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350Z vs RX8

Mad busy day at work today.

Back home and I’ve some spare time once I’ve started some replication on SQL Server (which will take, rough guess, 5 hours).

So I thought I’d have a look through Gran Turismo Concept and see if they’ve got the new Nissan 350Z in, or the Mazda RX8.

As it happens it has both. So I decide to race the one against the other. Now obviously as there’s only one of me, that’s not really an option, so instead I tried for timed laps.

Now bearing in mind this is a game/sim, and not the real things:

The cars are very closely matched. I managed to get the 350Z around the track just one second quicker than the RX8.

As far as handling goes the RX8 seems to feel a little more nimble, and consequently I was able to pull off some mad drifts around the corners. The 350Z obviously was able to do those too, but it seemed a little heavier and a little less controlled.

Apart from the looks, the only other difference was the exhaust note. The 350Z is a 3.5litre V6. And it sounds it, with quite a nice roar. The RX8 on the other hand has a twin rotor rotary engine, and you can hear it, it sounds far more highly revved and high-pitched. Each of the rotors has a 650cc capacity, so the engine total is 1.3litres. However because the rotary engine is a different technology you shouldn’t really use capacity as an indicator. Horsepower is a little more useful as a comparison, and the RX8 has 240bhp while the 350Z has 257bhp.

So all in all there’s not much in it. Except the price. Mazda have already announced their prices, with their 240bhp model coming in at £22,000. Nissan haven’t yet priced their 350Z, so it’ll be interesting to make the comparison there.

Now I’m sure most of you are bored to tears (if you’ve managed to read this far without becoming comatose). So I’d better go and take a look at that replication before I do any more damage.

Posted by Phil on February 18, 2003 08:41 PM | Categories: Motorsport | TrackBack

The Prodrive RX8 coming out iminently will have a total of zero extra horsepower, the standard 2006 Zed will have an extra 20 taking it to 300BHP.

The two cars are completely different. If you have a wife and kids, and don't mind being seen in the same car as your neighbour, then buy the Mazda. if you love driving sports cars, and want a bit of exclusivity, (only 600 roadsters per year being sold in the UK), buy the Zed.

Besides, you can't go topless in the Mazda.

Posted by: Badbob at May 17, 2006 3:06 PM

Wanna get 350z? why dont you get a Japanese old second hand sports cars they are way faster thean the 350Z but with same interior(Interiors are shit)

Posted by: Rocky AUS at May 14, 2006 9:54 AM

Folks,

The RX-8 is a girl's car. Sorry. Look at it, listen to the TV commercials - it's built for girls that want a 'sports car' that's not an MX-5.

I used to own a Mitsubishi Evo 8 with 330bhp, which was awesome, but when you've driven a 350z with the APS Twin Turbo upgrade and 430bhp under the bonnet it's an unbelievable good drive. Try getting that out of an RX-8!

Posted by: Zakler at April 29, 2006 12:45 AM

Just so you all know that theres a PRODRIVE RX8 coming out later this year which will be a monster! Not sure what they are doing to it apart from making the MPG even worse and the BHP alot higher.

Posted by: RX8 owner at April 13, 2006 12:56 AM

When I was shopping for a "sports car" I didn't even look at the RX8, you know why? Because it's a female sports car. It's a high revving little b*tch car with 4 seats, enough for the baby stroller and luggage(how cute). A mans car rips from a dig or a roll. I looked at the STI the EVO and the Z, and i chose the Z, because I liked what it had to offer and my buddies got the STI and EVO already. Honestly, how often do you all race RX8 v. 350Z at the track to test handling? I'm a competent driver and can negotiate what suttle turns I come across in a street race and thats all the matters. Driver competency, not weight ratio or magazine racing people. I walked RX8's all day til I got the TT, now I won't even give them a rev.

Posted by: ateyourV8 at April 12, 2006 1:12 AM

If u want to go fast in a strait line get the Z definatly, but personaly i would have the RX8, i want a car that can handel corners.
The looks are all subjective so there is no point comparing them (i think the rear of the Z is horible but each to there own)
And rotarty modification should be easy, i don't know if renisis has stoped this theory but with the rx7 if u want power add 1 big radiator, 1 big turbo (forget the TT they are unreliable) and a 3 inch exaust and u hage HUGE power

Posted by: Crimson at March 18, 2006 3:50 AM

Ok... this is a bit ridiculous. pages and pages of useless opinions yet I find myself inclined to leave my own.

I wanted to not like the Z because a former friend of mine got the G35 and I wanted something different than his (yes i know the Z and g35 are different cars, duh)... I wanted really different as I have always thought of myself as independent and 'different'. ... So I gravitated toward the RX-8. It has things no other car has (rotary engine and suicide doors). It has plenty of nice elements but for me, failed to capture my eye the way the Z does. I lusted after the RX-8 but felt oddly like I was cheating on my heart. Like I wanted to love it, but just couldn't commit (this is getting weird). For a year and a half I looked at RX-8's on line. Compared stats, BHP/Weight ratios, read articles and reviews. I drove the RX and thought I loved it. In the end, I bought a Z.

I can say the Z is a bad ass car. I've had my Track Model (2003) for about 6 months and still can't believe I have such a nice car. Every time I get out of it, I look back at it and it thrills me. It mostly doesn't matter what car is faster cause so far, in the entire 6 months, I have not had the opportunity to race hardly anyone except my friend's 04 M3. Not a WRX, an EVO, Mustang, Corvette- Never at a light and not so far even on the highway. Incidently, the Z does corner better but the M3 wins in the straight (you can download race videos to prove it). I live in Tacoma, WA where there's plenty of people but rarely people willing to race, it saddens me really cause I need to be humbled... by someone... maybe in a Honda. Maybe this summer will bring out the racers.

The main differences between the RX and the Z are in that the RX seems to be made to be a more 'practical' car. It has 4 seats and a softer 'nicer' ride and a roomy trunk. The Z is about racing and always has been since the 240 in 1972. Racing isn't done with passengers or cargo in mind at all so the date gets assed-out and so do the 2x4's from Home Depot.

I chose the Z for these reasons over the RX-8:

Looks: The Z looks sexy and strong at the same time. The RX-8 looks... not quite right. The front fenders stick out like a VW Beetle or an old retro something.

POWER: The overall Horsepower and the nearly 120 ft.lbs of torque the Z has over the RX throws you back in your seat in almost any gear or speed.

Brembo Brakes: No comparison there. Some could argue that you don't need those big stoppers, but I would rather have them and not need them than need and not have.

The 50/50 or 53/47 weight distribution is mostly a concern of numbers... while the cars are standing still and empty. Drop a 180- 230lb person in either car and the balance is afected. entering or exiting corners (brakes or gas) affects the balance too.

Interior is about the same. Come on guys look at them. 3 cockpit style guages above the steering wheel, round air vents, 3 round dials for AC, Fan Speed, Temp (even in the same general location). The seats even have the center bolster to keep the driver in place. The Z's stereo configuration is WAAAY better cause you can take it out and replace it with whatever you wish. The RX is ultra-intergrated so upgrading is either expensive, limited, or both.

In the end, the people who said things like 'drive what you like' got it right.

Drive what you like. Drive what speaks to you. If you see someone else driving something else, don't hate- be happy for them that they have what makes them feel good. How much would the world suck if htere were nothing but Z's?

Posted by: Brian at March 8, 2006 9:06 AM

I have test drove both of these cars and found that the RX-8 handles much better than the 350z. But on the other hand, the top speed in the Z is greater. I want to know where i can find some nice after market mods for both cars.

Posted by: 350z Owns at February 20, 2006 4:47 AM

actually top gear the show got the rx8 and 350z tied around the course and less than a second slower than an m3.

Posted by: brady at January 17, 2006 11:59 PM

I owned a Z and now Drive an RX-8.

From experience I think the Z has the brute force, but lacks elegance on the road not to mention the interior trim. As far as turning goes...I've turned on a dime on both cars, but felt the weight of the Z on turns. The RX-8 hands down feels tight and refined on the road, and has a more sophisticated touch. Something the muscle car like Z lacks.

I'm happy with my 8, and I'm glad I made the transistion.

Posted by: David at December 19, 2005 1:52 AM

I test drove both then 8 and z, First of all You cannot compare the differance the two on the curve. buy the time you recover from the fish tail garrentied the 8 will be gone! The material in the z look and feel cheap. plus i don't fit in the Z I'm 6'3" i'm sure the car was designed for small people or girls. I CANNOT REACH THE PEDAL IN THE 8 WITH THE SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK. so i bought the 8 and i'm not sure who's doing the driving in a lot of these time runs but I walk on my buddies z. buy the time he reacts i'm gone stock to stock i think you z owners are full of ****!

Posted by: Johnny8 at December 14, 2005 4:03 AM

How to convert an RX8 into a 350Z:

1. Weld an anvil to the bonnet to destroy the perfect 50:50 balance and give that "nose heavy" feeling enjoyed by drivers of big engined cars everywhere.

2. Get rid of the practicality by ripping out the back seats out and block off the boot (trunk) with a small girder.

3. Wreck the ride quality and handling by removing the 5 point multi-link suspension and the carbon fibre drive shaft. Replace with old fashined parts from the Datun/Renault spares bin.

4. Open the bonnet (hood) and remove the Renesis, the engine with the highest bhp/litre ratio in the world. Drop in a Renault truck engine.

5. Proceed to the racetrack to show those rx8 guys the works.

6. Beat the rx8 guys to 60 by 0.7s ! You are a track god !!

7. Approach the first corner. Try to turn. Fail. Eat trees.

Posted by: peskypedant at December 13, 2005 8:50 PM

i got an rx-8 it goes 153 stock faster than the 350z becausa me and my cousin raced because he has a 350z his only goes 149 but i wanna race a wrx sti now..............hahaha

Posted by: jimsgay@msn.com at November 20, 2005 1:31 AM

Guys stop complaining, i have an RX8 and a 350Z, they are just completely different cars!! with the exception they both get a lousy 20MPG. I have also driven the US auto RX8.
The 350Z is just completely mind blowing on a straight line, and has pretty good grip but is just a little too overweight to make the tighter turns neatly without droping speed or loosing the back end. the massive torque doesnt help either when it get a little wet.

The RX8 Manual version is smoother and slower at low revs but takes off when you hit the powerband -anyone who rides bikes will know the feeeling.. It takes the tighter bends much more assuradly and in the wet there is no competition, RX8 all the way, If you drive the Auto version you have wasted £20K or $35000. on a slow sporty looking car with a nice interior, should have saved yourselves and bought a ford. Oil consumption on the 8 is ok, around 1litre to 3K miles and the interior is much nicer, seats more comfortable- basesound systems on both models are the same.

For your money.
buy the rx8 if you dont want to wet your pants on fast tight corners, and it you have a budget but want a fast but everyday car.

Buy the 350X if you want max power speed thrills and close calls,

and for the BMW fans, i agree if ou has the cash an M3 would win everytime for the better performance and style

Posted by: red at November 11, 2005 3:49 PM

hello sir;
i want to ask where can i modified mazda rx-8, i live in bournemouth, if can close my place that will be perfect!~!~!

many thankz~!~!~!~!~!~`

Posted by: mr wen tao niu at October 31, 2005 5:47 PM

One thing you have to keep in mind when you start quoting time trials (0-60, 1/4 mile, etc) is that the RX-8 (or, rotaries in general) get faster with age.

Posted by: Pedigre at October 29, 2005 4:15 AM

well i live in the the carribean, barbados to be exact and i cant afford neither the z or the 8
but i have seen a couple of 350's in my area but only one 8 and i truly love the rx8 and i also love the z the point to my little story is that the 8 only carries a twin rotor while the z has "A 3.5" these guys with the z's
should be ashamed put triple in that rx8 and say bye bye to the z stright line and or corners mazda truly
has the element of suprise i say mod both cars to the max and see who the sucessor my guess well............. cant say lol

Posted by: Gus at September 20, 2005 7:51 PM

That's it!!!! Mazda Rx - 8 is 4 sports coupe, leave it at that. It's a personal choice to buy whatever car u would like. I do not think that a Z is any better than my 8. It is clearly obvious that Z has more horse power, but wait till end of 06. Changes in 8 is going to happen. Do not argue the weight between 4 door and 2 door coupe. Z has 2 doors and heavy. but 4 doors and lighter? Come on!! that's Good. Z does have more horse power but 8 has much better handling, when it comes to clutching on the Highway between other cars. Of course if u drag it, do not be stupid, Z will blast off. And, Please M3 pplz, I thought Phil's Diary's title was Rx - 8 VS Z350. I do not care bout M3s, they look ugly. Maybe the new one's next year might be fun, till then. I think when it comes to choosing best coupe, I believe the best 2 are in my opinion, Z and 8. If u r looking for luxurious one, G35 and M3 might be the choice.

Posted by: MazdaRX8er at September 8, 2005 8:17 AM

what should i buy a am so confused which one is better???????????

Posted by: eric blair at August 25, 2005 8:39 PM

heh, your about retarded. im 16 and i got a z, and i got a twin turbo kit and nos on it. i can safely say im the fastest car in my area, it wins every show i take it to, its never been beat in a race either. and btw.....girls love the z alot more than the 8 in the us, just ask my girl ^-^

Posted by: the_fly at August 24, 2005 12:20 AM

Thats funny, I never had any trouble with a 350z but then again i have about 240 whp on my 8 courtesy of greddy.

Posted by: Chris at August 1, 2005 8:25 AM

I spent 10 months deciding what car to buy. I test drove EVERYTHING including an RX8, M3, 911, tvr and S4 Cabriolet. Of all, i chose the 350Z. For me the Z had everything i wanted; performance, styling, handling, cost, scarcity, economy, reliability, options.... and that engine noise!!! The RX8 was good but i thought it was poor quality, look at the huge shut lines compared to an Audi say. and it was too easy to push panels in.
Nope, the Z-car is definitely the best. i look forward to driving it everytime i get into it. It is always an event and one i thoroughly enjoy!

Posted by: ImZ at April 22, 2005 3:50 PM

You poor sad people, best get a life, when youve done that, with all the associated goods and chattels, try getting them in a 350Z.
End of argument.

Posted by: james Bowie at April 19, 2005 11:54 PM

Hi (Adam). If the Z and the 8 would be "would be killed be an M3, straight line and corners", can you explain the Top Gear timings ?

On another subject, how do you guys rate the 3 cars for pulling the birds ? If you could take a girl out in M3/350Z/Rx8, which do you choose?

And Spunk, are you a geordie ?

Posted by: peskypedant at April 10, 2005 5:58 PM

spunk, talk about cheap? interior of the 350z, lightings, etc. U keep the wheels that come form the FAC? Can't afford to buy one? Bat mobile? what about Porsche wanna be Z? Dude wheels are never to be kept if u want it looking good?

Posted by: SkylineGT33 at April 7, 2005 9:04 AM

Less of the horses and more on style what the hell is the rx 8 playing at, is it coupe or a large sallon can any body tell me ? in my eyes it looks like an 80s bat mobile with cheap alloys. oh and forgot keep checking the oil lads there a bit thirsty or just cr*p. just orded my z cos it looks a mans car not like something you would park round the back of a club and tell everyone its your lasses.

Posted by: spunk at April 7, 2005 2:00 AM

I I chose the 350Z for the fact that it is a drivers car. I like to feel the road and while driving and it is the fastest car in that price range that isn't turbocharged. I don't even consider the weight issue being only a 250 pnd difference. Hardly anyone will push the car the point where this is a substantial issue. The reason people can't be objective is because of taste, if that isn't obvious from the beginning of the e-debate you have comprehension isssues. If i wanted a sports car with four doors the RX-8 would be the last on my list. I wanted a sports car with some real power and interactive driving. As for my racing an M3 comment where i stated i took one down, - you guys who made comments forgot the driver has alot to do with the outcome. Nuff said

Posted by: NikFiend_350Z at April 5, 2005 12:43 AM

I own Mazda Rx 8 and a Nissan Skyline GT-33. Personally, I have driven Z, and I believe that even though Z is faster than 8, Its too rough, not comfortable, 100% plastic interior = which sucks, not much room and bad handlings. On the other hand, Rx8 has much smoother ride feeling, perfect interior, and don't try to argue with this comment, sometimes even though i love fast cars, I want to drive smoothly and comfortably, with a feeling of driving in luxurious coupe: You can only find that in Rx8, not in Z. Z is a car only made for rough and faster feelings. My skyline and Rx8 on the other hand drives smooth and fast with roomy and perfect interior. If you wanna take a girl out, and give her a feeling of a fast sports car without braking her back, trust me choose Rx8.

PS. and now this year, Shinka!!! hmm thas way over Z's area of comparison. hehe. jk

Posted by: SkylinerGT33 at March 19, 2005 8:28 AM

I would bet MONEY nobody here is a good enough driver to notice the difference in ultimate capabilities of either the Z or the RX8.

Stop magazine-racing folks...drive the car you like. Don't attached YOUR self-worth to the car you choose.

Posted by: Darin at March 17, 2005 10:51 PM

I owned a RX8, and got rid of it after 17 months. It had too many mechanical problems. It is fast, the 6 speed is nice, but just not that quick off the line. I am sorry to admit, but I would either get a 350Z or WRX Sti. I got married, and my wife couldn't drive it....so we got a 4runner. But I wasn't too impressed with the RX8.

Just my oppinion.

Posted by: Gregus at March 15, 2005 5:19 AM

Good call Chris............. The Z and the 8 would be killed be an M3, stright line and corners, there is no mistake in that.

Posted by: Adam at March 4, 2005 11:01 PM

I find it hilarious that grown adults can be so ridiculous with this.

I am looking to buy an RX8 in the next couple of months so yes i am biased towards it over the 350z, however, unlike a lot of you guys it doesn't mean i can suddenly make up stupid facts to prove that "my car can beat a Ferrari Enzo, etc".

From what i have read from "independant" sources and test drives myself yes the RX8 handles better, yes the 350z would horse it in a straight line but i can't believe for a minute that on "road" circumstances either of the above "smoked" an M3.

I can't understand why people can't be objective on this and not make it a slanging match which completely nullifies all arguments!

Posted by: chris_c201 at March 1, 2005 3:34 PM

Howdy all............. After reading allot of peoples comments, again its the same thing when you compare any two cars. I have read many reviews on both the cars. YES the Z is faster, both cars are even until the Z hits 3rd gear and it pulls away, NO the Z doenst handle better than the 8, the rear setup from the factory on the 8 is soft, but it was designed this way to ensure all four wheels are on the ground more often. The Z is from what i can tell more of a drivers car, fighting with the driver more than the 8 when pushed hard. I personally like both the cars, probably the RX-8 more as i am a rotary fan, but its funny because in most of the reviews the Z has performed better but both the drivers preferred the 8.... Later

Posted by: Adam at February 22, 2005 2:16 AM

'Evening all. I have just bought an RX8 in the UK. I selected the RX8 in preferance to a VX220 (mega fast (4.7s 0-60!) but too hardcore), an S2000 (lovely but very small interior) and the 350Z (lovely outside, but interior cheap/dissapointing). I love the RX8 becuase it is cool and different with the rotary engine and all. A friend of mine has a new 350Z (honestly!) and I have to say that the 350Z is superb in terms of looks and power. But straight line dragster performance is only one element. As the chap above says, RX8 and 350Z came out exactly equal on the Top Gear test track. Perhaps the 350's extra power was countered by the extra weight. The BMW M3 also had the same time: 1:31.8, and yet it has > 300 bhp. The VX220 incidentally, was only fractions of a sec faster than all 3. If somebody took away my RX8 and replaced it with a 350Z, I would not complain much. But I would still choose the RX8 over the 350. I don't need the 4 seats, it's just that revving that engine is addictive. 0-60 with 1 gear change ! Or none! Make that bitch rotary scream ! Sorry getting carried away.

Posted by: PeskyPedant at February 8, 2005 11:07 PM

JTKUL...choose one, is the "Z" faster or slower than the M3. You first wrote that you raced an M3 and it "went down faster than a prom date" and then you said the "Z" was not in the same class as the M3...which one is is? The RX-8 is the right car...it's lightweight, has good power with excellent handling. It's balanced!

Posted by: Rogelio Piedra at February 5, 2005 9:49 AM

"I have raced both a RX-8 and a M3 and they went down faster than a prom date."
LOL..a nissan 350Z faster than a M3. I have driven the M Coupe on the track on several occassions with M3's and 350Z's. The M3 is an excellent track car. The 350Z is a nice car for the money but not even in the same league performance wise.

Posted by: jtkul at February 5, 2005 5:15 AM

Again, "Z" lovers are mistaken! No one ever said that the RX-8 was faster. We all know that the "Z" has more hosepower and torque, but horsepower and torque are not the only things you need for a good, balanced sports car. You have to be lightweight, nimble, have a good suspension and tight handling. The RX-8 has all of these qualities! The "Z" also has these qualities, but it's heavy and the handling is not as tight as the RX-8's. The "Z" is a great car and IT IS FASTER than a RX-8, but no one is denying that. The question is, when the roads get twisty and you need BALANCE what car can best provide you with tight, sharp handling and a nimble secure feeling? The RX-8 can do it better! Plus, you can always upgrade a vehicle like the RX-8 to make it faster, but you can't upgrade the way a car feels and its racing habits and dynamics. I have said it once and I'll say it again..ultimately, what was it that killed the American muscle car? We all know that they were fast as hell, but they could not turn if their lives depended on it, and they were really heavy machines..but they could blow you away on a straight away. Point is: you need to be balanced and lightweight (like the RX-8), not just have good straight away speed. (like the "Z") The "Z" is also really heavy! THAT SUCKS! (it's the truth).

Posted by: Rogelio Piedra at January 28, 2005 9:52 PM

I sure am hearing a lot of RX-8 owners saying they have beat the 350Z. That amazes me because I have raced exactly 4 RX-8's and easily left them in the dust. This has occured in several situations ranging from a stop light to running it down a ramp to the freeway. Through turns and straight aways I distanced myself from the 8. When test driving them both, the 8 seemed more clumsy in handling but more forgiving. The 350Z seemed more powerful and involved then the 8 and that is why i went with it over the 8. It seems that the RX-8 has a to shift less often on launch proceeding towards 50mph though. I still like the looks of the RX-8 and would proudly drive one.

Posted by: NikFiend_350Z at January 28, 2005 6:29 PM

We all understand that the "Z" will win in a straight line, but name one american muscle car that will not blow away most import sports cars in a straight line?! Torque, horsepower and straight line speed is not everything to racing! BALANCE IS! All of the car awards and driving awards that the RX-8 has received this year do not lie...the RX-8 is a great sports car and it gets the SLIGHT EDGE over the "Z". It's only a slight edge because the "Z" is a great car in itself, but it's still an edge. I'm saying it and so are all of the car editors and magazines. And they're paid to test cars, so they would know! The RX-8 has good power, exceptional handling and is lightweight..these are all key components to an import sports car...the "Z" has exceptional power, good handling, but weighs a ton! Get it? BALANCE, BALANCE.....BALANCE!!

Posted by: Rogelio Piedra at January 28, 2005 4:41 AM

ive drivin both an RX-8, and a 350Z and can tlel you right now in a stright line a Z will win... but take it to the track and its going to be the better driver. as for the previeous M3 comment i own a modified 3rd gen RX-7 (fd3s) and M3's usually do a pretty decent job of keeping up... as for 350z's and
8's... well lets just say one hasnt come close yet... not close

Posted by: Twitchfd at January 28, 2005 4:20 AM

I like both cars, but the RX-8 has the slight edge. The "Z" has the horsepower and torque edge and that is nice, but the key to racing is balance. The RX-8 is one of the most balanced cars available. Mazda takes the Porsche approach to racing: weight to horsepower ratio. The RX-8 weighs about 2,940 lbs, the "Z" about 3,400 lbs, that is a huge factor in racing and a car's balance. The RX-8 has superb handling, good horsepower and is lightweight. Those combinations can not be denied in racing. Put it this way: American muscle cars have always had the edge in horsepower and torque, but somehow they always ended up behind an import sports car. Why? Because import vehicles handle well, have good power and are lightweights. The "Z" is fast, handles well, but is very heavy. And if you want more...car and driver, motortrend magazine and road and track have all run comparison tests, two of the tests compared the RX-8 to the "Z" directly, the RX-8 has won them all. And oh yeah, I almost forgot, the RX-8 has won many awards this year too. Including being chosen as one of car and driver's TEN BEST VEHICLES. Best sports coupe. It's all real, just look it up! The RX-8 is a true balanced sports car and the "Z" is the muscle car of imports, as a car and driver magazine editor put it.

Posted by: Rogelio Piedra at January 26, 2005 11:30 PM

i will smoke any 350z on the road no matter what .been there done that.i previously hurt the feelings of disappointed 350z owner.

Posted by: trip at January 25, 2005 12:08 AM

Well dont really know if someone is gona read this... i own a rx8 and its the mazdaspeed version. the 350z is just to slow for any mazdaspeed rx8. I live in greece and you can ask any 350z owner in my city Thessaloniki.
Thats for the winner stuff. on the other hand the girls likes more the 8 thant the 350.. but ...thats another stuff

Posted by: greekRX8owner at January 20, 2005 5:46 PM

I would choose the 350Z as I believe it will be the next Supra..its already got a great displacement at 3.5 liters, think about how much power you could make on pump gas with turbos. It has nice looks, and parts will be cheap since it uses the same motors at the trucks and maxima. I know that the RX8 is a fun car, just not that fast and the looks dont do that much for me. I do know pettit racing is developing a supercharger kit for the rx8 and I am sure there are turbo kits being made for it too. I look at cars not stock, but their potential to make higher hp when modified. My modified FD RX7 is very fun, fast and makes over 350 RWhp and over 300 ft lbs of torque for a 2800 lbs car, it moves pretty well.

Posted by: TwinturboRX7 at January 9, 2005 7:52 PM

I have a 350Z Roadster and the only thing I can add to this conversation is that I have raced both a RX-8 and a M3 and they went down faster than a prom date. Can't mess with the Z!

Posted by: nik_350z at December 22, 2004 8:12 PM

planning to buy a new car right now.. would like to know which one is better.. the rx8 or 350z? cannot make up my mind even after reading all this.. hope some one can explain it more clearly to me!

Posted by: neo at December 17, 2004 11:53 PM

Sorry Cyclometh; it was Joshua6r who smoked a 350z.
You're claim confuses me too, though... given the facts.

Posted by: PSIco at December 15, 2004 10:12 PM

Dream on all you RX-8 owners:
The 350z is faster from 0 to any speed you can mention (0.7sec faster 0-60 and a whopping 3.9sec faster 0-100).
1/4mile times are 14.49 for the RX-8 and 13.77 in the Z!!
Whatever you prefer, HP or Torque, the 350z comes out on top at any point along the rev band.
Cyclometh must have been 'smoking' something but it certainly wasn't a 350z whilst driving in his 1.3 wankle! Oh, and good luck with long-term reliability after 3 years of revving the nuts off your engine...

And another thing: (I can only speak of the UK) but the 350z IS the rarest. I can safely say that the RX-8 is becoming road vermin over here. A 350z is a rare sight on British shores

Posted by: PSIco at December 15, 2004 10:08 PM

Top Gear had a professional Driver test both cars on their track, and the RX8, 350z, and M3 all came out with exactly the same time.

1.31

Here is the video http://www.gofastvideo.com/gallery/item/predownload/209/free-racing/videos/top-gear---mazda-rx8.html

Posted by: Iceman at December 2, 2004 4:50 PM

I know a thing or 10 about rotary engines and they whoop ass !!! I'll even put my non turbo '88 up with any shitty 350 z on a race track with turns. the handling is beautiful!! light weight engine and great power to weight !

Posted by: rx7 owner at August 6, 2004 1:18 AM

I own an rx8 also,I have raced everything from a Mustang GT to the 350 Z and i have smoked them both.I believe if you have the right driver the Z can not handle the rx8 6 speed, maybe the auto

Posted by: joshua6r at July 9, 2004 2:55 AM

I own an rx8 and am very impressed with its handeling and do not think that the z car could even began to keep up in tite corners as i have tested both. I have beaten the z car several times... Think maybe it is because of the rpm comparison. seems that I don't have too shift as soon. Any coments.... Thanks - Cyclometh

Posted by: cyclometh at March 28, 2004 5:59 AM

i will gladly race my 350z vs any RX 8... i've been there and done that... not been disappointed yet...

Posted by: ermangus at March 24, 2004 8:23 PM

Your 350Z has probably got more torque than an F1 Ferrari, yet I don't think Michael Schumacher would trade his for yours.

My dear friend, you really need to do your homework on torque vs. horsepower.

Come back when you have a clue.

Posted by: FEN at February 20, 2004 2:48 PM

I own a 350-z for about 8-months now. I took a RX8 home last night. Guys the key word here is "sports car" The 350-Z is a SPORTS CAR and the RX8 is "CUTE". One more key word for you RX8 guys........... "TORQUE" baby

Posted by: Bryan at February 18, 2004 7:43 PM

The reason why the RX-8's HP differs with the transmission is because due to the high revving of the RENESIS, the AT could not handle all of those revs so they reduced it to 7500RPM which it could handle..

Posted by: RXcitemenT at January 10, 2004 9:54 PM

The 8 is not "massed produced" anywhere near what the Z is. And the Z is not "rare" either. IIRC only 600 8s are in Canada at this moment. In my city, I've seen only ONE other 8 driver in the last SIX months. I've seen at least a half dozen Zs. Probably more.

Better deal for the money? I don't think so. Check the prices again. The 8 GT is $39K CAD.

Looks are subjective. I like the look of both cars, but I dislike the tail-light design a lot on the Z. The 8 with full body options looks far superior IMO; especially the Mazdaspeed add-ons.

Both the Z and 8 have bad blind spots.

Posted by: RMCH at November 13, 2003 9:27 PM

actually, the Z has 287 hp. and the mazda 238 on stick, 197 on auto. that's a huge difference. the Z's horsepower doesn't change from stick to auto. the Z is much better in my opinion. looks, interior, etc. the rx-8 is being mass produced...at the mazda dealer here, there are about 15 or 20 cars on the one lot alone. there are only 11 total Z's on 3 nissan lots in the area. so the Z is much more rare. better deal for the money too. i felt safer in the Z, besides the blind spots in the aft. but you gotta use the mirrors.

Posted by: guy at October 12, 2003 11:54 PM

If I remember right each rotor contains two or three (depending on rotor design) 'chambers' so to get the equivalent displacement you must multiply the stated displacement by two or three.

The tax in Belgium multiplied the old Mazda engine (RX6) by two. (our cartax is based on displacement)

Posted by: sjon at February 19, 2003 10:55 AM