DavidM

For anyone who is interested, the latest issue of Wheels has a comparisions between 350Z and RX8. I have not read the actual article yet, but I did look at the numbers they managed to squeze out of the two car (1st locally for the RX8). The numbers were:

0-60kph:
- 350Z = 3.0 sec
- RX8 = 3.1 sec

0-100kph:
- 350Z = 6.4 sec
- RX8 = 6.4 sec

0-160kph:
- 350Z = 14.2 sec
- RX8 = 15.7 sec

400m:
- 350Z = 14.3 sec @ 161kph
- RX8 = 14.8 sec @ 155kph

The 350Z seems to perfrom very consistantly in every test, but the 0-100kph numbers for the RX8 surprised me a bit. It was quicker then I expected (and read in the UK tests). The 0-160kph seems to be consistent with the UK tests though where they managed high 15s and mid 16s respectively.

I'm very surprised to see how well the RX8 can get off the line concidering that it weights almost 100kg more than the S2000 and has roughly the same power and torque as the S2000. The RX8's engine must have a better powercurve (ie. more power lower down). Just for rerefence here are the S2000's numbers flast time it was tested (Motor PCOTY 2003):
- 0-100kph = 6.36 sec
- 0-160kph = 14.8 sec
- 400m = 14.53 @ 158.2kph

So it looks like all 3 cars are pretty close in terms of straight out acceleration ... just the RX8 seems to fade above 100kph where it seems about as quick as an Integra Type-R or a WRX.

ps. Just for reference, here are the numbers for Boxster S from the PCOTY 2003:
- 0-100kph = 5.48 sec
- 0-160kph = 13.0 sec
- 400m = 13.7 @ 164.8kph

tothemaxx

I didn't think the RX8 would be that quick. The weight problem and the fact that the rottary is NA. With the assistance of turbo it will be very fast. To be honest I would get the RX8 or the 350Z because I don't see the use of spending $70K on a two seater that is a hard top! Don't get me wrong I like the 350Z but it's gonna be everywhere and plus I like the RX8's interior and the door.

Blackie

Damn is Wheels out already? Gotta pop out to newsie tomorrow then and get me a copy.

I was this >< close to waiting out for an RX-8 before I got my S2K. Guess I really needed the convertible.

DAP

The 350Z is pretty slick in a straight line.Don't forget that Wheels test times are always slower than Motor.If Wheels can get the 350Z to 160km/h in 14.2sec,then Motor can probably do a sub 14.BoxterS territory,not surprising given similar p/w ratio.

MyYellowHonda

I want my mum to test drive the rx8

yummo i can't beleive it's finally out now!

DavidM

The 350Z is pretty slick in a straight line.Don't forget that Wheels test times are always slower than Motor.If Wheels can get the 350Z to 160km/h in 14.2sec,then Motor can probably do a sub 14.

Motor has tested the 350Z good 2 - 3 times already and returned 14.2 - 14.5sec in the 0-160kph sprint. Like I said - very consistent across most magazines.

BoxterS territory,not surprising given similar p/w ratio.

Just as 'close' as the S2000 ... probably not much (if at all) closer. Boxster S these days is somewhere bewteen the S2000 and e46 M3 in terms of acceleration as it does 170kph in about 14secs flat.