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

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 You'll have an out-of-date car with a huge appetite for fuel that will kill the budget.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 Gas guzzler, out-of-date, a bunch of problems including complete engine replacement which happened to my friend.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.

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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).

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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 )