On the january number of italian mag
"auto" there is a comparison between the two cars:
Both are euro-spec (obviusly)

0-100(kmh)
Mazda 6"79 Nissan 6"09

0-400 (meters)
Mazda 14" 95
Nissan 14"25

top speed
Mazda 231,4
Nissan 252,1

Overall on pure chassis basis (stability, handling, brakes) the two cars are very near (Mazda on track suffer a little bit a softer suspension set-up ,but on the road is quite more confortable)

Nissan's engine is overall better: more power and torque and less gas consumption (important in Europe).

The great advantage of Mazda are the 4 real seats that make the car more usable by most of people.
Audi tt 3.2 quattro is considered a possible competitor (but more expensive)

I think that the most natural competitor of 8 is BMW 330i (w/sport susp kit and 18")

 

Thanks for the summary.

I do not think the Audi TT is a competitor, as it's back seat is ridiculously small and hard to climb in.

Also, the 330 is very nice, but again more expensive.

 

Someone clarify me if i'm wrong...but is 0-100kph equivalent to 0-62mph? Ive always wondered, so someone tell me what it is.

 

Yes, 62.1 mph to add one more digit of precision. 400 metres is darn close to 1/4 mi, too (400m = 1312 ft, 1/4 mi = 1320 ft).

Regards,
Gordon

 

Thanks!! I've always wondered why those British mags always quote 0-62 mph times.