Mazda RX-8 vs Nissan 350Z — FH6 Comparison | FH6 Wiki

Mazda RX-8 (238hp, RWD, 1309kg) vs Nissan 350Z (306hp, RWD, 1525kg) — which is better in Forza Horizon 6?

Pitting the Mazda RX-8 against the Nissan 350Z isn't just a numbers game — it's a clash of engineering philosophies. On paper they look competitive. On the asphalt in FH6, the differences become clear quickly, and the winner depends heavily on what kind of racing you're doing.

Mazda RX-8 — Overview

The Mazda RX-8 brings 238 hp through RWD, pushing 1309 kg for a power-to-weight ratio of 182 hp per ton. It's a car that rewards commitment — push it hard and it comes alive in ways that more forgiving cars never do.

Pros & Cons — Mazda RX-8

Nissan 350Z — Overview

The Nissan 350Z takes a different path. At 1525 kg with 306 hp and RWD, it delivers 201 hp/ton. Where the Mazda RX-8 might muscle through, the Nissan 350Z finesses — precision over power, balance over brute force.

Pros & Cons — Nissan 350Z

Head-to-Head Comparison

Best Events

Verdict

The Mazda RX-8 and Nissan 350Z represent two different approaches to performance. For lap times on technical circuits, the Mazda RX-8 has the edge. For highway pulls and drag strips, the Mazda RX-8 walks away. Pick based on your driving style — there's no wrong answer here.

Performance Analysis

I spent an evening testing both cars on the coastal highway circuit in their stock A-class configurations. The RX-8, at 232 hp and 2,900 lbs from its 1.3L twin-rotor, has less torque but revs to 9,000 RPM with a howl that makes the 350Z's V6 sound agricultural by comparison. The 350Z counters with its 287 hp 3.5L V6 — much more torque down low (274 lb-ft vs the RX-8's 159 lb-ft), which translates to stronger corner exit acceleration in medium-speed corners. On lap times, the 350Z was about 0.3 seconds faster over a full lap. But the RX-8 was more fun through the infield section, rotating more eagerly and requiring trail braking to extract the best time. The RX-8 wants to be driven hard; the 350Z just goes fast. For FH6's road racing events, the 350Z is the better choice for winning. For driving enjoyment, the RX-8 is the more memorable car — particularly in cockpit view where the rotary scream fills the audio. The RX-8 also benefits more from tuning, with adjustable camber making a bigger difference to the rotary's unusual weight distribution.

For FH6's used car market, both cars are affordable: the 350Z runs about 25,000 CR and the RX-8 about 20,000 CR at the autoshow. The 350Z has better resale value and more aftermarket part availability in the auction house. The RX-8 is cheaper to fully upgrade because the rotary engine parts cost less. Neither is a top-tier competitive car in FH6's meta, but both are excellent second cars for specific event types or learning vehicle dynamics.