Matt RX8

Stock RX8 vs. Stock 350Z, on stock tires. Which is a better autcross car?

What have been your experiences competing against the Z?

I'm guessing that both cars are quite competent at autocross and it's a drivers race which might vary due to the course layout.

mike0615

These types of this vs that questions is very hard to answer. the last track i went to there where 2 350z's out there. the fixed up 380hp 350z got 1.53 second lap time while the stock 350z got 1.37 lap time. the fixed up 350 driver was in the beginners group with me, the stock 350 driver was in the advanced group. I was in the beginners group and i got a time of 1.46, i was driving my stock rx8 of course. i don't know how u can argue which car is better cuz the driver makes up so much of a difference. the way i see it, unless u own both cars and have taken both cars out to the track, u can't possibly answer this question. the times are listed in the link below, my user name is RX8Mike, u should see the other 350z's cuz there the only 2 on the list. its a dynamic web page so when u copy and paste the link, u still need to click on event results on the left hand side. then pick willowsprings on 1/30 and select overall results. however i think that if the track has many sharp corners the RX8 should come out on top, but if the track had allot of long straight aways, the more powerfull and torqy 350 should take it. this is what i'm guessing, but then again, i'm only a beginner at this game. what ever the fact is, RX8's RULE!!!!! RX forever baby! ok, got my obnoxious side out of the way, time to let the pros answer this one. :p http://www.speedventures.net/event_results_db.asp?

RX8 power!!!! or RX8 agility, which ever makes more sense.

Imp

Hard to say. No one has seriously campaigned either on a national level, prepped to the hilt. There's Chris' 350Z that's been making the national rounds, but no one has campaigned an 8 on a decent national schedule or at Nationals in Topeka.

That, however, is going to change this year with the S2K, Boxster and BMWs being moved out of BS to AS.

However, stock for stock, I'd give the nod to the 8. It's just a tad ligher, more balanced weight distribution, and better stock camber/suspension geometry in the front... even if it's down on HP/Tq than the 350Z.

--kC

crossbow

It'll all come down to the driver and the course in question. If the course happens to be uphill biased at the start, I'd throw the nod to the Z...if the course is tighter and more technical, I'd lean towards the 8.

Either way both cars are closely matched, and it'll come down to whose behind the driving wheel more then anything else.

conedodger

Well, I know of a former national champion who purchased a new RX-8 late last year and is stating that he will be competing in BS this year. I've also read where people think that the Porsche 968 (whatever that is) will be near the top. It will be intersting to see which car is "the car to have" in BS. Of course, I'm hoping that it's the RX-8. BTW, I agree that course design might influence the results of certain events.

PedalFaster

Who's the former national champion who bought an RX-8?

Imp

Did he used to have a Subaru wagon? :D

--kC

Ike

No, that guy sucks :p

Imp

Yeah, no kidding. He wasn't even a National Class Champion.. just a 'National Class Winner'. That don't count. (does it?) :D

PedalFaster

Well, I know of a two-time national champion who bought an RX-8, then sold it and is driving a 968 this year instead. How about them apples?

Shocka

i dont think one car is better then the other.. its just how u drive it.

I personally think i would do better in my Civic then the RX8.. I just know that car better and know its limitations since ive had it for so many years.

Shocka

but i can say this much.. the rx8 is one dam fun car to autox!

Imp

We have a winnah! Give that man a cee-gar! :D

ULLLOSE

iTrader: (1)

It is good he sold the RX8, he will need to cash to help keep your Porch on the track. btw how do you like those $400.00 brake rotors..... Three drivers in that car at the Prosolo's, have you priced a clutch job yet. Just kidding, should be a fun year. Also expect to see another past natl champ on the west coast in a 968 plus a very quick guy back east in one.
Only bad part is no V710 for us till after all the west coast stuff is over. Oh well, its all practice till Topeka.

J

PedalFaster

I've already had a clutch job done in the name of preventative maintenance -- $1400. If that's what it costs to win, I'll consider it money well spent.

Imp

968s are proven capable. As I've said before... going to be a fun year.

ULLLOSE

iTrader: (1)

What a nice guy, spend all that money so your codriver can win..... :p

BigOLundh

iTrader: (1)

I like how most of these posts are stating it depends on the driver not the car. Which i completely agree with. On any other board this could of been an oppurtunity to flame the Z. I like how we are better than that

*respect





(btw, the rx8 really is better )