tiger740

Hello,

I am trying to help my brother buy his first "sporty" car (used).

His budget is between $15k-$18k. He likes the looks of the RX-8 and the G35 coupe. He also likes the fact that both cars have back seats (whether they are usable or not).

Any thoughts?

Also, if you have any other "sporty" cars that he should consider, please let me know (* no convertibles and nothing older than 2000, please).

Thanks in advance.

vader1

G35 does not get great milage but it is wayyyyyyy better than the RX8. And the car would be quicker too.

Driving pleasure and feedback are generally better from the RX8, but without torque. G35 has more "cushy cruiser" in it.

I personally like the RX8 better, but would not really put the two in the same category, and if he just wants to win stoplight races pick the Nissan. The Mazda handles better.

If he likes the RX8, don't let anybody scare you into thinking the engine is not reliable. The turbo rotaries in the FD's had problems. The NA 13b last a long time. They essentially have just a few moving parts.

If you drive them in traffic they absolutely GUZZLE when your foot is on the gas, but for long cruises can return fairly decent milage.

TheDonEffect

[QUOTE=vader1,Apr 8 2008, 09:10 AM] G35 does not get great milage but it is wayyyyyyy better than the RX8.

Chrisbert

I owned an RX8 before the S. The car was a blast to drive fast on twisty roads. It has a lot more creature comforts than the S as well.

There are some quirks to the rotary though. I would peruse these sites to get a feel for owner opinions and TSB / Recall info:

http://www.rx8club.com
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/store...s.php?pageid=11

Sr2oD3

RX-8s have the gas mileage of a chevy tahoe and they drink oil like a two stroke.

other than that, they are pretty good.

I'd take the G, it's nicer.

ace123

the rx8 would be more fun to me, but for a first sporty car, i'd go with the g.

it's faster, more comfortable, and it will let him decide if he wants to spend money on cars as toys/a hobby or just go the comfy GT route and leave it alone.

the rx8 is nimbler and has better handling, but if he hasn't driven sports cars, he wont appreciate that, and though it is fun, it isn't a terribly fast car.

Aerodax

After selling my S I test drove both the RX-8 and the G35 Coupe. RX-8 was nimble and fell much like the S2k but the speed just wasn't there, I felt like I was going nowhere when I tried to push it. The G on the other hand felt powerful in every gear due to the huge torque advantage. I ended up buying the G and have been very happy, so that's my suggestion.

Eggo

G35, much classier car and better looking IMO. I hate Mazada's and the RX8's rotary blows. Just my opinion.

Kermdaddy

G35. I drove an RX-8 and it felt like a turtle. You could sling it around but it took you forever to get up to speed. G35 manual is a nice driving car. Lots more torque but it is a heavy car (close to 4000 lbs I think). It is his money so drive both and then weigh out the pros and cons. I believe insurance would be cheaper on the G35. I have heard RX-8s are very high to insure.

JonBoy

You won't get a decent G35 Coupe for $18K, much less $15K.

The RX-8, while slower, is much more fun to drive overall. The G35 is more posh, better looking, faster/quicker, and more comfortable but again, you aren't going to find one for $18K that's in decent shape (or doesn't have 140K miles on it).