Assuming I can sell my 93 Miata, I am going to take the plunge for a Z or RX-8. I am leaning toward the Z because the RX-8 lacks in horsepower. Are there any minor modification that can bump the horsepower in the car by about 20 or so? Maybe a chip reflash because I heard the map on the RX-8 is very conservative?

I like the Z more because of its extra power and it is more of a sports car. I know it probably doesnt drive as nice as the RX-8, but at least it is faster and it looks better

 

I probably would have ended up buying the Zed myself except for three things.

1.Practicality - two seater only, trunk is too shallow
2.Quality - interior plastic is cheap and nasty
3.Styling - missus loved the look of the 8 more


I agree that the Zed is more of a no-compromise sports car and certainly has more power, but are you going to be happy living with it on a day to day basis?

Most people I know who have brought a Zed have either regretted the purchase or have brought another car to use as a daily driver.

The 8 on the other hand is a joy to drive and is quite liveable with on a daily basis.

The choice for me was simple since my previous car was a DC5 Type R and as much fun as it is to drive a "hardcore" sportscar everyday, it becomes a pain in the **** (literally) after awhile.

Good luck with it.

 

Hey Tmak where are you located?

 

Both great, great cars. My 2 finalists too. Guess which one I chose.

 

While many people look at the HP as the failing of the RX-8, one must consider that the RX-8 can run as fast as the Z on the track. Also consider that while the aftermarket parts are slim for the RX-8, that will not be the case for long. When a turbo hits, the RX-8 is going to be a lightning bolt.

You can get around 40 hp from a tuning computer right now, read details here: http://tyrannical.org/page-15 It will cost you around $400 for a used unit and cable, and $150 for the canscan.

BTW, I initially wanted the 350Z as well

 

I own a Z, the pic is in my vgarage. So when it was time to get another vehicle my wife said......it must have 4 seats....uuugh what next a mini-van.....NEVER. I see guys driving mini-vans and you can see that the life has crushed their spirit. My wife loves the 8 and the back seats are very comfortable.

Watch this Video:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andy.wray/topgear.wmv

The RX8 wieghs a lot less then the 350Z (two seater)
My RX-8 Curb weight 2925 (zerobanger and S3/P3/E2) @238 HP = 12.28/1HP

2004 BMW M3 Curb Weight = 3781 @333HP = 11.35lbs/1HP

2004 Honda S2000 Curb Weight = 2835 @ 240HP = 11.812/1HP

2004 350Z Curb Weight = 3462 @287HP = 12.06lbs/1HP

My unofficial values: My RX-8 Curb weight 2925 (zerobanger and S3/P3/E2) @272 HP = 10.75lbs/1HP

 

Tmak have you test driven both cars? I was in the exact dilemma as you when I bought the 8. I was dead set on buying the Z. but, friends and family convinced me how impractical the Z was. Plus, the 8 feels a much more refined and finely tuned sports car. sure, you will sacrifice a bit of that low end torque, but not much of it. The 8 is just a much better value for the money. also be careful with the Z...it's had a bunch of kinks that need to be worked out...like problems with the front tires warping prematurely, and interior components being cheap and falling apart.

 

It's a tough choice - I looked hard at the Z. The backseat was the tie-breaker. Since then, I've read, heard and watched tons of reports that reinforce my decision, this being the most recent: http://www.familywray.co.uk/rx8vid.htm

I just put 1,200 miles on the car in 3 days. I couldn't wait to get back in it... ...

 

If horsepower is your main concern and you prefer the looks of the Z, and practicality is not an issue, get the Z man! I don't understand why you're hesitating.

 

the z? :D

 

For some reason my signature doesn't appear to be working...I got a red 6 speed 8. :D

 

I really think tnak needs to actually test drive them before anything else. You might like the z more on paper, but it is a harsher ride than your used to unless you've done some work to the Miata, and the 8 may surprise you.

All the same, they are both great cars and after test driving them I'm sure you'll decide on wich one you like better.

 

I have two friends and each have a g35c and 350z. If it is power, get the 350z. I'd compare the 8 to the g35 in terms of practicality and refinement. At least you'd have 4 seats, the power, and luxury. But when I drive other cars (z & g35 included), I feel like I am driving a machine. Strong but little feel. When I am in the 8, we are siamese twins.

 

it's all in the eyes of the beholder... :p
If you don't need the extra seats -if you've driven a Miata so far, seems like you don't- the Z is by no means a bad car.

 

I used to own an '81 280ZX 2+2. I was also considering the 350 Z to continue the Z family. Once I learned that the Z has only two seats, I totaly scratched out from my list. So at the end having a practical and fun car to drive was my main consideration.

 

My two finalists as well.

I was also concerned about the lack of even a glove box in the Z much less trying to fit one suitcase in that tiny trunk.

I loved the Z after I drove it and was still dead set on buying one. I decided that I had to know what other cars in the same class were like so I drove an 8. I went home with it that night. It has way more room and way more features for much less $$ plus a sunroof (Z coupe has none).

The insurance was also way less! I don't regret it and unless you're drag racing or testing in the desert then the 8 gives you plenty of power to outrun the average Camery / Acccord driver that is on the road.

 

Oh no! Not ANOTHER RX8 vs. Z thread!

 

https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/rx8-350z-16698/
https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/finally-drove-350z-impressions-vs-8-a-33241/
https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/rx8-350z-25795/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/autocrossed-rx8-350z-back-back-26167/
https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/what-cars-did-you-consider-before-rx8-24822/
https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/350z-22587/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-media-news-11/rx8-beats-s2000-350z-march-04-motortrend-19763/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-media-news-11/finally-rx-8-vs-350z-comparison-17262/
https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/goodbye-rx-8-hello-z-12195/
https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/why-i-didnt-buy-350z-17943/
https://www.rx8club.com/lounge-4/350z-14730/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-media-news-11/rx8-v-350z-review-10728/
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/350z-traded-rx8-8377/

 

I was debating over the 350Z, RX8 and the S2000.

For everyday practical use and bang for your buck. The RX8 took the Cake

 

Thought about the Z and the 8. Finally got a red 8 because of the backseats and lower insurance. Again it's a matter of preference and priorities. Good luck dude!

 

I am in Connecticut


RX-8 is better on hte track? I doubt it. From what I have seen, the Z is roughly 2 sec faster at most road courses

 

I havent had a chance to test drive it, but I did have a chance to sit in it. The Z is actually bigger and seems to feel a little nicer, the 8 on the other hand feels ackward and funny. Yes the Z has cheap interior bits and pieces, but the RX-8 isnt that much better. It actually feels too much like a Ford. I havent had a chance to drive it yet, but the RX-8's shifter feels like my Miata while the Z feels like a truck with a cut shifter. I also found that I fit in the Z better, but the 8 seems to remind me more of my Miata and my old RX-7. Well I will drive it and see. I also have to sell the Miata first.

 

The numbers of the Z greatly outdo the rx, but you can't toss around the Z like a play thing or really feel connected to it. If you really enjoy driving, not just going ridiculously fast or accelerating faster than other cars, then the rx is better (you'd kinda have to really enjoy driving to buy the miata, so i guess this applies to you). it's that weird intangible factor of driving that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. the rx has it, not so much in the Z though.

 

I think it depends on the track and the driver. But I think some places have found them to be roughly similar. Topgear had the RX-8 coming in at the same time as the Z and the M3 I think. But then again the track was mostly turns from what they showed and I'm slightly skeptical (since most places find the Z to be slightly faster or just faster depending on the track and the M3 is usually much faster).

From what I've read, the Z has better low end torque so it can take off faster but aside from that it's just *slightly* better on turns with the caveat that it was much harder for the driver to get the better turn times with the Z. I forget which article I read that had a lower time (almost negliglable though) going thru the twisties for the Z but the driver said that the 8 got through them very easily where as he had to work to get the times for the Z. So it's possible that the RX-8 can post similar times or better times depending on the track and driver I would assume.

IMO get the Z if
1) You don't care about seating more than 2 people. If you think about it you're likely not going to need more than 1 extra seat (well at least most of the time I drive it's only me or me + one other person), but there will be times where the extra 3 seats will be useful.

2) You like the look of the Z better.

3) You care about mileage. (My mileage sucks).

4) You want the low end torque.

5) You don't care about a rough ride.

6) You can afford the insurance.

I got the 8 because I fell in love with the suicide doors and interior (I love the 2 tone interior). But aside from that it was for the extra 2 seats and the fact that it can ride fast or it can ride comfortable. It might not be the fastest or the most comfortable but it's definitely good enough either way for me. The lower insurance was definitely a nice bonus but I didn't even consider that actually. I just found out later and was like "whoa, nice!"

I also loved the fact that I haven't seen that many RX-8's around (though they're starting to be more common). Z's on the other hand I see A LOT (I still stop to look at them tho, heh). Same with G35s (and since two of my friends have G35s I didn't want one).

 

The Z is a few inches taller than the RX-8, if that is what you mean.

I've read dozens of reviews comparing both cares, and I've yet to see ANYONE make that claim about the RX-8.

I've owned quite a few FORDS. The RX-8 feels nothing like one. I even have a mustang convertable in the driveway right now. What exactly feels like a FORD?