The Beav

manual, my first car was an auto and there is no way no hell i'm ever goin back to that hell, both my parents drive a manual as well (mom has a stock 02 civic, dad has a modified 03 wrx), the paddle shifters on the auto sound cool in all, but i need the clutch to drive, i learned that the mazda rev it up event when i was forced to drive an auto

Lex

Everyone shouts about how the auto will be "under-powered."

People make it seem like the manual rx-8 will throw you hard into the seat, while the automatic will sluggishly crawl across a flat highway ("move it, grandma!"). And everyone here seems freaked out by the extra second or two on the 0-60.

But for "normal" aggressive highway driving (i.e., NOT street racing), how much power and speed difference are we *really* talking about? People here make it seem like the auto will be 50% weaker. I'm guessing the difference is less than 7%.

Anyone care to offer a better guess?

Digisan

LOL, do you know how to drive a manual?

Digisan

Manual

How do you drive an auto tranny?

mazdabob

Digisan, are you suggesting I don't know how to drive a manual? I've autocrossed, know how to double-clutch, have driven cars with non-synchro 1st gear, and driven hundreds of different cars with manuals. I was just saying that automatics are pretty indestructable, but my cars with manuals have had mechanical problems with synchros, clutches, through-out bearings, etc. And no matter how good you think you are, everyone at some time misses a shift, grabs the wrong gear, or stalls out with a manual.

JaxFL_RX8

Shifting gears, downshifting specifically, is what cars like the RX7 and RX8 were made for. If you can't get the RPMs up to 7500 or 8000, why have a rotary?

OmegaBob

Just curious: what about people who have a disability & can't drive stick because of it?

After reading these replies, it seems to me that y'all would advise them NOT to get an 8, even if it's an AT.

mav

A sports car with an automatic transmission has no soul.

mazdabob

People buy cars for different reasons. Some want everyday transportation - driving in traffic, running errands, etc. Some people want a show car and rarely drive it, and are paranoid about keeping it clean. Some want to race. I like to take long trips - mountains, interstates, small towns, gravel roads, etc. An automatic is easier to drive on steep roads and unfamiliar territory. Driving a car like the RX-8 on a long trip is fun no matter which transmission it has. To each his own!:p

Edge

1) the 8 is actually a great sports car for those with handicaps: sports car with free style doors. probably much easier to move into and shift a chair in behind with both those doors open.

2) i found i had trouble driving manual until i took my shoes off for about an hour. amazing how much better you can feel that grab point in sock feet. disclaimer: this is illegal most places, something about proper protective foot wear or something

//ejw

Lex

The automatic is shiftable, so it's possible (though unconfirmed) that you can still push the revs.

Still, the "why have a rotary" comment bugs me. There's more to this car than just wankel. There's the look, the handling, the doors to impress your friends, etc.

I, along with a ton of other people, don't consider myself to be "buying a rotary", I'm buying an *RX8*!

JaxFL_RX8

Chill dude. I'm sure the AT will be fine, but if I'm not mistaken, it comes with 40 less bhp. Anyhoo, whoever mentioned automatic sports cars not having soul was on to something. ATs are for chicks.

The look you speak of was inspired by that Wankel, the car was built around it. It resonates in the ashtray. LOL.

I'm getting an RX-8 for me, not to impress anyone.

Edge

You know, after my quote above, I figured somebody might actually catch a clue and ease up on this but I guess not. There are people out there who want a sports car, but haven't really had any good options until this car came out. They'll not only not be stepping on the clutch, they won't be stepping on the gas or brake either. THERE HAPPEN TO BE SOME GOOD REASONS TO GET THE AT FOR SOME FOLKS beyond not knowing or wanting to learn to drive manual.

RX-8 Zoomster

JaxFL_RX8,

Thanks for posting the image in your sig line. I'm changing my avitar to that. I was getting tired of the old one, people started using it after me, and last, it didn't fit my username.

To keep this on topic, , and not being labeled a "high-jacker", I have to think back - I believe this is the first manual CAR I have owned since my 78 Fiat X-19. Got rid of it right before I got married in 81. What a super-handling go kart on wheels. Money pit though, but it was a fun drive, especially with the removable targa top.

Didn't think it was that long since I owned a manual car. I guess it was convenience - my "family" vehicles automatics, my "work" vehicles (trucks, never owned a SUV) - manuals.

mazdabob

I don't understand why people are making such a big deal about transmissions. Is a Yugo with a 4-speed a sports car? A sports car has many features - a strong engine, quick steering, a taut suspension, great seats, good looks, and a quick shifting gearbox. Shifting a manual gearbox is just one part of it. By the way it is possible to shift an AT manually, which I often do. Everyone has their own priorities and preferences.

block911

I drove a manual supra for 3 years *(nonturbo) all I can say is NEVER AGAIN!!!!


I had my car in the shop to get new shocks and I got a rental (auto corolla) and OMG what a joy to mindlessly sit in a car and just push the gas and go. No more hand cramps and stiff legs.


Nope sorry from now on only AUTOs.

I WISH the rx-8 has the Seq. Manual shifter like the BMW m3 and Toyota mr2 does. Those things are sweet and put the manu-matic to shame...


Flipside is that thread with the auto 0-60 time at 9.5 seconds... um oh my.

Cihuuy

i dont understand it either about these transmission wars!! I personally dont care if someone buys the 8 in manual or auto. the Rx8 can and should be driven by any1 who have the money and love the car, PERIOD! And Rx8 is not a sport car!!

I wish and wish everyday, that the 8 would be sold like hotcakes, in manual form or auto. All i want is that they bring back the new rx7, a real sport car!! :D ...so we should all encourage the consumers to buy the rx8 no matter what... hihihi just my .02

Haris

yea I agree with you. Also manual transmission in any car doesn't make it a pure sports car or whatever. Same for automatic transmission. RX8 will be a GT car. Not sports car. And I still believe that 0-60 = 9.5 sec. for automatic rx8 is a bit weird. It'll probably be more like 7-7.5 seconds.