C&D Comparo: 370Z vs. 135i vs. RX-8 R3 vs. Solstice GXP

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Old 02-23-2009, 08:32 PM
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Cool C&D Comparo: 370Z vs. 135i vs. RX-8 R3 vs. Solstice GXP

C&D Comparo: 370Z vs. 135i vs. RX-8 R3 vs. Solstice GXP

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...arison_test__1

1st: 2009 Nissan 370Z - The Verdict: The performance of a Porsche Cayman S for half the money.

2nd: 2009 BMW 135i - The Verdict: More of an outstanding sports coupe than a real sports car.

3rd: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 - The Verdict: A great chassis that’s faster than its engine.

4th: 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP - The Verdict: The eyes have it. All of it.
Old 02-23-2009, 08:38 PM
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Interesting results, I'll definitely be test driving a 370z based on those results.
Old 02-23-2009, 08:52 PM
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I am seriously dissapointed in the TT6 from BMW. I drove my cousin's 335 and it's really lacking pickup for a TT.
Old 02-23-2009, 09:10 PM
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FYI, Edmunds came to the same result.

The 370Z is every bit the equal of the 135i.
Old 02-23-2009, 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted by bassplayer5504
I am seriously dissapointed in the TT6 from BMW. I drove my cousin's 335 and it's really lacking pickup for a TT.
I had a similar experience when I test drove a 335i. The power band on that car is smooth and refined. I did however notice that I would easily pick up a few speeding tickets if I wasn't careful.
Old 02-23-2009, 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by bassplayer5504
I am seriously dissapointed in the TT6 from BMW. I drove my cousin's 335 and it's really lacking pickup for a TT.
Huh? 0-60 in sub-5 seconds is very quick for a 3500+ lb car. It's also a great everyday engine with no turbo lag and fantastic low RPM torque.

I'd love to know what other TT engines far outgun the 335 outside of the GTR and 911 Turbo which are not even in the same realm.
Old 02-23-2009, 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by cusdaddy
Huh? 0-60 in sub-5 seconds is very quick for a 3500+ lb car. It's also a great everyday engine with no turbo lag and fantastic low RPM torque.

I'd love to know what other TT engines far outgun the 335 outside of the GTR and 911 Turbo which are not even in the same realm.
The TT-RS?
Old 02-23-2009, 09:59 PM
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The RX-8 is such a waste...throw in the MS3 engine in there and call it a day. Its deff the best looking of the bunch.
Old 02-23-2009, 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by charliemike
FYI, Edmunds came to the same result.

The 370Z is every bit the equal of the 135i.
Also, the Cayman S:

http://www.motivemag.com/pub/feature...Cayman_S.shtml

Old 02-24-2009, 12:38 AM
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Man that new Z is a looker! Nice that it goes just as well as it looks!
Old 02-24-2009, 12:59 AM
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i love the new Z....
Old 02-24-2009, 01:17 AM
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The 135i is out of place compared to the other 3. It's a luxo coupe with a strong sporting ability, not a sports car. Pricing is only reason it's there, otherwise the M-coupe is their natural entry into that segment.
Old 02-24-2009, 02:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Brandon24pdx
The 135i is out of place compared to the other 3. It's a luxo coupe with a strong sporting ability, not a sports car. Pricing is only reason it's there, otherwise the M-coupe is their natural entry into that segment.
you wouldn't consider the 335 as their natural entry into that segment before the M-coupe?
Old 02-24-2009, 05:13 AM
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i think the new z is a great platform, but it's incredibly ugly. i'm sure aftermarket co's will have plenty of options to address that ...
Old 02-24-2009, 09:04 AM
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Wasn't the 135 the car everyone was comparing to the Cayman at first. Saying you get the same performance at half the price. Now these comparisons are saying about the Z. Seems a bit strange to me.
Old 02-24-2009, 09:08 AM
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I dont what anyone says I still love the Solstice GXP. Its sexy and it was a fun little roadster to bang around in.

I also think the 370z is the new hotness.
Old 02-24-2009, 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by cusdaddy
Huh? 0-60 in sub-5 seconds is very quick for a 3500+ lb car. It's also a great everyday engine with no turbo lag and fantastic low RPM torque.

I'd love to know what other TT engines far outgun the 335 outside of the GTR and 911 Turbo which are not even in the same realm.
I would just think they could squeeze a little more power out of a V6 with TT. The 04-05 WRX STi is a 4 banger with a single turbo and has the same output.
Old 02-24-2009, 09:19 AM
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I would still pick 135. 370 is a ugly facelift on a 350. rx-8 is fucking gay all around and without some serious boost that car is slow (for a sports car). solstice is ok looking but something about it doesn't draw me to it and I have no idea what kind of performance it puts out.
Old 02-24-2009, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by bassplayer5504
I would just think they could squeeze a little more power out of a V6 with TT. The 04-05 WRX STi is a 4 banger with a single turbo and has the same output.
they can if they want to. You can get dealer installed upgrades that make that car a monster. They are just detuned for the lask of a better term. a simple tuning or a chip upgrade gets you close to 400hp. And this is all still covered by the warranty
Old 02-24-2009, 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Sarlacc
I dont what anyone says I still love the Solstice GXP. Its sexy and it was a fun little roadster to bang around in.
Not to mention the new 600 dollar factory option that adds near 100hp
Old 02-24-2009, 09:45 AM
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sigh, the 370Z has so much potential but I wouldn't be able to stand looking at it unless it got different headlights and front bumper and tail lights. And looks-wise the Sky Redline looks way better than the Solstice, just a matter of taste. The RX-8 really is an awesome chassis and it still looks good but it has no balls... freakin shame.

The 135i is far from my favorite but out of this group its the only car I can stand.
Old 02-24-2009, 09:55 AM
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I really like the Z; it's great to see it has the performance to go with the looks. The other three look like ; even if they had the performance, it wouldn't matter.

Last edited by chill_dog; 02-24-2009 at 09:59 AM.
Old 02-24-2009, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Sarlacc
I dont what anyone says I still love the Solstice GXP. Its sexy and it was a fun little roadster to bang around in.

I also think the 370z is the new hotness.
Agreed on both points.

I love the Solstice Coupe and for the money, would pick one up over a 370z in a heartbeat.

Now, if the 370z was priced the way the 350z was when it came out... it would be a different story. But not sure I'd drop almost $40k for a Touring Version now when I can get a Solstice coupe in the $20's depending on which model I chose...
Old 02-24-2009, 11:34 AM
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370z with models!

NWS? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkQ5-...layer_embedded
Old 02-24-2009, 11:43 AM
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I'd love to purchase the Sport 370Z for around 32K. And I love that new blue color...
Old 02-24-2009, 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Crazy Acura
awesome
Old 02-24-2009, 12:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
you wouldn't consider the 335 as their natural entry into that segment before the M-coupe?
Nah...we're talking fastback coupe sports cars here. The Z4 3.0si or the Z4M is the natural entry, just nowhere near the price point of the 370Z
Old 02-24-2009, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by JS + TL
I'd love to purchase the Sport 370Z for around 32K. And I love that new blue color...
Really? I saw it in person at the autoshow and though it was awful.
Old 02-24-2009, 12:14 PM
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New Z is a performer...but the only profile I like is the side...front and rear are
Old 02-24-2009, 12:21 PM
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I thing the Z is nice but those headlights are just
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