I know that the AT RX-8 has about 197 Hp and the MT RX-8 has 238 hp I was wonder if there was any advantages to having an AT rx8 and why did they make such a gap in Hp between the two? Because The AT also has the option to be MT just wondering if anyone knows...
THanks:lol:

the A/T does have the 'manual' mode but since the engine is only a 4 port, that accounts for the big difference in HP. (the 7500 redline also contributes)
The 06 A/T has a 6 port and I think the hp is around 212.

Did you make a mistake? Only you can answer that. It's still a great car but for me the only option was M/T. (not a fan of auto sports cars)

How long have you had the 8?

There is no right or wrong option. If you wanted an AT and bought one then I would say that was the right choice. The HP difference is the only difference between an AT and MT. I got an AT. I Love It!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think you messed up, it's still an RX8. Plenty of people 'round these parts how auto's, some with major mods and they have no complaints as far as I know.

I believe part of the issue with the auto's was getting a cost effective auto trans that can handle revving to 9000 rpm, I could be wrong though.

How you liking it so far?

idk, but i'd hate to drive an auto.

even my beater isnt an auto.


....= (.

but if you like autos.... then its ok.

I have an auto, and I don't hate it. Sometimes I miss driving a standard, I'll see how it is on a track this summer. Othertimes, its way more relaxing to drive an auto, so the auto w/ manual mode is sort of a comprimise. And it can shift faster than the best standard driver.

OH I love my Rx 8 I got it for me and my girlfriend and she cant drive MT lol . It was either This rx 8 or she wanted a VW beatle lol But I was just wondering cuz when I get it payed off I want to tune it ... Just dident know if I have the slowest rx8 on the block lol

Your car is what it is. Yes, it has less HP than a MT model. But then, it seems, everyone says the MT is down on HP too. It's yours. It looks good. No worries.

al: not sure if it's new but digging the duct tape quote.

I love it Its my first car and its AWESOME!
It rides so smooth and its quick I cant Wait till i pay most of it off so I can start hooking it up

I remember my reaction years ago when I first learned they even MADE the 8 in an automatic. I was, like... but why?? lol I guess if I ever break my left ankle I'll be glad they do because I'll be in one... an AT 8 is better than not driving any 8!

I'd rather buy a slow nice car than a freaking fast ugly car (hint hint, turbo econobox... Cobalt)

I have an AT 8 and love the car. I do wish it was faster, but that can always be taken care of. When you get the RPMs up you don't notice the lack of 'go juice' much, it's most notable when you're trying to get somewhere from a dead stop.

This is pure speculation, but...
the difference between the AT and MT with respect to simple power should stand out more in stock form. When you start ramping up the power the differences aren't as noticeable in the old ass dyno. Bolt ons don't give us squat for power, so I'm talking more about forced induction than anything. My point is, when when you're dealing with HP where our cars are stock, 15-20hp is damned important. When you're nearing the 300 range, that 20hp just isn't as significant. I know it was that way with my last car, a Grand Prix.

My tip for you: don't drive a MT 8! You won't know what you're missing :lol: That's my plan. Besides, we can do so much more dangerous stuff in traffic than these MT guys, hehe.

I have an auto, and I don't hate it. Sometimes I miss driving a standard, I'll see how it is on a track this summer. Othertimes, its way more relaxing to drive an auto, so the auto w/ manual mode is sort of a comprimise. And it can shift faster than the best standard driver.


It cannot shift faster than the best manual driver.... maybe faster than most, but not all. Tiptronic transmissions have a delay in the shift, you tap up, but it lags about a second as the car prepares itself for the shift. In a manual is it exactly how fast and when you want it to shift to what gear you want.

Easy should be chiming in soon.........

***queues up Phil***

the so called manual mode with the paddle shifters is a manumatic and should not be confused with the paddle shifting actual manual on, say, a ferrari.

you are basically pushing a button that tells your auto to shift whereas, with the ferrari, you are actually engaging the gears. with an auto 8 shifting with the paddles, you'll have some lag. with a ferarri shifting with the paddles, there is no lag at all.

as far as whether you made a mistake, i would say it depends. if you can drive stick, you made a mistake. not saying the auto 8 isn't a great car. it's just the manual is much more fun to drive.

I always looked at sports cars as manuals because autos IMO are best suited for comfortable daily drivers like 4dr accords, impalas, etc, they are larger and more practical for people who don't have tons of fun with their cars like we do. Sports cars on the other hand have a stiff ride, no room, not so great fuel economy etc, point is they aren't designed for comfort the are for fun so IMO you would have been happier with the stick but by no means did you make a mistake cause you still bought an 8 :)

OH I love my Rx 8 I got it for me and my girlfriend and she cant drive MT lol . It was either This rx 8 or she wanted a VW beatle lol But I was just wondering cuz when I get it payed off I want to tune it ... Just dident know if I have the slowest rx8 on the block lol

So... in my opinion - the ideal would have been to get your g/f to learn to drive stick and get an MT... but lets focus on what you managed to do.
1. You got an RX8
2. You didn't piss off your g/f. (impressive; considering #1)
3. You aren't driving around a VW "new" beetle.

Now... if you're still on this forum when the car is completely paid off, send me a PM to let me know if you're still with the girl. Only then will you really know if you made the right decision.

EDIT: But yes... your 8 will be slower than most of the MT 8's on the road... but look at the bright side, you'll never miss a shift!

both have their advantages and disadvantages. for me the advantages of an auto and the deal i got were perfect. It is different for everyone.

depends on how you look at it...I have a AT and i enjoy the hell out of it...I dont race and like taking long back road cruises on the weekends...

my AT suits me perfectly for my needs...

It's only a mistake if you go looking for the clutch and don't know what the R, D, or that P means on the shifter.

When I drive autos I always ask where the clutch pedal is...it's confusing!!