RX8 to 350Z

[RX8to350Z]

Whats up guys...I'm still in thinking of swapping my 8 for a Z. Need some help about knowing the 350Z. And also is $35000 for a new 2006 black convertible with leather seats, navi and the whole package worth the $$$$?

Gimme ur $0.02 ppl...thanks

[Exar-Kun]

What exaclty do you need to know? Just saying "I need to know" is akin to me walking up to Bobby Flay and saying "I need to know about cooking"...

I would advise against a convertible unless you are a "open top" person...it's a bit less rigid and heavier than the coupe 350Z.

You can check prices and things on edmunds and such...I paid a drastically low price ofor my Z because of dealership connections.

Have you driven one yet?

CHeers

-Chet

[RX8to350Z]

The convertibles are heavier? I didnt know that...(noob)I like open tops but would also like to go track once in awhile...Any advise? Any cons about the car??

[evildky]

convertibles almost always weigh more this is true of most any car available in convertible, they have to add bracing under body for the strength lost by removing the roof, you can have a track car or a convertible, convertible will never be as stiff, an a big con of the convertible is the top wears out, they have to be replaced every 5-10 years, and if you leave anything of value in the cae a pocket knife makes for easy access

[RX8to350Z]

Hows the reliability for this car? I want to know pros and cons before i make the decision to buy it....

[Exar-Kun]

Pros and cons are pretty well known. the Engine (VQ35) is awesome, and tops the best engines list constantly, the suspension is very nice and cutting edge for under 35k.

The con? It's relatively heavy (3200-340lbs), the gearbox is "slow" (but precise)

that's about it. Commig from an RX8 you'd be very pleased with everything about the Z except the weight, since the RX8 is a smidge lighter IIRC. But the engine and suspension design make up for it....you'll love the torque.

[Djnaz]

++ on the gas mileage over that rotory

[Bubba1]

The convertibles are heavier? I didnt know that...(noob)I like open tops but would also like to go track once in awhile...Any advise? Any cons about the car??

If you're talking about taking a convertible to a track with turns, like for an hpde,you'll need install to 4 pt. roll bar to participate, which is not required for a hardtop.

You should probably test drive a Z first. There aren't many cons to the Z as compared to the 8. It's a little heavier, so it won't feel quite as nimble as your 8, but still very fun to toss. It has no back seat, and a big brace in the middle of the luggage area. The engine is really what's going to make you grin. Great motor, smooth, powerful, no turbo lag, and (unlike the Rx-8) has plenty of torque.

Just curious why you're thinking of trading your Rx-8.

[idriveaTTz32]

i'd have to say as far as quality and ride characteristics you will find the Z to be slightly lesser car. the Rx8's chassis engineering is by far more superior and very nimble when comparing the two.

Now the Z is no slouch either and what it lacks compared to the Rx8 it makes up for with more tail wagging grins due to its higher hp and torque number and a much more affordable and vastly huge aftermarket support.

So if you want a more tunable car, get the Z.If you want to be different and spend more for less keep the rx8

I think you'll be happy in the long run with the Z as its engine will amost never give you problems like the rotory may.

[evildky]

an SCCA national solo BS cmpetitor compared the rx8 to a scalple refined and precise, and the Z to an axe, brutish and powerful, I think that was a compliment

[murpheyANDthis350z]

Have you ever thought of having both? lol



(btw this is not mine its my couz's RX8)

[ZBAZ]

Whats up guys...I'm still in thinking of swapping my 8 for a Z. Need some help about knowing the 350Z. And also is $35000 for a new 2006 black convertible with leather seats, navi and the whole package worth the $$$$?

Gimme ur $0.02 ppl...thanks

Bought mine in 2004 at the Cali Car Auction for under $16,000. It needed some paint work and some little things but I am still in it under $23,000.00 at this point. If you want a deal patients is a must. I looked at 50 Z33 from 2003 to 2004 and it took 7 month to find my car with little to no real damage for a GREAT price !!

[Phantom Menace]

Whats up guys...I'm still in thinking of swapping my 8 for a Z. Need some help about knowing the 350Z. And also is $35000 for a new 2006 black convertible with leather seats, navi and the whole package worth the $$$$?

Gimme ur $0.02 ppl...thanks

I own both cars. I have a 2006 RX8 GTMT and a 2007 350Z Coupe. I had the 8 first and was sharing it with my wife. Now I got the Z and she has the 8. IMHO, both are excellent cars that equally fulfill sporting needs. The specific needs/wants you may have is another story. My issue is that my 8 is a GT and my Z is a base model. If I could've gotten a GT Z, then I would much prefer the Z. However, I do miss the "creature comforts" of the GT package on the 8 when driving my Base Z. The engine on the Z is it's strongest point, while the 8 has several "little things" that make it an excellent car. Both have their ups and downs, depending on what you value in a modern sports car. Everyone tells me that my move from an 8 to the Z is neither up nor down. It's a step sideways. While you never have enough twisties to make full use of the 8, there are never enough open straights to appease your launching fetishes with the Z. Gas mileage is a bit better with the Z and you no longer have to worry about oil consuption (with an '07 model), however, there are some Z's that drink more oil than an 8.

My Base Z costs, roughly, the same as my GT RX8. Pound-for-pound & dollar-for-dollar you get alot more with the 8. Do not under estimate the value of the 8's back seats and the suicide doors! Also, when driven back to back, the 8 feels so much more nimble yet sluggish. Weird. It [the 8] is so much SMOOTHER than the Z in terms of entering and exits corners; transmission action; acceleration; breaking; and suspension. The Z, however has more oomph at 4.5k RPMS than the 8 has at redline! For 2007, the Z's redline is now 7.5k and launches something wicked! The 8 is quick, but since the power is so high up you don't realy feel the "crap your pants speed" of the Z.

All-in-all, if you want a bare-knucked-bare-bones-sprots car, the Z is for you. If you are looking for a more refined and unique machine, I'd stick with the 8. If you can afford a GT 350Z, then, you should be very, very, content.

I hope this helps...btw, here's my whips

Modified by Phantom Menace at 10:31 AM 3/19/2007
Modified by Phantom Menace at 10:36 AM 3/19/2007

[joe603]

Also, don't discount the Infiniti G35...a 350Z with a backseat. Not set-up as aggressive as the 350, but still a very sporty car, especially the 6MT coupe.

[finalforce]

The Z definitely has a more reliable motor with a broader potential for performance. Not only does it look more agressive, but it sounds better too =]

[Phantom Menace]

Is your cousin codhey takahasi? I've seen that pic on the rx8club.

Have you ever thought of having both? lol



(btw this is not mine its my couz's RX8)

[murpheyANDthis350z]

yeah, thats his 2004 rx8.

[bmike818]

real sports cars come in two doors and two seats. the rest are just compromises. I rather get the real thing...Porches don't have real back seats they are just for show so please don't bring them up. if you need more than two seats I suggest you get an STI (I don't consider them sports cars, I do consider them as rally cars)

[Velocityred]

I sold my 2004 velocity red rx8 6spd GT 4 days ago for a 2005 black 350Z 6spd Touring. Very worth it. I couldn't have made a better trade. Although I do miss my 8, the potential is enormous with the z.

[murpheyANDthis350z]