Mazda RX-8 vs 350HP Nissan 370Z Tuner Car Track Battle

[@willtato8778]

There's nothing more satisfying then catching up to someone in the corners.

[@skyquest7333]

What a brilliant driver you are Matt and the Rx8 is an unbelievable track car, it's so good at handling which is its strongest point and it was made for track racing, it's not built for drag but for corners!!

[@Flyingdutchy33]

Straights are for fast cars, corners are for fast drivers. ~200hp vs 350hp and it sticks to the Nissan like a tick.

[@dogwink]

Great driving! RX8 has the superior chassis - extremely confidence inspiring.

[@trey0001069760]

Why isn't this dude driving for GT3? He has an amazing Racing Line. Perfect Apex's!

[@karllenaerts2477]

Apex seals ?

[@nuramo]

@@karllenaerts2477 Well yes, to both. lol

[@dtsdigitalden5023]

Stellar driving by the RX8! Totally outclassed the 370 Z driver by several orders of magnitude. Well done!

[@CollinKage]

that 370 was burning him on the straights but the rx8 handles too good

[@roguecitizen9146]

Love my rx-8, but can definitely attest to the reality of most cars being able to pull away from it in straights. The non-turbo 13B engine just makes no significant torque until around 7000 rpm. Definitely peppy though and takes turns on a dime

[@rx8matt]

minivans and camrys will smoke me straight line... but that's unimportant in my book!

[@rhero9]

You should drive a bit slower. Give others a chance

[@rx8matt]

rherold9 when Gill Smith rode with me for my TT check ride, he wanted me to go 9/10ths. When we pitted, he remarked something like "I feel like that was a lot closer to 10/10ths", to which I replied that is the only way I know to drive. 😁

[@КонстантинШульга-к8б]

Oh, the magic surrounding rotary Mazdas, their mythical mid-engine layout, 50-50 weight distribution, fantastic handling-it’s all just a myth :) In almost every competition, it loses to its rivals-but it captivates its owners, driving them to prove it's unique. Speaking as a former RX-8 owner!

[@rx8matt]

@@КонстантинШульга-к8б it may lose the race, but not the distinction of being one of the most fun and rewarding cars to drive. 👌

[@tinkerhowedoodatrick]

I'm a noob about the bottom right gauge in the video.. Is it android app? The only thing I know about it is that it's the same idea of the water cup in initial D.. It shows you weight repartition on the 4 wheels for best cornering attack..

[@tinkerhowedoodatrick]

I mean normaly it is an accelerometer gauge but it would be fine to have this directly as a car gauge

[@rx8matt]

tinkerhowedoodatrick exactly, that's the accelerometer gauge. And yep, just like initial d your goal is to keep the red dot as far away from center as possible and to roll the red dot around without "spilling" (overloading the tires and losing traction). I am the Android app racechrono to log this data and overlay on my videos

[@DanMarcelino]

would love to see a turbo rx8 video on the track.. gonna be starting my build this summer, i have a track close to me in Oliver BC.. Area 27 gonna see how much for a track day..

[@rx8matt]

#RideLife I haven't seen any turbos at the track near me. The track is tough enough on a car just at stock power levels. My advice is focus on reliability- you can't learn as much if the car breaks down on you! Save money for gas, tires, brakes, and maintenance. But you will have a blast- there's nothing like hustling a rotary on track!!

[@DanMarcelino]

Matt Huffman thanks for the reply! My rx8 is just a fun daily driver, I just wanna try it out on the local track haha I'm always after more acceleration, thanks to my zx14 😂 so I'm really looking forward to the engine rebuild with the boost, and 4.8 rear end!

[@rx8matt]

#RideLife I hear you. I grew up on sportbikes. Totally different world! You'll find that the reward with a car doesn't come from the pure speed acceleration; it comes from being able to balance it on edge, especially in the corners. The rx8 is a great car for that. Either way, enjoy your rides brother!

[@mrfrdman]

Great driving and rx does very well considering the Xtra hp the 370 has.

[@rx8matt]

@@mrfrdman it's a technical circuit and highlights the rx8's handling prowess. 🤘

[@HappyHandsGaming]

sorry this is really late, how tall are u that u had to modify for headroom? and what did u do, just remove padding

[@rx8matt]

HappyHandsGaming 6'1" but tall in the torso, which is the worst. Removed a little foam, used some bolts to lower the seat pan. KZbin search "modifying the rx8 seat" or "rx8 seat lowering" for a video

[@dogwink]

Which phone mount are you using? Struggling to find a good one for the RX8

[@rx8matt]

Mine is a magnetic pad version Attached to passenger dash. Has been strong enough so far

[@mr.american4550]

Hello, is the RX8 a good track car to learn on?

[@rx8matt]

Mr. American yes, it's a stellar car for someone new to tracking. Long wheelbase makes it a little easier than a Miata and it has more power so you won't outgrow it as quickly. It's also easy on tires and brakes and let's you focus on driving. It's a properly good driver's car that's also approachable.

[@stringsnare]

@@rx8matt im looking at a 2010 but it would be my daily driver.im scared because of all the engine issues ive heard and read about. What do you think?

[@rx8matt]

@@stringsnare well, here's how i looked at it: i was able to buy a very clean 2005 (in 2015) for $4300. i figured that i would need a new engine at some point, and i figured a pro built engine would cost $5000 (although you can get rebuilds and remans for significantly less, if you are okay with less build quality). So for less than $10k, i'd have an extremely unique sportscar with a character and driving experience like no other. to me that was worth it. Now, i'm handy in the garage and had all the tools needed to do the engine swap. Figure $1000 at a budget shop for them to do the swap for you (rotary ressurection, etc). however, that's still a reasonable cost for a phenominal sportscar. budget some additional funds for a tune-up and fluids if they're not fresh. RX8club forums has a bunch of tips for new and prospective rx8 owners.

[@stringsnare]

@@rx8matt thanks a lot man!

[@antiherogrindviolence]

wish i can learn from the pro! another day another victory! GOO MATTT!!

[@johnalenwork53]

AWESOMENESS BROTHER

[@rauldcardos7513]

Great content. Good to see people actually realise the rx8 potential. Its a great track car. But do you think it could make a good time attack car? I live in the UK and i was always a rotary guy i owned 2 rx8. I loved them but, im not too sure if they could keep up with the Hondas in the class. This is the first time i actually have doubts in the platform. Im planning to build one for clubman class. But im not sure if its just a waste of time and money or i can actually be competitive among the tons of V-tech.

[@rx8matt]

In the US, we are up against similarly prepped s2000. They are challenging. I'm just having fun pushing my car as hard as I can. Winning a trophy doesn't mean you are a better driver

[@rx8matt]

Is it a waste of time and money if you're having fun?

[@rauldcardos7513]

@@rx8matt You know i’ve never been on a grip trackday before and seeing you keeping up with a 370z gave me hope that rx8 are actually have a place in the scene. I’ve drifted my two rx8 until they gave up. Im 35 now and kinda wearing off the young drifting roundabouts vibe. It was fun but rx8 isn’t the best platform for drifting and i lost a lot of money keeping them sideways. Dont know i just love the rotary and i think they made for the racetrack. I wish i would’ve bought a rx7 before they went into stupid price.

[@rx8matt]

@@rauldcardos7513 I'm not sure how UK rules look but competitive or not, rx8 are fun and relatively low headache platforms and are easy on consumables. I've been grip racing for 13 years and I'm still learning, so my advice is just go out and have fun and get seat time while planning your build/prep.

[@rauldcardos7513]

@@rx8matt thanks buddy. I’ll give a try next season.

[@andrikmartinez1214]

Sorry for being a noob but what does the bottom left mean by DIFF? btw great vid

[@rx8matt]

El Driko that refers to how much ahead or behind I am from my current best lap time in terms of seconds.

[@andrikmartinez1214]

Thanks, keep up the good work!

[@calebcoyle532]

I’ve never seen a racer drive with their hands at 10 and 2 very interesting

[@rx8matt]

@@calebcoyle532 9 and 3 is more common from your observations?

[@mazdarx8Greece]

Great, nice video.

[@OpenLama]

Nice vidz and good driving Matt, thanks ! However you should keep your hands at 9:15 all the time. Keep on posting good stuff

[@rx8matt]

OpenLama thanks, lama! In the slow section you can see I shuffle steer as you recommend to keep my hands closer to 9 and 3. In a neutral RWD car I don't think it's bad to let the hands lead a little bit; gives you more room to counter steer if the car skids. It has worked for me during some fast-hands moments! in the back-to-back esses, your hands would probably get really busy if you were trying to shuffle steer and you'd lose some of the feedback coming through the steering.

[@OpenLama]

Well, it's a point of view, in racing, hands are not moving at all on the steering wheel. Yes, their steering wheel is smaller but even so... My option is that hands should often be kept at 9:15 in curves and even in tight corners, even though the latter can be discussed. I know it feel easier to move them a bit in curves but in your case, you end up having them at 10:10 and this is a position when less feel the car. Also, you when you are closer to 9 and 3 like you say, it might feel more comfortable having them here, but if the car skid, you might get it back one time, but on the second racket, it's going to be harder. Anyway, you seem like a technical guy, so I felt you would like to have my thoughts. I love the RX8, I had one back in the days and may have another one maybe soon. I subscribed, so shoot some more videos soon. Cya

[@balajomuhammed651]

Didn't know the rx8 moves this fast. Is it modified?

[@rx8matt]

yes, mods listed in video description. but not too much done to rx8. not much to do and doesn't need much!

[@mesuteday9769]

Safety riding bro

[@jack-spicer1381]

Dam what a good video, so many questions What mods on the z? What tire was he on? Was he using the synchro rev system? And seriously the rx8 seems to just want to run faster and faster in every video good driving btw.

[@rx8matt]

Jack-Spicer hey JS. the 370z mods are in his video. He's using the rev match system. He was on Toyo R888R which are a very good r-compound tire.

[@russ138]

Jack-Spicer I have the 370z. I should be beating Matt with my car but he's real good. I'll get him one of these days. I have BC racing suspension, 275 (18x10) square setup, exhaust, traction control killed, and a bunch of cooling mods since the car overheats so much. Here's a view from my car... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYeynqV8a8dlmKc

[@nickoli9889]

Russell Anema dang, that's a decent amount of tire. Do you have to roll the fenders?

[@russ138]

It's actually not THAT much tire for the 370. Stock has 10" in the rear. Nismo wheels have 10.5" rear. However, it's a little wider in the front. Stock front is 9.5". With the +38 offset, I have to run 30mm spacer in the rear and 15mm in the front. Still a little fender room but not much.

[@federicor.4813]

I would never want to be your apex seals, you know how to drive this car

[@rx8matt]

😂 four seasons and still as strong as day 1 though. I premix and used good oil

[@jjwrx8]

Nice to see even saitama is smart enough to wear a racing helmet.

[@alphawav3]

What are those gauges up on top? Oil temp , Oil pressure ? Their too small to see on vids :)

[@rx8matt]

alphawav3 yep oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature. The rx8 factory oil pressure and water temperature gauges are basically just idiot lights.

[@rx8matt]

@@KXP70 yes, any of the supported sensors give good data

[@KXP70]

@@rx8matt thanks!

[@TenguDrift]

What are the specs power wise on the rx8, amazing driving dude. Keep her lit

[@rx8matt]

Only about 200 at the wheels. But it's enough... 😉

[@TenguDrift]

@@rx8matt looks plenty mate, obviosly helps when you are a savage driver!

[@federicor.4813]

Red gloves is your mark

[@rx8matt]

the red gloves are back! see my latest hillclimb videos. ;-)

[@Christian---]

this car doesn't have to be any right to be as fast as it is, it's too heavy and low powered. but it just goes. and goes.

[@rx8matt]

@@Christian--- it's very under-respected. The whole is much greater than the sum of the parts, or what the specs say.

[@RollingRoadEFI]

Both burn oil, but only one will have compression after 100k mi lol.

[@rx8matt]

You know, my blue daily has 85,000 miles on original engine. Compression reads low but it runs fantastic. I think cranking compression is overrated. Under high rpm dynamic forces compression improves

[@RollingRoadEFI]

@@rx8matt BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Compression is overrated. BAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@RisenFlow]

Too low rpms for the renesis in the corners Should have at least 6 or 7k, otherwise theres a lack of acceleration

[@rx8matt]

RisenFlow for sure you'll get best acceleration in the high rpm, but the car is significantly tougher to drive in tight corners at high rpm, and in twisty sections you can't apply all the power anyways without losing rear traction, so it's certainly a compromise. I tend to go for easier to drive and easier on the transmission than to have a few more rpms but risk a mis-shift or tail slide.

[@RisenFlow]

Matt Huffman havent mentioned about that😅 Youre right sir🙆🏻 But could it be compensated, if the diff would be adjusted to be more "open"?🤔

[@rx8matt]

RisenFlow maybe. I am running the original differential. There are certain tracks I run at that I am willing to try 2nd gear at next season. Stay tuned!

[@RisenFlow]

Matt Huffman i do!

[@nickoli9889]

Matt Huffman you could switch to a 4.777 final drive and see how you like it. Hitting 2nd quicker might be less awkward. Then again, I've never tried it; some say they don't pick up anything while others claim its the hot ticket (for tighter circuits), so who knows

[@DSPNWtoCali]

Notice a huge crack on the windshield. But good driving.

[@rx8matt]

Davis Saelee yeah good catch. That showed up randomly one day while it was parked. I plan to get it changed in the spring

[@tinkerhowedoodatrick]

Always leave a little space of window opened when warm days parking outside. It helps to evacuate the heat inside your car. Windshield cracks are result of warm locked in the binnacle

[@hayabusa27]

That Z is way too heavy

[@rx8matt]

Well, I personally agree but Nissan gtr and BMW m3 are heavy and they still do well. But I do favor a lightweight sportscar

[@GRPE696]

Crack is wack! -Whitney Houston

[@corriejacobs5876]

This driver is driving the Mazda if he was driving on holiday

[@rx8matt]

You may or may not have heard of the phrase "smooth is fast". A famous racecar driver also once said that ideally a great race car driver would make the best chauffeur. By this he means that drivers who can drive at or near the limit while remaining smooth and composed are often both fast and safe and easy on their hardware. I have had many folks compliment me on my smoothness, yet I also have many wins and track records, so I think being smooth can go hand in hand with speed.

[@ingi6034]

wish i saw this sooner impressive