Ride along in the #512 Mazda RX8 for a tuner car track battle against a modified, 350HP Nissan 370Z at the July 2017 SCCA PDX Club Trials event at Summit Point Shenandoah Circuit in the Advanced run group.

HERE'S THE VIEW FROM THE NISSAN 370Z!!
   • Video  

MAZDA RX8 VS NISSAN 370Z TRACK COMPARISON & ANALYSIS

As evident in the videos, the 370Z has a significant advantage on long straights, pulling away by multiple car lengths; the car simply has great top end acceleration. Surprisingly, the RX8 is almost able to keep pace on short straights. This is probably due to a higher corner exit speed and earlier power application and later braking at the end of the straight.

At the end of the straights, the RX8's lighter weight and excellent braking system allows it to regain ground under braking and close back in.

In the corners, the RX8s lighter weight (2800 lbs vs 3300+ lbs), low center of gravity, and excellent weight distribution shine, allowing it to easily keep pace with the 370Z, despite narrower, lower grip tires. In tight corners, the RX8's advantage is particularly evident, demonstrating the ability to turn tighter and take a shorter distance while still hitting the apex at full throttle.

Once the RX8 is able to get out front, it pulls away after the first long straight with lap times 12 seconds faster than the 370Z. At a highly technical track like Summit Point Shenandoah where top speed are low (under 110 MPH) and corners are numerous, the RX8 shines with better cornering and braking capability. However, at higher speed tracks such as Summit Point Main Circuit, VIR, or Road Atlanta, the Nissan 370Z's acceleration strength would shine and should easily outpace the RX8.

The Nissan 370Z Specs:
Enkei RPF1 17x10 wheels with Toyo R888R tires 275/40/17 (square setup)
BC Racing coilovers with external reservoirs
Lightly tuned engine (exhaust, ECU) with around 350 HP at the crank
Racing driver seat, no passenger seat
OEM sport model brakes with Carbotech XP10 / XP8 pads

The Summit Point Shenandoah Circuit is a 2.2 mile, 22 turn circuit. It is extremely technical and includes an uphilldownhill blind crest, triple apex section called "The Hook" and a dimensional replica of the famous Nurburgring "Karussell", a banked concrete sweeper of more than 180 degrees (tighter than a hairpin!) where street cars routinely pull more than 2.0 g's.

Data was captured with an android phone running RaceChrono and an external Garmin Glo 10Hz GPS. Video was made with Race Render and MP4 splitter & joiner software.

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   / mchuffman  


RX8 SPECS & MODIFICATIONS:

Suspension/Wheels
Fortune Auto 500 series coilovers, 10k/7k Swift springs
17x9 +48mm Kosei K8R wheels (17.4 lbs)
235/40/17 Toyo R888 100TW tires
Mazdaspeed front tower bar
Whiteline front offset UCA bushings
Powerflex front sway bar bushings

Brakes
Hawk DTC60 front pads and Hawk HP+ (rear) pads

Engine
Pineapple Racing engine rebuild
HKS Hi Power exhaust
Racing Beat V2 dual resonated midpipe
AEM intake
RX8Performance pulley kit

Drivetrain
Race Roots poly engine mounts

Reliability
TRex LS ignition upgrade
TRex S.S. oil cooler lines
CSF racing aluminum radiator w/ LRB undertray & improved sealing
Pettit Racing closedloop coolant overflow system
Mazda heater hose restrictor orifice

Interior
Modified driver’s seat for more headroom
Dash mounted triple gauge pod with VDO oil pressure, oil temperature, and water temperature

Misc
U1R battery (~19 pounds)

SPECS
195 WHP
Under 2800 pounds dry
Full interior, A/C, radio