I have 65k AUS$ - 350z or RX8 or ???
 

What would be your preference in vehicle between the 350z and rx8. I can't seem to find too much comparative material. Please help. I need to choose one by Friday. My business budget is $65,00 AUS$

Or if you suggest something else???
Michael

350, bit heavy but thats what i would go for!

Between those 2, I'd say the Z.

I would say the RX-8 because it's lighter & looks much better than the 350Z in my opinion but I never trust the reliability of the rotary engine so between the 350Z & the RX-8, definitely the 350Z. If Mazda one day would put a regular piston engine or can prove that their rotary engine is just as reliable as the normal piston engine then I would buy a Mazda's RX sport cars. Winning a 24 hours LeMans isn't convincing enough for me to buy a Mazda sports car with a rotary engine because I'm sure Mazda has their best engineers & technicians there just for the 24 hours LeMans.

yeah ... i'd also go for the Z ......

neways ........ it'll be good for dates .... :mrgreen:

First of all: Welcome to the world of Jabba Michael :fadein:
Back to your question. Suppose in the end it will be a matter of personal taste.
Take both cars for a extensive testdrive on a selection of different roads and roadconditions you're familiar with and decide than.
One of the decisive factors for me is whether or not 4 adults, each approx 6 feet tal, can sit comfortably during a 3hrs ride.
So, all other things being equal, it would be Mazda's RX8 for me :idea:

First of all, welcome aboard :D

Second and MOST important: take your time!!! To buy a car right away w/o thinking about it for some time is completely wrong and risky (although both cars are very good)

Try them both, try to talk with owners, visit websites with dedicated message boards and so on... if you'll choose to far you will risk to much

That said, I'd take the RX-8 hands down :D

It all depends if people have to take rides in your car... four seaters or two seaters...

if you rarely drive more than one passenger... I will go for the 350z because of the torque.... very useable for everyday driving

Now...I disagree with most of these guys, you may well be able to find a year-old 330Ci or possibly (though unlikely) an E36 or E46 M3, or possibly even a Porsche Boxster. You'd probably find those more fun to drive, better built (most likely) and certainly faster than either the 350Z or the RX8. Out of the two you mentioned I'd take the 350Z for driving pleasure thanks to its superior torque, but for a mix of practicality and fun I'd go for the RX8.

I would choose the RX-8 coz' it is more practical
btw, do they offer the Infiniti G35 coupe in your country?

Well since almost everyone is into the 350z, lets ask TT why he thinks the RX8 is the better car.

A couple of reasons:

- it's simply cool
- it's doors setup is to die for
- when ppl will ask you how many cylinder you have under the hood, you can say "zero" :D
- it's globally different than your usual coupé, I don't care if the max hp and torque are placed above 45'000 rpm :P

The RX-8 is a very pretty car. It is light, handles good and goes really fast, if you get that rev counter pretty high up. It is also a 4 seater, so it is a more practical car. If you want a car just for having fun, then the 350Z would be better. But either one of them are great, so no worries mate :wink:

Well as probably many of you guys already watched on Top Gear, the Z, RX-8, and BMW M3 all had the EXACT same time on the track lap! Down to the second. So they are all the same where it counts. Personally the M3 is the only one of the three I would bother to drive home. But I would take a G35 coupe over all of them!

If you're interested more in comfort, then Z. If youl like going sideways, RX-8. The rest are just personal preferences (looks, sound ...)

For me I would choose the 350Z.

I like it more =)

Why dont you get a GT Falcon or Clubsport?

m3 = old stig(slower)
rx-8=new stig
350z-new stick
=
m3 not same speed as both car, a bit faster


personally i would choose 350z, unless u are looking at a car u can carry ppl

straight line speed u hae to go with 350z,, and handling is about the same, rx-8 a little more advantrage 2 it

but i think rx-8 looks absoulty SICKKKK with the body kit

personally, im a fan of the 350z's looks. the RX-7 is awsome too. but ide take an orange, or black Z.
other then that, mabey a holden monaro if you can afford it :-D

Even though I'm not a big fan of rotary but when I drove my friend's RX-8, I had fun though revving it to 9000RPM. The engine screamed pretty aggressively.

i don't think that the rotary engine has any more problems of reliability....but has problems with the fuel....it consums a lot of benzin.....for me a long testdrive would solve your problem...the RX-8 is more practical and it has the looks...wait untill they make a turbo version and by that...

Yea, I heard that Mazda solve that reliability problem with their rotary by making it to be a naturally aspirated instead of turbocharged like the previous RX-7. Rotary engine always consume a lot of gasoline though. It's been like that ever since the beginning.

the whole project with the rotary was to be abbandonned but it didn't....althought the engineers do say to check the oils every5000km...and for giving an example in highways it consumes more of 20l/100km>.... :shock:

Myself,I would get a Holden Monaro CV8 and spend the rest on modding.I would take the RX8.Only because its more than a sports car.

If they offer the Chrysler Crossfire in your country, get that. It just looks so cool.

Get the 350z if you prefer the looks , if not get the RX8 wich has better handling and an amazing engine

Skyline DUHHHH

i would choose RX8.

i dont like the idea of nissan using the 35VQ engine for most of its line up. the engine of the Z is just a tweaked altima, maxima, pathfinder or whatever u like to call it, with great body aerodynamics and 2 seats..

but i think the RX8 is more original even it has less power..

If I wanted uniqueness and practicallity I would pick the RX-8, but for just plain fun I'd take the 350. How much does an Evo 8 cost there? I think they're similar in price aren't they?

Oh, I'll take the RX-8 or 350Z over the Evo 8. Don't get me wrong, the Evo 8 is pretty fast car, if not, it's faster than the RX-8 or the 350Z but it's a sedan. I still love the look of a sports car. I much rather have a luxury sedan than a sports sedan. Another thing I don't like about the Evo 8, it's an awd. I'm not a big fan of awd. I just don't like the way the awd handle on corner for some reason. Well, this is just my personal opinion though.

Is this car gonna be a weekend ride or an everyday car? Dunno, but the RX-8 wouldn't be very fun in an urban environment because of it's lack of low end torque. Where as the 350z has tons of it, which i assume, makes it fun to drive around town. However, if it's just a car to enjoy yourself in on the weekends, i'd definately take the beautiful high revving RX-8.

Not to my knowledge, a lot of very cool non-Australian cars don't make it here due to the different emission control laws and the cost/benefit to the manufacturers if they decide to try it.

They do indeed offer this model here, I went and checked one out last week. Unfortunately if I remember correctly the price was closer to $75-80k Australian though :(

I'd have to agree that both cars you mentioned. Both are favs of mine. Either would be just great!

I have had the fortunes of getting extended test-drives in both cars (sweet-talking dealers is fun)...

My opinion? No question, hands down... RX-8.

I have known several people who have test-driven the 350z, and we have a running joke that there is a massive conspiracy going on with that car. I know some people seem to like it, I just can't find them.

I'll start with the good - steering is nice, suspension is firm (to the point of clunky). Looks hot.

The bad - The engine... I heard in 5th gear I believe that the engine is from Renault... and I'd believe it. Revving the thing up causes one of the most raucious rackets I've ever heard in my life... it grinds like an old out-of-tune american v-8... This isn't quite so noticable in the G35 coupe because of the better noise insultation (I've driven both), but either way, its far from "sexy". Next, its heavy and feels it. I had an opportunity to play in both the G35 and the 350Z in a parking lot... Both cars Plow hard when pushed, not nearly the nimble, tail-happiness I've come to expect from my admittedly underpowered 325is. The steering itself feels nice while the tires are planted, but the second you loose traction, the car looses its feeling. Finally, the interior... Udder cr@p. This has been beat to death by reviewers, but seriously - cheap plastic everywhere. Even worse for me, the car has almost zero rear-visibility. I'm 6'4, and my view out the rear window was limited to a three foot strip of pavement 20 feet behind the car, I simple could not position the seat right to actually see out the rear (and the hind-pillars are gargantuan, blocking most of your view). The G35 couple is FAR better in this regard, it actually has one of the nicest interiors I've ever had the pleasure of sitting in. Very clean, very well designed... night and day. The G35 would make an excellent practical daily driver, its comfortable, reasonably comfortable (and you can't hear the engine rev-up, one of the few cars I would say this is a good thing), and overall I thought it was decent. The 350z on the other hand is no sportier than the G35, but completely inpractical. So, you get Mediocre comfort AND sportiness. No thanks

Ok, perhaps I'm just in a bad mood and thats why I'm trashing the 350Z so much, but as I said, I know many people (including the TOP GEAR reviewers) who agreed with me.

As for the RX-8-

I can't say I ever looked twice at this car in the mags. Its not particularly good looking, on paper it looks underpowered... There's just nothing all that special about it.

I was bored the other day though, and I decided to stop by my local mazda dealer (I'm that much of a car dork). I talked the saleswoman into letting me take the RX-8 out, simply because it was something to do.

It was funny actually, the saleswoman didn't say anything about the car- most I deal with spend the whole time your with them prattling on about this or that irrellivant cr@p. She just sat there and let the car sell itself.

Interior wise, the RX-8 was lightyears ahead of the 350z (although not quite at BMW/G35 standards). It was surprisingly roomy (getting in was a challenge though), comfortable. I _loved_ the dash layout, and overall I was just very impressed. When we headed out on my test drive, the salesman told me that "Rotaries don't need breaking in... Open her up" (I doubt this is true, but seeing as I wasn't planning on buying the car... yeah, I'm bad).

I did.

twenty minutes later she had to pry me out of the drivers seat... I didn't want to go anywhere... (it was so bad, I almost bought on the spot).

People always run on about how high-revving the rx-8 is... I never noticed it. The rotary spools up so fast that you don't even notice your doing 7k plus. the torque curve is almost completely flat from 1000rpm to 9000 - in any gear, at any time, the car as power... After my drive I had to go back and double-check the power number... only 240 horses? I still don't believe it. They were definately the hardest pulling 240 I've ever experienced.

The car's engine was only matched by its balance and handling. Steering - Absolutely telepathic (and as a Bimmer driver, I've very particular about my steering feel). Suspension- completely flat. More than any particular feel, the car just WORKED... I drove the 350Z, I wore the RX-8...

On a practical level, visibility was far better in the RX-8 (despite its odd proportions.... it can actually carry 4 people (I could fit in the back), the only minor issue was the trunk (a little small).

But I'm not buying my car's for cargo capacity.:-D

So yeah... A bit long of a first post, but I figure I'd be thorough.

Btw, to all the 350Z drivers who want to skin me now - I'm not saying you don't have a good car... I know a few people very happy with the Z, and if you are - that's Great... I know plenty of people who wouldn't be caught dead in a Bimmer, and I can't get enough of them.

one man's meat...

Oh, and as for my decision?

Well, as much as I loved the RX-8, I've decided to save up for a bit and purchase the car I _really_ want and have dreamed of for years... the e46 M3. I guess I can't quite get the bimmersnob out of my system.

But... My long-term GF will be car shopping in about a year... she knows very little about cars (But she's a hell of a driver, go figure) and she's asked for suggestions... assuming she's still around then, I'd never complain about having an RX-8 as the second car in my stable.

Then the only problem would be keeping her away from my AutoX times:-D

-Scott

Guys... this site rocks... You guys are so helpful... This has to be the best car enthusiasts web site on the net!!!

Some conditions of the company i work for...

a) Has be be new... :(
b) Has to be available at any retail showroom in Australia (No imports :( )
c) Budget of $65,000 AUS$, but i can add more if paying by lease
d) Has to be silver or grey in colour.

The cars that i currently have at the moment are a 2001 Silver S-Type jaguar 3.0l V6, a 1956 Red Morris Minor, and a project 1977 RA23 Celica with 200hp (not street legal, but shhhh :wink: )

I've taken both cars for test drives multiple times now... i think Mazda are getting sick of me, but Nissan are loving it!!! Mazda can only demo one of the cars they'll have to sell, whereas the one we keep taking out at Nissan is a test vehicle from head office in Sydney that reviewers around Australia get to use.

So....

+ve's and -'ves

First, the RX8...

You can fit 2 adults in the back.... for no more than 5 minutes. If you're fine with being claustrophobic before hoping in, trust me, you'll be affraid of getting in the back of a car again after riding in the rx8!! With only a window that clicks open about 3cm, you might as well take an oxygen bottle with you, and with doors that are only able to opened after the front two passengers are out, it might as well be a 2-seater..... The funny thing is, the other day when i wentfor my final test drive, i took my neighbour George along. He's 6"2in, so i thought it would be a great test. He slotted in no worries, but when the doors closed, it looked like alcatraz... The longer we drove, the paler he got... When myself and the assistant finished our drive and went into the show room, i only relised that George wasn't with us until he called me on my mobile and asked me to get him out... what do i say!!!

After writing this, my real feelings are starting to come out... I'm sorry to all those Mazda lovers out there, but the Rx8 doesn't seem as practical as it looks to be!!

I've decided... 350z Roadster Convertible... Puta Grey!!! I'll pay the difference, but let me keep going, i'm enjoying this, hope you are...

I must say though, the dash and interior of the Rx8 absolutely cleans the 350z dull black interior, and plain black styled seats, and the tan leather option doesn't really suit the silver exterior and black dash.

So... moving to the most important... PERFORMANCE :twisted:

Well they do the same to 100km/ph- 6.2 sec... but it feels much slower in the Rx8, with the only noise you can hear when giving it some is the motor, and that's not till over 7,000 rpms. But you got to love the power curve!!!

Something the 350z doesn't have... :oops: With a constant power curve from 2,000rpm, there is no kick which kindof deminishes the enjoyment factor... You don't really feel the torque kick in...

1/4mile: 350z- 14.2 sec@100mp/hr.... Rx8- 14.8@96mp/hr

So how about looks, well... personal opinion really...

I love the curvatures of the Rx8, but not the soft look it has... No offence, but it looks more of a ladies car...

The 350z... a real muscley look that without even taking it for a drive looks quick... But, what's with those rear lights... :|

So... the Rx8 Leather Pack with great seats and interior, with a real crap BOSE system for $67k... or for $65k, a powerful beast, with boring leather, and a fairly decent BOSE, buttough looks.

As i said... 350z... all the way...

Thanks guys, and girls!!!

MC signing off!

What a cool car collection..Mate I would choose the Morris Minor to cruze around in.That car is awesome and it would make alot of peoples heads turn.Its a mad car.My Grand mother had one many years ago but she stop driving,but my grand dad has 4 Austin 1800s so she all right to get around in...Man,I love the Minor.Classic over plastic any day.

rx8

Simply 350 Z !!!

there is no replacement of coupes with big engines....

I'd definetly take the Z !

Driven once ... loved at once ...

For all of you who understand German:

--- Z macht süchtig ---

What is that mean in English?