casual

Can someone just scan and post it? Thats probably illegal huh?

scorp76

If you say so. The G is alright if you like fat asses, hideous taillights, and droopy front ends with SC430-ripoff headlights.

To me it's ugly as ***, and I cringe whenever I see one, which thankfully isn't often.

But whatever, to each their own.

rocketrich

I too found the G35C looks quite engaging. But for some reason I really can't see myself running that thing in autocross. It seems more of a luxury touring car than a "sports car". Granted that rear seat headroom shouldn't seem important in such a vehicle, I was still disappointed with the G35C. It amazes me that Mazda can make so much usable passenger room in such a small vehicle as the RX-8. Actually the 350Z seemed more attractive to me than the G35C for autocross, but the uselessness of the hatch area is a real problem for me. The RX-8 has a usable trunk as well as a usable back seat --- this simply adds practicality to a real sports car. Its great to have the option to take 3 friends someplace or carry groceries in the trunk!!!!

I'm surprised that no-one has mentioned the Volkswagen R-32. Its rear headroom is good but knee room is behind the RX-8. Its got a nice torquey VR6, AWD and a usable hatch. The interior quality is top notch with very nice features. But, its exterior looks really leave something to be desired.

While I haven't purchased my RX-8 yet because I'm anticipating a move...I'm sure there is a Winning Blue 6spd with no options waiting for me to love and kill some cones in a few months! I've always wanted an RX-7 and because I've been patient, now I'll be able to get an RX-8! Cheers, Rich

Maximus

I think G35c is fabulous on the exterior but the interior sux. I test drove it (along with 330ci, 350Z) before my 8 purchase expecting it to be a torque monster...it wasn't. Powerful yes, but not what i expected "compared" to the 8. When i drove the 8 after G it was evidently much more refined, light and nimble, very addictive. RX8 interior is leaps and bounds ahead of the G. I would own both of them if i could though

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

A little thread drift here, but did anyone notice the Elise article earlier in the magazine? They have a nifty chart, comparing the performance of the Elise to the Z06, Viper SRT-10, 360 Modena, and 911 GT3. In the slalom, these cars did 68.5, 68.6, 67.4, and 68.7 mph, respectively. The RX-8 did a 68.4! Heady company indeed.

Oh, and the Elise did a 71.1. All hail the Elise.

LeMans1991

"Where the car feels like an extension of your body rather than an assembly of parts that you glide along."

That above quote from the latest comparison test in Road & Track is all you have to know!

I too, was turned-off by the G35's like of driver headroom ( I'm 6'1" ) which then forces you to tilt your head DOWN in a rather awkward fashion in order to see out the window in an appropriate manner. And after having a Porsche Carerra-2, I simply could not deal with the "plasticky" dash of the G35.

As for the RX-8, I fit Purrrrfectly into the driver's seat and the "heel and toe" placement of the pedals is something that you can tell that Mazda engineers worked on. A true sportscar in every sense of the word.

Can't wait for the MazdaSpeed turbo version.
But it's probably going to be a long wait till the debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October of 2005.

Jeffjett

I also like the G35 6M with Brembo, etc. The exterior looks are really sharp. However, it handles like a pig compared to the 8. Very fast with probably the best 6 ever built. I am 5'9, and I could not sit in the back seat

The thing that blows me away is the negative comments from other car sites aimed at the 8. Given the great reviews given by Edmunds, R&T, C&D, MT, etc., it is amazing this car generates such dislike from others. Is it envy, or ignorance?

8 jockeys seem to appreciate their cars, and other fine sports cars/coupes, but owners of our competitor vehicles don't seem to share that view.

Very interesting.

8pex

Just got my August R&T issue yesterday too. This was an All-Time issue, Rx-8 vs. G35C as well as they did the long term test of the RX-8. They also have the spy shot of the alledged new Miata. I've seen the pic on this site before, it's a Miata with an RX-8 front end grafted on. They also had the JDM 350Z long nose (if your into Z's). Must read issue.

RodsterinFL

[QUOTE]I don't have the article in front of me, but I was astounded at the way the guy who preferred the G35 glossed-over the rear seat headroom issue. This was a glaring problem for me and put the G35 into the "no way" column on my shopping list.

Ditto

I tried to use the S plan on the 8 but was given the "no way" answer. If they are giving it now then most likely they are seeing a lull in initial demand. They have $1500 off on the windshields here locally and used blue and black Rx's right now.

troycee

I like the G35, especially the coupe - but still bought the RX-8 of course, being a total rotor junkie. My trade-in was a '92 Inifiniti Q45 - and I miss my Inifiniti dealer.

One of the great things about owning an Inifinti is that you can drive a new one while yours is in their shop, and it's ready and waiting for you when you get there. You just sign a second place on the work order for the car and away you go. Every Mazda dealer I've gotten a "courtesy" car from, I had to hassle with the trip to the Enterprise rent-a-car office and a wait in line to do the paperwork - which can take over an hour from the time you leave the dealer. But I digress.

I drove the G35 sedan a couple of times when my Q was in the shop, and really liked the car. I would probably have bought one to replace the Q were I not waiting for the RX-8. When I saw the coupe, I have to say I liked it immediately - much nicer looking than the sedan - and I would agree better looking than the RX-8 except from the rear. If I could afford to, I would buy my Girlfriend one as she really likes them as well.

I do agree with the magazines that the 8 is the better driver's car, even with the comparative lack of low-end torque - but that's the price for the smooth, high-revving nature of the NA 2-rotor. And, you can always fit a lightweight flywheel when the clutch needs replacement.

Plus, if I actually wanted to *race*, I'd be driving my RX-7!

s13lover

I found it interesting that the article says "Now, I'm not saying the RX-8 is ugly..." and "Few will call the RX-8's exterior beautiful.." considrering that in the April 02 issue they said "I believe this RX-8 is the prettiest car to have come out of Japan...ever." about the final pre-production concept.

rotaryxlr8

After all the hype, I finally went out and bought the magazine at the local bookstore. I must say I was a little disappointed at what they had to say in terms of how the 8 looks. The first writer said "Now, I'm not saying the RX-8 is ugly-truth be told it has many exciting shapes and styling bits. But from most angles it looks too long and narrow, and those hulking, gangly fenders...yeow!" The second writer wrote, "Few will call the RX-8's exterior beautiful,..." And as far as the results, They gave the exterior styling an 11.3/15 where the G hit the 15.

I think the G is a beautiful car, but what is it they see that I don't see? I think the RX-8 has a lot of awesome features that make it stand out from a lot of the cars they have today. I know I get a lot of looks in my 8 and a lot of compliments...even from G owners.

The worst thing about it is, they also show the upcoming 2007 Nissan GT-R which will likely take the place of the G35, and the hood is contoured and the car is sporting some "hulking gangly" fenders. First things I noticed about the car as a matter of fact.

I guess everyone's entitled to their own opinions, but I'm sure glad Mazda didn't follow the cookie cutter design of most vehicles out there.


1. (Aug 2004 Road and Track).

Haris

Why do ya guys worry about what the megazines say? It's just a bunch of fat guys getting paid to say whatever they want. Anybody can do that. But yes, C&D, R&T, and motortrend megazines are all stupid. I saw one time Z got 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, then later in same megazine they said 5.7. So unprofessional..

RX8-TX

The R&T article hit the mark on their comments:
1. The G35 has more contemporary and classic lines. Like they said, "it's more cohessive."
The RX8 is a collection of lines, and arches, and flares. It's busier, and it would benefit from a little clean up.

2. The G35 is noticeably torquier & more powerful, thus faster in certain areas. Which is in turn, somewhat hampered by it, hitting the scale @ over 350 lbs over the RX8.

3. The "RX8 is polarizing": you'll love it or you'll hate it.

Do I agree with the subjective results? Well....may be I don't, but I am proud nonetheless.

RX8-TX

Did you noticed who is doing suspension tunning on the prototypes?? :D :D

Brandon

5.4 vs. 5.7 is not that strange. The weather alone can make that big a difference.

I'll agree they are "nicer" than some other magazines, but all three have said the RX-8 was the "winner." That means something else was the "loser." And R&T at least tries to point out which car would be better suited for a certain driver. I think that's fair. It's less fair when some magazines flat out insult a car. And here I'm thinking of some British mag (I forget which mag, it's on here somewhere) talking about the Z in comparison to the RX-8 (they insulted the Z).

laferle

As an owner of both an RX-8 and a G35c I'd have to agree with the magazine reviiews as well, giving the RX-8 an edge. There are some other comparisons stemming from day-to-day use that i'd like to bring forth.

First of all, both are automatic, which by nature puts the RX-8 at a severe horsepower disadvantage. This is very obvious behind the wheel, as the G35 leaps forward from a stop almost uncontrollably, whereas the RX-8 gingerly spins its way up into decent torque. The G35 definitely offers more grins from a stop.

However, handling is no comparison. The G35 feels much heavier than it is and the RX-8 feels that much lighter.

Interior quality is, as agreed by the mags, no comparison. The headroom in the rear on the G35 is a joke -- it might as well be a roadster. I leave the seats folded down at all times just because there's no reason to even pretend like it's usable. Interior materials are about the same quality but the design on the RX is head and shoulders above the G35.

Also, the G35 is absolutely TERRIBLE in the winter. I really think the RX-8 with its summer tires would have given my G35 with 17" pilot mxm4 all-seasons a run for its money in winter traction. The DSC system in the mazda is far, far superior to that of the G35.

Gas mileage is identical between the two, which is sad considering the G35 is heavier and more powerful. And the exhaust note on the G35 is amazing... doesn't sound like a stock system... you can hear it down the block and it's very deep.

scorp76

That's the exact same thing I ask whenever I see someone say the G looks good or calls it "beautiful."

That's after I laugh at the comment though.

RX8-TX

As I see it, the G is a very clean, simple muscular design. There is nothing I'd change on it from a stock one. I believe that is why some people call it beatiful. On the other hand, I know people that praise Salvador Dali's work as catalog it as beatiful...I don't. So, to each it's own.

casual

When does this issue hit the newstands?

mdmaclean

I was at several newsstands today, and finally found it at one...

RX8-TX

Should be on the stands right now. I got it @ Barnes & Noble.

Redlinin 8

For those that still havnt gotten it.Heres some pics from the article.Done with my webcam so the quality sucks but you get the point.

1

Redlinin 8

blah blah......blah

Redlinin 8

Next Set..............