I was reading a review on edmunds.com, and I read this:

Powertrains and Performance:
Both versions of the Mazda RX-8 are motivated by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that sends power to the rear wheels. When connected to the six-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission, the engine is tuned to produce 212 horsepower. Manual-transmission versions get a 232-hp version of this power plant. Coupled with the vehicle's light weight, the RX-8 delivers exhilarating performance along with ultra-smooth power delivery. We've recorded zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and a quarter-mile performance of 15.4 seconds with the six-speed manual.
-Edmunds.com (http://www.edmunds.com/new/research/mazda/rx8.html)

So if anyone knows, is this true that you only get the 212 HP output when using the manu-shifter?

 

Not true. Spend more time looking around on here and you'll know what the true hp3's are

 

Well, that's exactly why I posted it. I have read some people report of less HP that advertised by Mazda 160's or something like that, some report of 31% less HP. Edmunds.com made it sound like 212 HP can be produced by using the manu shifter. Would it be so different if I'm just using the auto and not the shifter?

 

it is true - car companies go by bhp, aftermarket stuff tends to be whp.


the paddles vs letting the car shift will not change the amount of power the car generates though. The "When connected to the six-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission.." part means compared to the manual version of the car. Not vs the automatic shifting.

 

They are discussing the HP difference with the 6 speed Automatic and the 6 speed Manual transmissions,,
I don't understand what it is you are asking.
Other than that those are the numbers Mazda rates the engine at with the Automatic and the Manual transmissions.

 

is it true that you dont know what ? you are asking?

i would look up mazdausa.com...

give it a try.. and tell us what you find...

beers

 

His question is all the way at the end

Quote:

So if anyone knows, is this true that you only get the 212 HP output when using the manu-shifter?

 

sorry,

tard moment..

not if you have the manu shifter you get the 238 hp..

good luck..

beers

 

LOL been boozing it ah?

 

funny,

no, have had cold from hell with fever..

slept all day... but did i get the answer correct????

beers xfire

 

Looks good man

 

It appears the "real world" bhp/SAE HP numbers are 10 to 15 HP less than what Mazda claims. So the 232 HP for 6 speed M/T is more like 220 HP. The 6 speed Auto would be more like 200 HP. The 5 speed M/T and the 4 speed Auto are even harder to get the right numbers on and seem to have different HP ratings depending on location. A 4 speed Auto in Japan and other places have a higher HP rating than in the United States. So you could see anywhere from 185 HP to 200 HP (real world) on the 4 speed Autos, it would depend where you live.

In the forum you will see people talk about WHP or RWHP (Wheel or Rear Wheel Horse Power). WHP/RWHP will be 10% to 20% less than the BHP or SAE HP numbers. Those WHP numbers are often about Dyno results or the increase of power from superchargers or turbos being added. You have to make sure which people are referring to, BHP or SAE HP versus WHP/RWHP, when you read posts.

The Automatics will get less HP than the manual, due to Mazda laziness when implementing the Automatic design. The Automatics were de-tuned because the transmission and torque converter could not handle higher than 9000 RPMs. Arguably, Mazda should have used a better Automatic Transmission Fluid Cooler (which you can get elsewhere for cheap) and used a better torque converter (which you can try to get customized elsewhere). Most other companies manage to keep Manual and Automatic numbers closer, but Mazda did not do its homework on the automatics so you see a larger difference in HP among the maual and automatic RX-8 s than you often see from other car makers and their manuals and automatics.

Anyway, the RX-8, manual or automatic really needs turbo or a supercharger to get really good HP numbers for 0-60 to 1/4 mile performance. Everything else with the RX-8, like brakes, interior, handling, turns, etc... are very good. Except of course for gas mileage, which it depends on the car you get, the RX-8 will fall in the average range for a sports car.

 

Thanks sosonic, you explained a lot on your reply. Much appreciated!