Get what you want. You kind of already answered your own question there.

 

Can anyone tell me what's wrong with the search results and why the op shouldn't be faulted for asking his question?

 

If you love rotary's buy an RX-7. Or buy an old school rotary, RX-3, Rotary truck, Savanna etc.

 

I totally agree with the others on this. Obviously we all prefer the Z, but if you want a rotary...

rx-7 > rx-8

 

RX8 is crap! I know a guy that sold his soon after buying it because it was a fail. Buy a RX7!!!!!

 

"2fast350" gtfo

 

Ok seriously, I have owned a 03 350z, and now have a 08 nismo z. I also work on mazda and I am a mazda master tech and own a 93 rx7 tt, with that being said the rx8 are a ok vehicle reliablity wise. They produce low compression internally inside the engine even if you do take car of them with proper maintenance. Engine mounts tend to sag and cause a vibration issue at idle and can cause the engine to actually misfire. They are so underpowered and very heavy and have no get up and go what so ever. Even the so called High output engine that all the 6speed come equipped with. Even though the 6speeds tend to have less trouble then the automatics due to ppl that own them actually get the rpm past 3k. Thats why mazda has a engine warrenty extension with it being either 96mo/100k miles. RX8 tend to also flood out very easy if not warmed up to normal operating temperature before shutting them down. If you moddify the engine for performance you can actually cause more damage to the engine by just simply putting a cold air intake on. Pretty much you will be in the shop with you car more times than you want. If you need to know a little more just hit me up. Get a RX7 or a Mazdaspeed anything or even a Z would be nice but stay away from the RX8 seeing that you are in college and you need a car that will be reliable.

 

get the rx8
be disappointed
sell it
buy 350z
best of both worlds

 

RX-8s look kinda sporty, but they suck. I test drove one just because I was bored and was appalled by the lack of power that vehicle had. You're getting some good advice from people recommending a Z. A lot of people considered an RX-8 before making the better choice.

 

I used to run a Mazda showroom and know their products pretty well and I own a 2007 350Z....

The RX8 is a good car that is extremely fun to drive. Being grossly underpowered is its greatest fault. Most exhausts have it sounding like a GSXR 600 too. But, you might like that sort of thing. The only thing it has over the Z is the barely usable back seat.

The Z does not feel as light on its feet. But is just as much fun to drive with plenty of power, especially for rookie drivers.

I was cruising around on a Sunday afternoon and pulled up next to a tuned RX8. I asked what he had done to his car. It had intake, exhaust, and COBB Accessport. I just had a NISMO intake at the time. He asked me if I wanted to try him. So at the greenlight I obliged. By second gear I was at least three car lengths ahead and pulling more with every second.

If you really like Mazda products, go get a Mazdaspeed3. More power and more practical. It will keep a newer driver on the road with front wheel drive.

 

rx-8's are gutless and the z is a much better platform and can be had for very cheap these days..rx-8 is gay looking and a chick car

 

I'm entertaining buying something cheaper (saving for a house) for the time being and was looking at RX8's. I never test drove one, I didn't want to after looking at them. All things aside, the RX8's rear quaters rust to crap in no time just like all other Mazda's driven in Canadian winters. I walked around the dealership and every used Mazda that was an '06 and down had bubbling/rusting/touched up rear wheel wells/quaters panels, lots had rusted trunks and moisture in the tail lights.

My Z is will be forsale in the spring. I want to do some maintenance first (new brake pads, rotors, tires and get my door dings pulled). I'm in Barrie just 45mins north of Toronto, it has about 87,000km on her, never winter driven and I'll be asking $18,000 with all the maintenace done, I would take $17,000 CDN right now and mount a set of tires in good shape for you.

 

I dated a few girls with RX-8's. Maybe that is why but I only think of an RX-8 as a chick car.

 

OP, I have an 04 Auto Trans RX8 with only 45,XXX miles on it and i love the car... I bought my 08 350 almost a year ago and performance wise: the 8 handles waaaaaay better than the Z, but the Z can catch right back up on straights.... I am sure that if I had stood my ground against my step dad when i was 19 and got the 6 speed 8, then i would be ***** deep into turbo/procharger for the 8, but since it was auto, the fun for me wasnt all there.... So if you want to buy my 8 pm me and we can talk....

Z=Power
8=Handling

Keep in mind both can excel in either area with some loot.... good luck with ur buy

 

You just can't get the RX8 up to speed so it always feels like it handles well

 

There's not a whole lot I can say to that

 

I personally think the rx8 is where Mazda took a fatty **** and called it an rx8.
If u wanna lean towards rotary, like majority of this thread has said, go with an rx7.

Based on your initial post, im assuming your budget is 11k. If you're looking for power and willing to put in the wrench time, go with an FC. If you were to go with rotary, the FC has the potential to be a lot better than the rx8, Performance wise. If i had your budget and the right resources, i would just pick up a non running FC and drop a 20b in it. Not too familiar with how economical a 20b is, but i am sure that motor in an FC would walk all over an rx8.

I you're not feeling the rotary. Then, for sure get a Z. Bottom line, stay away from the rx8.

 

I've driven both, seriously considered the RX-8 before buying the Z, and I've raced RX-8's on the tracks.

The RX-8 simply outhandles the Z, no question, purely stock-for-stock.

On the straights, though, the RX-8 wheezes to keep up with all the other cars (modded Miatas, S2000's, whatevers). I felt bad for the RX-8 drivers.

 

If you can find a RX8 with an RX7 motor in it get it... Otherwise get a Z

 

I've raced a couple modified 8's on the drag strip and my Z is stock... it's really a sad sight to see me put 3-4 car lengths on one at the end of a 1/4. I thought all Mazda's had Zoom Zoom... LOL!