http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...9/pageId=57427

So, let's review the review:

- They got a Track Z with track suspension and larger wheels and they complain about the ride.

- They admit the Z is faster in a straight line, in the corners, through the slalom.

- They complain about the Z's interior. I'm sorry, I forgot the Z was a luxury cruiser not a sports-car.

- They fault the engine for not being "peaky" and praise the rotary for having a rush of power and then they call the 8 a better daily-driver.

Wow. Nothing against RX-8s, they're very nice looking cars and very civilized sports-cars but they're definately not better weekend-cruisers.

 

agreed

 

I downloaded a TopGear Video where both cars were tested out and compared and similar results were given. The 2003 Z was even given a gade of C- ! What was that about?

 

i think the 8s are ugly as chit...that is why they are always checking my car out when i drive by....and they cant sell them worth a damn.brand new for 23, around here...bahahaha

 

Clarkson's a tool but he was right on some of the facts.

Yes, the Z's have a cheap interior.

Yes, the Z is fairly noisy.

Yes, the Z isn't very comfortable.

Yes, the Z isn't practical at all.

Yes, the Z is a sports-car, and if you're judging a sports-car by those marks then everything from a 911 to a Ferrari 360, sucks.

 

Another reason why they think the RX-8 is a "better sports car" is because of "its ability to pose as both track star and commuter car". I didin't know a sports car has to look like a commuter car.

 

Good point. That's why I still need to go test drive the Z and see if that matters to me.

 

yet Top Gear still gave the Z their "Car of the Year" award last year....go figure.

 

It will come down a very fundamental question... do you enjoy driving?

If you do, yes, you will enjoy the Z. If you drive to just get from A to B, you will absolutely hate the Z (or any sports-car).

 

I enjoy driving a MT. My '97 Eclipse is MT and I enjoy driving it, even though it is really underpowered. I know the Eclipse doesn't compare to the Z, but I'm sure it can only be a better experience.

 

My Z is my daily driver and it does the job just fine.

I think the seats are comfortable enough....

If they think the 8 is so much better on the daily drive, then I guess they didnt compare the MPG's. I keep reading and hearing that the Rx8 gets in the teens...

 

I am not a big guy, but when I test drive the RX-8, a 15 mins. is enough to feel how cramp its interior space is. Go figure.
Other than the lack of lumbar support, the Z's seat fits me pretty well.

 

Has the interior build quality changed on the Z from the 2003 to the 2005? Or is it basically the same?

 

I think they use midgets as test drivers. (6'2" and will not fit)

 

There IS such a thing as too much horsepower.

(Unless you're into stop-light races).

 

Shortly after I bought my '03 CS Track I drove to my physical therapy appointment at the hospital (motorcycle crash), and as luck would have it, I parked right next to a new silver RX-8.

As I walked away I turned and looked back at both cars. What a difference! Now I know that looks are subjective, but boy was I glad I owned the Z and not the RX. The Mazda was all bumps and bubbles while the Z just said "built for driving fast". Appearance isn't everything, but it sure is something!

Two years later I love the Z even more...stiff suspension, flat engine, and all.

 

When I bought my Z, I test drove the RX8 first.So I had no basis to compare. I did not like the 8"s sound, handling or inside room. Then I test drove the Z. The RX8 then became a childs pedal car. My first sports car was a XK120 drop top. I have had every thing since from a Vette to a TR6 to an original mini cooper. The Z can hold its head up high because it is a member of that group. If you just want a car buy a RX8. If you want a true sports car then its a Z.

 

IMO you can't even compare the rx-8 to the 350z

When I drove the 8, it had no power at all, after 2 mins, I wanted to get out

Someone said it correctly, it poses as a sports car...yet its far from it

and without a body kit, it looks horrible

 

I concur.
I recently picked up my 05 enthus.
And i was also looking at other cars
Rx8 , C320 , Etc..
The rx8 has no *****. Plain and simple..
Another downside in my opinion was the rotary engine. Not much experience there compared to piston motors. Also, I did not want the rear seats.. Hell no i am not going to be anyones chauffeur

 

Top Gear, the UK magazine, loves the Z. The only person at Top Gear who doesn't like it is Jeremy Clarkson (who is on the TV). He holds quite a lot of sway in the UK, and a lot of people remembered his bad report on the Z. In the actual head to head report in Top Gear Magazine (Audi TT, Crossfire and Zed), they said that nothing came close to the Z.