Mazda RX-8 vs Nissan 350Z — Rotary Soul vs V6 Muscle in FH6
The RX-8 and 350Z represent two completely different approaches to the affordable RWD sports car. The Mazda uses a tiny 1.3L rotary engine that revs to 9000 rpm and makes 232hp. The Nissan packs a 3.5L V6 with 287hp and actual torque. In FH6's B class, both are dirt cheap and surprisingly competitive. The question is: do you want character or consistency?
I've spent more hours than I'd like to admit in both of these. The RX-8 is the car you buy with your heart — the rotary engine sounds like nothing else, the suicide doors are cool, and the chassis is so balanced it feels like an extension of your brain. But it has zero torque below 5000 rpm, and in FH6 races that start from a standing start, you will get gapped by literally everything. The 350Z is the sensible choice — it has actual low-end grunt, sounds like a proper sports car, and doesn't need to be wrung out to make progress. It's also heavier and feels it in transitions.
Mazda RX-8 — Rotary High-Rev Magic
The last rotary-powered Mazda — 9000 rpm redline, perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed | 6.5 |
| Handling | 8.0 |
| Acceleration | 6.8 |
| Launch | 6.5 |
| Braking | 7.2 |
| PI (Stock) | 610 |
Pros
- Rotary engine sound is addictive, especially with exhaust upgrades
- Chassis balance is near-perfect, rotates beautifully mid-corner
- Lightweight — you feel every kilo saved in direction changes
Cons
- Zero torque below 5000 rpm, gets destroyed off the line
- Engine swap is almost mandatory for competitive B class
- Rotary reliability jokes never stop, even in a video game
Best Events
| Event Type | Rating |
|---|---|
| Road Racing (B) | A-Tier |
| Drift Zones | A-Tier |
| Drag Racing | D-Tier |
Nissan 350Z — V6 Torque Monster
The modern Z-car that brought Nissan's sports car legacy into the 21st century.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed | 7.0 |
| Handling | 7.2 |
| Acceleration | 7.5 |
| Launch | 7.8 |
| Braking | 7.0 |
| PI (Stock) | 630 |
Pros
- V6 torque means you don't have to downshift for every corner
- Massive aftermarket support, huge engine swap library
- Sounds fantastic with exhaust mods, proper V6 growl
Cons
- Weight is the enemy — heavy through transitions
- Understeer on power without suspension tuning
- Feels less special than the RX-8 on back roads
Best Events
| Event Type | Rating |
|---|---|
| Road Racing (B) | A-Tier |
| Drift Zones | S-Tier |
| Drag Racing | B-Tier |
Head-to-Head
| Spec | Mazda RX-8 | Nissan 350Z |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Handling | 8.0 | 7.2 |
| Acceleration | 6.8 | 7.5 |
| PI (Stock) | 610 | 630 |
Verdict
On tight technical circuits, the RX-8's chassis brilliance gives it an edge — you can carry more corner speed and the car rotates under you in a way the 350Z can't match. On any track with long straights, the 350Z's torque advantage makes it the faster car — it pulls harder out of corners and doesn't require perfect RPM management. For drifting, the 350Z is the clear winner, no contest. For pure driving enjoyment on twisty roads, the RX-8 is more rewarding. I'd pick the 350Z if I'm being practical about winning races. But the RX-8 makes me smile more, and sometimes that's the entire point.
How to Get Each
Mazda RX-8: 18,000 CR. Pocket change for this much fun.
Nissan 350Z: 22,000 CR. One of the best values in the game.