Ride along in the #512 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8 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 RX-8 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 RX-8's lighter weight and excellent braking system allows it to regain ground under braking and close back in.
In the corners, the RX-8s 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 RX-8'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 RX-8 is able to get out front, it pulls away after the first long straight with lap times 1-2 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 RX-8 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 RX-8.
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 uphill-downhill 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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RX-8 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 DTC-60 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
- T-Rex LS ignition upgrade
- T-Rex S.S. oil cooler lines
- CSF racing aluminum radiator w/ LRB undertray & improved sealing
- Pettit Racing closed-loop 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