RX8 or 350Z

JoJoYZF · 08-05-2009, 12:45 AM

So I recently paid off my bike and decided to sell my car. Right now I think Ive got it narrowed down to two possibilities for new(er) cars, a mazda rx8 or a nissan 350z. Ive changed my mind quite a few times but it keeps coming back to these two. Both have similar power, are rwd, and would have a six speed manual. I know a few people have or had 350s, but has anyone driven a rx8? Ive never owned or worked on anything with a rotary engine. Opinions on either car would be great.

derf · 08-05-2009, 12:50 AM

My lotus had a 13btt, awesome engine, and there is very little that can go wrong with it, the apex seals being the most common failure, although the RX8 has shown itself to be much improved over the rx7. They also burn a bit of oil, but overall definately a great engine.

Homeslice · 08-05-2009, 12:55 AM

I'd go with the RX8 if you can tolerate the piss-poor mileage (typically only about 18 mpg so I've heard...)

The reason I wouldn't get a 350z is because I'd feel like shit every time I saw the new 370z which is superior in every way.

Dave · 08-05-2009, 01:58 AM

the rx8 is very smooth, fun on twisty roads but feels somewhat underpowered. have you considered a used nsx? i dont know where the prices have gone since i bought mine but it will easily crush either of those porkers in any performance test you wanna name

karl_1052 · 08-05-2009, 08:46 AM

RX-8 for sure.
too many knobs ride around in 350s.

As for NSX prices, they are alot higher than these two cars.

TYEster · 08-05-2009, 09:09 AM

Personally I say the Z. The 370 while "superior" in a few areas, doesn't make it a better car. If you can find a used 350 you'll be saving yourself about $20,000 right off the bat. *Plus the aftermarket for the 350 is astounding while there isn't much for the 370 at the moment.(if that's your cup o tea) It's also still possible to even find 03s(first year production) with under 40k miles.

I would NOT suggest an RX8 because every used one I have found with 40-60k miles, seems to have a rebuilt motor? What gives with that? I mean, 06s and 07s have them.

And NSXs from EARLY 90s are still going for about $20k range. BUT if you really want a car for the driving experience, test drive it. I hear they are still awesome, even if pricey.

Dave · 08-05-2009, 10:07 AM

i got 13.1 @ 109 with boltons. Dyno'ed 270 and 210. If you look that route remember that 92 and down have manual steering racks which kinda limits you for aftermarket wheel sizes.

smileyman · 08-05-2009, 11:01 AM

Z. It has torque, period. It will handle the RX in any setting save actual roadcourse racing. Besides the rotary engine is known for burning oil from new and not holding up as well as conv engines...

Cutty72 · 08-05-2009, 11:07 AM

Problems with the rx8 they burn oil they get shit mileage and not long lasting. Rotary engine MAY last 100K if you baby it and treat it perfect.

pauldun170 · 08-05-2009, 11:10 AM

As much as I would like to recomend the RX-8 I can't.
350Z is a duechebag mobile but at least its a fun one that's prettyy much trouble free.

RX-8 once you get used to turning down "hey man...wanna go" requests and checking the oil every morning because you're paranoid of running it dry after only 500 mikes is a great car. It's just that it's a better weekend car than an actual real car.

It's up there with Triump (the car maker) or MG ownership.

08-05-2009, 12:45 AM	#1
JoJoYZF Bring on the Zombies! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland Moto: 2000 Yamaha YZF600R Posts: 2,691	RX8 or 350Z So I recently paid off my bike and decided to sell my car. Right now I think Ive got it narrowed down to two possibilities for new(er) cars, a mazda rx8 or a nissan 350z. Ive changed my mind quite a few times but it keeps coming back to these two. Both have similar power, are rwd, and would have a six speed manual. I know a few people have or had 350s, but has anyone driven a rx8? Ive never owned or worked on anything with a rotary engine. Opinions on either car would be great.

08-05-2009, 12:50 AM	#2
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	My lotus had a 13btt, awesome engine, and there is very little that can go wrong with it, the apex seals being the most common failure, although the RX8 has shown itself to be much improved over the rx7. They also burn a bit of oil, but overall definately a great engine. __________________

08-05-2009, 01:58 AM	#4
Dave Chaotic Neutral Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt Posts: 13,992	the rx8 is very smooth, fun on twisty roads but feels somewhat underpowered. have you considered a used nsx? i dont know where the prices have gone since i bought mine but it will easily crush either of those porkers in any performance test you wanna name __________________ TWF Post whore #6

08-05-2009, 08:46 AM	#5
karl_1052 sergeant hatred Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ottawa Moto: The bus Posts: 2,723	RX-8 for sure. too many knobs ride around in 350s. As for NSX prices, they are alot higher than these two cars. __________________ My wife was afraid of the dark...then she saw me naked and now she's afraid of the light.

08-05-2009, 11:01 AM	#8
smileyman White Trash Hero Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Moto: Buell 1125R Porco Rosso Edition Posts: 4,895	Z. It has torque, period. It will handle the RX in any setting save actual roadcourse racing. Besides the rotary engine is known for burning oil from new and not holding up as well as conv engines... __________________ Arkriders.com To be the best you must first be willing to risk the worst!

08-05-2009, 12:55 AM	#3
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	I'd go with the RX8 if you can tolerate the piss-poor mileage (typically only about 18 mpg so I've heard...) The reason I wouldn't get a 350z is because I'd feel like shit every time I saw the new 370z which is superior in every way.

08-05-2009, 09:09 AM	#6
TYEster With MORE TYEstosterone Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: TX Moto: '12 KX450F / 08 YZ250F #512 / 07 KX65 #1 Posts: 1,429	Personally I say the Z. The 370 while "superior" in a few areas, doesn't make it a better car. If you can find a used 350 you'll be saving yourself about $20,000 right off the bat. *Plus the aftermarket for the 350 is astounding while there isn't much for the 370 at the moment.(if that's your cup o tea) It's also still possible to even find 03s(first year production) with under 40k miles. I would NOT suggest an RX8 because every used one I have found with 40-60k miles, seems to have a rebuilt motor? What gives with that? I mean, 06s and 07s have them. And NSXs from EARLY 90s are still going for about $20k range. BUT if you really want a car for the driving experience, test drive it. I hear they are still awesome, even if pricey.

08-05-2009, 10:07 AM	#7
Dave Chaotic Neutral Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt Posts: 13,992	i got 13.1 @ 109 with boltons. Dyno'ed 270 and 210. If you look that route remember that 92 and down have manual steering racks which kinda limits you for aftermarket wheel sizes.

08-05-2009, 11:07 AM	#9
Cutty72 Ride Naked. Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Flat and Straight ND Moto: 08 BUELL 1125R, 05 SV650S Posts: 7,916	Problems with the rx8 they burn oil they get shit mileage and not long lasting. Rotary engine MAY last 100K if you baby it and treat it perfect.