What is wrong with you (drive a stick or die) guys? Do you think we all like riding our clutch stoplight to stoplight behind minivans?Why can you not understand that some people just want the ease of an RX-8 A/T? Why do you think all A/T owners are handicap or can not drive a stick? Do you think the RX-8 6M/T is untouchable? It is not. There is always someone faster out there. My RX-7 will run circles around your RX-8 6M/T or my RX-8 A/T.
I can understand having the M/T if it is your only car and you want to get the full performance out of it. I am just tired of all the A/T bashing every time someone posts about them. You guys are like troll offspring.
I feal better now:D

glad you feel better

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rick
Why can you not understand that some people just want the ease of an RX-8 A/T? Why do you think all A/T owners are handicap or can not drive a stick?


I drove a stick for many years and just got tired of all the shifting. When I looked at the RX8, I really didn't think there was much difference between the MT and the AT as far as power goes, I just knew I didn't want the hassle of driving a stick. I never was much into speed or racing but more into the looks and feel of a car. After reading all of these post about speed and after the thrill of driving my AT for 4 weeks now, I can't help but wonder if the MT experience is even better. I always laughed at motor heads and all the talk of racing, torque, HP, 1/4 mile times, etc. For some reason now though, it all sounds exciting. My wife is ready to kill me because I am waffling on my decision.
Anyway, whenever I do doubt my decision, I just think back to the real reason I wanted the AT in the first place, which is convenience. Then I think about how often I would even think about racing, very seldom. After that, I go for a ride and enjoy the great handling and the more than enough power and speed for me.
I am just afraid though, as long as I continue to read this forum, I will always wonder. I also know that if this forum didn’t exist, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.

listen to your wife
its your decision man

Yeah, driving MT to work in LA is a pain in the a$$, but driving MT on weekend is fun. So I think it is a smart choice to have AT Rx8, if you have a faster MT car like Rx7.

BTW, this sever is much faster. I love it! :D

My shops' upcoming race car project is an automatic, although it is only beng made to go straight so it won't be running circles around RX-8s it will speed past most cars with a goal of 8 seconds 1/4 mile for a rotary using some extra rotors. Automatic transmissions can offer a very exhilirating experience as well.

Originally posted by Icemastr
My shops' upcoming race car project is an automatic, although it is only beng made to go straight so it won't be running circles around RX-8s it will speed past most cars with a goal of 8 seconds 1/4 mile for a rotary using some extra rotors. Automatic transmissions can offer a very exhilirating experience as well.

Yes a fully worked auto tranny in a drag car is the way to go. Lets not compare that to a MT in a street car though.

I traded in a very fine 6 speed BMW on the RX-8 A/T, because of nerve damage and neuropathic pain in my left foot. This becomes a real problem in stop and go traffic. I do miss the total control and fast launches, but I sure like the convenience and shiftability (sic) of the Auto. The paddles are cool too, and are just like my force-feedback steering wheel on my computer. :) I just need to adjust my driving to the rather tall gearing on the A/T. The RX-8 is a great car, no matter which way you go. It is fun to drive, handles like a go-cart and really turns heads. It seems that wherever I go people stop me to ask me about the car. I think I should be on commission by Mazda!

P.S. my other ride is a 2001 Miata SE, with 6 speed. I'm debating whether or not to sell it, given the problem in clutching, and my desire to drive the RX-8 fulltime.

Also, keep in mind the most recent talks about the AT invloved someone wanting a lot of performance out of the car, and he even spoke of modding the car to make it faster. I think even the AT guys would agree if acceleration is high on your list there are a lot of better choices out there than a RX-8 AT considering the lower power and 4 speed configuration.

I love my at

Ive heard that the AT Rotary has more problems. dunno if its true or not .

I bought a 6MT because the RX8 is my weekend car and i like the idea of the control you have over the car with an Manual.

Since this is my first Manual, i dont see myself getting another Auto unless its a SUV i enjoy driving manual and i dont mind it in traffic i got use to it really quick.

my daily driver is still an Auto though

where did you hear AT rotary problamatic

Originally posted by mikeb
where did you hear AT rotary problamatic

Local past RX-7 Auto Owners.. it was about 15 -20 people all had different models and complained of similar problems with the Auto. Most of them mentioned over heating and high idles

Originally posted by Shocka
Ive heard that the AT Rotary has more problems. dunno if its true or not .
I have read posts about M/T having clutch & shifting problems. Perhaps I have missed them but I have not seen an A/T problem posted.

I couldn't justify a sporty car in an auto in most cases. Arguments can be made for SMG/CVT in street cars, ATs in high-torque monster dragsters, and physical handicaps in my mind, but if I was in a situation where I was plagued by heavy traffic most of the time, I'd either have to splurge and get something luxurious, or a cheap compact that's good on gas mileage/upkeep costs.

Anyway, no need to get on the soapbox - how people feel about the choice of transmission you make shouldn't be of bearing on you. If you find yourself pondering it enough to soap box, perhaps you aren't comfortable in a choice you made in obtaining your vehicle. (I said perhaps - if you're just sick of troll-type responses, there's other reasons not to soapbox)

Originally posted by Shocka
Ive heard that the AT Rotary has more problems.

The AT rotary engine is the same as the manual. The transmission is different. I doubt there's a "problem" with the AT engine.

I havent had problems with the auto tranny yet but its still a baby at 5k miles

Actually the Auto motors have been slightly different since the beginning. In the old twin distributer style it was the counterweights front and rear and top mounted starter and rear housing verses bottom mounted starter. The 79 thru 85 used the same motors with rotor weight changes in 81 and 83.. as were the 86 thru 91.. well really 86-87, an injector change in 88 and a major intake redo in 89.. and the dreaded electronic oil injection... then we have the rear counterweight, of course, to accept the flex plate and torque converter set up.. now comes the 93 and later.. conterweights changed and the rear housing.. the one that the transmission is bolted to changed... starters on the auto cars faced rear and the 5 speed faced forward.. now with the Renesis the motors are totally different.. same rotating assembly but a 4 port verses a six port.. multi stage port design verses a 4 port with the auto shift cars... talk about babbling on with useless information.. anyway, the rotary, imho, is ideally suited to an automatic transmission..

With the auto, you're getting smaller brakes, (often) smaller rims, and a different suspension setup, so you are getting a watered down version of the a watered down version of a sportscar. But have fun, old-timer, and turn off your blinker when you're driving 46 MPH in the left lane, grandpa!!

Just playin'...because realistically, not a whole lot of the owners/drivers out there really ever push their cars to the limits....just look at all those SUV's in the parking lots of America's malls...so just enjoy the ride....whatever you're driving.

I've heard of quite a few people regretting getting an auto instead of the stick. I bet not too many stick owners regret not getting an auto.

Well said, diablo. How 'bout those cubbies!!!!

Originally posted by Diablo
I've heard of quite a few people regretting getting an auto instead of the stick. I bet not too many stick owners regret not getting an auto.
What is your point?

Originally posted by English
With the auto, you're getting smaller brakes, (often) smaller rims, and a different suspension setup, so you are getting a watered down version of the a watered down version of a sportscar. when
That is only the base auto. You will get faster 1/4 mile times with the 16" wheels.

Originally posted by Rick
What is your point?

For example, many that buy the auto do so because they cannot drive a MT. They are fooled into believing that the AT will drive the same as the MT and they aren't giving up on any of the performance of car. Then they take their sporty new car to their first autox.... They learn quickly that they aren't getting near the level of performance that the car can provide because of the AT. Downshifting the car quickly before a turn is almost impossible and the "manumatic transmission" is sloppy and slow. They take grief from real car enthuasists about buying an automatic. Pretty soon, they are posting threads like "Replacing my AT with a MT. Possible?" Don't think it will happen? Go over to miataforum and do a search. I'll bet you find 30-40 threads on the subject.

If someone is interested enough in the car to post regullary on a car forum, and is physically capable of using a manual trans, they shouldn't waste their time with an auto. 9 out of 10 will regret the decision.

[/B][/QUOTE]
For example, many that buy the auto do so because they cannot drive a MT. They are fooled into believing that the AT will drive the same as the MT and they aren't giving up on any of the performance of car. Then they take their sporty new car to their first autox.... They learn quickly that they aren't getting near the level of performance that the car can provide because of the AT. Downshifting the car quickly before a turn is almost impossible and the "manumatic transmission" is sloppy and slow.

......Sounds like more of a challenge to me.

They take grief from real car enthuasists about buying an automatic.

......Real car enthuasists would not care about that.


Pretty soon, they are posting threads like "Replacing my AT with a MT. Possible?" Don't think it will happen?

.....I know it will happen. Some of them will also take out the rotary and replace it w/ a small block.


If someone is interested enough in the car to post regullary on a car forum, and is physically capable of using a manual trans, they shouldn't waste their time with an auto.

....That is not true. You need to open your mind.



9 out of 10 will regret the decision.

....I guess am the 10th person. Who are the other 9 that regret buying an auto?

Well I'm definately not fooled that an auto shift will drive like a stick. There is no way that a computer would ever be as slow as a person doing the shifting... Push down on the pedal, move the shifter, hopefully everything goes right, release the clutch, hope the rpm matches the speed... and on and on.. ... Watch a little F1 tomorrow morning.. computer controlled autos, way high tech compared to manual.. Mazda did us a favor by making the autos cheaper, giving an extra bonus for the 8. Imagine when a high tech guy figures out how to auto x what the drag races already know... oh yeah, I've heard that manual shifting is like Viagra..

Lets not compare and old design 4 speed auto to an F1 racer or fully worked auto on a drag car.

Originally posted by Habeeb
There is no way that a computer would ever be as slow as a person doing the shifting... Push down on the pedal, move the shifter, hopefully everything goes right, release the clutch, hope the rpm matches the speed... and on and on.. oh yeah, I've heard that manual shifting is like Viagra..

Things you forget:

- when humans shift manually, it really is an automated response, not a manual one as you describe. It is quick, painless, and requires no real 'thought' - our brains do the work in the background. You don't actively 'think' about how to walk, you just walk, after all!

- computers 'can' be slower than a human in the end result. When you want a downshift in an auto, there is a whole lot of things that have to happen, not the least of which is getting the car to know what you 'want' it to do... of course paddle shifters help some, but... as a human with a 6sp MT I can, well, simply... exactly... and immediately pick any gear and be there right now... it's kinda 'automatic'!

As far as the Viagra thing... don't know about that.. but I do have trouble getting that smile off my face for quite a long time, if that's what you mean. :D

My curiosity got the best of me yesterday so I went to the dealership and drove the MT. Wow!!!! what a difference. "I have to have one" was my first reaction. Unfortunately though, I would have to take a bath to get it.
So, I guess you can say that I really wish I would have gotten the MT.

We are $4,000 apart and they would not move off of MSRP. I was willing to come up with $2,000. They have 40 on the lot so I really thought they would drop from MSRP. I hope as winter sets in and business declines, my friend from the dealership will be calling. In the interim, I will enjoy what my AT has to offer.

There may be an added bonus for the auto shift cars in that adding forced induction might be a bit easier not having to deal with the variable port sequence of the high hp motor. Since the intake has basically the same configuration, port in front and rear housing and two in the center housing, like all the second generation turbo cars. Adding a supercharger or turbo shouldn't be that difficult. As the exhaust is way different, and it looks like the ports are sleeved there.. opening them up may pose some unique problems. Anyway, looks promising for a quick jump in HP for the auto version.

Originally posted by tagS60
For example, many that buy the auto do so because they cannot drive a MT. They are fooled into believing that the AT will drive the same as the MT and they aren't giving up on any of the performance of car. Then they take their sporty new car to their first autox.... They learn quickly that they aren't getting near the level of performance that the car can provide because of the AT. Downshifting the car quickly before a turn is almost impossible and the "manumatic transmission" is sloppy and slow. They take grief from real car enthuasists about buying an automatic. Pretty soon, they are posting threads like "Replacing my AT with a MT. Possible?" Don't think it will happen? Go over to miataforum and do a search. I'll bet you find 30-40 threads on the subject.

If someone is interested enough in the car to post regullary on a car forum, and is physically capable of using a manual trans, they shouldn't waste their time with an auto. 9 out of 10 will regret the decision.

What? If somebody can drive a stick, doesn't mean they have to buy a stick. Stick is not the best transmission out there. It's best transmission for hauling and towing stuff, but for racing, F1 racing transmissions are best. Automatic transmissions are best in drag racing though. And I dont know why people say, RX8 AT sucks and if you can drive a MT, dont bother buying AT. If somebody wants AT, they can buy AT whether or not they know or dont know how to drive an MT.

I was brought up on manual (and as far as the RX-8 goes, there is no real choice here in the UK - 5- or 6-speed, both manual) but having driven in LA for three months I can see why many people prefer auto over there!

I saw five or six RX-8s in LA and of the three or four I could get close enough to in car parks/parking lots to drool over, they were all autos...

Originally posted by Habeeb
Well I'm definately not fooled that an auto shift will drive like a stick. There is no way that a computer would ever be as slow as a person doing the shifting... Push down on the pedal, move the shifter, hopefully everything goes right, release the clutch, hope the rpm matches the speed... and on and on.. ... Watch a little F1 tomorrow morning.. computer controlled autos, way high tech compared to manual.. Mazda did us a favor by making the autos cheaper, giving an extra bonus for the 8. Imagine when a high tech guy figures out how to auto x what the drag races already know... oh yeah, I've heard that manual shifting is like Viagra..

You're comparing a trans in a million dollar race car to the "manumatic" in your $27K street car?

You're comparing drag racing to autox?

Are you serious? "Hope everything works?" Are you old enough to drive?

Seems to me that AT is more like Viagra; it's for those that need help making it work. ;)

(Before any AT owners get their panties in a wad, I'm just kidding.)

It's best transmission for hauling and towing stuff, but for racing, F1 racing transmissions are best. Automatic transmissions are best in drag racing though.


I agree, but if you level the discussion off to the affordable daily drivers people like us talk about, the window gets smaller. I agree on the drag racing note, but only when you're putting down enough power to where traction is a problem. In an RX-8, if you drag-raced the MT with even someone mediocre at dragging a MT, it sounds as if you'd definitely come out on top. Maybe not so easy with a 5AT/SMG, but...

With me, it's about overall control. With some, it's about convenience/comfort.

Ya'll must be Marlin fans. Viagra is like shifting a manual trans 'cause both make your Johson bigger. Tell me you never heard that old joke..

never heard it man