Ok i now that the AT RX-8 only puts out like 190 hp versus the 238 but how much slower is the actual car lets say in 0-60 or 1/4 mile.

I'd guess a 1/2 to 1 full second seperates them by the end of the 1/4 mile. Basically that means "I don't know".

:D

I would guess the MT in top speed...more gears??? :o

The auto RX8 is a high 7 second to high 8 second 0-60 car. 15s/16s in the 1/4mile. Think along the lines of an auto TSX or auto 325Ci/i

AT= weaksauce

Actually the tests in the car mags have the MT at 5.9 sec., and the auto at 9.5 sec. There is a huge amount of difference from the manual to the auto with this car. No torque makes the car very difficult to launch as an automatic.

the auto has more torque due to the gearing, but because there are only 4 gears, the auto is widely spaced between gears. So if you're cruising at 4th and need some speed, it's going to lack a lot.

Actually the tests in the car mags have the MT at 5.9 sec., and the auto at 9.5 sec. There is a huge amount of difference from the manual to the auto with this car. No torque makes the car very difficult to launch as an automatic.

actually there is a little more torque with the automatic...BUT MT owners easily overcome that by an irresponsible ;) launch :) :) :)

I used to get all riled up about people buying the autos...but in reality there are many reasons why they did and a lot of them regret it...so giving them a hard time just makes the bully look like an ass

Reason for Manual...
-more control...this is especially important for Rotary engine
-dual oil coilers to cool down over 9K RPMs :)
-preserving a dieing art form :(

Reasons for Auto...
-can't afford the MT
-the car is shared by a few
-you have a physical ailment or disability that prevents using the clutch or shifting often
-you like the Paddle shifting more
-your aweful at using a stick (but you could rent a wreck and practice for a weekend :))
-you like talking on the phone, drinking coffee, smoking a cig, and brushing your teeth all at the same time while you drive

The reasoning not to buy a manual if you are in traffic a lot doesn't really hold water as using a manual is such an automatic process once you have it down you barely notice it

I think the Auto vs Manual silly debate will be a little closer if Mazda releases a 5 or 6 speed automatic that harnesses the full 9K of the rotary

just buy what you want people and don't let your wife/boyfriend/husband/girlfriend/parents get in the way of your decision (seriously some people on this forum have dumped their wives to keep their 8 :))

the auto has more torque due to the gearing, but because there are only 4 gears, the auto is widely spaced between gears. So if you're cruising at 4th and need some speed, it's going to lack a lot.

geez hamilton your always a second ahead of me (this time with your more torque stuff) :p

Actually the tests in the car mags have the MT at 5.9 sec., and the auto at 9.5 sec. There is a huge amount of difference from the manual to the auto with this car. No torque makes the car very difficult to launch as an automatic.

Name the mags. I've never seen one drive an AT.