Man, what a nice car, good handling though I didnt push it too hard, and acceleration with 3 people in the car and air-con on was great. Sales guy let us play with it at a new industrial estate for about 40 minutes, and seem to enjoy the spirited fanging we gave it as much as we did, I think this car would really kick ass driving solo. If you can arrange it, go take one for a test drive, though obviously if you have a TT it wont be as exciting in the acceleration department. This car is basically on par with an NA with roughly equal weight and power, though the 8.5K red line in the rx8 is certainly fun. If this thing had a turbo, it would be an awesome little beasty:YD
look at any recent magazine unique cars, wheels, etc, most of them have a RX8 Vs 350z comparrison :+)
Sad to say this, but.... The RX-8 came out in front of the 350Z. They are both good cars in the acceleration/handling/comfort/etc; departments, but...the price is what got the RX-8 the trophy!! I was so excited when I picked up the magazine, and so disappointed when I finished reading the article.So...from that day forward, I took an oath to only look at magazines with nakes girls on them, unless they are magazines of naked girls on/in cars!!! :-0 :-Z
I love the RX8! Awaiting a test drive > not that I'm going to defect to Mazda - couldn't afford it! :`( But for the money, innovation and features I think it is a truly awesome machine...Gonna drive a 350Z to in order to compare... :YD
I agree, the rx8 is a better buy... ..I hate the tacky silver paint on every thing in the 350Z, but the rx8 uses real aluminium for the silver bits, has more boot space, plus the back seat area for cargo, and from what I can tell the rx8 also has better crash protection(though having no center pillars is a bit worrying, hope the door latches are strong!). I think I was wrong saying the rx8 is equal to the NA, I read on the mazda forums that the ECU limits the engine to 170RWHP for several services, before jumping up to over 250RWHP!! Im still suprised that the thing weighs 1350kg, but with the extra weight and the longer wheel base, it may make it actually better handling that the lighter rx7(just a guess) Another plus for it is that it is easier to see behind the car from the drivers seat, where the 350z still has that giant pillar blocking side views and a tiny back window with a brace blocking some of the view. I have not driven a 350Z(been trying though!), but I have heard they accelerate harder, but do not have as good handling as the Z32 or the rx8
Trust me, you'll love it.. ..they have almost the same cockpit feel as the Z32. Like I said acceleration from rest is a bit sluggish if you dont give it some, but once you hit about 5 grand its happy time all the way to eight and a half grand
Actually Pillarless B is stronger than > conventional fixed B Pillar design (if you believe the marketing brochure I picked up from the Mazda dealer). My Dad and I spent a great deal of time looking at how the freestyle doors worked and how they lock in to the frame - looked very impressive! Also, the RX8 has side airbags too. :YDPlus a 9 speaker Bose Stereo with sub-woofer...(that also, if you believe the marketing brochure, was designed especially for the RX8 cabin acoustics). ^D^ 8DI can't get over how small those Rotary Engines are! On the negative side - the RX8 is supposed to drink fuel like an Alcoholic at Happy Hour...
does it sound like a swarm of bees on drugs like the old-school rotaries? I just can't get past the sound of them, no matter how fast they can go.
This chicken howls its guts out8D once you hit the higher revs it absolutely sounds like a chook cooker, its great. When its at lower revs though(like cruising around town), it just sounds like a 4 cylinder engine. BARP!
