370Z Sport Package vs Mazdaspeed 3 GT vs S2000 vs Cayman S vs Mazda Rx-8

Mergnthwirker

Sounds to me like you never really explored what the Z can do. If you shifted at 6,000, you were driving a 200hp car, not a 332hp car. Check out the torque and horsepower curves.

But frankly, you should drive whatever floats your boat. There is no better/worse, except on a racetrack.

I haven't driven the Mazdaspeed 3, but I briefly bought a Mazdaspeed6 which uses the same engine, but has AWD. It is a nice engine.

I had an RX-8 before the Z, and it really is a great handling vehicle. Plus it takes abuse well. I tracked mine every other weekend for the two years that I owned it (except in winter). I loved winding it out and shifting on the "beep". It reminded me of the S2000 in that respect. And the handling around windy back-country roads is superior, and better-balanced than the S2000 IMHO.

Where I drive most of the time, it is difficult to stay in the high revs. The S2000 is less than inspiring below 6000. It's still a fun sports car, but really not even as much fun as a Miata at 30mph. BTW, I had a heavily modified turbo Miata with about 230hp that was an incredible blast to drive. Anyway, I like the S2000 and find it a great sports car, but not really my cup of tea.

I also think the Cayman S is a fantastic sports car. I nearly bought one. But I found it a bit too refined for my tastes. I prefer the immediacy and brutality of the Z.

Again, I think you should drive what you like. What's better? Whatever floats your boat. Thanks for sharing your perspectives with us here.

HJM