jasonjm

RX-8 if he's responsible and will take care of the car.

G35 if he's lazy.

RX-8 will make you work hard, it's the underdog. Makes things more fun.

G35's engine feels lazy.

Comfort i'm actually going to have to say the RX-8.

RX-8 is much more suited for consistent track duty as well, there is an advantage to weighing less...

Saying all this I feel the G35 has a higher reliability index.

Another question I'd ask is how much insurance is for these cars?

Diablo99V

Both are great cars and it's a hard choice to make but I'll probably end up in the G35.

harrrrry

G35 as first sporty car. Looks are subjective but the only thing that the rx8 may have over the G is the handling (fun, steering, weight, etc), and maybe the comfort which is anyones call. The RX8 probably will require more maintenance also, like checking the oil often

erliuic

1) I'd keep in mind insurance
2) You can find both cars in your price range. The G35 would probably be an '03 or '04.
3) Does he drive auto or stick? I've only driven each a couple times but I'd rate the RX8's over the G35's. It'd be the other way around for an automatic.
4) Is he okay with driving a slow sports car (by today's standards)? The automatic is on par with the honda odyssey and the stick is 14-15 second car, depending on who's driving. It's definitely not something to brag about.

What're his priorities? Both cars you mentioned seem to emphasize utility and comfort. If he can stretch his budget a tiny bit, he can get a hold of the new Mazda MS3. Not a bad car and would perform on par with the G35. Otherwise a used WRX also isn't a bad choice. Starting prices for both cars are in the 20's. The starting prices for the G35 and RX8 are in the 30's.

erliuic

Also don't forget that the RX8 consumes fuel by design. Also, I meant to say "newer" MS3. They were about 22K brand new but I saw a used one (2007) not too long ago advertised for 20.

Saki GT

0-60 on an RX-8 is under 6 seconds - hardly what I'd call slow. The RX-9 is the lighter car, and its driving characteristic reflects that - its like a four-door S2000. The G35 is a GT car - heavier, with a bigger engine and more torque, and it will drive with more weighted feel.

They are both good cars, but the G will get better gas mileage, and the RX-8 is only worth money if its a manual. You'll have to drive them both and make up your mind. You can find good RX-8s all day at 16-17k.

Saki GT

Wait, there's a car thats not designed to consume fuel? Like an electrioc car? What's your point?

tiger740

Thanks for the help.

Yes, it will be manual. I will let him know about some of the points you guys raised.

Thanks again.

Saki GT

Not true.

curiouz_G

rx-8. he would most likely be able to get one with factory warranty still valid on it. plus, IMO it feels nicer than the G to me. As for reliability, the more recent models have worked out alot of the kinks.