I'm just getting started. I've done two weekends at a little track here in TX called Motorsport Ranch. KILLER, technical course with some great elevation changes. I'm seriously thinking about getting a membership out there and quitting the DE scene. The Z is the first car I've ever hit the track in. I did some karting before, so I knew how to drive, but don't like the idea of not having a cage around me or not being belted in at 100 MPH 3/4" off the ground.

A HUGE hurdle is the misses. A car is one thing, but the truck and trailer could be a deal breaker. I'll have to play this one easy and see how it goes. I don't want to lose the Z and have to get a '89 Civic daily driver. :D I'm thinking Spec Miata, or a fully-prepped Civic or Teg. Anyhow, I won't be real serious until I get R-Compounds on the Z for a couple of weekends and see how it goes. I don't have dreams of being worth a **** in any competitive SCCA class, but tearing it up on the course is more fun then one should legally be able to have. I have to keep doing this, you know?

 

Sadly is right. I don't see it, personally. To each their own I guess.

To me, the Z, like most new Nissans, is tragic. I wouldn't take one if it was given to me free and clear.

And before the panties of some members start bunching, that's just an opinion.

 

Hey, you guys that have polarised opinions about the 350Z and the RX-8 should consider yourselves lucky. I had to choose between them. I had both ordered, could afford either, had no need for 4 seats (although they're useful), thought they both looked great but had to make a decision. In the end the Mazda won it and the Z order was cancelled but I mourn its passing. They are BOTH superb cars and I have the greatest respect for them.

 

You are so right. I had a chance to take my brother's S2000 on Mid Ohio last spring. It is a blast. I would highly recommend it. I plan on taking the 8 next year (maybe this year if it ever arrives). Not to start a war here but I was surprised how many times I passed a Z. My brother said the same thing (different group). This was a NASA HPDE event so inexperience could be a factor but neither of us are that experienced (karting, autox) in fact it was only my second time in the car.

Also karted there (later in the year). Now that's scary. I'll be back in Oct. :D

 

That is not at all unbelievable. The thing I like about road courses most is that it's ALL DRIVER. Dragging is about being lucky and hooking up and not missing shifts. Last time I went out it was with the PCA. I lapped a 993 TT three times in one session in my run group. That car would RAPE me on the highway.

 

droidekaus, Sorry if I'm a little late but AWESOME pictures dude !

Good work bud.

 

those pictures are great man, really pro quality with the layout and everything, great job

both cars are beautiful, i used to HATE the Z, but its really grown on me for some reason and now i really like it, though i personally like the 8 more for whatever reason, i love the looks of both cars

 

Excellent pics, Droidekaus. I think both cars look the best when seen from the side. I also agree that there's a strong polarity between people who like the RX-8 or the Z. Perhaps this is due to the fact that some people don't like sharp angled lines (which is seen on the Z) or the lack of it (can't find a sharp curve on the '8)?

 

Ref the comparative looks:

I'm waiting for my RX-8 to be delivered ... that said, I love the front end of the RX-8 and really don't like the rear end at all (doesn't really matter as I don't have to look at it!). The 350Z has a lovely rear, but the front is bland and the overall shape looks like someone trying to create a Jap modern 911 look-alike.

Mazda: If you are reading this then I would do something about the rear end of this car: so many people have commented on how FORD it looks

 

IMHO both cars are good looking cars. Both has their plusses and minuses. Dunno why it has to result into a pissing contest. same type of atmosphere in some Z boards too. <sigh> just be glad that japanese sports cars are making a come back!
I'm also one of the many who has this dillema of which to choose. the rx-8 for what it can deliver for the price or the Z with it's power and good tq. then there's IMHO the benchmark of performance of these two cars should stack up to. an all out ***** out STi. Yes, it's a boxy four door car with big wings and scoop. But I had a chance to sample on older version (few years back) and it just amazing to be able to put the power down on all 4 wheels effectively.
Anyways I am here to read all the goodness....and badness of the 8 cus it rocks! I'm also in some Z boards cus that rocks too!

 

Righteous choices Lensmen ! I like each in their own way.

 

Thanks for the compliments on the pics, everyone, but the real accolades go to rowentx and his beautiful 8. I have a series of pics of his car, but didn't want to spoil his unveiling if he was going to post them.

Here's another teaser...

 

True, the large passenger cabin of the 8 does look a little bulbous, but that was due to the constraint of having to hold 4 passengers. My main gripe with the Z it looks "chubby" from many angles, and even though the format of a 2-seater has so many design possiblilties, the just went for the easy way out with the "flavor of the month" Audi TT look. I guess I'm just an old timer that misses the days when Nissans looked like Nissans.

 

At least we all agree the Z is "Number 2" and the RX-8 is "Number 1" :D

 

that's where i picked up my 8!

they are building a mazda dealership next to the nissan dealer and all rx-8s are being delivered and stored at the nissan dealer until the building is finished for the mazda dealership.

 

hmm. Classic sports car image or futuristic lines.. It is up to the buyer and both look great to me.

 

Exactly. The RX-8 will be a classic as you can't tell what year it is from, where the Z is trendy and will look very dated 10 years from now.

 

Ouch. Nice one.

 

Word to that.

These days Nissan is an automotive freak show.

 

Personaly I think the Z's front is somewhat anonamous and a poor TT copy, the Z's rear IMO is a real mess.

The fromt of the 8 is great, cross between lotus 7 and an s2000, side on is great, rear is somewhat anonamous.

Even if I didnt need 4 seats the Z wouldnt be on my shopping lists, we have MANY more attractive 2 seaters to choose from in UK, some with staggering performance, TVR anyone?

Lensman, why didnt you just take delivery of the 350Z and sell it for several k profit?

 

Betcha can because of the Altezza lights!

 

Lack of initial capital. One or the other.

 

LMAO, you people are crazy on this board, I was nice with my last post but now that last dated after 10 years comment is just plain ignorant! Every Z made all the way from the origional are now classics, the 13 year old 300zx models are still winning car shows after car shows. The new RX-8 is a decent looking car but its proportions are all wrong, the cabin space makes it look like a mutated coupe and as soon as you add a license plate to the front of the car the front (which IMO is the only nice angle) is ruined.. Follow me down to the beach or any place where "hip" people hang out and I bet my life 8 of 10 people will like the Z's styling better.

Also while you are bagging on the Z, the Z won how many awards in the 8 months it was released? How many top 10 lists? How many rave reviews? And your 30k+ car is running mid 15's in the 1/4 with Honda civic like torque and getting 15-16 mpg?? I can run high 13's, corner on a dime and get 31 mpg on the hwy, and even in hard city driving I get about 20mpg aT worst .Please, get over it.

And your backup story of the rx8 handling good is just an excuse to make you guys feel better about buying a 30k+ car that is getting 175rwhp, running mid 15's in the 1/4 getting 16 mpg and looks like an over inflated coupe gone wrong in photoshop.

Have fun with your $30k+ civic with bad gas milege with your engines known for problems and unreliability!

PS.Whats the fascination with rotary engines? No torque, weird anomalies like back firing and sputtering when cold, HORRIBLE gas mileage, bad reliability and very short engine life, not to mention the expensive services routine and repairs. I don't get it?

 

Very nice. Now you've gone and done it. This is their board and they can *think* whatever the fvck they like. At least I was civil in my complaints about the 8. All you've managed to do is stir up an inevitable backlash of ripping on the Z.

Nice work.

 

OK backlash time.

I think the Z's rear is ugly. For that and that alone I wouldnt consider it.

But you yanks dont get decent 2 seater sports cars anyhow.