What is people's opinion of the difference it makes, in terms of performance?

 

As compared to the base six-speed, the only "performance" (or safety) difference is the addition of DSC/TC. The base six speed already has (compared to the automatic) larger brakes, sport suspension, bigger wheels, lower-profile tires, and a limited slip differential (which may come with the AT, I suppose).

So, as compared to the base six-speed, get the sport package only if you want DSC/TC, HID headlights, and fog lights. If you don't want those things, get the base six speed and it will handle and accelarate and brake just as well.

I wanted all three features, so I got the sport package.

 

None. You get the DSC, which is more of a safety feature than a performance one IMO, but other than that there is no real "Performance" gain to be had.

 

There is nothing about "performance" with the sport package. I got it for my car because I am new to driving stick and would like the safety features (DSC/TC) just for a peace of mind. And for only $1000 (invoice price) you also get HID and fog light. To me that's a good deal.

 

Thanks. I was mainly thinking of a potential difference with the 18" wheels and the accompanying tires. . .

 

Those are included (and bigger brakes, and tighter suspension) with the 6-speed.

Read up on both the TC/DSC system and the HIDs. Particularly if you're paying invoice for the sport package, you might decide it's worth it, and for later resale it sounds sexy.

 

Thanks, I've clearly been the recipient of some erroneous info. . .

 

it doesn't matter, it's a sport car, so of course you want sport pkg. at least you have a much brighter head light, so many on coming car will flash their highbeam at you cuz you are hurting their eyes.

 

I got the sport package for the DSC -- I think it makes a big difference in the rain.

 

I got the sports package and find I am using it to find out the RX8's limits. So far the cars limmits are well beyond mine 99.6% of the time. In 1100 miles I have had the DSC light come on one time. I know. I know. Drive it like you stole it!!!!!!

 

Nobody has flashed me so far with the Xenon lights that come with the sport package. Unlike other HID lights I see on other cars, these seem to be adjusted a bit lower or something and do not seem to dazzle oncoming people as much as others I have seen.

IMO the Xenon lights are worth the upgrade.

Simon

 

I agree with sferret, the HID lights are the key to the package.

Try a test drive at night with the HID lights. If they don't amaze you and convince you to get the Sport Package, then you might not need it.

On the other hand, the DCS could save your life.

Think about how long you're going to have the car and how much that $1000 will be over the life of the car. Either way, you'll love this car.

 

I agree with everyone else..

 

the xenons are also auto leveling which helps them out of the eyes of oncoming drivers.

 

I wanted the cheapest, best performing RX8 I could get...since the 6 speed comes with all the perfromance stuff standard, that was what I wanted...a pure base 6 speed. I walked into a dealer, asked for a base 6 speed, was told they had one. We agreed on price and all that, and I picked it up 3 days later. When I picked it up, I noticed the foglamps....I unknowingly got the sport package. I hate the DSC/TCS....I love the foglamps(just wish I could use them without the headlamps on), and the Xenons.

I swear if the car was available without a radio, power windows/locks/mirrors and other stuff(gotta keep the power steering and AC) for a cheaper price, I would have bought it.

 

I have to agree with this and the other stuff. The DSC is a great safety feature. The HID lights are absolutely AMAZING. The foglights are currently not very functional -- merely a sporty appearance item, IMO. I'm going to rewire them to turn on independently, though, as a sort of DRL system.

 

The HID lights are so effective that the fog lights are useless for anything, but fog.

 

There's a thread in the tech section about making the fogs independent of the main lights. I have mine rigged such that they come on (or are at least controllable via the fog-switch on the stalk) when they key is on. So basically I just forget about them and they are on whenever I'm driving.

The DSC I find for the most part to be unobtrusive. And it's easy to turn off, just press the button and you're good to go. It has kept me in-check once when I probably would otherwise have been in an interesting situation. Most other times when it comes on I'm fully expecting it to do so.. and you can turn it off.