Nissan 370z vs. Mazda RX8

frost

By the way, the rx8 began production in 03. Hey mazda, how about a frackin update?

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370z OG

nickcliborne

How about hey Honda the S2000 needs an update not killing off.

SnakeBitten

Are you guys talking about handling "feel" as in balance etc or in outright lap prowess, times etc? If its the latter the 350z has beaten the RX8 easily on a few road tests and tied it on some tight tracks. Both did the same time on the Top Gear test track for instance. At the C&D Lightening Lap the 06 "Rev Up" Z demolished the RX8 by 7 seconds per lap. Based on that there is no way in hell the RX-8 will compete with a 370z on a track if it cant beat a DE Rev Up. An HRz would cripple it as well especially if its one with the optional 245/265 tire setup.

If its "feel", balance etc you are refering to then it remains to be seen if the 370z can feel like an extention of the driver the way the RX-8 made quite a few racecar drivers feel. RX-8 may be underpowered compared to its rivals in class but none of them have matched it in handling refinement yet. Will wait till a head to head with the RX-8 and 370z before we can know if the 370z is on par "feel" wise imho. RX-8 is a great drivers car no matter the power/tq numbers. I love the interior over the 350z as well. Quality car. My worthless 2c

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Endgame

And indeed they were worthless! JUST KIDDING!!

Actually I was thinking of 'feel', balance, and fun factor. I know the 8 got owned big time on the track, but since I will not be going to the track often, I am interested in the fun factor of the 370z. Guess we will have to wait for the heads up test.

If the Z is suppose to match a Cayman S, it should at least match the RX8 as the RX8's handling has been compared to that. BUT is the 370z's CS comparision on track or street and is it taking the fun factor into account? Just my additional worthless .02.

SnakeBitten

^^

I agree with you on the feel, fun factor etc.....RX8 owns the 350Z on those counts from every review Ive seen. As for the 370z being as fun to drive as the Cayman S or RX8 that will indeed need to answered in a comparo. Just because the 370z can hang with the Cayman S doesnt mean its on the same level of balance and feel as either the RX8 or Cayman S. Power and enough handling can help a car make up for shortcomings like added weight, less ideal weight distribution etc. Pure track numbers dont convey the fun or balance of a car.

Example ACR horribly rapped the Audi R8 on a track. But the R8 felt much better and had more enjoyable handling characteristics compared to the mighty ACR. Im thinking its gonna be hard for a front engined, 56/44 car like the 370z to mimic the telepathic reflexes of a mid engined car like the Cayman S or the superbly balanced RX8. It may tie it or beat it on track but if past reviews are any indication the Cayman S will be the more satisfying "drivers" car. Speculation can be fun but Im hoping the 370z can at least come close to not only the performance of the new Cayman S but also come close to it in the fun factor as well.

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wj4

+1,000,000. For ~$30,000 that car is so amazing. Now Honda has nothing to offer in that department.

frost

Starts at $35K, which seems a little pricey. I'm not a huge fan of convertibles since you can only use one a month out of the year here, but I know I use to kill those things in my 02 trans am, and the 370 is a smidgen quicker than my TA was.

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370z OG

AK370Z

You are correct, it's 35K msrp but 90% of the people got it for around 31-32K because that's how much it went for in most Honda Dealership. S2000 is a really good sports roadster. I had a chance to drive one and boy, it felt like I was in a go cart. The gearbox was abosolutely amazing. I have yet to drive a 30K msrp car with such gearbox( 350Z gearbox doesn't even come close). From 6000 to 9000 RPM was an abosolute blast but those the only rpm you'll have fun in. Pre 6000 RPM experience is just like a Honda civic. Also, lets not forget it's a very light car. I really wouldn't mind driving one at track (autoX) from time to time.

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wj4

I wasn't aware that the S2k had more than 1 trim, not counting the CR edition which came out towards the end of the life cycle.

I almost bought one back in '05, and I got quoted at $31k OTD for any S2k instock. I was about to go buy it, but I drove my friend's new Evo..2 days later, I also got an Evo, lol.

I still think the transmission in that car is the best in any car I've driven, regardless of price. So buttery smooth. I would like to say that it's the best I4 engine, but I have to give that title to the 4G63.

AK- that's exactly what I said. If you're below 5k RPM, it feels like a Civic so those who are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic may not be able to appreciate much.

During the SoCal nights, I still fiend for a white s2k with red interior. But that car would be even more impractical than the Z to daily drive in.