hi,

In fact, original poster asked about Z80 core and Charles said aboit it too. So I cannot understand how the subject of messages does come to Z8. Typpo?
Z8 core used in Z86 serie microcontrollers is not so good as Z80 core.
As about Z80 so I may say that it is very nice processor unit with about 700 flexible commands. I have using it during last 15 years and even now I cannot say that processor core of 8051 is better than Z80. No, at some (many) points it is even worse. But 51s have timers, UARTs, built-in flash, RAM, PWM etc... And it is why they are microcontrollers; and it is why not possible to compare it with simple Z80 processor.

Regards,
Oleg