The other day I went driving with one of my good friends in his stock (mt) 350z. I kept up with him in my 8 much better than i thought i would. He eventually let me drive his car and i let him drive mine. I was not overly impressed with the handling or suspension, but it was fast. I still dont think his interior is anywhere close to the comfort of the rx, and its styling, in my opinion, is now match for mazdas either.... id like to get some responses of your experiences with 350s vs. the 8s, and ur input comparing their comfort, styling, and overall performance

thanx. :

 

im not so sure you want peoples opinions on this matter.

 

my brother has an 04 Z, its silver like my 8, to tell you the truth I think his interior is of better quality. The red inserts in my doors get these white smudges and the trim pieces that run along the console on my 8 are prone to scratches. the power is definitely better in the z but I do feel like im piloting a boat when on the twisties in it. the 8 has its strengths and the z has others, both have their quirks but both are very good cars.

 

People always compare the two cars, but they are very different. If I could do it over, I'd probably go for the Z for quite a few reasons.

 

like what?

 

Power mostly. I don't really go through twisties much, but am always gunning it on a straightaway. I don't like that I have to get a turbo or supercharger just to keep up with a stock Z. I also don't like the gutless feeling when flooring it at freeway speeds. I love the looks of the 8 better than the Z only when it is kitted. Stock for stock I think the Z looks better. A few other reasons, but they are more personal.

 

Did the 8 touch you in a naughty place? You can tell us.

 

I agree with you on the gutless feeling when u gas it on the highway, i travel i95 frequently so i know exactly what u mean. Stock for stock i prefer the 8, but yeah i definetly would like to have more stock power so i could pass one of those ****** in a z...

 

hahahaha...

 

I wanted a Z last year but I'm glad I learned about the 8. The only downside that comes to mind is power, which can be fixed with a s/c, and I don't need to bother counting pennies on gas. And the Z looks meh.

 

Exterior styling I like the Z myself a little better than the 8 but then I love Audi TT styling as well and they a a bit similar. Interior I like the 8. I don't really think these two cars are really in the same market. The 8's closest competion I think is a G35 coupe and then perhaps the mustang and gto. The last two are muscle cars obviously but they are performance based 2+2's.

If I only needed two seats and two doors I would have considered a Z. You can always mod it for better handling.

The 8 isn't even the best car for me but it's the best in my price range and for lifestyle.

 

well comfort wise and interior styling the rx-8 easily beats a z.as for performance in a straight line a z may be faster but track wise there the same.there is a top gear video about just this comparison that would answer alot of your questions.I believe they said the 8 was a better price,more practical,better comfort, and just as fast as both a z and a bmw m3.

 

^lol get your flame suit out

 

One of the reasons that I got the 8 is that it seats 4 people and it has more space. If I was shopping for a 2 seather I would have gone for the S2000.

 

Check youtube for rx8 350z top gear and it will come up.

They may all be the same around some tracks but if I had the money I'd take the M3, just so freakin delicious, not gorgeous like the 8 but man that engine is yummy. Put the shift progam to S6, push up on the stick, floor it and then let go, boom! Jackhammer shifts from the paddles as your head is buried in the seat.

 

i do not attend to sound mean. but just becasue top gear says its about as fast as those 2 cars on a track, does not mean its always going to be that way. But i am pretty sure you knew that, any how woot another z vs 8 thread.

 

what flavor?

 

Not a nother 8 vs Z thread

 

LOL, no. For the most part she has been good to me, but we have definitely had our ups and downs.

 

Edmunds did a comparison road test:

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...9/pageNumber=1

"Yeah, we know, the 350Z is faster at the drag strip. And had we done hot laps on a road course, it might have turned in the fastest times there, too. It's got the big V6, the huge 18-inch wheels and stylish lines that get second glances even in L.A.

But in the end, sports cars are more than just numbers and pictures on a page. They are about how you feel in the driver seat and how much you're dying to get back in it when you're not. There's no doubt that the Z has more than enough mojo to inspire a few desktop daydreams, but ultimately, the RX-8 was the one that left us smirking."

 

To me the 8 and the Z are both slow..... Honestly...... There quick cars in stock form, neither one of them are fast. Drove both, own a 8 and the Z is slightly faster, but not by much, they both handle extremely well, the interior in the Z pre-05 sucks major plastic *****! I hate the interior before the 05 refresh, way to much plastic, after 05, the interior in the Z is pretty nice, just as nice as the 8.
Honestly you can't go wrong with either....

If your in the 8 and your going against a 350Z, you just have to work harder and better at driving your 8. Have gone against guys that could drive there 350Z and to be honest i am usually right at there door or glued to there rear bumper. In the Z going against the 8 , its a little more easier, because you have more motor, so even a botched up shift , you still can edge out a RX-8.

Both cool cars in there own rights.....

 

Ok super turnoff of the Z is.....
ITS EVERYWHERE.
I live in an average appartment complex with average cars and there are 4 of these Z's. (appartment complex isnt that big either). At work, I see more then enough Z's it makes me want to catch a few cause im falling asleep from looking at them all day. If I wanted a fast McDonnalds car (meaning around every corner... its my term you cant claim it) I would have got the new Shelbygt500. Yes I have first pick on ford cars and I dont have to pay the premium either.


ok the shelby wont be common, but the mustang body is.

 

We're not all ******

 

You know how 3rd gear works right? If you need to pass on the freeway dump it into 3rd gear and hold on.

 

Ya thats what I Do.
Its fun to put the car into 6th at 40mph and then try to gun it.... boy oh boy it goes nowhere fast.