Coupe contenders face off

Why the comparison?

The Mazda RX-8 and Nissan 350Z have been fighting for people's money since they were introduced. The 350Z has always been a bit pricier, but if you're looking to spend £25-30,000 on a coupé then this pair will unquestionably be on your list for consideration. That's particularly true after Mazda introduced the R3 model recently, it now the sole RX-8 in the range and within a couple of thousand pounds of Nissan's brawny 350Z.

How are they similar?

Both hail from Japan meaning if you're after a hassle-free ownership proposition then either should be a good bet. They're both rear-wheel drive and firmly aimed at enthusiastic drivers. They also having proper ancestry: the RX-8 its RX predecessors and the 350Z Nissan's previous Z-cars. Inside each you'll find a low-slung driving position and a driver-centred environment with stubby gearlevers poking out of the transmission tunnel, six closely-stacked gears and instruments clustered tightly around the steering wheel.

One instrument you might wish to ignore in both is the fuel gauge, the Nissan managing an official combined figure of 24.1mpg, the Mazda only just bettering that with a figure of 24.6mpg. Ouch. CO₂ emissions aren't great either, the Nissan managing 280g/km and the Mazda an even worse 299g/km. Both ride well despite their sporting nature, the RX-8 the more civilised of the pair here, the handling of each very impressive, too. Both also come well equipped as standard, though you'll have to upgrade to the GT pack in the Nissan if you want leather seats.

How do they differ?

So which one would we have?

There are certainly compelling reasons why you'd want either of these cars on your driveway. The 350Z feels much brawnier, far more muscle-car like in its delivery than the rather delicate, precise Mazda. The RX-8 R3 might lack the Nissan's ultimate grunt but it's still a hugely rewarding drive that's a practical choice too. Despite being more expensive and less practical, the 350Z would still get our nod, not least because its big V6 howls when the Mazda's rotary unit zips. So until we need the space in the back for the kids we can manage without the two extra seats of the Mazda. Cool family car that it could be...

Kyle Fortune