Mazda RX8 or Nissan 350z

[01MaroIL]

yes, i would only be getting the 6 speed for either car

[Earnhardt132000]

350 to the Z.

[Phate]

350z by FAR. Ive driven both cars. 350z is by far a better drive, more pickup, and more fun. I was terribly disappointed then I test drove the RX-8 on release... so slow compared to the good ol' RX-7.. besides, im not too keen on rotaries.

[JusFlyinBy]

See, I have to disagree with Phate. I drove both cars also. The RX-8 I thought was much more fun to drive. The stick and clutch in the Z, all wrong. Its just not right, I can't explain it. The test drive made me hate the car. The RX8's with the optional ground kit look better than the Z's, and they are a good 5 to 6 grand cheaper with comparable options but is still more practical with the big backseats. The interior is nicer, sportier. Both are ball-less, but the RX8 is worse than the Z.

With that said, I'd look into the G35 coupe because it's the same price as a Z, practically is a Z, but the feel, tranny, and ride are different and is a classier ride. (And you get more horses). You'd have to drive it to feel the difference because even though the Z sucked, the G35 was different, I dunno...

Take all three out for a test drive and it will narrow your choice. Try a goat too while your at it. ;) (Had to throw it in there)

[silverV6firebird]

Both look nice. Thats a tough choice. The Z has more power but it comes with a price$$$$

[terminaldegree]

I *want* to like the RX-8 better.

I have heard more than a few horror stories about the current generation motor. Find a Mazda BB and get some good information from people who own them about whether the problems have been worked out.

At first I really liked the 350's looks. Now I like the more refined looks of the G35 better. RX-8 is certainly interesting, though. Don't see 'em everyday here.

[StrtRacer98]

350z

[Mighty Thor]

Guys don't forget. There's 2 version to the RX8. The ones that you consider slow I think only has 200-210 hp. The other one has 250-260hp.

Exterior:
http://www.wallpaper.net.au/wallpape...%20800x600.jpg
Interior:
http://mazda.jbcarpages.com/RX8/2004...or%20side2.jpg

http://www.roadandtravel.com/roadtes...X8interior.jpg

350z
Exterior:
http://www.dieselstation.com/wallpap...Z/350Z-020.jpg

Interior:
http://media.automotive.com/evox/sti...005/2ca/54.jpg

http://www.steveparker.com/images/RO...r_interior.jpg

[ February 28, 2006, 07:06 PM: Message edited by: Mighty Thor ]

[95fbirdkid]

i 2nd the g35, personally i wouldnt want either the 350z or rx8....

[majeskyb]

I'm going to have to go with the Z car as well. I'm currently driving around an rx7, and while there isn't anything like taking a rotary up to 8k (with the warning buzzer going off in your ear), the 350 to me is a much better car. I wouldn't say the renesis is an unreliable engine either. When Mazda came out with it, it made Ward's 10 best engines for that year, because of fuel economy, power, and emissions. On the other hand, Nissan's vq35 has been on the 10 best list for what, nine years now? Even back when it was the three liter. I personally didn't like the way the rx8's clutch felt. I couldn't tell too well when it was engaging, and the engine is so damn quiet that I almost killed it a few times, and left tire marks others. In the end, just from sitting in the Z, I envied whoever was lucky enough to have bought one. Everything flows inside, and even the padding on the side of the center console is a nice touch.
In the end though, you can pick up a 6-speed gto fully equipped with a much nicer (imho) interior and 100 more hp for less than either car

Guys don't forget. There's 2 version to the RX8. The ones that you consider slow I think only has 200-210 hp. The other one has 250-260hp.

Thor, the rx8 comes in two flavors. The automatic has 197hp and 164lbs of torque(I've only ever been given bs answers from clueless salesdroids) and the manual has 238hp and 159lbs of torque.

[ February 28, 2006, 08:28 PM: Message edited by: majeskyb ]

[Mighty Thor]

I double checked, and you are right sir.