is auto good to drive as the stick and if any problems .

I don't have a RX-8 yet so I would also like to know.

Originally posted by j-apex rx
is auto good to drive as the stick and if any problems .

There are a lot of threads running around here about the AT. Run a search for them and you'll find all the information you'll need.

RX8 auto vs. 6 speed difference

6 speed is faster from start obviously since you can dump the clutch at certain RPM and this would be hard to achieve on auto. Auto also has 39 HP less and about 5 lbs. ft. of torque more. Both are similar at higher RPMs. With pedals it can be as much fun to drive as 6 speed. Maybe even more. Probably not any problems now.

I have a auto and I have no problems thus far
I love the option to paddle shift if I choose

I love my auto also, and I use the shifter.

Test drive one, you'll like it.

I personaly think manual is better. If your gonna get a hig performance car like the 8, get it manual. The tiptronic technology as fun as it can be, is not devlopped enough to deliver the same amount of power.

Manual is the ONLY way to go with these cars to have the " true " drving experience.

thats not "TRUE"

Hi Mike. I see you have taken offence to your decision of buying a RX-8 automatic. Let me clarify my opinion first before getting invovled in a potentiel "thread fight", ahahahha.

j-apex wanted to know if auto was just as good as manual. The answer is YES the auto is just as good as the manual. Of course you understand when I say YES it's just as good as manual, that means that everything mechanical about the system from gear shifting to gear placement and timing (except for auto there is a slight delay) works fine and smooth and everyone is happy.

Now this all depends on how he wants to experience the drive. Does he enjoy the flaps? Or does he enjoy stick? That's all up to him. But to reinforce my opinion on the manual gear box, you will ALWAYS get more power out of the engine if you go with manual. It is the nature of the transmission. Yes, flapping the gears up and down are cool,convenient, and one day will probably be the choice of the masses, but right now the only way to get the maximum power of the 2004 RX-8 is by choosing a manual transmission.

Now as for the " true driving experience " that i mentioned, I still stick to this because drving a car does not just entail going from start to stop in a straight line. Drving includes cornering,braking,steering,stopping, all of which are easier to do and you have more control with a manual.

Question: Do you drive manual?

My comments:

If you ever drove this car with a manual gear box and had to take a corner at high speeds while using the engine compression to "control" your momentum then you will understand what I am talking about. You can never get that type of control or feeling with the auto.

You can use the argument that ferrari uses tiptronic technology, but that's a ferarri with their millions of dollars of R&D creating the perfect response tiptronic system. Mazda doesn't use state of the art tip tronic systems for the RX-8. It's just another way of selling the car and getting auto lovers a chance to sorta feel what a manual is all about. Which is brilliant from them and seems like the trend these days.



It's nothing personal to you Mikeb and your choice of going with auto. I'm just stating a fact about the reduced power of the auto version of this car.

It's all good bro!:D

Originally posted by asparapani
But to reinforce my opinion on the manual gear box, you will ALWAYS get more power out of the engine if you go with manual.

No, that's basically an RX8 statement. Look at supras for example. Auto supras can outrun a manual one with average driver. There are many cars like that. If mazda put same engine in RX8, then it would be very close performance vise. Probably only about .5 sec.

Originally posted by Haris
No, that's basically an RX8 statement. Look at supras for example. Auto supras can outrun a manual one with average driver. There are many cars like that. If mazda put same engine in RX8, then it would be very close performance vise. Probably only about .5 sec.

Autos will always loose some power in the torque converter, however a really good one can do faster chanages than a manual, which can make up for this when accelarating through the gears.

However you have to compare like with like, the RX8 auto is quite an old design with only 4 ratios. Despite the wide power band of the renesis that is going to be a big disadvantage compared to a 6 speed manual, even without the difference in HP.

If the auto had a more modern 5 speed box like the Merc units, it would be a much closer proposition, and more fun with the paddles.

Cheers
---Dave

Thanks Druck

Originally posted by druck
Autos will always loose some power in the torque converter, however a really good one can do faster chanages than a manual, which can make up for this when accelarating through the gears.

However you have to compare like with like, the RX8 auto is quite an old design with only 4 ratios. Despite the wide power band of the renesis that is going to be a big disadvantage compared to a 6 speed manual, even without the difference in HP.

If the auto had a more modern 5 speed box like the Merc units, it would be a much closer proposition, and more fun with the paddles.

Cheers
---Dave

Dave, if he was talking about a turbo Supra, he could be correct. An automatic on a turbo car allows the turbo to stay spooled while the car shifts. In a manual, you'd have to let off the gas to make the gear change, thus dropping turbo boost. I owned a 2001 VW Golf Turbo with the automatic and could take on manuals all day long. There's not much of a performance hit with the VW automatic turbos. As for others, I'm not sure.

I do agree though that if the auto RX-8 had 5 ratios and the same horsepower as the manual, the race would be pretty close.

no problem asparpari

I agree with many of your points

No P's BREEZE! (montreal street translation for no problem brother)

It is still an RX-8 - lets all get along

Originally posted by myrx8
It is still an RX-8 - lets all get along

excatly

sometimes I think its AT vs MT

Originally posted by myrx8
It is still an RX-8 - lets all get along

I agree. It's still F****** FAST!

this is just my opinion and personal feelings.
manuals are more fun to drive.

i get alot of control out of the car that i wish i had when i drive my auto nowadays.

But here is a question my friend has an Auto/triptronic setup in his Jetta and it seems to just automatically change gears as it comes cloose to redline. Is this normal of all triptronic setups?
im not sure of the numbers exactly but for example if the redline is 6 at about 5200 rpms it switchs gears.

anyone with insight on this?

perhaps u auto rx-8 owners can tell us if this happens with the 8 at least..

Yes, what RPM does the AT shift at?

Originally posted by grogiefrog
Yes, what RPM does the AT shift at?

Right near red line if you don't use the automanual function.

I have used the paddles and have heard the little beep go off.

I agree
car seems faster off the line when paddle shifting

How does paddle shifting work? As well as the automanual function?

paddle shifts let you shift which up and down functions that are located on the sterling wheel

I don't like the paddle shifters on the wheel. I usually use the console shifter

Today I drove my wife's V6 Accord, which is identical to mine (except that her car is an AT). It was actually fun to punch it in traffic or on the interstate and not have to think, "What gear am I in?" or "Darn, I need to down shift". Can anyone that drives a MT all the time not tell me that they haven't once pulled out in traffic and been in too high of a hear? I use to own two 1st gen RX-7's, and drove them hard through canyon and mountain roads in Colorado. But now I'm stuck in the midwest, and in the city. When it comes time for me to pick out an RX-8, I plan on testing the AT. They both have their benefits.

AT Benefits

1.) No Shifting up and down in heavy traffic.

2.) Cheaper Insurance (Most Ins. Co. classify "Sport Car Rating" @ 230hp)

3.) HIGHER RESALE - More people can drive it, resale will be higher.

4.) Not as many AT out there so you will have one of the limited few .. also makes it worth more in the future.

5.) Optional shifting when you want to play with the paddles and shifter.

6.) Able to install Auto-Start for those cold icey days. You won't have to go outside to start and warm up your car like the MT owners do. Just push a button and ZOOM ZOOM -- get into a warm car with windows defrosted etc.. . Also works well in the summer too when HOT -- Walk out to your cool car!

Originally posted by grogiefrog
Can anyone that drives a MT all the time not tell me that they haven't once pulled out in traffic and been in too high of a hear?


You should no more wonder what gear you are in, than be wondering where your right arm is. You should be at one with the driving exeriance, and changing gear is just as a fundemantal part of pulling out as the steering is.

If this isn't for you or you are going a bit senile, get an automatic, and make it a diesel so you have lots of torque. Infact wouldn't you be happier on a bus :)

Cheers
---Dave

Originally posted by RX-8 2004
AT Benefits

1.) No Shifting up and down in heavy traffic.

2.) Cheaper Insurance (Most Ins. Co. classify "Sport Car Rating" @ 230hp)

3.) HIGHER RESALE - More people can drive it, resale will be higher.

4.) Not as many AT out there so you will have one of the limited few .. also makes it worth more in the future.

5.) Optional shifting when you want to play with the paddles and shifter.

6.) Able to install Auto-Start for those cold icey days. You won't have to go outside to start and warm up your car like the MT owners do. Just push a button and ZOOM ZOOM -- get into a warm car with windows defrosted etc.. . Also works well in the summer too when HOT -- Walk out to your cool car!

Going to have to disagree with #5, while it's true for most cars... A car like the RX-8 you're going to have a harder time finding a buyer for the AT than you would the MT if you were to try and sell it yourself.

#4 is only true because not nearly as many people want the AT, and it's not like it's going to be a rare collector because it's an AT.

Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Going to have to disagree with #5, while it's true for most cars... A car like the RX-8 you're going to have a harder time finding a buyer for the AT than you would the MT if you were to try and sell it yourself.

#4 is only true because not nearly as many people want the AT, and it's not like it's going to be a rare collector because it's an AT.

Ike

Well on #4, maybe for now ...everyone will have to just wait for 20 to 25yrs and see.... No One actually knows yet .... Anything could happen. I can name few cars that are worth a lot now that no one thought they would be when they first came out .... so time will tell. ... maybe will maybe not....

As for resale .. it will be easier I think because there are many more people out there that do not know how to drive a MT. I know I just sold my Vette ... It would of sold like in 2 days if it was Auto ..... so many people called and asked if it was auto then said Oh! I can't drive a stick .... just going on what I think here.

Don't get me wrong I like MT's too .... either is fine with me. I would of bought a MT if the traffic wasn't so bad during my travels.

Originally posted by RX-8 2004
Well on #4, maybe for now ...everyone will have to just wait for 20 to 25yrs and see.... No One actually knows yet .... Anything could happen. I can name few cars that are worth a lot now that no one thought they would be when they first came out .... so time will tell. ... maybe will maybe not....

As for resale .. it will be easier I think because there are many more people out there that do not know how to drive a MT. I know I just sold my Vette ... It would of sold like in 2 days if it was Auto ..... so many people called and asked if it was auto then said Oh! I can't drive a stick .... just going on what I think here.

Don't get me wrong I like MT's too .... either is fine with me. I would of bought a MT if the traffic wasn't so bad during my travels.

I recall seeing a stat somewhere that Chevy sells slighty more AT vettes each year than they do MTs something like 55% are AT which I thought was shocking. It's a crying shame as well. Keep in mind the performance numbers for the vette are about the same for the AT and the MT, they aren't even close for the RX-8. Vettes also have a strong midlife crisis, weekend cruiser, vert, and female fan base which I would imagine makes up a large part of the AT owners.

Ike

I like #6 above. Boy, that would be great to have an autostart in the summer. It would be like "kit" on Nightrider. It would just need a flashing light in the front. :D

I agree with grogiefrog; auto-start would be so slick. It would insure that I warm up the engine before driving and as an added bonus, it adds the "gadget factor" to an already intriguing car!

Originally posted by IkeWRX
I recall seeing a stat somewhere that Chevy sells slighty more AT vettes each year than they do MTs something like 55% are AT which I thought was shocking. It's a crying shame as well. Keep in mind the performance numbers for the vette are about the same for the AT and the MT, they aren't even close for the RX-8. Vettes also have a strong midlife crisis, weekend cruiser, vert, and female fan base which I would imagine makes up a large part of the AT owners.

Ike

That's because GM manufactures wayyyyy more auto than manual. Shame realy, such a powerfull car with an inferior transmission....

Originally posted by RX-8 2004
AT Benefits

1.) No Shifting up and down in heavy traffic.

Granted! But that's because we're lazy in northamerica.

2.) Cheaper Insurance (Most Ins. Co. classify "Sport Car Rating" @ 230hp)

In which juristiction do insurance companies consider the transmission? Not mine..

3.) HIGHER RESALE - More people can drive it, resale will be higher.

Not for this car. Reason being because on most cars auto transmission costs more, therefore you'll get money back. /But for the 8, either you get auto or manual, there's no price difference because it costs the same for mazda to install either.

4.) Not as many AT out there so you will have one of the limited few .. also makes it worth more in the future.

Just because the car is auto doesn't make it a rarity.

5.) Optional shifting when you want to play with the paddles and shifter.

You got me there! I've driven it and it's fun as hell!

6.) Able to install Auto-Start for those cold icey days. You won't have to go outside to start and warm up your car like the MT owners do. Just push a button and ZOOM ZOOM -- get into a warm car with windows defrosted etc.. . Also works well in the summer too when HOT -- Walk out to your cool car!

Installing an automatic starter is doable on a manual.

So basically all but one of your points that you mentioned are completely invalid in relation to an automatic. Sorry pal.

I agree Asp. I have a starter installed on my old Saturn 5-spd. and the old beast runs just fine. There is just a few more steps to auto-starting a standard when compared to an auto.

Originally posted by RX-8 2004
Well on #4, maybe for now ...everyone will have to just wait for 20 to 25yrs and see.... No One actually knows yet ....

Sure we do - just look at Miatas. The original ones are 14 years old now, and they are sports cars similar to the RX-8, and the auto trans version also has less hp than the manual trans version like the RX-8. Maybe 10% of Miata sales were auto trans, so the auto trans is much more rare. Similar case, right?

The result - the auto trans cars sell for much less than an otherwise identical manual trans Miata. Few people want an auto trans sports car. The rarity is because few people wanted them to start with, and that doesn't change when it's used. Some people actually buy an auto trans car if it's in especially good condition and convert it to the manual trans. There certainly is no premium associated with the auto trans cars due to their "rarity". They're just worth quite a bit less.

Also, don't forget that the current RX-8 auto is a lame duck - within 2 years, Mazda will release a 5 speed auto trans for the RX-8 instead of the current 4 speed auto, and will also release a 6 speed SMG trans. Both of those will go on the high power engine with the full 9K redline rather than the current crippled 7K redline low-power engine. That means that, instantly when those transmissions are released, the early 4 speed auto RX-8s will suffer a big drop in value.

Regards,
Gordon

OK.. I have to throw in my .02 here. I have an auto 8 and love it. If I wanted the 6sp I could have gotten it, but since my 10th Anniversary Edition Miata has a 6sp, I can just jump in that car and shift to my hearts content. How can people come up with "auto's" will be worth less in the coming years when the car just came out?? :confused: People, get over the auto vs manual kick and just drive your 8!! GEESH!!