I searched and didn't see this posted, but one of the R&T magazines had the RX-8 and G35 comparison test, I think they were compared once before and the RX-8 came out on top. Well the RX-8 came out on top again, I didn't pick up the magazine but it won by 2 or 3 points. They pegged THEIR gas mileage on the car at 13mpg and list the EPA of 18mpg after it. 0-60 for the G35 was 5.9 and the RX-8 was 6.1.

Gotta love this car.....and we do!

 

That's interesting. I love the 8, but geeze, it beat the G35?? I don't know. That's a beautiful car with a lot of power and a lot of options. I may be misguided, though, since I drive an auto :D

 

From the 0-60 times & mpg figures you've listed, I'm pretty sure this is the same test that was in the R&T Aug. '04 issue. I believe perhaps you saw it in the R&T Road Test Annual that is currently out on bookshelves, it's basically a round up of the past year's road tests.

The original article was indeed posted before, but it never hurts to get good press in the spot light again.

 

It has beaten the G35 twice, not only in Road&Track, but also in Car and Driver. Beaten the Z and S2000 in MotorTrend as well. In all cases, it was a RX-8 6 spd, not an auto that won the tests.

 

Oh, it's a round up edition? I thought It might have been an issue lingering since last year so I checked the date and it said "display until April 2005" so I thought they did a re-test.

 

I'm not surprised at all. Most of the mags picked the RX8 over the 350z. Add better ride quality for the G35 coupe compared to the Z but also add even more weight and an interior that is almost as bad as the Z's. And there you have it. Same result for most of the mags.

 

I remembering one of the biggest thing that I read stood out the most was that the RX-8 outhandles G35 & 350Z & it also has a better 6speed gearbox.

 

which goes to show... not everything is about HP.. but then again, these ARE mag reviews.

 

I saw the mag too, it was not a "recap" of the previous test. I read to article.

 

Do you know what edition it was in? I have seen the original artiicle re-printed in some "summary" type R&T editions.

I would definitely buy it if it was a new review.

 

it was the current April 2005 edition.

 

when you stack up everything. i cant argue why they pci kthe RX-8. Better interior, ultra smooth rotary engine. Great chassis and handling, and it does everything for less then the competition charges!! I love my baby!

 

thats' where the G35 lost it for me...the interior screams "grandpa".

 

I agree. And the 350z's interior, while not quite as geriatric looking, is extremely cheap looking. I was pretty shocked when I drove it, especially after owning several 70's and 80's Z-cars that had pretty cool interiors.

Bill

 

I am not surprised by the test. Before buying my RX8, I tested a G35 6sp coupe. The salesman couldn't believe I was comparing it to an RX8. The RX8 felt nimble compared to the G. The G felt powerful but bloated. That light footedness is what won me out on the RX8 driving experience. In the looks department, teh G is nice but the 8 has wild swoopy curves and sexy fenders. I get looks all the time... Gotta love that.

 

It goes to show that straight-line performance or hp numbers aren't everything. I truly believe it is the vehicle dynamics and ultra-smoothness of the rotary engine that really pulls the 8 ahead of its competition in these types of comparos. The interior and exterior styling is rather unique and was executed very well which doesn't hurt when being judged against its competition.

Spin it any which way you want, the 8 is a really cool car.

 

I love the 350Z/G35, awesome cars.....I just love the rotary a lot more, and the RX8 was the one I could afford.

 

Surprising result even with the G35C's new interior and almost 300hp! G35Cs are solid too. Sweet result.

 

The new interior still looks horrible!

 

I don't have the first article but, going from memory, I think the ratings table is the same as before but the write-ups are different. Not sure though. One of the articles has two writers from opposite points of view, one with a G35 bias and one with an RX8 bias.

 

I remember reading a rx8 vs g35 vs Mustang Cobra....the Cobra had the fastest lap times, followed by the G35, and lastly was the RX8.

The RX8 still 'won' because it was simply more fun.

 

the g35 was my second choice
it is a great car

but I loved the rx8 looks

 

the g35 was my first choice
it is a great car
but not worth the extra $10k over my 04MT

Now I'm glad I bought the 8. I really love the nimble feel to the 8.

 

Put one of Richard Paul's shifters in your '8, and you'll really feel some nimbleness!

Bill

 

Geez , I get happier every time I read threads like this - reminds me of how my RX-8 is such a good value!

Even if the G35 is slightly better than the RX-8, the price disparity makes my Mazda all the more a worthwhile "investment."