heat010

I was flipping through the latest Road and Track and came across a review of the RX-8 that's coming out late this year.

2900 lbs
250 hp - 162 lb/ft torque (power band around 3000 rpms)
0-60 in 6 seconds - 1/4 mile - 14.5 seconds
Price (estimated) base 26K Fully loaded just under $30K

It's supposed to have enough room in the back to seat 2 adults comfortably, which is going to be a surprise.

I know it's like comparing apples with oranges because the C230 is more like a compact sedan vs. a race type car in the RX-8.

Still there's no beating the panoramic sunroof.

Jorel C320

Its weird cuz they consider the Rx-8 a four door. Look out for that car cuz Rotary kicks Butt! Also watch out for the 350z...same price range aswell.

Mach430

The RX8 has 2 normal doors and 2 suicide doors.

Jorel C320

hahahah...not quite a sedan, but almost there...

gab

RX7 has bad reliabilty
hope RX8 is better since it's NA


but i rather wait for RX7

KJ-TypeR

The RX-8 is not a threat to the C230K.

Why? Because it doesn't have that star on the hood. They aren't even intended for the same market. =)

Jorel C320

Although it may not be compared directly to the c230 due to luxary status, there is always other factors to competition. It is a threat IMO, because the c230 is marketed to young adults. Although the c230k has the star, most teenagers will compute in thier mind the pros and cons.....Looks, performance and dont forget the hype the rx-8 is causing. I agree that other MBZ such as the c sedan doesn't feel threatened because its more in the "relaxed" side of things, but the c-coupe has that sporty look that will definatley want to be bought by us young adults. So basically i sense there will be some form of competition between the Rx-8 and the c230k....Then when the Lancer evo7 , 350z, comes out....things will get really interesting.

Jorel C320

Gab...im lost here ...."i rather wait for RX7"....can u please clarify?

Your rite, The rx-7 is definatley known for all the problems it has, especially the third generation Rx-7.

galaxygrrl

The star on the hood does make a huge difference, plus the c230 is luxary car. While the c230 is grouped with the RSX, WRX, etc, I really think that c230 is realy in a different class. It's the combination of the lux factor and some speed that is the heart and soul of this car.

My vote for the sporty hatch of the year with go to the "Z". Hope it lives up to the expectations.

Jorel C320

Sorry to go off topic, but i recently went to a nissan dealer to check out the sentra SE-r spec v. They told me that when the Z comes out, the top of the line model will be under 30k. I think thats bulls***. No way can a car with such high demand and hype w/ 260hp be under 30k. DO you think thats true or at least stay that low if it is true?

tommy

Any new 25-35k car is competing with the c230. These days, is seems as though the pool of buyers who want to spend that much money on non-suvs or sedans is very small, so any buyers who are pulled towards another brand will reduce MB's share of the pie.

That's why MB should be glad that the BMW ti and A3 are not in this market yet. In the same light, the Mini should compete nicely with the ccoupe. Though I went to their website, built one, and the price came to $25k anyway (without dealer markup!), so it wouldn't save much money, and would be much smaller to boot.

What if the Z doesn't pull to the right? :p

Dawyeah

Not even sure why you would compare the two. Two totally different cars.

If I had 30K+ and was looking for speed and performance, I would not get the C230.

However If i wanted the luxury, and the prestige... thats a different story.

Thats why i got the C32. So I can have both... but then again, I paid $50K+...

Spyke

Look at what they've done with the Spec V for well under 20k. Can they keep retail below $30k? Sure, why not? What the car actually sells for may be a different story. (Though I doubt it'll see the price hiking that some other cars have...)

benzomonterey

If you go to www.Nissandriven.com you can price one out on pre order. The base model is 25k the loaded is a tad under 35k

Jorel C320

The spec v is a totally different story then the 350z. The 350z is a discontinued car that cameback, which draws all the hype. The car is also Nissans top of the line sports car. The spec V is just a sedan with a better engine and better trimmings. I must admit it's fast for a 4 banger (it will definately smoke Si's). Its like a new SUPRA coming out with a v6 engine selling under 30k. Its a very slim chance of happening. Also the New Altima is selling for 28k (top of the line). Thats also one reason why i dont believe the Z will be under 30k.

The only reason i would see the 350z being under 30k is too pull buyers back to the sports car industry and away from the SUV one.

Tommy: You hit it right on the spot..."Any new 25-35k car is competing with the c230."

columbus

"...250 hp - 162 lb/ft torque (power band around 3000 rpms) ..."

- does anyone think the RX-8 would seem flat-chested next to the C-coupe's 200 lb/ft of torque, or do I have my units mixed up?

In Europe, they use NewtonMeter (except in the 'Kingdom, I s'ppose)...

It IS a lot lighter though at 2900 lbs.

But...it doesn't have the Star :p

Lynn

The 350z has 5 model levels. The prices for each with all options are as follows:

$28,203 350z
$31,153 Enthusiast w/ auto trans
$34,429 Performance
$37,112 Touring
$37,513 Track

The base prices of the Performance, Touring and Track models are over $30,000. Sounds like the salesman who said the max price is under $30,000 has not had his 350z training yet.

tommy

Huh?

Lynn

The Enthusiast model comes with the six speed as standard and the auto as a $970 option, which is why I included it.

One of the other models has the auto as standard and the the six speed is an $1100+ option. Now that really is "huh?"

viper

I have to admit the 350Z is a sharp package but anyone who wants one the first year will be paying MSRP+++ since the dealer allotment is so small. Being first on your block will cost you.