I just accepted a promotion at work and will have to relocate to Dallas, TX. I currently have a second gen. RX7, but I now need a car that will start every day. So I am looking at buying a new car and have narrowed the selection down to those three cars. Please have me decide.

RX-8 or 350Z or G35 coupe

Thanks,
Scott

 

RX-8 is nothing compared to your RX-7. I really think you would be very displeased with the new RX-8, especially since you still own your RX-7.

I would get something different...
for the Z and G, they are the same car, the G is just on a different suspension, so the ride is alot better... I would go test drive both, I was actually looking at the G for a while because of the better ride, but it just came down to the fact is I want a sports car, and sports cars have stiff suspension. Plus, IMHO I think the Z looks a little better, also I wanted Dayton Blue, and they don't have that color in the G...
It's hard to say which one is for you, it all depends on what you are looking for in the car, what are your plans for the car...etc...

cat

 

I actually like all of the cars. I would personally stay away from the Rx8 b/c the rotary's reliability is questionable..I know those old NA rotaries last forever..but...I've heard nothing but bad comments about the Renesis's durability and fuel efficiency.

G35c is a great car, probably the most "responsible" choice of the bunch. Definitely less fun in terms of looks/drive than the other options, but more practical than either. It's a handsome car and a very good value.

The Z is sort of the muscle-car of the bunch. It feels a little more raw than the G - more noise, firmer suspension...but that translates into better performance in most regards. I also like the Z's looks, esp the fact that it shares no sheetmetal w/other cars. I also like the Z's interior the best...somehow the G35's seats and dash don't jive w/me- they look like something my father would drive.

As I said before, I like all the cars...and I don't think you'd be going wrong w/any of them.

Just my $.02
NzZ

 

SILVERSTONE Z baby all the way! The G35C is nice the RX-8 is ok

 

I'm just gonna say this...

At the Nissan dealer i got my car from, theres an RX-8 in the showroom. I of course asked why is there was a Mazda in a Nissan dealer. Well...long story short, some guy bought an RX-8, put a few hundred miles on it, tested his friend's 350Z, traded in RX-8 for 350Z.

Anyone else seen it at Moorne Nissan of Kendall in South Florida?

 

Id take a g35c over a touring or track Z for $35k+ price range because of the nicer/more luxurious interior, practicality, and only a small compromise in performance, (just so u know, if u want a sports car, new 2004 C5 vette goes for around that price now---reliability might be an issue) if its under 30k budget, 350z all the way , as far as looks goes, i like 350z better than the G coupe.
Rx-8 is nice too, and more practical than the 350z due to the rear seats, if u dont mind the abysmal performance. 153ib/ft torque ... but u can get 1 for around 22-23k now, in Maryland/DC/VA at least. Its performance is pretty good vs eclipse, RSX, celica.. just dont compare it to the Z

possible problems:
G35: dont know ne, but im sure there are some... or maybe not..
350z: possible tire feathering, paint that chips easily
rx8: engine have flooding problems.., really bad gas economy ... 15-17mpg if ur lucky (its like owning a SUV) , also have cheap paint that chips easily.

 

I originally was looking at those same 3 cars. After driving the rx-8, I had it narrowed down to the Z or the G. I'm leaning more toward the G at the moment unless Nissan fixes the tire feathering and transmission probs 100 percent. And my friend just bought a red G, and it looks sweet.

 

Depends on what you are looking for in a car:

Torque/Power: Z/G/8
Practical: 8/G/Z
Customer service: G/Z/8
Price: 8/Z/G
Style (personal opinion): Z/G/8
Comfort/Lux (personal opinion): G/Z/8
Resale value (slightly clouded crystal ball): Z/G/8
Reliability: about the same
Drop top: Z

I had a RX7 TurboII, it was a nice car. But I also had very bad experience with Mazda dealer and customer service. Also had a Q45, nicer car, customer service from Infiniti was best. I checked out all 3, bought a Z and very happy with it so far. Nissan service to be determined.

 

going to test drive all three tomorrow.

 

Well I have test drove all three cars. I have it now down to the 350Z and the RX8. Going to do a second longer test drive on the Z tomorrow. Its down to the wire. I like the rx8 due to its high reving rotary engine. It was a blast to drive from 4800 rpms to 9500 rpms and geared just right to keep a person with in the power band, but I like the Z's low end torque its more raw and hints sports car all over!

keep in mind I am used to running around town shifting at 10,500 rpm in my RX7 Turbo2. So this is a hard choice for me to make. I love both cars. Maybe I should just flip a coin.

Scott

 

have you thought about the s2000>?

 

I agree with the other poster about going from a 2nd Gen Rx-7 to either the Rx-8 or 350z. IMO, coming from such a great sports car line (I was a 1st gen owner for many years. I MISS that car!), you might not be really that happy with the RX-8 unless you want a back seat, lower price, sunroof option, a wildly designed interior, and a front end that looks like a 'smile'. Also, its sort of underpowered (torque in the low 100 ft/lb). They are more rare than the Z out here in L.A. but it doesn't come near the performance or nimbility of any of the turbo RX-7's. Also, modding a rotary is tough and expensive if you decide to go that route. It's also a new design, so be wary of future reliability if you plan on keeping it after warranty. Test drive carefully. The decision is ultimately yours!

I also 2nd Moroccan_Mole's post. You ever think about the s2000? I was hard torn between the 2. If you want something that "feels" like an RX-7, you can't get any closer than the S2000. Drawback for me was space and body styling (looks like a Miata). There is also the Lotus Elise. w00t! Too bad its sold out the next 2 years and is 40 grand!

 

The 8 drives well, but the power falls far short, when compared to the Z.

I have driven both, and chose the Z for power, feel, looks, handling. To me it felt more like a true sports car. I have owned an FD, so the RX8 seemed like a sedan to me, that handled very well.

Depends on what you want though.

 

Here's a comparo.

http://motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0403_three/

 

i'd say get the Z if u didn't have an rx7, but snice u already have that beast. Get a G for practicality and sports car performance.

One for crusing and going fast. and one for whupping *** on the street.

 

I'd take the 350Z over the RX8 any day of the week, and I've been a rotary owner for 4.5 years!