Hey guys, i'm new to this forum and rx-8 but i'm considering buying a 05 rx-8 and have some questions that i can't find answers too through general searches on google without reading through millions of search results (typ bing commercial). So i figured a forum would be my best bet.

To get it out of the way, its an 05 RX-8 4spd automatic (yeah i know not as exciting as 6sp mt). I've always been a manual driver and have been looking for a 6 spd RX-8 but it's my friend who owns the lot and he just picked it up and put it on the lot yesterday. Ofcourse once he can fully look at it and make sure its not lemon and there's been no problems with it (reason for getting it cheap at auction), he's gonna sell it to me if i like it.

My concern. The 05 4spd w/paddle shifters (seems like thats std for the autos) is rated at nearly 40 HP less than the 6spd MT. 198hp as opposd to 237hp (supposedly from numerous online resources). Noticing the lower HP, i also noticed the torque of the auto is higher than the Manual version (167 lb/ft compared to 154 lb/ft or something like that). This all being said the 0-60 times i've found have only been listed for 6spd and listed at 5.8, 6 second depending on the source. Is the acceleration the same for the 4sp auto?

Is there anyone that owns one that can shed some light on the situation? I'm coming from a 94 integra (non-vtec) manual that i've driven into the ground and has definately lost any decent bit of pep that it had in the first two gears (of 5spd mt). So i know this will still be a faster/quicker change of pace.

anyways, i don't need the "fastest" car out there and have been shopping for a while and have gone from almost buying an altima SE-r to a Lex IS300 to a 06 350z 6spd. I feel like with the RX-8 4spd i'll be right in the middle of all those & would be happy with that.

So sorry for the story and talking your ears off (or eyes???) but would really like to hear some feed back from someone who has or used to have the 4spd. Of course am also open to hearing from those of you with the mt on how you like rotorary as opposed to the V style piston motor.

Thanks again.

oh one more thing. i do have an option to get it equipped with a intake (real deal k&n intake not just a typical one i get off ebay for 40 bucks) i'm talking straight from K&N with heat sheild an all. Price isn't set yet but i know he got it real cheap and as long as he can clear his OH he'll give me a deal too. Long time friend so i know he won't scam me.

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Did you buy it? If not, I would wait for a manual and do not put on the K&N cold air intake.. Its junk

I didn't get it. I was able to take it home for the night and really get a good feel for it. I don't wanna bash on the RX8 but the auto really left a bad taste in my mouth. Is the 6spd gonna be much different? The accelleration was slower than my non vtec acura, no lie. Seemed like it didn't kick in untill 4500 rpms. The rx8 is such a smooth looking car and for it to be that slow was depressing. However still looking for a 6spd to drive. I understand that the gearing will be much different (short gears hence 6sp vs 4sp) so hopefully I can get in one soon. The info "LordET" referred me to really helped.

Well, the 6speed should get to 60mph in 6 seconds but thats really not the purpose of the car. The car is designed to handle extremely well and has plenty of horsepower up in the higher revs. I have the most fun driving the car in the canyon where I can leave it in a low gear and feel the smooth power coming out of turns. In my opinion its the best car to drive in its class even though its comparably slower than most.

Did you buy it? If not, I would wait for a manual and do not put on the K&N cold air intake.. Its junk

King Dan is right, the K&N Air Intake is a short-ram air intake, because it isn't long enough so the warm air is released back into the engine bay, The K&N CAI only real purpose is for the noise. If I were you, I would get the MazdaSpeed CAI, you can never go wrong with OEM

I like my K&N for my 8 sounds good and its not bad in the cold

Give the 6 speed manual a shot. I used to have an '04 RX8 w/ the 4 speed auto, and I deeply regretted it.

Having a true manual can totally change the feel of driving this car. Please try not to have high expectations for mind-boggling acceleration figures, and instead simply focus on how this car makes you feel when utilizing its key strengths. I understand how many of us place importance on speed & power, but you have to somehow overlook that when considering the 8. It surely has its very own strengths.

All the best to you. :)

Hell I don't mind my auto, 0-60 is 8.6 seconds. Sure it's not fast but its quick in my book. The power band on these cars is at high rpms so anything after 4.5k an you'll feel the kick after the "rotary lag". The manuals do have a noticeable amount more power than the autos granted that so if you need that go for it but like most will say, the 8 is more of a track car not a 0-60/ 1/4 mile car. Handling is where it's at. Do yourself a favor and go down to a car lot and test drive a manual. Best way to find out a car is for you is to try before you buy

The midpipe helps it out a lot too.

But yeah, don't get an auto. The 4 ports are more prone to death. Plus, it's just more fun to drive a manual.

6-Spd end of story.

The car is slow in low revs, drop a gear and you'll feel the power.

I scare the pants off people when I take corners which to them look 'insane' and to me are just normal.