can't decide if this is the right car for me

abecus

it's funny because the RX-8 guys say the exact same thing about Nissan and the Z lol something about a crouched down frog-catfish. To each their own I guess. And idk about those slalom numberrs because the Mustang GT got a 68 or something when in reality, it's no where near on the same level as the Z.

And what about the MT gearbox? After driving the genesis coupe I've become a lot more picky about them, that thing was horrible! Plus I'm still a little new to stick shift so I don't want something that's near impossible to drive smoothly

shadoquad

The new Mustang GT is close in handling to the Z. It's very improved.

The RX-8's shifter is much smoother than the Z, I'll admit. Mazda short-throw shifters are terrific.

Cell

I am not a big fan of the fangs either but between the fangs and the rx8.... the fangs please...

TypeOne

I've owned a ton of different cars including a DC5.

I did a LOT of shopping around before I chose my Z... I drove:

350Z
370Z
S2000 (04+ AP2)
Genesis Coupe 2.0t & 3.8 GT
Mustang GT (2010 model as the 2011 wasn't out yet)
RX8
EVO X GSR( I sold my STi slightly before the Z so I wasn't really interested in owning another Subaru so soon)
Camaro SS (although it was a bit out of my price range)
BMW 335i Coupe
BMW 135i Coupe

I looked into all of them, did all of my research and honestly, the RX8 was out of the picture from the beginning. I would rather own a Genesis 3.8 before the RX8.

When I did the math, considered what I wanted and what I was buying, my choices were narrowed down to the 370Z, S2000 and the Gen Coupe 3.8.

I've come from a heritage of Hondas (about 10 or so in the last few years,) I wanted something new (to me.)

The S2000 is a great car. It has a great engine, great gearbox and it will last forever. It is pricey to get big power out of them and the rear ends blow up with the slightest of hard launches. It is small and somewhat under powered if you're used to torque.

The Gen coupe is just garbage IMO... but I know people frown upon hearing the truth so I will make this brief. It's cheaply made and the technology and heritage just isn't on par with the Z. I drove the first 3.8 Track that came to my local dealer ship the DAY they unloaded it.

I was disappointed with the clutch and the gearbox. The power wasn't really there either until you rev'd the piss out of it.

I really thought about buying the Hyundai because of the value, but then I asked myself... what is important to me?

I went back and saved up a little more cash and planned out my purchase of the 370Z for a few months. I was a member on this forum for a few months before I ever found the car I own today.

Everyone is different, but the Z has the quality of Nissan (they make one of the best supercars in the world, yes I called the GTR a supercar) and some of that technology is going to trickle down into there other cars.

Long story short (I know I wrote a book just now) but I got out of the Gen Coupe, went across the street and drove a Z and it was so obvious, I felt like an ******* for thinking of spending my hard earned money on an inferior car.

I love my Z. I would suggest going to a dealership and driving one for yourself. Try to drive them both in the same day to really keep the comparison open.

TypeOne

double posssssssssst

kenchan

that's because you're comparing an under powered sedan to a capable sports car.

Drex

coming from an rsx (type-s i assume?), you will notice a difference in the gear box. the rsx is much smoother and easier to shift, but i have no complaints after a month of owning my z. handling and road feel are about the same or better in the z than the rsx. although, im still in the break in period, so i haven't taken the z anywhere near the limits yet.

i can't compare to the rx-8 since ive never driven one. i hate how they look, but that's just my opinion.

__________________
2011 Nissan 370z | 6MT | Magnetic Black | Sport Package

waleed786

I don't mean to hijack the OP's thread but I'm coming from an rsx and was wondering about the difference (no one ever compares the 2 for obvious reasons ) is the extra weight/size really noticeable or was it easy to adjust to? How about the outside view between the two?
You say handling was about the same but I guess I was expecting more...in the s2k forums they say that the s2k is on a whole new level, that the turns they made in the rsx at 35mph, they now make at 60-70...did you have a similar feeling with your Z or you think they're just exaggerating?

OldGuy

Nephew has an RX-8. He says it's a serious gas guzzler. That car is simply not on the same level as our Z's. Besides, its style is many years old and it is due for a significant re-style and possible re-engineering. You'll have an out-of-date car with a huge appetite for fuel that will kill the budget. Nephew also talks about the rotary engine in the RX-8 as something to be cautious about.
I'd stay away. The Z is a whole different league up with n one of those problems.

PapoZalsa

Yeah, I love the rotary engine, owned more than 7 different models but you would not caught me dead in a RX-8. Gas guzzler, out-of-date, a bunch of problems including complete engine replacement which happened to my friend. Lucky the car was still under warranty.

__________________
2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT
Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

Hambone1

As far as comparing the two, it's an apples to oranges comparison. The most elemental difference will be going from FWD to RWD. Beyond that, in regards to the weight difference, the Z is a car that in my opinion drives "small." Visibility out of the Z, put plainly, sucks. You have zero 3/4 visibility and huge blindspots, and have to rely on your mirrors exclusively to check before you switch lanes. The rear glass is also pretty tight to see out of, however if you're cautious or get a new one with the backup camera you will be fine. The handling is significantly better, a combination of the setup and RWD will make it a night and day comparison.

Drex

the extra weight is noticeable. i believe the z weighs approx. 500 lbs more than the rsx, which you will feel right away. however, imo it makes the car feel more stable and planted, especially at higher speeds. a few passengers have commented on it too.

the z is actually lower and shorter than the rsx, but it is wider by a few inches. i still find myself double checking that i am in my lane on occasion due to the extra width, but i have become more comfortable over time.

the visibility is way worse. like the above poster said, you have to really rely on your mirrors. the back side windows are worthless and you cannot see out of them. rear visibility isn't horrible compared to the rsx, but not as good.

since i am still in the break in period, my view on the handling differences probably isn't worth as much since i am still feeling out the z's limits. however, just yesterday, i was taking this long 270 degree turn/on ramp that i could usually take at 45mph max in my rsx. i looked down at the speedo, and i was going 55 without even realizing it. it felt like there was room to go faster (but i didn't try).

__________________
2011 Nissan 370z | 6MT | Magnetic Black | Sport Package

waleed786

Thanks guys, +rep. I don't mind the blind spots since I rarely ever turn my head anyway, I always lean forward and look in the side mirrors (gives you a different angle)...as long as the front and rear visibility is good, I can live with it.

you guys also have to remember that the 8 is not exactly in the same price range. They might be close in MSRP, but you can get huge discounts on the 8. I was at some dealerships a few weeks ago and they were practically begging me to take the 8's that have been sitting on their lots forever. I barely negotiated and they were offering 25 and 26k for the R3 (closer to 20k for the base), that almost 10k off MSRP . The RX-8 is a slow selling car, come December and I'm sure you can get an even better deal with the Mazda end-of-year cash bonuses.
So you really have to ask yourself if its worth spending the extra 8 or 9k on the Z (the answer is yes )

kenchan

i heard there's some RX9 or something coming out that's suppose to have a rotary + electric motor to kinda cheat itself into the sports car crowd.

come on now mazadah, using a motor for torque downlow is cheating.

cossie1600

Gas is $4.35 a gallon for premium, I will pass on the RX-8 which has a real driving gas mileage of 16 or 17......

I bought a RX-8 thinking I shouldsave money, but the car got to a point where it pissed me off enough that I sold it within six months.