Alright, I know that the RX-8 is a 4 seater, and the Z3 is a 2 seat pocket rocket, blah blah blah, but they are undeniably in a simmilar category. Just wondering if anyone could tell me how the performance would compare. I'm guessing the Z3 is gonna win with the low end grunt for sure (BMW straight 6), but otherwise how do they compare?

 

You can tell that the engineering is much better on the RX-8 just by looking at it. I saw it at the NYC auto show and it was incredible. The Z3 was only created to lure Miata buyers who wanted a little more speed for their money. It's safe to say mazda has put ALOT of engineering into this car and it's even safer to say that no little Eurocar is gonna beat it. I6 engines are best in cars like the 3-Series and Lex IS series. Roadsters demand distributed power. I say RX-8 all the way!

But in my opinion, Japanese cars beat Euro and American hands down!

 

I currently drive a 2000 BMW Z3 2.3, which has the 2.5-liter inline 6 and the 5-speed manual transmission. It is a great car, very fun to drive.

The Z3 is very much a classic roadster. It has the classic shape, seating position, and open-air feel. As opposed to cars like the Mercedes SLK and Honda S2000, you don't sit deep inside this car. The tops of the doors are low enough to rest your arm comfortably on while driving, so you definitely get all of that great outdoors feel.

Everything about the car feels strong, almost brutish at times... especially the M version of the car. Every pedal and lever, including the shifter and the the steering wheel, have a heavy, precise feel to them. The car seems to hunker down and dig into corners, feeling very stable throughout. The fact that the car is rather hefty for its size contributes to this feel; it certainly lacks the tossability and ultimate go-kart feel of the Miata.

The engine is wonderful... so smooth that if you aren't paying attention to the engine noise, you'll never be able to tell you are in 3rd instead of 5th at 65 MPH. The note it makes from the exhaust goes with the feeling of the car: deep, powerful, begging to be pushed harder. There's lots of torque available early on. 170 ft-lbs and 160 HP from the 2.5-liter engine.

How does all this compare to the RX-8? Well, I've not driven one, so I can't really say. But I can guess that the character and the feel of the RX-8 is going to be very different. The Z3 is German through and through. It's heavy, strong, brutish. Japanese cars tend to be lighter, have lighter-feeling controls, and make up for what they lack in power with agility.

Of course so much of the Z3 is the feel of the car... there's nothing like a roadster with the top down. The RX-8 can't compare to that. Maybe a better comparison would be to the 325ci.

I would expect the RX-8 to have an equally smooth engine that's more of a blast to rev to the limit, a super-slick shifter with shorter throws than the Z3, lighter clutch and steering, more tossability and chassis stability, and more space for your friends.

Can't wait to drive one to see how they really compare.

 

Z3 go bye-bye it's Z4 now.

 

You made some good points there. A friend of mine recently test drove a Benz SL500 vs the Lexus SC430. They ultimately chose the Benz but said the overall interior and controls, layout of the Lex was significantly more impressive. German cars tend to stick to the basics. However, with BMW and Mercedes, the technology is more in the hardware of the care whereas Japanese cars technology is mounted in computerized elements.

I've never owned a convertible, but I have driven a relative's Z3 and I have to say i was impressed. The SLK's engine is actually extremely rough and can't compare to the Z3 or the S2000. I wish MG-Rover would come to the US. I love those little cars. Right now I drive an Acura CL but i'd seel that in a minute for one of those MG-Rovers, even if they weren't as luxurious or expensive.

 

Yeah, I've driven a 3.0 Z3 and loved it. Man, you really feel like youre flying, and when you step on the pedal coming out of a turn and youre feet come of the floor. Great stuff. Anyways, who knows, maybe I'll test drive an 8 when they come out.