Fifth Gear: Latest Nissan 350Z vs Latest Mazda RX-8 (August 18th, 2008)

[JasonCA]

Hey Everyone ...

Did anyone get to see the Nissan 350Z face off between the Mazda RX-8 on Fifth Gear that aired on August 18th, 2008? I've seen many threads here where others questions which car to get...blah blah blah....the Nissan 350z or the Mazda RX-8; with people weighing the pro's and cons. However, it's always best when the test results come from a better source (Fifth Gear, Top Gear, Car and Driver magazine, ...etc); ok, well maybe it's not EXACTLY better. But, it sure is fun watching!

Considering that most of us have 350z's here (I being one that has the new HR version) I thought I would summarize the results from their face to face challenge. However, if anyone watches the BBC hopefully they will get to catch it!

On the show, the Nissan 350z faces off on a few track laps against the Mazda RX-8.

In regards to the 350z: Tiff says, "It just gots this wonderful meaty feel about everything: the steering is a bit heavy and chunky, but loads of feedback from the wheel. The engine is torque and powerful and grunty. The breaks are so impressive. The manual six speed gearbox clicks from one gear to the other."

The 350z “laps in 33.32 seconds.”

"Time for the RX-8 and it's retched-beeping-rev-limiter"

In regards to the RX-8: Tiff says, "The first impression to the Nissan is that it gives a much better ride over this ribbed concrete track. There is less kick through the steering. The whole handling is more balanced and more poised. But of course you are lacking the power and your are lacking the torque. So fact: to get the most performance you need the revs high to keep the power up. This is going to be an interesting battle between a very neutrally well balanced car and the wild thing that is the Nissan"

"Start the clock!"

"1st checkpoint the Mazada is 0.04 seconds down!"

"At the 2nd spit the gap has risen to 0.78 seconds!"

Final Results:

"The RX-8 completes the lap in 44.51 seconds ; 01.19 behind the 350 zed ".

Now doesn't your 350z give you nice fuzzies?

Jason

[Silver_Z33]

Yeah i dont think anyone needed fifth gear to tell us the Z is a better car than an rx8. Especially bc they've been compared at least 1000 times. The rx8 is ugly, has reliability issues, burns oil and just isn't as nice a car. Im happy you put all those smiley faces and the 7up guy in your post though it makes this thread different from the other 12874817 threads about 350z vs rx8. Way to be.

[Blk03G35]

RX8 would be so sweet with a factory turbo

[Faboo]

Originally Posted by Blk03G35

RX8 would be so sweet with a factory turbo

dude havent u read the FAQ's on this site....

u cant say anything intelligent or even positive about the rx8.....or perma ban

[NISMO_558]

oh man, this is going to turn into another 350z vs. rx-8 thread.

[Arnold K.]

33 and 44 seconds is a difference of 11 seconds. Which is it?

[Arnold K.]

Nevermind: It's 43 seconds vs. 44 seconds.

Here's the vid.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/F...-vs_178134.htm

[norapat01]

New bumper on the RX-8 looks kinda nice...

[Arnold K.]

I agree. I personally think it's a very good looking car. It's just really down on power. A Speed version would be some serious win.

[350Zdj]

Z ftmfw!

that's why there's so many Z-haters out there. LOL!

[JJ350]

lol, this should shut up many of the RX8 fanboys

[black06z]

I don't think I've heard of one Rx-8 owner that says his car can blow away the Z. I actually think this Rx-8 looks pretty nice. They really need to dump a bigger engine in there.

[rotchcrocket04]

Originally Posted by black06z

I don't think I've heard of one Rx-8 owner that says his car can blow away the Z. I actually think this Rx-8 looks pretty nice. They really need to dump a bigger engine in there.

It would have been a very difficult choice between that and the Z if the RX-8 produced 280-300+ hp on a factory turbo.


OP: Thanks for letting us know, but I think most of us know the Z is a better car.

[KManZ]

Ok, silly question here, but why is there a HP difference between our US Zed and the British Zed? 306hp vs. 309bhp? Noticed that Tiff says "brake horsepower", whereas we say just "horsepower".

[My350P]

Originally Posted by KManZ

Ok, silly question here, but why is there an HP difference between our US Zed and the British Zed? 306hp vs. 309bhp? Noticed that Tiff says "brake horsepower", whereas we say just "horsepower".

I would assume it is due to different emissions regulations. Not too uncommon.

American car companies never specify BHP or WHP, probably due to the general population not knowing the difference.

[gregom]

Originally Posted by Silver_Z33

Yeah i dont think anyone needed fifth gear to tell us the Z is a better car than an rx8. Especially bc they've been compared at least 1000 times. The rx8 is ugly, has reliability issues, burns oil and just isn't as nice a car. Im happy you put all those smiley faces and the 7up guy in your post though it makes this thread different from the other 12874817 threads about 350z vs rx8. Way to be.

Ahh, how little you know...

Seriously though looks are in the eyes of the beholder. As for reliability they have sorted that out. And burns oil, yes... yes it does. But as long as you are aware of it it's not a big deal, thats just the way the engine works. And what do you mean it just isn't a nice car? There are many, including plenty of Z owners that would say the RX-8 is a nicer car than the 350Z. Maybe not as powerful, but nicer. Most people when they say a car is nice they are referring to its overall looks, comfort, interior quality, etc.

Personally I don't find the RX-8 very comfortable, seating position is too high and not enough side bolster for hard cornering. But I think the interior feels and looks nicer. But I like the looks of the Z interior as well, and its raw functionality, but it feels a bit plasticy in areas.

Regardless its all comes down to what you like. I like things in my life to be thick, and the 350Z is very thick...

[Silver_Z33]

Originally Posted by gregom

Ahh, how little you know...

Seriously though looks are in the eyes of the beholder. As for reliability they have sorted that out. And burns oil, yes... yes it does. But as long as you are aware of it it's not a big deal, thats just the way the engine works. And what do you mean it just isn't a nice car? There are many, including plenty of Z owners that would say the RX-8 is a nicer car than the 350Z. Maybe not as powerful, but nicer. Most people when they say a car is nice they are referring to its overall looks, comfort, interior quality, etc.

Personally I don't find the RX-8 very comfortable, seating position is too high and not enough side bolster for hard cornering. But I think the interior feels and looks nicer. But I like the looks of the Z interior as well, and its raw functionality, but it feels a bit plasticy in areas.

Regardless its all comes down to what you like. I like things in my life to be thick, and the 350Z is very thick...

The RX-8 is just not as nice a car. My friend had one, it sucked and he maintained it really well. Youre dead on about the seating position in that car its ridiculously bad.

[WhiteNoiz]

Originally Posted by Silver_Z33

Way to be.

Way to be a complete dick.

OP, thanks for sharing, I didn't catch that because I dont have cable, nor do I watch TV. I find the reviews interesting, especially if they're new.

[Silver_Z33]

Originally Posted by WhiteNoiz

Way to be a complete dick.

OP, thanks for sharing, I didn't catch that because I dont have cable, nor do I watch TV. I find the reviews interesting, especially if they're new.

I was only messin with him a little, reading it now, it does come off a bit cold but lets not get too serious about it. You cant say its not true though, there have been so many comparisons and threads about the two cars its a little outdated at this point. I never mind seeing a Z out perform another car but i think its been solidified that the rx-8 isn't in the z's class at this point. So lets not get into a stupid argument over nothing and start insulting one another, its kinda pointless.

[h2kSPiG]

If Mazda was smart they would take their best engine, 2.3L turbo, and put it in their "best" sports car, the RX-8. That would be a much more reliable and all around better car.

The Z was meant to the a cheap "jack of all trades". Handle pretty well, have good power, still be reasonably functional for what it is, but isn't excellent in any one category. Most other cars anywhere near the price range lack one thing or another completely.

The RX-8 may have better utility with its back seat and fold door things, but the engine is not nearly as powerful or reliable as it needs to be. It is just different in its design.