RX-8 to 350Z new bee owner
I went from an RX8 (GT) to a 350Z (Base) and LOVE my Z. My wife has the RX8 now. While I did enjoy the 8, I think the Z is a better "fit" for what I look for in a car. The main things I miss about the Mazda are the heated-leather seats, sunroof, and the overall "rare-ness" of the car. 
Handling wise, the 8 did handle a tad better, but the torque of the Z make up for ANY of the other differences between the cars. I don't live near many switch backs and do most of my driving in a straight-ish line. Besides, the 1.3L rotary guzzled more gas (with less HP and torque I averaged around 12mpg) than our 3.5L six (average 17-18mpg).
To the OP,
Congrats! Nice looking car. I'm not big on wings/spoilers but if there was one out there that looked good on a Z would be that version Nismo spoiler.
Handling wise, the 8 did handle a tad better, but the torque of the Z make up for ANY of the other differences between the cars. I don't live near many switch backs and do most of my driving in a straight-ish line. Besides, the 1.3L rotary guzzled more gas (with less HP and torque I averaged around 12mpg) than our 3.5L six (average 17-18mpg).
To the OP,
Congrats! Nice looking car. I'm not big on wings/spoilers but if there was one out there that looked good on a Z would be that version Nismo spoiler.
Last edited by Phantom Menace; May 26, 2008 at 07:40 PM.
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From: Okc,Ok
Originally Posted by MR_X
Hey I did the same thing. Went from a RX-8 to a Z. I regretted it every since. But welcome.
Sorry Mr. X I guess most people don't relish putting oil in their car every other gas fill ups, romping the engine everytime you cut it off to stop it form flooding and getting horrible gas mileage for such a light small engine car. Other then that the Rx-8 is a well balance Auto Crossing monster (albeit not as good as the Honda S2000 IMO) and not a bad ride on the street, with a sweet shifting 6 spd manual tranny. Now as you know the auto 5spd sucks big time killing the high torquing engine robbing it of any quick passing speed.
The Rx-8 that I test drove were nice cars until you turned the A/c on, and tried to get up on it. I think it was a brilliant idea on paper but put in production it failed.
I always felt good getting back into my 350Z, a no pretense Sports Car not a wanta be sedan, sport coupe, three wheeler, catchall oil drinking Sports car that floods. If you regret that kiss my grits.
Originally Posted by MR_X
You see not all of us are going after hp. I was actually happy with the hp of the 8. The RX-8 had enough to hold it own when you know how to drive it in a twisty canyon road or took it to our weekend track event. I like the interior better than the Z also. I was really considering doing a 3 rotor swap in my 8 though. Dont get me wrong the Z was a blast to drive. I just got tired of n/a cars. Reason why I sold both of them (the 8 and Z). I'm looking for a replacement now though.
But I have been inviting RX-8 "drivers" to our local autocross events since November of last year. (Over on RX8club dot COM) Every month, I invite and while I have had one or two replies, no one has wanted to bring their "driver's car" to our track.
Drivers wanted?
Last edited by Z1NONLY; May 30, 2008 at 03:53 PM.
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