You should test drive the S2K, i'm sure you're really going to like it. That car fits like a glove, preforms equal or better than the Z and it doesn't have all the problems that the Z has. My $.02

 

I have the muscle built up from my manual steering/tranny 280ZX..now THAT was fun!

 

A lot of great input here, thank you!

I'll do some research on the S2000. I'm really not into convertibles of any kind though, and one big negative to the S2000 is that my girl hates it. In the end, however, it is my decision.

I'll be driving a RX8 again tomorrow, and will try to get a hold of a Z Coupe Track to try out as well. If I have the time I'll hit a S2000 too.

 

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If you're "really not into convertibles"....and if you're NOT a midget, then I can tell you that you probably won't like the Honda S2000. The interior is very tight (Think interior of a F-16 Fighter Jet and you'll get the idea!).

I test drove it and while it's a super nice car and performs well....You'll have to deal with almost no room to manuever inside...and a mad girlfriend (Especially if she has a big butt.....If she's got a shape like Ally McBeal, you'll have no problems...LOL).

 

lol Well, I'm a 5'8" half Korean guy, so I might fit ok. I'm about to leave to drive the S2000, and drive the 350Z and RX8 again. I'll post in this thread what I think, for those that might be interested.

 

If your not into the convertible thing, the hardtop for the S2K looks really really nice. Makes the car quieter too.

 

Dood, how can manual to auto have a 40hp difference. Its the same car.

 

Well You ARE right about the understeer it is pretty massive when you drive the car on the track. On the other hand that is pretty much the cars only weakness when it comes to handling. The turn-in is sublime, the car is great for slalom exercises and really a blast on winding roads. If You are going to track it though you will need to get a set of adjustable sways that allow for a harder setting in the rear. You would propably need to abandon the staggered setting and go for 245 wide tires all round to.

 

The TT is for girls, slow, turbo lag sucks. The RX-8 is quite possibly one of the slowest but still fun to drive cars (unless you pull up next to a Z or really much of anything else at a stop light). And the EVO is the only one I would really consider. It's pretty cool and it is fast as ****, but a 1.8 liter set up w/ 19 pounds of boost still worries me. I'd buy the Z and I'd lease the EVO, otherwise I wouldn't bother. Honest opinion.

 

There is a big difference between the auto and the manual. I don't think it's 40 HP, but it's pretty significant. Also, the RX8 has less torque at the engine than my old Spec V had at the wheels, which is what makes the RX8 feel so slow.

 

The Evo is the best handling car on your list. It also is the most mod freindly (500hp stock internals). If you don't like the styling, take a look at the STI. I had one until it got stolen, and nothing exits a turn like AWD. The S2000 is also a cone killer, but you've 'gotta rev the snott out of it if you want to go fast. With JIC coilovers, and wider sticker tires, my Z handles compleatly neutural. If looks is your motivating force, I think you would be very happy with the Z. As long as you have the right footwork/setup.

 

First, it's obvious what car I think is best. I had choices when I shopped for my car. I ended up buying a Z. Don't expect folks at a 350Z web site to tell you an Audi TT is a better car. It's difficult to be objective when you have a Z in your garage. However, I will try.

The thing about the Z is that it has a lot of power, but not crazy power. It's also a great handling car, but it's no twinkle-toed, sure-footed Elise. What I'm saying is that it's a pretty good all-around sports car, but doesn't excel in any one area - except maybe super **** sex appeal.

I like the other three cars you're looking at, but it would be a toss-up between the RX8 and the EVO. It would be the Evo hands down if it wasn't for it's homely looks. It will be sure to get you all kinds of attention ... from 16 year old boys. The Z attracts a totally different demographic if you know what I mean. Oh, and it's widely held that Mitsubishi proactively searches for Evo owners tracking (racing) their cars so that they can void your warranty. Of all the cars I cross-shopped, the only one I really thought twice about was the RX8, but my list was not identical to yours.

From a more sensible perspective, if you're going to track it, find out what class each car competes in, and how competitive they are in their class. I can tell you that RX8 and 350Z are performing equally well, at the top of their class, in SCCA B-Stock Autocross, but an autocross isn't a road racing track.

I'm very happy with the power and handling of my car after putting 245/45/17 Kumho Ecsta MXs on all four corners. I autocross it, and this has already resulted in a great neutrality. No understeer. My car handles fantastic. Now if only it had a better driver, it might have a shot at fastest time of the day.

If I was able to put the kind of money you seem to have into it, I'd take it from a pretty good sports car to a great one with a few thousand dollars. Get an Enthusiast model, then buy new sways, 275's on all four corners, headers, intake, an easy flowing plenum, and maybe more, depending on when the money runs out - a 3.917 final drive? a supercharger perhaps? Big brakes, shocks and springs are also a possibility, but I think you would see the least dollar / performance improvement in these areas. They're already great. The point being ... Yeah, I actually had a point before I tore off on that tangent about all the parts I wish I could buy ... The point being that if you like aftermarket parts, there are LOTS to choose from to bring the Z from a good sports car to a great sports car. Whether stock or modified, though, you'll still have a blast at the track. I guarantee it.

 

All the replies, especially yours Rosko, are greatly appreciated! Thank you very much!

So, today, I got my hands on a 2005, 35th Anniversary 350Z, 6 speed. Other than the insane freaking markup this particular dealer had ($39k sticker wtf lollerz) I was in love with the car. I loved the RX8 and S2000 as well, but I could not get past the fact that the S2000 is a convertible and the RX8 just lacked the torque I love.

So, I have made my choice. As soon as I am possibly able to, I am placing my order for a black 2006 350Z enthusiast, adding black/dark red/red stitching leather and after a year or 18 months I'll start modding it (would like to keep SOME of my warranty hehe). I saw a quote for an enthusiast on this site at $27980, which is a great price, assuming all the changes for the '06 models turn out to be true.

Once again, thank you everyone for the very valuable input, and hopefully in the next few months I will have an '06 350Z to tool around it.

 

Have you considered the BMW z4?

 

Nah. It's a convertible, and I'm just not into them.

I wouldn't mind a M3 though. ^^

 

BMW is rumoured to be giving the Z4 the M treatment in 2006 with the M3 motor. Translation, dope drop top!

 

The dealer near me covers all Nismo parts and hopefully some other parts (for the warranty), but I also have a good deal of a rep with them.

As far as your decision, it was a damn good one. I have an 04 black/black enthusiast and it is certainly a great deal.

For modding..I saw an article in that "Speed magazine" about 4 tuned Z's, and there was a side blip about a Z with nothing but a catback done to the engine, and an 8 lb clutch/flywheel set, something else, and an LSD putting in one of the fastest times out of all of the Z's tested. Doesn't seem like a whole lot spent, and it'll sure help you in the AutoX.