Mazda
RX-8
Nissan
350Z
Mazda RX-8 vs Nissan 350Z: 2007 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Nissan 350Z comes out ahead of the Mazda RX-8 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
RX-8
Overall
Sentiment is deeply polarized and highly dependent on owner expectations and mechanical aptitude. The vehicle is universally praised by its enthusiasts for its unique driving character, described as a joy to drive with fantastic handling, a high-revving nature, and an unarguably unique experience. Long-term owners report deep satisfaction with the car's dynamics, often comparing its handling favorably to vehicles like the Honda S2000.
Best version to buy
The Series 2 (2009-2011) models, particularly the R3 trim, are identified as the most desirable. Owner feedback indicates the Series 2 received substantial improvements to the Renesis engine, suspension, and chassis, making it more reliable and better sorted than the Series 1 (2004-2008).
Known issues
- ⚠Engine apex seal failure / low compression: leading to loss of power, hard hot starting, and requiring a full engine rebuild. Cited as the primary, inevitable failure point. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠High fuel and oil consumption: described as having "borderline carbureted V8 fuel economy," achieving under 20 MPG (less than 12 L/100km), and consuming oil by design. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine flooding: can occur if started and shut off without sufficient warm-up, requiring a clearing procedure. Frequency: recurrent.
350Z
Overall
The sentiment among owners is predominantly positive, with the vehicle widely regarded as a reliable, durable, and fun-to-drive sports car. The VQ engine is consistently praised as a "beast" that can "cop a fucking beating without breaking a sweat," with reports of engines lasting well over 250,000 miles with proper care. The platform is described as a "stout design & construction" that is "not considered a problematic used car model." Owners appreciate its dual-purpose capability as both a reliable daily driver and a "full hard track day capable" vehicle.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim or year. However, detailed technical discussions highlight engine variant trade-offs: the early '03-'04 DE engines are noted as solid and economical; the '05-'07 "Rev-Up" DE engines are powerful but notorious for oil consumption; and the '07-'08 VQ35HR engine (also found in the G35) is considered the most stout and powerful NA option.
Known issues
- ⚠Electrical system faults: encompassing no-crank/no-start conditions, fuel pump and sensor failures (P0183, P0462 codes), window regulator failures, bizarre turn signal behavior, and Body Control Module (BCM) failures.
- ⚠Oil consumption: specifically associated with the '05-'07 "Rev-Up" (DE) engine variant, described as a common and significant problem. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Overheating: difficult to diagnose issues potentially related to air in the cooling system, faulty thermostats, or underlying problems not easily identified. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Nissan 350Z is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Mazda RX-8, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Mazda RX-8 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mazda RX-8 or the Nissan 350Z?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Mazda RX-8 and the Nissan 350Z. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Mazda RX-8 or the Nissan 350Z?
The Mazda RX-8 seats more passengers than the Nissan 350Z on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Mazda RX-8 is classed as a Coupe, the Nissan 350Z as a Roadster.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mazda RX-8 or the Nissan 350Z?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda RX-8 or the Nissan 350Z?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Nissan 350Z than the Mazda RX-8. See the known issues comparison above.