RX8 PZ or 330 Club Sport
Discussion
This weeks 'what car shall I get next' is seeing me look at a couple of coupes...Mazda RX8 PZ vs BMW 330ci Clubsport.
Spending the same amount of money I would be looking at getting a PZ 2 or 3 years newer and with less miles than a CS, however I have a feeling that a newer PZ would still be more fragile and costly than a 330 CS, am I right?
I'm not bothered about petrol and oil costs, but more about engine and chassis longevity and the cost implications if something did go wrong.
The CS looks great, but are they worth the premium over a standard 330 sport?
Any thoughts or opinions welcome.
Spending the same amount of money I would be looking at getting a PZ 2 or 3 years newer and with less miles than a CS, however I have a feeling that a newer PZ would still be more fragile and costly than a 330 CS, am I right?
I'm not bothered about petrol and oil costs, but more about engine and chassis longevity and the cost implications if something did go wrong.
The CS looks great, but are they worth the premium over a standard 330 sport?
Any thoughts or opinions welcome.
Edited by boolay on Thursday 3rd March 22:18
Very different choices there. Never driven an RX8 but clearly they're a totally different proposition to a relatively relaxed, grunty straight six. As is usually suggested, drive both. You'll probably know straight away which one you prefer.
The Mazda's more interesting but, as I understand it, nowhere near as dependable long term as something like a 330i. Put it this way, if offered the choice to borrow one for a good B road blast, I'd take the RX8. To own and use day in day out I'd take the 330i. Oh, and personally, I don't like the CS, but make sure it's a Sport.
The Mazda's more interesting but, as I understand it, nowhere near as dependable long term as something like a 330i. Put it this way, if offered the choice to borrow one for a good B road blast, I'd take the RX8. To own and use day in day out I'd take the 330i. Oh, and personally, I don't like the CS, but make sure it's a Sport.
There isn't a great deal of difference between the club sport spec and a coupe in the sport spec.
I have been looking for a 330ci and there were several Club Sports available in budget (suggesting they don't really command much of a premium), but I've opted to look for a normal Sport on the basis that I really do not like the rear spoiler on the Club Sport. The CS's do however come in a lovely velvety blue as one of the colour options.
I did consider an RX8 briefly but discounted quickly on account of mpg, but their general reliability was also off putting for me. It seems like some cars are fine but there are also a number of lemons, or cars which are now lemons due to poor maintenance in the past.
I have been looking for a 330ci and there were several Club Sports available in budget (suggesting they don't really command much of a premium), but I've opted to look for a normal Sport on the basis that I really do not like the rear spoiler on the Club Sport. The CS's do however come in a lovely velvety blue as one of the colour options.
I did consider an RX8 briefly but discounted quickly on account of mpg, but their general reliability was also off putting for me. It seems like some cars are fine but there are also a number of lemons, or cars which are now lemons due to poor maintenance in the past.
Heathwood said:
Put it this way, if offered the choice to borrow one for a good B road blast, I'd take the RX8. To own and use day in day out I'd take the 330i. Oh, and personally, I don't like the CS, but make sure it's a Sport.
pretty much my gut feeling. Just the PZ is quite an interesting proposition.wackojacko said:
330 clubsport ....... just that litte bit more special.
Didn't they lose some of the soundproofing and use thinner glass on these?ETA: I know that's the point of 'ClubSporting' anything really, giving it more character and making it lighter in general. I just never swallowed the thinner windows thing...
Edited by Baz Tench on Thursday 3rd March 23:07
Baz Tench said:
wackojacko said:
330 clubsport ....... just that litte bit more special.
Didn't they lose some of the soundproofing and use thinner glass on these?ETA: I know that's the point of 'ClubSporting' anything really, giving it more character and making it lighter in general. I just never swallowed the thinner windows thing...
Edited by Baz Tench on Thursday 3rd March 23:07
The sport is a capable motor, if you want to take it to the next level then I'd suggest finding the extra for an M3 rather then messing around with the club sport. Besides, as I mentioned, the spoiler is hideous.
wackojacko said:
330 clubsport ....... just that litte bit more special.
Ah, but there were only 800 PZs made, and they have (deep breath...)- Eibach springs
- Bilstein dampers
- Custom Prodrive steering geometry
- OZ wheels
- Prodrive exhaust
- More Prodrive logos than a WRC car (I've counted 15 on mine!)
And in common with all RX-8's:
- Very small and light engine giving a low c of g and front mid-engine balance
- LSD
- Alloy bonnet and front door skins
- Carbonfibre propshaft
I think it's fairly special
Very different powertrain to the BMW, but still quick and the world needs more Marmite cars in my opinon.
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