The only beef I have with the RX-8 is that the fuel consumption is too high for its straight line performance (or lack of).
That said, it's also the rotary that gives the car its agility and balance, something that the 350Z can't quite achieve, especially considering that the RX is a saloon and the Z is a proper sports car.
As for the longevity issues, Mazda have come long way since the first rotaries in terms of engine life and reliability. If you neglect it, it will get damaged, it's logical. And besides, it has a 9k+ redline from the factory, so it's not the revs that kill it, rather oil level and choice.
