One is the rebirth of a legend, the other a new twist on an old formula. Both are designed to look fast and go even faster, and both carry price tags that keep them well within reach of the average buyer. Their low-slung stances and high-powered engines help them deliver razor-sharp handling and fierce acceleration, but both can be docile when necessary. Yet as similar as the Nissan 350Z and Mazda's RX-8 are in purpose, the ways in which they go about their mission are worlds apart. The Nissan relies on the brutish power of its V6 power plant and a tightly wound suspension to deliver its sizzling performance, while the RX-8 uses an unconventional rotary engine, more compliant suspension and even an extra set of doors to round out its character. Such disparate personalities make choosing one over the other that much more difficult, but after a week of back-to-back driving we were able to pick a favorite.

Faster Nissan 350Z is go

A faster and more powerful Nissan 350Z will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and it will go on sale in the UK in May.

Power increases from 296bhp to 309bhp, so Nissan says acceleration and responsiveness are both improved. No performance figures have yet been released, however.

Fuel consumption remains unchanged at 24.1mpg on the combined cycle, while a lower centre of gravity for the engine should also improve handling.

The bonnet of the car now has a slight bulge for the engine, while Nissan says that new Bridgestone tyres improve refinement and maintain high levels of grip.

New options for the range include a Temper Orange paint finish that looks green in soft light, and a pale grey interior option.

• Nissan hasn't released any images or information, but has said that an all-new model will also be unveiled at the Geneva show.

Dodge Demon Concept Goes on the Attack

It seems that one of the fastest growing segments of the automotive world is the affordable roadster, perhaps cashing in on all those baby boomers on the cusp of retiring, but want to have a sexy (empty nest) kind of ride. Dodge has just unveiled their Demon Concept, a two-seat convertible with a bit of an angry streak, marketed directly against the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, and Mazda MX-5. Because it is yet another open top roadster in the DaimlerChrysler family, you've got to wonder if Dr. Z is ready to scrap the Crossfire. There are certain elements on the Demon that remind me a Nissan 350Z, other parts that make me think of a Honda S2000, but the part of the car that really sticks out is that ultra aggressive nose. It's like it has a cross-hair in its teeth. Principle designer Jae Chung says that "while the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car." It'll tip the scales at 2600 pounds and come equipped with a 2.4L engine good for 172hp and 165 lbs-ft of torque.

Nissan’s Trio of New Models at 2007 Melbourne International Motor Show

Nissan will unveil three models at next month�s Melbourne International Motor Show, including two new name-plates for Nissan�s passenger car range.