zthang

I don't know if this has already been posted, but i was just at the bookstore and read it. There's been a lot of interest lately on this site about the Motor Trend comparo, so here's another one for those that love these kind of articles. Like Motor Trend, this comparo was a more all-around comparison, but focused mainly on performance. They ranked Power, Handling, Reliability, Price, and Practicality. The Audi TT, Z, and 8 all had close performance figures although they ranked the Z as best (yes even in handling), and the 8 had the best practicality ranking. I usually don't care much for these comparisons, but I just wanted to prove that different magazines all give different reviews. This one gave the #1 to the Z, #2 to the 8, #3 to the TT, #4 to the Crossfire. Read it if you want, it just states the obvious for the most part. The Z has performance and no space, the RX8 has slightly less performance and more space. Sorry if its a repost.

I'm not trying to start a fight or anything, they're all great cars, just showing that just because a magazine picks a car as "#1" doesn't really make it absolutely #1.

Hercules

I drove the 350Z and wasn't terribly impressed but I suppose it's in the eye of the beholder.

If the S2000 was first place then I'd have a much easier time to believe it but some magazines look at 'performance' as a basis more on power than on handling and intuitiveness to drive. The RX-8 fulfills the latter for me better than the 350Z ever could, but of course I'm speaking for myself.

Everybody has their own perceptions on different cars, and even if the 350Z was as nice handling and smooth as the S2000 is (which it is far from), I'd still not get it just like I didn't get the S2000, because I do, from time to time, need some practicality in my car.

That said, I already mentioned that the MT comparo held no credence to me because MT as a publication is rather a sham, and they haven't ever rated a car properly in my eyes. It's just a magazine that is born and bred to accept the advertisements and sponsorships of automakers and then cater to their whims.

I think Car and Driver, Top Gear, CAR and a few other publications still do a far better job.

zoom44

obviuosly, someone there has gone off the deep end

racerdave

hey, there's nothing wrong with that, zthang.

You've got a great car too.

zerobanger

the 350Z has a stiffer suspension so one may be able to pull off higher limits in the Z vs the Rx8 (although this is just speculation). Driving the two cars anyone would be able to tell that real handling between the rx-8 and 350Z is a nobrainer as the rx-8 is better in real world conditions.

As a track car you will need to do some aftermarket work on the -8- to compete with the Z on certain tracks, but on the street where 99 pct of us drive our cars, there is absolutely no comparision.

The Z "Plows" through corners and is not fun in the twisties. I drove the S2000, own an FD and Rx-8 so I know what "fun" is. The FD and S2000 are a blast do drive in the twisties, the Rx-8 is just as fun...but much more forgiving and gives you a sense of confidence that the other cars dont (including the all-mighty FD).

There are those that look better on paper (350Z) and those that look better in real world circumstances (rx-8).

klegg

Actually, you make a good point with this post, in that diffrent things appeal to diffrent people.....thank god we have such great cars to pick between!

scorp76

I'm glad he gave away the ending, because I would have been upset if I wasted my time reading the review. Any comparo where the Z is ahead of either the 8 or S2K in handling is clearly a joke.

On second though, maybe I will read it; I could use a good laugh from time to time.

zthang

I think Zerobanger and Scorp should be best friends...they seem to have equal amounts of hate.

scorp76

Don't insult Zero like that. He's said some nice things about the Z, though they're FEW and FAR between.

I, on the other hand, hate every single square inch of the thing and have nothing even CLOSE to a compliment for it.

zthang

Haha...alright, Zero's cool...you can be the 350Z Hater King :D
Where in texas are you? I saw a Silver RX8 in Houston on I10 today...was it you?