I just bought an auto RX8 and I love it. I test drove both and the MT is a LOT faster and more fun but what do you expect with 41 extra horsepower and over 1000 more RPM? My wife will be driving the 8 most of the time so it took every bit of sense and responsibility for me to get the auto. I am very proud and pleased that I made this decision. I do not regret it, it would have been selfish to get the stick. Miami traffic is horrible. I like the paddle shifters and the car is pretty quick. I think Mazda did a great job with the AT. We routinely beet Preludes and other cars off the line without trying. I would definitely recommend getting the 6 speed unless you have a good reason not to. Worrying about learning to drive stick is not a good reason.

 

The Rx8 doesn't really have good gas milage, but as for the other cars they don't drive near as smooth or sleak as the RX8, and the RX8 for sure has better control for when you get into those nasty situations on the highway.

 

You should have listened to the salesman. The 8 A/T can be shifted from M2 to M1 while going 28mph

 

My AT hauls ***!!! Feels like a lot more than 197 hp for such a heavy car. Maybe it's closer to the 210 it was originally rated at before Mazda had to lower it because some dummies don't know how to use dynos.

 

It does seem odd that they only offer the 4-speed in the automatic option. Even the $10k less Honda Accord that I currently use as my daily driver has a 5-speed auto transmission, and it does make a difference compared to the 4-speeds. I would think that a 5-speed auto transmission would have shown off the rotary engine much better, and you'd have more gears to play with on the paddles...

In any cause, when I do get my RX-8, it will be coming with the 6-speed stick.

I would second the recommendation of getting the MT, unless there is a real need for an AT (Heavy traffic, live in a very hilly area, etc.) The 2.4 liter 4-Cyl in my Accord can generate slightly more torque (161 ft-lbs at 4500 RPMs) than the RX-8's rotary (159 ft-lbs at 5500 RPMs). Where the rotary shines is in its 9000 RPM redline. The Accord is limited to a 6500 RPM redline. The stick can take advantage of the extra power range, and the auto trans is limited to 7500 (??) RPMs.

I can only imagine what the rush is like with the rotary between 5000 to 9000 RPMs. With the Accord, there is a definite boost when the VTEC kicks in at 4500 all the way to to 6500.

I'm sure that most of you know this, just wanted to put a "plain-jane" car comparison.

14s4doorNA: Heavy car? Isn't the RX-8 2700 pounds or so? My Accord isn't that heavy (at least, it doesn't feel heavy), and it's 3100 pounds.

 

I just HAVE to know what you drove before the RX-8.

 

didnt he already decide NOT to get the RX8? give it up, its over!