Ok so this is a difficult one for me. Where i live the prices about balance out. So money isn't an issue.

My problem is that I want to get into racing and need a good car. I test drove the rx-8 and the 350z and found both pros and cons to them both.

rx-8 first. I test drove this one first and coming from a crappy 160 horse Honda civ si i was extatic. It was fast, handled perfectly, and looked great. The interior looked like is was built around my body structure. It was perfectly sized with length and holds the small car-ness that appeals to me.

350z is what I test drove later. After feeling the acceleration from this one I was blown away as far as my expectations go for the RX-8. The engine was rough as far as a rotor to a piston engine compairs. But it wasn't anything worse than a honda. It was powerful, it like to get up and go, but the problem was the handling. It wasn't overly cornerable like the RX-8 is. I was told the RX-8 suspension was actually compairable to a porche. Don't know if that is true but I certainly like it better than the 350z.

In short. I love the power and speed the 350z gives me but I desire the small agile ablility of the RX-8.

I researched it a bit and I am having trouble finding a good place to check out the Nissan 350Z in full detail. You know, without the "It's perfect for you!" Salesman attitude. Is there any cons I should know about the 350Z? Like engine wear, power loss, electrical, body problems, etc. I saw one sight that you can spend just about 50,000 bucks on it and it could out perform ferraris. Don't know if that is true but hey if you spend 20,000 extra bucks on any car it best at least keep up with one.

Now personnally if the RX-8 had a 3 rotor engine then there would be no comparison. I heard they make them but I'd have no idea where to get it. I would just go buy an RX-8 and drop a 3 rotor engine in there and call it good as I have heard they push 330+ stock.

Please help me in my choice. I am getting ill just thinking about it...

 

Whoa! No one has ever asked this before!

 

Do a search its alot of detailed discusion on this topic. Some post are 50-100 replies long. Pretty interesting factors to consider, really a personal decision.

Lets see what you get. You drove both what do you really think?
The question only been asked 12k times, I think I asked the same thing 8 months ago .

Good Luck.

 

car & driver - june 07

 

Well said, but everyone's gonna blast you for not searching, they may be the two most compared cars here.

Your thread suggests you're into power output - nothing wrong with that - but it's not the 8's forte so you may be better off with the Z.

 

why would we look up info on the 350z for you? go to a 350z forum, dont search, and just post whatever old, already answerd 37 times, question you want to.

 

Crossfire

 

Ask God for the ability to search.

 

die in a fire, noob

 

ugh. We are not your bitches, we can not do your homework. You ask this question on an RX8 forum, what do you think the general consensous will be? A car is a decsion you have to make on your own. You wouldn't post up here asking what house to buy or how to invest your stocks, would you?

 

Well since everybody else wasnt that helpful ill give it a try. Yes the rx8 Lacks power compared to a 350z but i like smoothness and handling. I would like to say handling compares to a porsche with a few mods in suspension or new tires. Now putting a 3 rotor engine is huge work and usually cost A LOT of money. If i had the money i would throw the 350z in the garbage and get a 3 rotor. Heres why...They get good gains , always room to improve. Sounds like a ******* Indy car...yes an indy car....Moderately light weight engine imo. Still revs smooth but hellava lot faster. If you're serious about the 3 rotor swap you can try and contact Pettit. Http://www.pettitracing.com They cost more then other places but they make it from ground up so everything is basically new. Peace of mind and quality , i say its worth it. Hope this helps a lil.

 

since you plan on dropping in a 3 rotor for power sake, your $ would be better spent if you bougt both cars. then you dont have to make the decision.

 

^^ A sucker born every minute.

 

im gonna go +1 for the crossfire vote. Perfect car for the initial-D fanboy.

 

Turbocharged Gremlin

 

get the 8, enjoy it, then a few years down the road get a turbo kit and have more power than the 350z

 

quit it with the logical answers to redundant questions!

 

Go test drive a Honda S2000 if you're looking for something with more power, but still handles.

 

Pie

 

My car is not a 350Z

 

if u need speed, get the z. if u need cornering get the 8. if u want both in the same car, then increase your budget and look for a different car. if u'r looking for a strict racing/ track car, maybe look for a used carrerra, caman, elise, or exige? then u'll get both speed and handling. as for the 8 vs the 350 u can't have it all.

p.s. mugatu cracks me up.

 

Chevy Sprint Turbo

 

Get an STi. Corners as well as anything with lots of power to boot.

 

If you enjoy being beaten by minivans at a stoplight (AT owners can attest to that), or enjoy needing to rev the **** hell outta the RX8 to beat one, then get an Rx8.

 

or if you enjoy the feeling of wresling a gorrila in the corners and a pregnant elephant body style, get a 350.

Leave, troll