a Viper, but it gets lousy gas mileage and has quirks. So, no thanks. Back to my job as editor at autoweek. :-)

 

My choices were the 8 or the Z-I chose the 8 'cause I can take my girlfriend, my amp,cab,and 2 guitars to a gig and rock my heart out(and earn a few bucks). This I can't do with the Z. My friend has a Z-excellent car and a great performance value-will never dis the Z...still prefer the 8 for its balance and communication, and the chicks love it...no regrets...and besides, I like adding oil-gives me a chance to fondle my 8 :D