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

[abecus]

trying to decide between this and the RX-8 R3 but the only comparisons I can find are of power, I'm wondering about the gearboxes and the handling. The 350Z seems to be known as a Japanese muscle car (so I've heard) so I'm wondering if the 370z is still power first, and handling second? My friend has an s2k which is why I'm leaning more towards the RX-8, it has a similar feel, but I'm trying to figure out if the handling/gearbox in the 370z is really that far off from the RX-8 or is it a minor difference? I'm coming from RSX so even the 8 is an improvement in power. Everyone who owns an 8 seems to be extremely satisfied with the driving experience, and everyone who owns the Z seems to enjoy the power, but few people mention the handling/gearbox

And then there's other things such as maintenance..I heard it takes a good hour or 2 to change the coils/spark plugs in the Z whereas it's a 20 min job in the 8..same goes for the battery etc...and then there's the infamous Z insurance..

Since I'm asking this in the Z forums I guess I'm trying to give myself enough reasons to go with the Z instead of the 8. The Z looks like it has a good mix of Camaro and 8 (handling and power)

and yes, I did search..but only 2 or 3 posts came up that actually helped..and sorry if this is the wrong section, couldn't find a "competition" sub-forum

[b1adesofcha0s]

You could try test driving one and seeing how you like it.

[jayl]

Z

[Econ]

get the RX-8 so you can be envious of our Z's.

[tonybui]

Originally Posted by Econ

get the RX-8 so you can be envious of our Z's.

[shadoquad]

I test drove te RX-8 against the Z.

The RX-8 has very little power. You have to rev it to high heaven to get any power, and while the Z is similar due to its variable valve timing, the RX-8 is more work for less power.

The Mazda handles better, marginally, and has a better modern racing pedigree if that matters to you. While it has 4 seats, I find that its front seats are more cramped than the Z.

Unless I'm mistaken, the Wankel is also harsher on gas mileage if thrashed.

I think the Z looks better, inside and out, but that's subjective.

I say test drive them both.

[nynhex]

I own a 370z and have owned an RX-8.

The RX-8 has ok power on the top end due to the high-reving rotary engine, however it doesn't have the torque and low-end power the Z has. It also is setup for passengers which I never had more than 1 of. Handling-wise it does pretty well but I prefer to have more power behind the car to get it through the turns and such smoothly.

The 370z is pretty raw. It can jump off the line quite easily, has pretty good power until you hit towards 5500-6000 then it sort of goes limp. Handling-wise it does well in corners and straights however VDC is pretty amazing in corners even if it makes your car a bit under-powered. Turn it off and your car will take corners a bit faster but you better know how to drive

In the end it's all about what you want and what makes you happy. I obviously went with a Z and am happy.

[abecus]

It's hard enough to get those guys to let me test drive (apperently they only let "serious buyers" test drive) and once I'm in, it's only a quick spin around the block..can't tell much from that..I do like the much bigger community of the Z though..it would be days before I get a response from a thread in the 8 forums, and even then, it's always the same people lol although I have to say those guys are a lot more dedicated to their 8's

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I test drove te RX-8 against the Z.

The RX-8 has very little power. You have to rev it to high heaven to get any power, and while the Z is similar due to its variable valve timing, the RX-8 is more work for less power.

The Mazda handles better, marginally, and has a better modern racing pedigree if that matters to you. While it has 4 seats, I find that its front seats are more cramped than the Z.

Unless I'm mistaken, the Wankel is also harsher on gas mileage if thrashed.

I think the Z looks better, inside and out, but that's subjective.

I say test drive them both.

thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for +rep..you're right about the mileage, I guess that can even out the fact that the Z has higher insurance. You do have to rev it high, but that's the fun part about it with the 9k redline =D I agree with you on the looks and seating

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by abecus

It's hard enough to get those guys to let me test drive (apperently they only let "serious buyers" test drive) and once I'm in, it's only a quick spin around the block..can't tell much from that..I do like the much bigger community of the Z though..it would be days before I get a response from a thread in the 8 forums, and even then, it's always the same people lol although I have to say those guys are a lot more dedicated to their 8's

More dedicated? lol I just drove 12 hours down to Fontana Village for Zdayz, along with 400+ other people, partied and drove hard roads all weekend, then drove 12 hours back. And there were a number of people who drove there from further away (NY, MI). A lot of people on this board turn wrenches on these cars and love them, including me.

Maybe the RX-8 guys are more dedicated, but I'm certainly obsessed with my Z.

[red6spd]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

More dedicated? lol I just drove 12 hours down to Fontana Village for Zdayz, along with 400+ other people, partied and drove hard roads all weekend, then drove 12 hours back. And there were a number of people who drove there from further away (NY, MI). A lot of people on this board turn wrenches on these cars and love them, including me.

Maybe the RX-8 guys are more dedicated, but I'm certainly obsessed with my Z.

WOOT WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Go with the Z, the RX is old and dated and is due for a huge change, plus just like Al said the RX gets really bad gas mileage and has to be reved hard to get going. I understand power is not everything, but when the RX has none to begin with your gonna wish for the Z.

[abecus]

lol not that the Z owners aren't dedicated, I just meant that those guys are always up to something (FI, engine swaps etc.) wheras a lot of the Z owners are just "average Joe's", probably not the ones on the forums, but there's a lot of Z owners that do nothing with their Z's except drive to and from work..but that could also be because the community is a whole lot bigger

[b1adesofcha0s]

Originally Posted by abecus

lol not that the Z owners aren't dedicated, I just meant that those guys are always up to something (FI, engine swaps etc.) wheras a lot of the Z owners are just "average Joe's", probably not the ones on the forums, but there's a lot of Z owners that do nothing with their Z's except drive to and from work..but that could also be because the community is a whole lot bigger

Well they need extra power a lot more than we do

[Lug]

The RX-7 R3 slaloms at around 70 to 71 mph, has a skidpad of about .90. Considering the 370Z matches the slalom numbers and destroys the skidpad numbers, it would probably be at least a dead tie in handling. That plus the massive advantage in power puts the 370Z ahead in any sports/race situation. Feel might be totally different, but that's entirely subjective anyway.

[stan618]

rx-8 has terrible real world gas mileage and it burns oil so get used to checking the oil often and always having a quart of oil with you. Its a nice car but it came out a year after the 350z came out and has pretty much remained the same other than cosmetic changes. the rx-8 is just plainly out classed.

[Cell]

I personally think the rx8 is ugly. The rx7 was so much better looking... I don't know what was in Mazda's mind when they designed and released the rx8. I am surprised people even bought them. If the 370z wasn't out then I would rather buy an s2k over an rx8.