[VAD0R]

Well if you keep on shifting at the RX-8's 9k redline of course your gas mileage will reflect horribly, even though thats the only way you can get every bit of performance out of it. Yes it is worse than the 350Z but if you mostly do highway the wallet impact won't be too much of a difference, ecspecially since the RX-8 can take 87 octane fuel while the 350Z can only use 91.

The RX-8 is also like its predicessor one of the best handling cars in its class, due mostly to even weight distrution like Tat stated. It also has a whole lot more trunk room, not to mention those rear seats which might not seem like much but are better than nothing. I also think the interior quality rivals that more of the G35. Combine that with the fact that you can get one for close to $20k semi-used which is usually better since breaking in vastly improves the rotary's performance as well as fuel economy by bit and I'de call it a steal.

When it comes to how much tuning can be while staying streetable both seem to be about the same, even though that may change once the new GTR comes out. Also if you dislike the fenders you can always get an RX-8 with the factory sports kit. Don't get me wrong the 350Z is a nice car and can be tuned to easily rival Mustang and with tuning creep into Corvette territory as well as having a slightly better re-sale value, but try to not judge a car only by its 1/4 mile times and public concent.