I respect your opinion despite disagreeing with it. I do agree that the stook and the Z are competitors as both sacrifice luxuries in lieu of focusing on the performance factor. From a styling (design) POV, the 8 may be perceived to be a competitor (for the lay shoppers looking to buy something with a "sporty" appeal), but even Mazda proclaimed that the 8 is not a replacement for the RX-7 (a really great sports performance car IMO). I think the 8 is a cool car... I was in the market for something with more performance even at the expense of sacrificing luxury. If I wanted a balance of decent performance and increased luxury, I would've definitely considered the 8. I guess with the M3 I would've had the ultimate blend of both, but I've gotta finish school first....

 

Check that out..

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....ber=4&preview=

 

the rx7 would be a closer competitor to the z for sure. but in the absence of the 7, the supra, etc... the s2k and rx8 become the natural comparo cars for the z. if you isolate criteria to things like *just performance* or *just styling* then you produce entirely different cross-sections of the market. for example you might end up comparing a z to an audi tt or crossfire on one hand, but to an evo, sti, and srt4 on the other. when considering all cars and all of their selling points(price, curb appeal, track performance, etc.), the s2k and rx8 have a stronger resemblance to the z market-wise than any of those other cars.

 

When I was car shopping, I short listed the two cars (I ruled out the WRX and STi after driving a WRX, and wondering how bad the STi's power delivery must be if they reckon its worse than the abominable WRX's).

Most reviews I've read have put the RX-8 faster on the road for most people (since its not as fidgety over bumps) but the 350Z is faster on the track. I like a car that's more challenging to drive. A car that rewards you for driving well, not just for being there. Those cars are fun to drive. You feel a bigger rush, and longer sense of accomplishment going fast in one.

If I just wanted a quick point to point squirter where the required driving skill is "fair enough is good enough" to pass people, I'd buy a 4WD turbo.

What really tipped it for me was the fact that Nissan let me test drive a 350Z, and Mazda wouldn't let me drive an RX-8. I would never buy a sports car I hadn't driven, but then I'm not buying one to impress the chicks.

By all accounts, the RX-8 is a great car. A much better daily driver than the Z. It has its charm, and I prefer the look of the RX-8, especially with some of the available bodykits (but then again, I never liked the look of the 350Z).

My ultimate "only" car, where I needed performance and practicality out of a single vehicle and had a stupendous budget to make it happen, would have been a RX-8 shell with a highly worked SR20DET in it.

 

I dunno. I thought the RX8 was going to be a sure-fire hit but in my area I almost never see any on the road and the dealer lots are wall-to-wall RX8s. I just read in an RX8 enthusiast forum one guy posting he got an offer from a dealer $3,000+ off invoice!

The Crossfire? Don't see a ton of 'em but pass them a lot more than RX8s. Maybe see one once a week.

Zs. See at least one a day.

Tried to like the Crossfire. The Roadster looks okay from the rear but the front of the car up to the windsheild is truly butt-ugly. Though, the interior is well done. Much better than the RX8, IMHO.

I'm sure he'll make up his mind after the test drive. Two totally different approaches.

My big problem with an RX8 is, other than a dealer, where do you take it to get repaired? If I bought one I'd dump it after the warranty is done.

 

I never see an RX-8 on the roads, and thats a shame cause i think their cool looking cars. And srt-4s i barely ever see. STIs are all over here. A few Evo-8s. Lots of Zs though. I see 2-3 a day. Only 1-2 on a dealer lot(if any) but the mazdas got pleanty. I dont know why, but their not flying off lots. I agree that some of the body kits make the RX-8 look absolutely sick, but they need to drop a supercharger in to inpress me with their performance. I truely think the 8 is more comparable to the Honda Accord 6spd. The crossfires are way to underpowered. Chrysler/Plymouth missed the mark as they did with the Plymouth Prowler. Its to bad, but maybe they can work some of the bugs out.

 

Mazda really screwed up when they made the RX-8...the lines alone are horrible IMHO...

 

...

 

Well, I guess I shall post my $.02

Uh, both cars have advantages and disadvantages. Both are in the same price range. Uh, I like the 350Z more. Uh, yea. So if you are trying to choose between the two, uh, get the 350Z. Too hard to see mine while I'm driving.

 

Every time I see an RX-8, I am very glad I am in my Z. My Z is a great everyday driver. The 350ZMotoring website has a video shot in Japan of an RX-8 racing against a G35C, and S2000 and several other cars. It starts in the front of the pack and then, one-by-one the other cars blow right past it, despite the racetrack being a short twisty one.

 

350z (w/out feathering) > rx8. i like both cars and the rx8 looks kinda cool, but something about its styling is a little less *pure* than the Zs styling (subjective, obviously). also, it has less power, which is the most important performance criteria to me.

 

RX8 0-60 6sec? keep dreaming buddy. They got that time for doing it 1 out of 100 times with clutch dropping at 9k rpm. If u do that daily your clutch wouldnt even last a month lol.

 

RX-8 Awards:
- 2004 RJC Car of the Year
(Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan )
- 2004 RJC Technology of the Year : Renesis
- 2003 International Engine of the Year (Overall) : Renesis
- 2004 International Engine of the Year (2.5-3.0L) : Renesis
- Wheels Magazine Car of the Year
- Automobile Magazine Allstar - Best Sports Coupe
- Car & Driver Magazine 10 Best
- Road & Track Top 5 Readers' Choice
- TopGear Magazine Coupe of the Year
- Winner : Car & Driver shoot out vs. G35 Coupe & Mustang Cobra
- Winner : MotorTrend shoot out vs. 350Z & S2000
- Winner : MotorWeek shoot out vs. 350Z
- Winner : TopGear TV Show compared to 350Z
"Clarkson proclaims it the best car he's driven all year"
- Winner : Motor Magazine vs. VW Golf R32 & Alfa 147GTA
- Race Winner : Best Motoring Revenge Battle vs. S2000, R32, 147GTA, and RSX Type-R
- Race Winner : Grand Am Cup Phoenix 200 (1st US official race win) - SpeedSource RX-8

I do like the Z, came very close to buying one, then the RX-8 came out...DONE DEAL!

 

heres another http://automobilemag.com/awards/0402_allstar_rx8/

 

I could quote a lot of 350Z reviews, and how it far out accelerates the RX8, and still handles similarly, despite more weight, still out brakes the RX8, once again with more weight.

The comparisons which put the RX8 on top were not due to performance, but like the M/T comparo, they quoted how it had a quieter engine, room for four passengers, etc.

I have driven a few RX8's, and they are sweet cars, but I chose the 350Z for the muscular power and sports car prowess.

The RX8 is a sedan that handles like a sports car.

I am a former FD owner, and the RX8, while stiffer than the FD, is far from being the sports car the FD was.


Another thing that bothers me is that there have been a lot of reported engine failures with the Renesis.

 

I just test drove the Rx-8..its very nice but I'm so used to getting on it and going.. once the RX-8 gets to about 5000rpm its fun but its definitely a 6 and half second car (not that 0-60 means all that much)...it handles a little better and the interior is way nice but the gas milage sucks for a 1.3L and it burns oil...IMHO the RX-7 was a better car..but the RX-8 is sweet looking...the back seats are useful too...the 350Z and RX-8 really are like comparing apples and oranges...although it is way cool to go to 9000 rpm.

 

haha u guys r funny...to me these cars have nothing in common. If u want a rotary engine, buy a 7...i personally dont wanna half to worry about being blown up after 50 thou miles so id chose the 6c Z ne day..Plus the rx8 is beyond ugly...SHoulda incorporated more of the rx7 "mini viper" look. Then made an option sc or tt

my 2c

 

The autoweek update is in...

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=09999938


My 2k1 Pathfinder LE gets better gas mileage!


Hey, I like the car and all, but there really is no comparison to the Z...they're just way different approaches to "sports car".

The RX won all those awards because of its uniqueness...but awards don't sell cars. The engine is unique..doesn't mean it fits my needs. Low torque, low gas mileage doesn't sell it for me...the cuteness factor of the engine is not enough for me. Some people like new technology...for me, give me something that WORKS first.
I personally think that engine is a JOKE. Tell me why it's so great? If that engine was in the 350Z I wouldn't buy it! It's that simple.
The back seats and 3rd door is unique...but I would have bought a G35C way before I'd buy the RX...

Did you read the part about it burning more oil than a 72 dodge dart? Yeah, give em an award for that...cause that sure isn't easy!

Did you know the Ford Focus was car of the year? Yeah, go buy one now...

 

So basically, an Acura RSX-S will give an RX-8 everything it can handle and then some?

 

Top Gear:
Best Lap time: rx8 = 350z = M3

Top Gear:
2004 car of the year: 350z

‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ award at the 19th International Automobile Festival held in Paris earlier this year: 350z