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.
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
-Scott
)
ops: 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...
Linear Mode
