Originally Posted by Arnold K. (Post 1211197)

Considering that Nissan sold 65K 350Zs in only 2 years...and only sold just over 30K 370Zs in 3 years...that's not going to happen.

Originally Posted by ClevelandCWRU (Post 1194762)

I’m not going to be “modding” or tuning the car so I don’t care about unlocked potential. I won’t be taking the car to the track, and the kid the in the mustang/camaro/etc. can rev his engine at the stoplight all he wants but I still won’t race him. I don’t ever race or drive all-out but I do enjoy spirited driving when safe. All I really am looking for is a sporty and capable RWD performance coupe that is reliable, fun to drive, and available with an automatic (to ease the commute).QUOTE]

Just my opinion, but I would get neither based on your requirements above. I mean, why consider a sports car, without driving it as a sports car? I'm not saying you have to race every douche Mustang owner everytime he revs his engine at a red light, however, I think you wouldn't be investing your money wisely. Why not shoot for like an Audi A5, or another coupe? Not a sports car, but luxurious with a sporty feel, all while still a coupe. I'm not a fan of automatics in sports cars either, however, the paddle option in the Z is a great feature and most of the top class sports cars include them nowadays. But, let's be honest, would you use them?

Originally Posted by Methodical4u (Post 1210140)

VQ engines are virtually in every Nissan cars, you need to lay off the kool-aid too. 2nd gen RX-8s are more rare than 370, I have a tough time thinking anyone would dare to say the RX-8 is a better car. It's a car at the end of the day.

Originally Posted by cossie1600 (Post 1210590)

statistics backing this? I feel like i see rx-8's EVERYWHERE around here.

Originally Posted by Arnold K. (Post 1212422)

Mazda was selling 15-25K RX8s per year in the United States until 2006, when sales declined to below 10k, and after 2009 they pretty much flatlined. I believe in the US over 100K RX8s have been sold. Not exactly a rare car by any stretch.

Originally Posted by cossie1600 (Post 1214166)

It wouldn't be so slow if it gets 30 or 40mpg. My Prius is slow, but I love it because it gets 45mpg driving like a maniac. Plus it is all relative, the Z is slow to Mustang drivers. At the end of the day, it's all about driver's preference.

Originally Posted by hansoac (Post 1212172)

You are right the 1st gen RX-8 sold well, 2004-2006 specifically. The 2nd gen sold terrible because the update came three years too late. You can't sell the same sports cars for nine years straight with no power change. Also gas is $3.50 a gallon not $2.50.....

The Eight Slowest-Selling Cars - Mazda RX-8 - Automobile Magazine

Originally Posted by Methodical4u (Post 1214246)

To what mustang drivers exactly? The Z can beat A LOT of mustangs stock for stock in a straight line, let alone on a actual road course.

From car and driver: The 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, the latter on a gloriously flat curve that peaks at 4250 rpm, are achievements. It’s enough to knock out a 60-mph sprint in 4.6 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 109 mph, which are more or less Camaro SS times. Finally, a Mustang engine that doesn’t have to eat dust from a small-block.

Now i'm quite sure many can run the new mustang faster than 13.2, but we've got our guys here who run the 1/4 in 12.9 too.

The RX-8 to just about ANY sports car owner or anyone with even a honda civic is still SLOW!

Oh yeah... your Prius isn't likely much slower and the RX-8 yields AT BEST probably 18-20 mpg... it was an absolutely AWFUL car and Mazda seriously screwed up when they made it.

Originally Posted by cossie1600 (Post 1214315)

I don't keep up with a lot of straight line stuff, but a quick search on google shows people doing 12.5 to 12.8 on a stock GT (priced similar to a 370). Road course it would depends on the course, in theory there is an extra 80hp for about 500lbs in weight penalty. It should be helpful in courses with long straights.

You define sports cars as something that is fast through 1/4 mile, some people doesn't. Do you know what is the best selling sports car of all time? Miata. Lotus seems to be doing okay with cars that can barely hit 13s, you saying they don't have sports cars? Straight line acceleration is not hard to accomplish, building a car that is fun to drive and can sell to the masses are much harder to do. My wife's SUV does 14.0 flat, that shows how lame comparing 1/4 time is.

Mazda had good intentions with the car, but they made some serious blunders on it. At the end of the day, the project was a success financially as the car sold 100K unit in its run.

Originally Posted by hansoac (Post 1195031)

My best friend owns a Gen. Coupe. I have driven it and it is O.K. Also, I have never seen the car turn heads and it is BRIGHT red. It just doesn't have the same "I can't stop looking" affect on people that the Z has. I personally think it is a good looking car and would be fun to drive if I didn't have the Z. I let my buddy do some spirited driving in the Z and he is currently selling the Gen. Coupe and is shopping for a new Z :tup: not joking either.