Top Gear = Top Review
11-23-2003 | 02:10 PM
#1
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From: Worcestershire
Top Gear = Top Review
That was far, far better a review than I could have imagined.
JC really liked it and the Stig got the same time as the M3 and the 350Z on their track.
Fantastic:D
JC really liked it and the Stig got the same time as the M3 and the 350Z on their track.
Fantastic:D
11-23-2003 | 02:35 PM
#3
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From: Herts - UK
Same time as the M3 and 350Z round the track! I'm absolutely gobsmacked! The handling really must be sensational given the power difference (I know the handling feels great to me but I'm not exactly the Stig).
Did anyone notice that this is the same car that Autocar tested. They reckoned it did 0-60 in 7.1 seconds and didn't handle particularly well. Well clearly they are very very wrong indeed about at least one of those points if it can keep up with an M3.
Superb review overall. How many million people watch this programme? If I was a Mazda salesman I would be having a large celebratory drink right about now.
Did anyone notice that this is the same car that Autocar tested. They reckoned it did 0-60 in 7.1 seconds and didn't handle particularly well. Well clearly they are very very wrong indeed about at least one of those points if it can keep up with an M3.
Superb review overall. How many million people watch this programme? If I was a Mazda salesman I would be having a large celebratory drink right about now.
11-23-2003 | 02:43 PM
#4
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From: Gloucester, England
Did you see how stig checked it about though; oversteer, understeer - I didn't think it was going to say on - but what a result. :D
Made it on to the cool section of the cool wall too :D
Made it on to the cool section of the cool wall too :D
11-23-2003 | 03:14 PM
#6
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From: Stafford, England
Got to be one of the best reviews ever on Top Gear!!
Mazda salesmen all across the country will have been creaming themselves!!
ROLL ON NEXT WEEK I want one while people can still remember that review!!!!
Mazda salesmen all across the country will have been creaming themselves!!
ROLL ON NEXT WEEK I want one while people can still remember that review!!!!
11-23-2003 | 03:14 PM
#7
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From: Waterlooville
England win the World Cup, Clarkson says it's the best car he's driven this year, ...sorry, it's the doorbell back in a sec
... guys I'll have to go, Kylie and Britney have turned up pissed and are demanding a threesome.
... guys I'll have to go, Kylie and Britney have turned up pissed and are demanding a threesome.
11-23-2003 | 03:26 PM
#10
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From: Stafford, England
Originally posted by Topic
Ricardo,
Tell them you are to busy, you are just about to go out for a ride in the RX-8.:p :D :p
Ricardo,
Tell them you are to busy, you are just about to go out for a ride in the RX-8.:p :D :p
11-23-2003 | 04:10 PM
#12
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From: Northampton UK
What is the real world then?
It is a tad twitchy when its wet, as is any rear drive car. Nothing scary though - and he didnt mention whether that was with or without DSC.
In all the posts I've read, USA, Australia, etc I havent seen any reports of anyone losing one in a big way, unless you can point one out.
It is a tad twitchy when its wet, as is any rear drive car. Nothing scary though - and he didnt mention whether that was with or without DSC.
In all the posts I've read, USA, Australia, etc I havent seen any reports of anyone losing one in a big way, unless you can point one out.
11-23-2003 | 04:18 PM
#13
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From: London (England)
Originally posted by Tivoli
Do you really think Clarkson knows anything about cars? The RX8 is good but its not an M3 and its not a 350Z which were both mentioned as having the same lap times, in the real world both of those cars would destroy the RX8. However as a cheap and practical sporting car the RX8 is great, thats why I like it. The poor fuel economy and potential depreciation are still a worry though. How are you guys finding the wet weather handling, Clarkson changed his mind about the RX8 being great when he drove it in the wet, said it was very twitchy.
Do you really think Clarkson knows anything about cars? The RX8 is good but its not an M3 and its not a 350Z which were both mentioned as having the same lap times, in the real world both of those cars would destroy the RX8. However as a cheap and practical sporting car the RX8 is great, thats why I like it. The poor fuel economy and potential depreciation are still a worry though. How are you guys finding the wet weather handling, Clarkson changed his mind about the RX8 being great when he drove it in the wet, said it was very twitchy.
11-23-2003 | 04:21 PM
#14
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From: Surrey
Originally posted by Tivoli
Do you really think Clarkson knows anything about cars? The RX8 is good but its not an M3 and its not a 350Z which were both mentioned as having the same lap times, in the real world both of those cars would destroy the RX8. However as a cheap and practical sporting car the RX8 is great, thats why I like it. The poor fuel economy and potential depreciation are still a worry though. How are you guys finding the wet weather handling, Clarkson changed his mind about the RX8 being great when he drove it in the wet, said it was very twitchy.
Do you really think Clarkson knows anything about cars? The RX8 is good but its not an M3 and its not a 350Z which were both mentioned as having the same lap times, in the real world both of those cars would destroy the RX8. However as a cheap and practical sporting car the RX8 is great, thats why I like it. The poor fuel economy and potential depreciation are still a worry though. How are you guys finding the wet weather handling, Clarkson changed his mind about the RX8 being great when he drove it in the wet, said it was very twitchy.
11-23-2003 | 04:40 PM
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Guys,
Just thought I would pop over from the 350Z forum -
350Z UK
We too are amazed at the review of the RX8 - congrats guys. Wont give you all the conspiracy theories we have come up with yet - but the lap time was damn impressive given the power/weight defecit compared to the M3 or 350Z.
Clarkson has a bit of form with the 350Z - Nissan declined to invite him to the UK press launch.
I wont go into the which is quicker round a track - but the fact that either can match an M3 despite one being down over 100bhp and the other down over 60bhp is pretty impressive.
Fortunately im in a good situation - my wife is ordering an RX8 to replace her TT so I get the best of both worlds !!
Look forward to having a run with an RX8 on the roads !! :D
RickB
More importantly - why is my profile calling me Billybadass2003 - when I called it RickB ????
Just thought I would pop over from the 350Z forum -
350Z UK
We too are amazed at the review of the RX8 - congrats guys. Wont give you all the conspiracy theories we have come up with yet - but the lap time was damn impressive given the power/weight defecit compared to the M3 or 350Z.
Clarkson has a bit of form with the 350Z - Nissan declined to invite him to the UK press launch.
I wont go into the which is quicker round a track - but the fact that either can match an M3 despite one being down over 100bhp and the other down over 60bhp is pretty impressive.
Fortunately im in a good situation - my wife is ordering an RX8 to replace her TT so I get the best of both worlds !!
Look forward to having a run with an RX8 on the roads !! :D
RickB
More importantly - why is my profile calling me Billybadass2003 - when I called it RickB ????
Last edited by billybadass2003; 11-23-2003 at 04:44 PM.
11-23-2003 | 04:58 PM
#17
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From: Glasgow, UK
Originally posted by billybadass2003
Guys,
Just thought I would pop over from the 350Z forum -
350Z UK
We too are amazed at the review of the RX8 - congrats guys. Wont give you all the conspiracy theories we have come up with yet - but the lap time was damn impressive given the power/weight defecit compared to the M3 or 350Z.
Clarkson has a bit of form with the 350Z - Nissan declined to invite him to the UK press launch.
I wont go into the which is quicker round a track - but the fact that either can match an M3 despite one being down over 100bhp and the other down over 60bhp is pretty impressive.
Fortunately im in a good situation - my wife is ordering an RX8 to replace her TT so I get the best of both worlds !!
Look forward to having a run with an RX8 on the roads !! :D
RickB
More importantly - why is my profile calling me Billybadass2003 - when I called it RickB ????
Guys,
Just thought I would pop over from the 350Z forum -
350Z UK
We too are amazed at the review of the RX8 - congrats guys. Wont give you all the conspiracy theories we have come up with yet - but the lap time was damn impressive given the power/weight defecit compared to the M3 or 350Z.
Clarkson has a bit of form with the 350Z - Nissan declined to invite him to the UK press launch.
I wont go into the which is quicker round a track - but the fact that either can match an M3 despite one being down over 100bhp and the other down over 60bhp is pretty impressive.
Fortunately im in a good situation - my wife is ordering an RX8 to replace her TT so I get the best of both worlds !!
Look forward to having a run with an RX8 on the roads !! :D
RickB
More importantly - why is my profile calling me Billybadass2003 - when I called it RickB ????
Welcome to the forum mate. Nice to see you over here instead of me over there!
Which is quicker round a track? I suppose it depends on the track - lots of straights and the 350Z will win hands down. Lots of twists and the RX8's well balanced handing will probably win the day.
Still, who cares when you can give an M3 costing almost £20K more a run for it's money. :D
And you're a lucky bugger having access to both cars
You'll have to clear your cookies to get your user name sorted.
Enjoy your Z and your wifes 8.
11-23-2003 | 05:00 PM
#18
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From: Sydney, Australia
Originally posted by BlueAdept
Well, 0-60 and 1/4 mile drag isn't exactly real world either... and yes, in that case the M3 or 350z will win, but the fact that it did equally well as those cars on the track points to the fact that the handling is VERY good, and so it will be good in the real world... possibly better than the 350z in parts of the real world with lots of bends... but not so good in places where there are lots of streight roads and traffic lights... The car is not great from a standstill, but it comes into it's own when it's rolling.
Well, 0-60 and 1/4 mile drag isn't exactly real world either... and yes, in that case the M3 or 350z will win, but the fact that it did equally well as those cars on the track points to the fact that the handling is VERY good, and so it will be good in the real world... possibly better than the 350z in parts of the real world with lots of bends... but not so good in places where there are lots of streight roads and traffic lights... The car is not great from a standstill, but it comes into it's own when it's rolling.
The wide rev range and the balance of the car can confuse you a little, at first you think something doesn't quite feel right - then you realise it's just the fact that the car is that good!
11-23-2003 | 05:05 PM
#19
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Kev,
The Euro 350Z has a different suspension setup to US, JDM or Australian cars - its much more supple.
Unfortunately Clarkson is still basing his opinion of the Z on his test drive of a Japanese car back in January (which is when the original footage of him in the Z was shot - not the summer when it was shown on the program).
Have a test drive of the Z - I think you will be very impressed !! I have test driven the RX8 and I thought it was a great car - didn't have the same go as the Z - but felt far better than the TT I also have !!
Handling is one of those weird discussions that could go on for a while - Topgear magazine prefers the Z over the RX8 - so its a bit weird that Clarkson prefers the 8 over the Z. Could be something to do with trying to get on the order list for the Ford GT ????
:D Conspiracy theories - dont you just love them !!!
RickB
The Euro 350Z has a different suspension setup to US, JDM or Australian cars - its much more supple.
Unfortunately Clarkson is still basing his opinion of the Z on his test drive of a Japanese car back in January (which is when the original footage of him in the Z was shot - not the summer when it was shown on the program).
Have a test drive of the Z - I think you will be very impressed !! I have test driven the RX8 and I thought it was a great car - didn't have the same go as the Z - but felt far better than the TT I also have !!
Handling is one of those weird discussions that could go on for a while - Topgear magazine prefers the Z over the RX8 - so its a bit weird that Clarkson prefers the 8 over the Z. Could be something to do with trying to get on the order list for the Ford GT ????
:D Conspiracy theories - dont you just love them !!!
RickB
11-23-2003 | 05:08 PM
#20
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From: Chester
Originally posted by Tivoli
Do you really think Clarkson knows anything about cars? The RX8 is good but its not an M3 and its not a 350Z which were both mentioned as having the same lap times, in the real world both of those cars would destroy the RX8. However as a cheap and practical sporting car the RX8 is great, thats why I like it. The poor fuel economy and potential depreciation are still a worry though. How are you guys finding the wet weather handling, Clarkson changed his mind about the RX8 being great when he drove it in the wet, said it was very twitchy.
Do you really think Clarkson knows anything about cars? The RX8 is good but its not an M3 and its not a 350Z which were both mentioned as having the same lap times, in the real world both of those cars would destroy the RX8. However as a cheap and practical sporting car the RX8 is great, thats why I like it. The poor fuel economy and potential depreciation are still a worry though. How are you guys finding the wet weather handling, Clarkson changed his mind about the RX8 being great when he drove it in the wet, said it was very twitchy.
11-23-2003 | 05:15 PM
#21
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Murphy,
Thanks for the greeting !!
Its nice to pop over here for a while - you know mix with the enemy for a while
Hopefully im now posting under the right name !!
Anyway - the 350ZUK group would like to extend an invitation to a group meeting
RX8 invite thread
Be great to see the 350Z and RX8 together - we could go looking for M3's !!! :D
RickB
Thanks for the greeting !!
Its nice to pop over here for a while - you know mix with the enemy for a while
Hopefully im now posting under the right name !!
Anyway - the 350ZUK group would like to extend an invitation to a group meeting
RX8 invite thread
Be great to see the 350Z and RX8 together - we could go looking for M3's !!! :D
RickB
11-23-2003 | 05:19 PM
#22
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Call me crazy, but couldn't it be as simple as the fact that different drivers drive differently. Hence it's possible one driver can drive car 1 much faster than car 2, despite car 2 being better than car 1 in certain respects.
Don't forget that the 8 was built with a different purpose, which makes the 8 much more impressive in my view, even if the times were biased.
Don't forget that the 8 was built with a different purpose, which makes the 8 much more impressive in my view, even if the times were biased.
11-23-2003 | 05:21 PM
#23
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Rabinabo,
Based on US magazine tests - the 350Z is indeed as quick or quicker than an M3 round a race track (see Road and Track magazine). Its the times for the RX8 that are very impressive. I guess we wont know for sure how the RX8 was that quick - but its still impressive for a 1.3
RickB
Based on US magazine tests - the 350Z is indeed as quick or quicker than an M3 round a race track (see Road and Track magazine). Its the times for the RX8 that are very impressive. I guess we wont know for sure how the RX8 was that quick - but its still impressive for a 1.3
RickB
11-23-2003 | 05:46 PM
#24
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From: Herts - UK
Originally posted by Tivoli
Do you really think Clarkson knows anything about cars? The RX8 is good but its not an M3 and its not a 350Z which were both mentioned as having the same lap times, in the real world both of those cars would destroy the RX8. However as a cheap and practical sporting car the RX8 is great, thats why I like it. The poor fuel economy and potential depreciation are still a worry though. How are you guys finding the wet weather handling, Clarkson changed his mind about the RX8 being great when he drove it in the wet, said it was very twitchy.
Do you really think Clarkson knows anything about cars? The RX8 is good but its not an M3 and its not a 350Z which were both mentioned as having the same lap times, in the real world both of those cars would destroy the RX8. However as a cheap and practical sporting car the RX8 is great, thats why I like it. The poor fuel economy and potential depreciation are still a worry though. How are you guys finding the wet weather handling, Clarkson changed his mind about the RX8 being great when he drove it in the wet, said it was very twitchy.
I actually don't believe that the 8 is as fast as an M3 around any track - with a deficit of over 100 hp that's just not credible and I can only assume it must have been a little damp when they clocked up the M3's time. But it did equal the Z on a dry track and we know that the Z has much beter power to weight ratio, so the 8's cornering ability must be quite something - definitely a consideration in the "real world".
Looking at Top Gear's other track times, the 8 is also half a second faster than the Focus RS which is a superb track car, and only half a second slower than the VX220 turbo.
11-23-2003 | 07:14 PM
#25
www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Bagshot, Surrey
http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum...t=347&start=20
we're meeting up on December 2nd with the 350z guys!
more details on the RX8 owners club site....
we're meeting up on December 2nd with the 350z guys!
more details on the RX8 owners club site....