I recently had the opportunity to drive/use a Mazda RX-8 (Touring Model) over last weekend for a few hours. I was impressed with the car.

Comparing all features, both cars (350Z and Mazda RX-8) are similar in many ways, but there are significant differences. Here is breakdown:

Interior

• The Mazda RX-8 has a more attractive and better “finished” interior. The Mazda looks more “rich.” Although the seats are no more comfortable (actually, I thought less comfortable), they had zippers for removing the fabric, and were structured a little better than the Z.
• The Mazda’s dashboard is more attractive, and I think its layout is better than the Z’s (but, that’s a personal opinion that is very arguable).
• The background lighting on the Mazda dash is better than the Z (that is not arguable in my opinion). The digital readouts (that parallel the analog display) are larger and more-clear in the Mazda. The Mazda is a lot better here.
• The back seats in the Mazda are useable and not uncomfortable (even for adults). The rear “suicide” door works well for exit/entry.
• Oddly, the rear seats in the Mazda are not folding to make additional room. That is probably a compromise making the configuration less expensive. You can fold down a center/rear console that communicates to the trunk for carrying long objects like snow skis.

Exterior

• The Mazda looks strange with its exaggerated front fenders. From the front, it sort of looks like a beetle or cockroach. From the side it looks too long, raked, and somewhat strange for a classic sports car.
• The Z is a very attractive car when viewing from any angle.

Ride and Comfort

• The Mazda is better here (comparing this to a Z coupe). The rear tires are inside the passenger compartment with a Z (and outside the passenger compartment with the Mazda), so the Mazda provides a more-quiet cabin.
• The Mazda’s suspension seems every bit as good as the Z, but gives a more comfortable ride.

Transmission
Both cars (the Mazda and the Z) have such a similar feel that I would guess the companies use the same OEM transmission supplier. The tranny isn’t quite as good as the Porsche Cayman (for example), but is really good.


Engine and Performance

• The Z is clearly the winner here with its much better torque and great hp. The engine sounds better, and I think (again, a personal opinion) provides a better driving experience.
• The Mazda’s maximum is 9K rpm, and its shift points are around 4-6K, so the driving methodology is quite different with a rotary engine.

Tires and Wheels

• The Mazda (Touring Model) has four identical 225 tires mounted on 18” wheels.
• The Z has a staggered setup, and allows many different configurations.

Comparing the Z and the Mazda
If you want a car that you can modify (engine, suspension, tires and wheels, A/V, etc.), the choice between the two is clearly the Z.

I’m sure that there are other points I have not mentioned.

--Spike

 

k thanks spike, and welcome to 2003

 

great write up! I really dont like the exterior of the rx-8 but I loved the look of the interior.
All and all im very happy that I went with the 350z. Best car I have ever owned!

 

Sorry... didn't get the "2003" comment.

--Spike

 

Just probly the same kind of things people were thinking back in 03

 

350Z all the way. There are far too many reliability problems with Rx-8. (My friends a rotary freak)

 

lol this is the funniest thing comment I've seen in a while.

 

Ahh, the old RX8 vs 350Z comparison. Many have been done, so you'll probably get some smartasses here.

I plan to test drive an RX8 just for the hell of it.

 

I looked at both cars in 2003, and bought the Z.

The discussion in 2008 is different than it was in 2003 since the Mazda has changed significantly.

--Spike

 

Yeah... there is no shortage of “comics” here.

--Spike

 

rotary drinks gas like no other too

 

Always good to hear from Spike, he's usually wise.

The thing you didn't mention was drivetrain reliability, where the RX-8 GETS RAPED. Don't even mention gas mileage either, because it's not even close.

Those were the two main reasons I never even test drove the POS. I don't care how nice the interior is if I can break the engine by blowing on it.

Still, it's nice to know someone is keeping Nissan on their toes, to some extent anyway.

 

Yes... You would think that a rotary would get better mpg (spinning in one direction), but the mileage is awful (like 18 mpg for a 225 hp engine).


--Spike

 

i had a rx8 before i got my 350z 2 weeks old. There is so many problems with the rx8.. 1. underpower... 2. flooding in the engine if the engine isn't warmed up in the winter time 3. my clutch bracket snapped.. wtf? 4. drinks loads of oil 5. mpg sucks.. i got 15 mpg... 6. that car was POS.. sorry but i hate mazda! and rotary engines.

 

I've wanted an RX-8 for the longest time. I love the looks, but I've heard too many bad things about them. I'm very happy with the Z and glad I didn't go with the RX-8.

 

Thanks for kind words.

And... you are correct... there are still reports (even with the new models) of people with the rotary engine stranded on the roadside. I suppose it has to do with this being an "orphan" engine that doesn't have the production numbers for the reliability we expect from a modern car.

--Spike

 

You forgot about the shitty gas mileage again

EDIT: Oops, no you didn't.

 

the mazda rx8 is not a pos. i had one prior. the 350z is just a better car.

 

rx8 not on the z's lvl

 

Oh, I guess an underpowered, unreliable sports car with horrible gas mileage is good? You're being too kind. Don't forgive Mazda for building an undesirable vehicle. Again, F the interior after all the drivetrain problems.

Ah, I'm going out. Have fun with this played-out argument.