Nissan 350Z vs. Mazda RX8
08-02-2002, 06:43 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nissan 350Z vs. Mazda RX8
I think this is a comparison alot of us are waiting for. I'm giving it to the Z, but you know that this match up will be very closely looked at and there will be many different opinions. Around same price I htink almost same performanceZ wins there, but RX8 got 4 seats I odn't care but some people do.
What are your thoughts ?
What are your thoughts ?
08-02-2002, 07:49 PM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Down South
Posts: 4,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Rx8 is not meant to compete with the 350Z. Even Mazda admits this. The RX-8 is a sporty sedan; the 350Z is a sports coupe. Mazda has been hinting that they will back the RX7 to compete with the Z. They'd be crazy not to. I think they're 2-3 years behind where they should be.
08-02-2002, 07:54 PM
#4
New Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're wasting your time...too many unknown variables. We'll see when both cars are out and they can run head to head. Any comparisons at this point are...well, pointless.
Trending Topics
08-02-2002, 08:38 PM
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: SC
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Those taillights remind me of a moth with markings on the upper wings that look like eyes to discourage predators. But, if the predator is not fooled, there is an easy meal.
08-02-2002, 08:42 PM
#11
SPECIFICATIONS
Major Specifications of the new RX-8
Dimensions Overall length 4,425mm
Overall width 1,770mm
Overall height 1,340mm
Wheelbase 2,700mm
Track (front/rear) 1,500mm/1,510mm
Seating capacity 4 persons
Engine Type Water-cooled, two-rotor
Transmission Type 6-speed manual
Suspension Type (front/rear) Double-wishbone/Multi-link
Brakes Type (front & rear) Ventilated disc
Tires & wheels Tires (front & rear) 225/45ZR18
Wheels (front & rear) 18×8JJ
Mazda's new RX-8 stands tall, on 4 "17 (inch) wheels.
The RX-8 employs an innovative "Freestyle Door System" without central pillars, which provides easier access to the rear seats than that offered by conventional sedans out on the roads today. The large front door features a new and innovative double-action hinge: first the door extends out and forward, then it rotates to open. The rear doors are rear-hinged and open 90 degrees, creating a wide opening area for easy access and exiting.
The RENESIS, Mazda's new-generation rotary engine, is mounted on the RX-8. The RENESIS stands for "The RE (Rotary Engine)'s GENESIS" or the rotary engine for the new millennium. The engine produces horsepower of 250 @ 8500 rpm , the highest power density ever achieved by a naturally aspirated rotary engine for a road-going automobile. The RENESIS is designed to qualify for stringent emission standards, by greatly reducing major pollutants in the exhaust gas to very low levels.
Not much on the Rx-8, but here is some info that i have found. What i like most about the Rx-8 is that they are finally starting to bring the retired sport cars back. I like to see change and new items added to the market. Gives everyone something new to look at and maybe enjoy. Different strokes for different fokes.
Cant wait for my Z though
Major Specifications of the new RX-8
Dimensions Overall length 4,425mm
Overall width 1,770mm
Overall height 1,340mm
Wheelbase 2,700mm
Track (front/rear) 1,500mm/1,510mm
Seating capacity 4 persons
Engine Type Water-cooled, two-rotor
Transmission Type 6-speed manual
Suspension Type (front/rear) Double-wishbone/Multi-link
Brakes Type (front & rear) Ventilated disc
Tires & wheels Tires (front & rear) 225/45ZR18
Wheels (front & rear) 18×8JJ
Mazda's new RX-8 stands tall, on 4 "17 (inch) wheels.
The RX-8 employs an innovative "Freestyle Door System" without central pillars, which provides easier access to the rear seats than that offered by conventional sedans out on the roads today. The large front door features a new and innovative double-action hinge: first the door extends out and forward, then it rotates to open. The rear doors are rear-hinged and open 90 degrees, creating a wide opening area for easy access and exiting.
The RENESIS, Mazda's new-generation rotary engine, is mounted on the RX-8. The RENESIS stands for "The RE (Rotary Engine)'s GENESIS" or the rotary engine for the new millennium. The engine produces horsepower of 250 @ 8500 rpm , the highest power density ever achieved by a naturally aspirated rotary engine for a road-going automobile. The RENESIS is designed to qualify for stringent emission standards, by greatly reducing major pollutants in the exhaust gas to very low levels.
Not much on the Rx-8, but here is some info that i have found. What i like most about the Rx-8 is that they are finally starting to bring the retired sport cars back. I like to see change and new items added to the market. Gives everyone something new to look at and maybe enjoy. Different strokes for different fokes.
Cant wait for my Z though
08-02-2002, 08:45 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: In a Village!
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by olzilver
Those taillights remind me of a moth with markings on the upper wings that look like eyes to discourage predators. But, if the predator is not fooled, there is an easy meal.
Those taillights remind me of a moth with markings on the upper wings that look like eyes to discourage predators. But, if the predator is not fooled, there is an easy meal.
08-02-2002, 08:58 PM
#15
Well it does have a 50:50 weight distrubution. Thats one thing it has up on the 350z. But it is truly ugly. The front just does not match the back its almost two different cars.
RX-8's responsive handling and performance deliver driving pleasure far beyond the normal. A key factor in achieving the RX-8's unrivaled performance and superb handling is its light weight, perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution, and low yaw-inertia moment and center of gravity.
The front-midship layout is further enhanced by RENESIS, the next-generation rotary engine. Naturally aspirated, the RENESIS is smaller and lighter than Mazda's previous turbo rotary engine (13B-REW), and it is only 338mm high, the same as the transmission. This made it possible to mount the engine about 60mm further rearward and some 40mm lower than in the RX-7, which already has the engine's center of gravity behind the front axle.
As a result, RX-8 has perfect 50:50 front/rear weight distribution, a low yaw-inertia moment and a center of gravity the same as the RX-7. In addition, the RX-8 realizes nimble, controllable performance and stable high-speed handling thanks to its 2,700mm wheelbase.
RENESIS, the key to the RX-8's front-midship layout, features a side-intake, side-exhaust layout, with the exhaust ports moved to the side housing of the rotor chamber. This allows the size of the ports to be freely set, resulting in an expanded air-intake port area _ 30% larger than in conventional rotary engines _ greatly improving intake resistance and contributing to the high maximum output targets of 184kW (250PS)/8,500rpm and maximum torque of 216Nm (22.0kg-m)/7,500rpm even with natural aspiration.
In addition, the adoption of dual exhaust ports for each chamber achieves twice the port area of conventional designs and also allows exhaust port timing to be delayed for increased thermal efficiency in the expansion process. Unburned hydrocarbons are retained for combustion in the next cycle, which greatly reduces emissions. A three-stage induction system, featuring shutter valves at the intake ports of each rotor, utilize the incoming air's dynamic charge effect and improve filling efficiency, while twin electronic throttles precisely and flexibly control the valve operation. Furthermore, a wet-sump lubrication system with oil-pan height just half that of conventional designs also reduced engine size and weight.
RX-8's responsive handling and performance deliver driving pleasure far beyond the normal. A key factor in achieving the RX-8's unrivaled performance and superb handling is its light weight, perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution, and low yaw-inertia moment and center of gravity.
The front-midship layout is further enhanced by RENESIS, the next-generation rotary engine. Naturally aspirated, the RENESIS is smaller and lighter than Mazda's previous turbo rotary engine (13B-REW), and it is only 338mm high, the same as the transmission. This made it possible to mount the engine about 60mm further rearward and some 40mm lower than in the RX-7, which already has the engine's center of gravity behind the front axle.
As a result, RX-8 has perfect 50:50 front/rear weight distribution, a low yaw-inertia moment and a center of gravity the same as the RX-7. In addition, the RX-8 realizes nimble, controllable performance and stable high-speed handling thanks to its 2,700mm wheelbase.
RENESIS, the key to the RX-8's front-midship layout, features a side-intake, side-exhaust layout, with the exhaust ports moved to the side housing of the rotor chamber. This allows the size of the ports to be freely set, resulting in an expanded air-intake port area _ 30% larger than in conventional rotary engines _ greatly improving intake resistance and contributing to the high maximum output targets of 184kW (250PS)/8,500rpm and maximum torque of 216Nm (22.0kg-m)/7,500rpm even with natural aspiration.
In addition, the adoption of dual exhaust ports for each chamber achieves twice the port area of conventional designs and also allows exhaust port timing to be delayed for increased thermal efficiency in the expansion process. Unburned hydrocarbons are retained for combustion in the next cycle, which greatly reduces emissions. A three-stage induction system, featuring shutter valves at the intake ports of each rotor, utilize the incoming air's dynamic charge effect and improve filling efficiency, while twin electronic throttles precisely and flexibly control the valve operation. Furthermore, a wet-sump lubrication system with oil-pan height just half that of conventional designs also reduced engine size and weight.
Last edited by ACEMAN; 08-02-2002 at 09:01 PM.
08-02-2002, 09:27 PM
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd say that in terms of styling, the Z wins hands down. At first, I wasn't big on the RX8's styling, but I'll admit that it has grown on me. The Z is just what I was hoping for in terms of looks. And the Mazda kind of looks "cutesy" or something.
I've heard rumours that its going to come in priced higher than the Z. Talked to Mazda while my girlfriend was test driving a Protege 5 and they said they have a number of deposits already for it.
Are the backseats really functional? I mean, I had a Ford Probe GT once and the backseat in that was a joke!
I've heard rumours that its going to come in priced higher than the Z. Talked to Mazda while my girlfriend was test driving a Protege 5 and they said they have a number of deposits already for it.
Are the backseats really functional? I mean, I had a Ford Probe GT once and the backseat in that was a joke!
08-02-2002, 09:54 PM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This probably doesn't help people in the US but from what I've heard from Mazda was that the RX8 would just just above what the Z is.
Here in Canada, we only have the Performance, Touring (auto) and Track models available. Track is listed at $46500 and the other two are $44900 CAD.
The Mazda dealer I spoke with tended to think that the RX8 would come in around $46K. Purely speculative though.
Here in Canada, we only have the Performance, Touring (auto) and Track models available. Track is listed at $46500 and the other two are $44900 CAD.
The Mazda dealer I spoke with tended to think that the RX8 would come in around $46K. Purely speculative though.
08-02-2002, 10:15 PM
#20
Registered User
Join Date: May 2002
Location: maryland
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
those are nice pictures but are almost surely not production ready, that is either a computer rendition or a show car. Look at the cross drilled brakes, exhaust in rear bumper. Remember the early pictures of the Z with no antenna different wheels, different interior trim. I just think when the real car comes out it will be a little different. Also the pictures provided are the beauty shots, notice no profile pictures.
Does anyone know the expected curb weight or torque (I might have missed that). If it has torque below 200 lb ft it will be less responsive than the Z.
Either way I am glad to see these types of cars making a come back, instead of another SUV/van/ or truck.
Does anyone know the expected curb weight or torque (I might have missed that). If it has torque below 200 lb ft it will be less responsive than the Z.
Either way I am glad to see these types of cars making a come back, instead of another SUV/van/ or truck.