First of all, I'm still waiting for my car. It was supposed to be here 3 weeks ago. The latest is that it was loaded on the truck on Friday (8/8) and will be here next Monday or Tuesday. It's a 300 mile drive!!! Meanwhile, the sales manager got his demo on wednesday (except for color, the same as mine), and in a moment of pity, said I could have his demo on Friday afternoon until my car arrives. He mentioned that he got it quickly up to 100, to see how it performed. So, I didn't think it would hurt to do a few 0-60 runs. I have a Passport GT2 Vehicle Performance Computer. On the 1st run (with A/C on) I got 9.3 seconds. With A/C off, I got 9.2 and 9.0 on the next 2 runs. Now, this is with 200 miles on the odo - not quite broken in yet. Also, I had it in the auto mode, and it shifted @ 7000 rpm. I didn't try the manual mode because I did not want to over-rev it. The problem is slow take-off, because peak power is @ 7200, peak torque @ 5000. So, the answer is to left foot brake, right foot bring revs to 3000 or 4000, and sidestep the brake. Also, in the manual mode, I should be able get to 7500 rpm or more. After I get my car and break it in, I'll do some more tests. I really think I can get 8.0 seconds with some experimenting with take-offs. I never did believe the 9.5 seconds in THE BOOK.

Does that one has DSC and Traction Control? If it does, then turning them completely off (hold button down for some seconds) may improve your acceleration times even more.

I did not think of that. I'll try that next time.

Do you actually think low to mid 8s is acceptable for a "peformance car" and you have to break torque to get that time... I'm sorry but that is such nonsense and so typical of Mazda. I don't care if the damn thing handles like an F1 racer and has all the amenities of a suite at the 4 seasons, I don't want to drive a car that is going to have a hard time passing and outrunning a Kia.

The other side of me thinks it's a good thing, it's a crime to buy a performance car in auto and you should be punished for doing so :p

Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
The other side of me thinks it's a good thing, it's a crime to buy a performance car in auto and you should be punished for doing so :p

According to you, for those who have no other option other than driving an AT (say because a little disability), we should be punished?

NICE! :mad:

why do you think that only a few of the RX-8's are auto's? Why do you think Mazda gave the manual more power? They don't want people buying this car in a manual, they made the auto's for a select few. They, and I, know one thing for sure: The person who buys this car in an automatic isn't an enthusiast who demands great acceleration performace. The one who demands this performace, the enthusiast, is the one who buys a 6-speed manual. There are exceptions, but for the most part, this is a fact. Think about it.

Omega made a good point, but keep in mind, Omega, this is an 'exception' and a minority.

You're putting words into my mouth... 9 out of 10 people that will buy the AT buy it for the most part out of laziness and ease of use. By no means am I wishing ill will on anyone with a disability or even with an AT RX-8 it's, was a joking statement for the most part hence the smiley that followed the statement. I just thought Mazda would have wanted to lose their image for making underpowered cars, and they just dug a deeper hole with the AT RX-8 and perhaps even the MT.

Regards,
Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
You're putting words into my mouth... 9 out of 10 people that will buy the AT buy it for the most part out of laziness and ease of use. By no means am I wishing ill will on anyone with a disability or even with an AT RX-8 it's, was a joking statement for the most part hence the smiley that followed the statement. I just thought Mazda would have wanted to lose their image for making underpowered cars, and they just dug a deeper hole with the AT RX-8 and perhaps even the MT.

Regards,
Ike

I don't think this apply's to the Manual Transmission. I think most people would agree that it does apply to the auto, but to say that about the MT is wrong in my opinion. According to road and track the mt X-8 does a 5.9 0-60 only 2/10ths sec. slower than the fastest Nissan 350Z, which does a 5.7 0-60. Unless one is to think that the 350Z is underpowered or 'too slow', one cannot say that the RX-8 is, when it is this close in performance.

I think every time I have made this argument about any performance car someone has pulled the disability card. If you have a disability I am very sorry Omega and I wish you could drive a car the way it's meant to be driven with the rest of us. If you don't then I'm sorry you feel the need to point out very unlikely circumstances just to make someone making a valid point feel bad.

Ike

It's not slow by any means, and I don't want to get to deep into it since I won't be driving the car til later in the week and don't want to play benchracer too much. But if you look at the car acceleration wise it's prettymuch at the bottom of the barrel compared to other cars in the same price category and even some that are much lower in price. Other automakers are upping the bar, and Mazda seems to be content to come in just under the bar in most of their cars. I think Mazda has a great line of cars, but in this day and age where we're having power wars and it seems like the second coming of the muscle car days Mazda is only turning heads with their looks and not their guts.

Take a look on other sites and you will see the rumbling in the car community about how the RX-8 is just another typical underpowered Mazda. I think people are disappointed as a whole, they had such high hopes for the RX-8 and it didn't live up to expectations. It would be like Toyota hyping up a new Supra only to have it be a low 6 sec 0-60 high 14 low 15 sec 1/4 mile car. There would be a lot of disappointed people out there, and also a lot of other car people going right for the jugular to bash the almight Supra.

Ike

OK. OK. It's just that I get tired of reading the same thing over and over again (ie - who would drive an AT? ATs suck! etc, etc). Forgetting my problems, there are many, many reasons & circumstances why other people can't drive stick. Reading replies that that (for the thousandth time) get to me sometimes....

On a side note: according to some of the members of this site, Mazda will be releasing an SMT version of the 8 sometime in the near future (2006?). When they do, I'll trade mine in and upgrade and then we'll see who's 0-60 times are faster! The SMT's will be of course! Hee hee!

I swear to god, if I ever meet anyone who bought an automatic RX-8, I will knock him to the ground and beat him to a bloody fucking pulp!






Just kidding, folks. I'm mocking the "MT bullies".

Originally posted by IkeWRX
I think every time I have made this argument about any performance car someone has pulled the disability card. If you have a disability I am very sorry Omega and I wish you could drive a car the way it's meant to be driven with the rest of us. If you don't then I'm sorry you feel the need to point out very unlikely circumstances just to make someone making a valid point feel bad.

Ike
My previous response was made BEFORE I read the above reply!!!

Geez! Some people. I wouldn't have brought up my personal business if someone didn't bring up the old AT argument again and again (by his own admission). I guess its OK for YOU to make AT owners feel bad, eh? (my initial reply was NOT to make anyone feel bad, just to prove that there are many reasons why people drive ATs, that being one).

What the heck does the "meant to be driven" statement mean? Who the heck are YOU to tell anyone how a car is meant to be driven?" In case you're wondering, a car's main purpose is for TRANSPORTATION. That being said, MY CAR will be driven the way it was MEANT TO BE: to transport me from point A to point B and (as a side bonus) to look good while doing it!

IMO, your MT vs AT views are selfish, one sided and inconsiderate.

Mazdabob: really sorry to hijack this thread. I'll just ignore this thread from this point on.

But seriously though, is 0-60 the only measure of performance? It's entirely appropriate for racing from red lights, but what about for passing on the highway?

I test drove an automatic this week (dealer demo) and I have no doubt that it would kick many other cars' collective ass.

Can we have a separate discussion group for "Automatics Only"? We are a bunch of losers and pretenders, and of course, lazy. We apologize for corrupting the web site of all you "speed racers". Seriously, I was just pointing out that THE BOOK was incorrect in saying the 0-60 was 9.5 seconds. I know it's not as fast as your car, but I find the paddle shifters to be quite entertaining. You don't really need 6 gears, do you? Anyway, it's faster than the VW Passat I traded in.:p

I'll be the first to admit I'm a snob when it comes to AT vs. MT. I learned to drive in a 5 speed, I've always owned a MT, and I've always loved fast cars. I grew up racing 100+ MPH shifter Karts as well as racing just about anything else I could get my hands on. My Kart could beat any of my and any of your cars around a track with ease so it takes a lot of me to be impressed with performance. I know the average person out there will think that the RX-8 is fast enough, but I don't think this car was meant for the average consumer...


Ike

Just a side note... book and predicted times for cars are almost always inflated by car manufacturers, they know it's much better to to beat predictions than to fall short.

Ike

I think I would spill a lot more starbucks on me riding to work in your cart, even if it is faster than my, your or anyone elses cars...

ie: I dont think there's much point in making the comparison at all.

Actually most of the AT bashing has been of little constructive value I think.

I've driven both MT and AT cars and so far my preference is MT. I don't think AT is "lazy" or anything like that, it's just not my preference. Nor do I think that MT is the essence of driving blah blah etc. Your car's transmission (or your computer's operating system, etc.) should probably not be something to get personally involved (or upset with anyone) about.

Simon.

I'm not trying to bash or make anyone feel bad, and I admit maybe I came across as harsh, I'm sorry for that.

I just look at an AT sportscar like someone with a 160 IQ that works at the local Quickie Mart their entire life. It's a waste of something that had great potential. Is the Quickie Mart guy happy, maybe, but I bet he knows there's something he's missing out on that he could have had :p

I'll shut up now and I promise to never bring up the AT vs. MT thing again :D


Ike

Out of curious what % of the production is AT and MT? I know that Mazda blew it with the 5MT M6S and they are having a hard time meeting demand while the ATs are trickling off the lot.


Ike

Mazda probably won't produce the new RX-7 if the RX-8 does not do well. So, they need to sell as many as possible to all kinds of people, even lazy ones! :D

That's sort of what I'm getting at with the post I just made, and some of my points in here. I really want to see the Mazdaspeed version or the RX-7, but I think Mazda dropped the ball. A little low on power and they they go and make it even worse by putting a smaller engine on the MT, on a Honda or Toyota this might fly, but on a niche' car from Mazda it's gonna be tough.

Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
... I don't think this car was meant for the average consumer...


Define "average."

Mazda is a major manufacturer, not a niche player. They do not build cars for enthusiasts only. They build cars for the masses. As in, they want a massive number of people to buy their car.

But a massive number of people don't buy their cars <shrugs>

I think the AT guys need there own section on this forum. It is freaking rediculous that they can't carry on a simple discussion about their car because some jackass has to bitch about AT owners. Hell I drive a manual and I am just sick of all the other MT guys and there crap. You should all focus on your cars and not the difference in options. Oh and Lex my 8 will be an AT so bring it, I will rip you a new ass hole. If your car is an MT and my car is an AT why the hell do you care? You don't have to drive my car. I'm sorry guys but I am just sick of all this. The whole idea of this board is to talk about your cars and learn from each other and no one is doing that right now because there are stupid ass discussions like this. I for one want more testamony from AT owners because there is very little out there but it is hard to get becasue the MT guess screw up the post by blast AT owners. Anyway, I can't wait to see some numbers from the AT because it is what I am getting. A MT is just not practical for me anymore. It doesn't matter if it out performs or is an enthusiest thing to do it just isn't practical anymore to me.

The Wicked MOnkey

Sorry about the rant, but damn is this AT vs MT crap getting old

Living and driving in Manhattan- I want a fast automatic.

That's what I have now- a modded probe gt auto- that has a decent amount more grunt than stock.


AFter having driven the 6speed and auto RX-8- I want the manual trans- but only for the power. (and I love the idea of shifting when you want- or full AT mode- well implemented on the 8's AT-)

If mazda had a newer tech auto transmission that doesn't have the HP losses fron a traditional AT- like on the high end BMW's- most of this debate would be moot -

Both cars would be within a few tenths of each other and it would just be what flavor was prefeered.


It's pretty obvious the fully manual transmission is going away-

When we soon have things like solenoid activated gearing on every car - like is already available on high end models- I doubt that in 10-15 years there will even be a true MT- just an auto that is just as good and can be shiffted manually when in that mode.

That being said I think I am ordering the MT this week- not for the transmission - but simply for performance. I will pretty much have it in 2nd gear most of the time.

I do wonder what a modded AT would be like-

Originally posted by WickdMonkey
Oh and Lex my 8 will be an AT so bring it, I will rip you a new ass hole.

Uh, sorry WickdMonkey, but my new arsehole shan't be ripped by you.

Actually, I've been an AT supporter on this forum since day one (do a search). My previous post in this thread was sarcasm. I'm just as sick of the MT bullies as you are.

Cheers.

Originally posted by WickdMonkey
...Oh and Lex my 8 will be an AT so bring it, I will rip you a new ass hole... That's enough of that.

---jps

Originally posted by IkeWRX
I'm not trying to bash or make anyone feel bad, and I admit maybe I came across as harsh, I'm sorry for that.

I just look at an AT sportscar like someone with a 160 IQ that works at the local Quickie Mart their entire life. It's a waste of something that had great potential. Is the Quickie Mart guy happy, maybe, but I bet he knows there's something he's missing out on that he could have had :p

I'll shut up now and I promise to never bring up the AT vs. MT thing again :D


Ike

Great analogy! No offense to anyone...

I don't mean to jack this thread any further than it has gone..... but where exactly did the 4AT in the RX-8 come from? Unless Mazda designed a whole new tranny, the 4AT is likely shared with other Mazda products. The only reason I brought this up is because a Mazda technician once told me the 4AT in the RX-7 was the same they lifted out of the MPV, which was a frightening discovery to me.

btw: if you want some raw data on 0-60 for the 4AT, check the thread on 'performance data' or '0-400' in this forum.

Originally posted by IkeWRX
But a massive number of people don't buy their cars <shrugs>


About 95% of 2004 Rx8's in Canada are sold out.

People are pre-ordering for 05 Rx8's.

You were saying? :)

Originally posted by Lex
I swear to god, if I ever meet anyone who bought an automatic RX-8, I will knock him to the ground and beat him to a bloody fucking pulp!


I plan on buying an automatic for my wife. You're more than welcome to bring your attitude my way and see where it lands you.

Originally posted by IkeWRX
I'll be the first to admit I'm a snob when it comes to AT vs. MT. I learned to drive in a 5 speed, I've always owned a MT, and I've always loved fast cars. I grew up racing 100+ MPH shifter Karts as well as racing just about anything else I could get my hands on. My Kart could beat any of my and any of your cars around a track with ease so it takes a lot of me to be impressed with performance. I know the average person out there will think that the RX-8 is fast enough, but I don't think this car was meant for the average consumer...


Ike

If you love fast cars, why do you have a WRX?

I'm curious how your holier-than-thou attitude holds up against a Buick GN or SVT Lightning. Both of those automatics would tear you up.

This debate is getting old. Putting someone down for tranny choice is assinine. I'm just as disapointed in the power difference between the MT and AT as the next guy, but I'm certainly not going to set out to put someone down and make them feel bad for their personal preferences. You're both purchasing the RX-8, you should be 'brothers' in the fact that you both have a love for the same car. Geeze, I've never been to a site so full of canibals so ready to tear up one of their own.

when the chat room becomes a place for namecalling and foul language its time to shut it down.

Originally posted by Lex
I swear to god, if I ever meet anyone who bought an automatic RX-8, I will knock him to the ground and beat him to a bloody fucking pulp!


Haha. Read the whole thread and you'll see I was being sarcastic with this comment.

I've been considering, and defending, the AT for quite some time, and have repeatedly asked for AT performance reviews on this forum. Every single time, without exception, some dumbass decides it's time to bash the AT.

It's unbelieveable how angry people get at the thought of an automatic transmission RX8. They are "MT Bullies." It's like they are personally affected by this matter. They become aggressive at the thought of someone else buying a car they would not choose themselves. It's as ridiculous as my earlier post, quoted above.

sorry lex I guess your sarcasim didn't translate well. Sometimes it is hard to tell on these things. No hard feelings.

The Wicked MOnkey



AT guys still need there own place to post.

Originally posted by Lethalchem


If you love fast cars, why do you have a WRX?

I'm curious how your holier-than-thou attitude holds up against a Buick GN or SVT Lightning. Both of those automatics would tear you up.

This debate is getting old. Putting someone down for tranny choice is assinine. I'm just as disapointed in the power difference between the MT and AT as the next guy, but I'm certainly not going to set out to put someone down and make them feel bad for their personal preferences. You're both purchasing the RX-8, you should be 'brothers' in the fact that you both have a love for the same car. Geeze, I've never been to a site so full of canibals so ready to tear up one of their own.


As far as the GN and SVT lightning go, I love the GN but it's not exactly a good daily driver and is rather dated. Fast as hell, sure, but it's basicly a muscle car. When I say I like fast cars I'd like to be able to turn in them as well, unless I just wanted a drag car. This is the reason why I'm here, the straightline performance of the RX-8 doesn't do much for me, but the handling of the car (if it's as good as people say) does. I don't think I meet the mullet requirement for a lightning either, it's one hell of a truck, but it's still a truck, no thanks...

The WRX has so much potentiel and is very easy to make a 12 second car that will be a good daily driver, can be used in autox and rallyx, and I can drive it in the wintertime. I fully expect an american V8 driver to say the WRX isn't fast, it's pretty typical of many of you guys. There's a lot more to fast cars than what they can do in a straight line. If I only cared about straightline performance I wouldn't be intrigued by the RX-8, and frankly I'm not sure why you are. No way in hell I would ever own a high powered american RWD muscle car in the midwest, I've driven a mustang in the snow and I value my life too much. For me the WRX is fast, and will soon be faster, it's reliable, I can drive it year round in all weather conditions, it has 4 doors, and the insurance is reasonable.

Ike

I'm trying to find a dealer that will allow me to test drive a 6 speed MTX, but it seems futile. People that want a test drive have to lay down at least $1,000 and three of the STEALERships told me that deposit is non-refundable. Looks like I won't be test driving one for a long time..

But to stay on topic, I've got another thing to bitch about with ATX that I might as well add here. It's nice to know that people are actually trying to chart its 0-60 times for the hell of it..

The RX8 only takes premium gas. You also have to take into account the "standard" rotary engine procedure of needing to add oil and gas every OTHER time you stop for fuel. Assuming you don't floor the car around too much, with a rating of 18 mpg, you'll be stopping at least once a week for gas. That means at least twice a month you're stopping for the extra oil insertion too.

Conversely, an auto 6s (220hp v6) gets 19 mpg, and all versions of the 6 take regular gas.

I think that for the added inconveniences (more expensive gas + oil) which come with the RX8, we should get a little more kick outta the ATX.

I guess that when you buy an RX8 in ATX, the trade offs you need to consider are style (being the biggest item), cheaper price, and the convenience of not having to do any manual shifting, over costly maintenance and of course, the slower pickup and straight line speed.

By the way my "hollier than thou attitude" thinks I could beat most SVT lightnings, or GNs around an autox track in my WRX or my go-kart.

Ike

Scary thing is, I think people that drive a little more spirited will be struggling to break 15 MPG, I know I would be. I would imagine there's a thread here somewhere about what people have been getting so far, I guess I'll take a look.

Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Scary thing is, I think people that drive a little more spirited will be struggling to break 15 MPG, I know I would be. I would imagine there's a thread here somewhere about what people have been getting so far, I guess I'll take a look.

Ike I'm averaging around 15mpg, my best has been 17mpg :)

I can't bring myself not to redline it now and again... and again :)

This thing loves to rev.

Here's my take on the auto tranny. For me it would depend on where/how I drive. If I had to endure 1-2hrs of stop and go traffic on the hwy on the way to word every day then I would drive an auto. Otherwise it's a manual for me because at this price point no auto tranny can control the gears as well as I can. I don't want a stupid computer choosing the gear that it thinks the car should be in. Especially in a small displacement, high revving engine. If the tranny was the true SMG kind a la M3, Ferrari, etc then sure by all means I might consider it. Otherwise only a manual tranny will give you FULL and INTELLIGENT control of the engine/gears. You cannot deny that. No auto box computer in the 8 can do a better job than me.

But people have their own circumstances and reasons for choosing an auto and that is fine. To each his own. But the auto will NOT be able to extract more performance out of this engine than a manual.

Originally posted by A 6s Owner
The RX8 only takes premium gas. You also have to take into account the "standard" rotary engine procedure of needing to add oil and gas every OTHER time you stop for fuel. Assuming you don't floor the car around too much, with a rating of 18 mpg, you'll be stopping at least once a week for gas. That means at least twice a month you're stopping for the extra oil insertion too.
Actually the manual does not say fill up with oil every other fuel stop. My dealer recommended that I CHECK the oil every other fill-up until I could see a pattern of how often it needs oil (may not have to add any), and then check less frequently (perhaps every 1k-2k miles after break in period is over).

I can almost guarantee that 25,000 of the 30,000 cars sold next year will never have the oil checked except during servicing every 5k-7k miles - most people never read the manual or ask a dealer these kinds of questions. I know that for my last 4 new cars I NEVER checked the oil at all - just had it changed every 3k-7k miles. Hopefully Mazda have allowed for that with the RENESIS.

A 6S owner, I'm not sure where you are located but the dealers have plenty of all types on RX-8s in my area. In addition, they will deal on them and go below MSRP, which is pretty rare for a car this new and is part of my concern fpr the success of the car.

Ike

Originally posted by A 6s Owner
The RX8 only takes premium gas. You also have to take into account the "standard" rotary engine procedure of needing to add oil and gas every OTHER time you stop for fuel

personally, i add gas every time i stop for fuel ;) :p

and what many people seem to be forgetting in this auto vs. manual duel is that the auto is on the low-power engine. the trade off in performance is greater because of this than it would be if they had the auto in the high-power.

Originally posted by IkeWRX



As far as the GN and SVT lightning go, I love the GN but it's not exactly a good daily driver and is rather dated. Fast as hell, sure, but it's basicly a muscle car. When I say I like fast cars I'd like to be able to turn in them as well, unless I just wanted a drag car. This is the reason why I'm here, the straightline performance of the RX-8 doesn't do much for me, but the handling of the car (if it's as good as people say) does. I don't think I meet the mullet requirement for a lightning either, it's one hell of a truck, but it's still a truck, no thanks...

The WRX has so much potentiel and is very easy to make a 12 second car that will be a good daily driver, can be used in autox and rallyx, and I can drive it in the wintertime. I fully expect an american V8 driver to say the WRX isn't fast, it's pretty typical of many of you guys. There's a lot more to fast cars than what they can do in a straight line. If I only cared about straightline performance I wouldn't be intrigued by the RX-8, and frankly I'm not sure why you are. No way in hell I would ever own a high powered american RWD muscle car in the midwest, I've driven a mustang in the snow and I value my life too much. For me the WRX is fast, and will soon be faster, it's reliable, I can drive it year round in all weather conditions, it has 4 doors, and the insurance is reasonable.

Ike

I've run several modded WRX's both at the drag strip AND at the Autocross. Don't kid yourself. I've beaten them in both areas. If you think I'm blowing smoke, then you need to get some first hand experience instead or reading internet threads and magazine articles.

As for the RX-8, I'm here for my wife. She's the one looking at the Mazda, not me. I want to point out, though, that I think the WRX is a fun car(we were about to buy one right before the RX-8 came out). It's a cute little car that's peppy and fun to cruise around in. I'm not bashing the WRX at all. I like the thing. I'm just responding to your attitude about automatic cars, not your vehicle itself.

As for your kart, let's compare something in the same general category shall we?

Ok great, point out one time where I said anything about an 03 cobra, or any other mustang. Unless you own an SVT lightning or a GN that's not in your sig I see no reason for your post other than to show us the size of your internet penis. Let me repeat, NO ONE BUT YOU IS TALKING ABOUT AN 03 COBRA. Understand?


Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX



I don't think I meet the mullet requirement for a lightning either, it's one hell of a truck, but it's still a truck, no thanks...


Ike

So all lightning owners have mullets, or just truck drivers in general?

It seems to me that this thread is finished...unless and until somebody comes up with a helpful on-topic post containing further USEFUL information on 0-60 times for the AT. I for one would like to see that.

Obviously, driving in "sports" mode in the ATX should improve 0-60 times.
In my test drive, I tried it and the pick up was a bit sleeker, but not a whole lot more. There's still much to be desired.

What happens when you rev it up in neutral and then drop it into gear (D or Manual mode) ?

I've done this to some rental cars just to play around, is it really bad for the tranny?

I commute from to philly each day,,,traffic can be rough..got a wife and a teenager at home,sooooo auto is for me..Ive owned 2 corvetts and a formula and a 1970 chevelle ss..all automatics..I like fast cars and dont want to work hard to drive them..even porsche has automatics.in closing i liked the 6 speed performance.but i enjoy driving autos...

IkeWRX, read your PMs.

---jps

IkeWRX, Nice attitude.

See dead horse? Don't keep beating it.

I hope this thread will die soon. Dammit I just bumped it up again..........

Sorry guys, I'll tone it down a bit, if I feel provoked sometimes I can take things a little far. Still not going to change my attitude on AT cars though :p

Regards,
Ike

P.S. The mullet comment was just a little ribbing, sorry to all the mullet wearers and pick-up drivers I have offended :D

So to get back on topic a bit... Did Mazda put less HP into the AT because they didn't want to push the current setup they had beyond its limits? Seems to be what I've read around the board, but is this the general concensus?

Ike

Originally posted by IkeWRX

P.S. The mullet comment was just a little ribbing, sorry to all the mullet wearers and pick-up drivers I have offended :D [/B]

<------Rocks the mullet :D ;) But yeah Ike....the kicking the dead horse deal was pretty much dead on. (And yet, I give it a bump..My bad).

Eh... at least it's an interesting thread. The floor mat, sun visor, and cargo net threads just don't do much for me.;)

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Eh... at least it's an interesting thread. The floor mat, sun visor, and cargo net threads just don't do much for me.;)

Thats cool. Hey I started a College football thread in the lounge. So feel free to come over and give your choice, I am pretty sure it will get interesting. *hint* LSU sucks. :p

Originally posted by IkeWRX
So to get back on topic a bit... Did Mazda put less HP into the AT because they didn't want to push the current setup they had beyond its limits? Seems to be what I've read around the board, but is this the general concensus?

Ike


We can sit and ask all the questions (Why the hell did they...) and go over all the excuses (Torque converters can't handle that much RPM...blah blah blah) for why they reduced the ATX's horsepower to a laughable figure, but at the end of the day, the fact remains that no one has mentioned anything about getting a sporty pickup out of a stock RX-8 in automatic.

It'd be nice to find out if this car can hit 60..a little closer to the 8 second mark, that way the ATX RX-8 would at least be on par with other much less expensive (but uglier) ATX V6 sports coupes..

Originally posted by IkeWRX
So to get back on topic a bit... Did Mazda put less HP into the AT because they didn't want to push the current setup they had beyond its limits? Seems to be what I've read around the board, but is this the general concensus?

Ike

no mazda was always going to make a low power 4-port motor and a high power 6-port motor. in other countries around the world the low power comes with a 5mt and in japan you have the choice of 5mt or auto. mazda wanted to have an auto to sell to those folks in the US that have never driven a stick nor want to. they found thru testing that there just wasn't a torque converter available nor would there be by the time they needed it that could handle the 9k rpm of the high power engine. so they put it in the low power. they are currently working on other auto alternatives(cvt for rwd with 6 or 7 shift points for sporty driving for one) and SMTs to offer in the high power in the future

Thanks Zoom, no one ever answered the production % of MTs vs. ATs question. Happen to know that as well?

sorry i don't know that info. could possibly get it from MNAO.

You manual wankers leave us old farts alone. I like my 94 MPV with it's automatic. At 160,000 on it my Mazda mech (also an old timer) says it's a World Record for MPV tranny's.
While I don't want my 95 RX-7 to be an auto I'll bet the auto Corvettes outsell the manuals.
My RX-8 , if i do that thing, will be an auto. I am lazy and old and i want no pistons in my personal car.

DAMN...auto's are #$%^ slow LOL

*points at Zoom* He did it!

Originally posted by rx8slow
A mazda6s AUTO is a much faster/cheaper/better alternative to a AUTO rx-8

1) Real back seats
2) Real trunk space
3) 176 HP to the wheel BUT 160 ft/b tq (not a weak 120 ft/lb tq like the rx-8)
4) Lower redline
5) Cheaper
6)Looks nicer



A SMG (like m3) won't make a difrence. You need to be able to do a sick clutch dump to get decent times


Only Road and Track got sub 6.. Everything else I've seen is in the high 6's.


Now delete this post to hide your insecuirties. Mean while enjoy getting beaten on the track/open road.

Zoom Zoom!
Car and Driver
Motor Week
Others too..

All the same straight line times.

Please stop the trolling now, it's quite pointless. If you want to open a debate then we are open to that, but right now you're restating what's already been said many, many times.

Tell a automatic corvette owner or a automatic 911 owner that his car sucks because its a auto...nowadays the autos on sports cars are just as fast as the manuals.

Originally posted by AC TL
Tell a automatic corvette owner or a automatic 911 owner that his car sucks because its a auto...nowadays the autos on sports cars are just as fast as the manuals.

Find me one car under 40k where that is actually the case, and even if the auto is as fast in a straight line it's still not as fun to drive, and 911 and Vette AT owners don't deserve to own those great cars :p

Anyone with the cash deserves them.

Originally posted by rotarymagic
why do you think that only a few of the RX-8's are auto's? Why do you think Mazda gave the manual more power? They don't want people buying this car in a manual, they made the auto's for a select few. They, and I, know one thing for sure: The person who buys this car in an automatic isn't an enthusiast who demands great acceleration performace. The one who demands this performace, the enthusiast, is the one who buys a 6-speed manual. There are exceptions, but for the most part, this is a fact. Think about it.

Actually Mazda gave manual more power because their 4speed auto transmission can't handle 9K RPM. 5 speed auto with 247 HP would give 0-60 times in under 7 seconds probably.

bump

Curse you DARKMAZ8! Yet another old thread you've somehow managed to bump to the top of the list. Well played good sir, well played.

As AT RX-8 Owner, only times I felt like trading my car in are when I am filling up at the gas station (getting 14mpg~18mpg :( ) and when engine blew (@28k miles) and I was without a car for about two weeks (I declined rental).

I still rather have RX-8 than Civic, Mazda3, Tiburon, etc... I know people compare RX-8 to 350Z or WRX STI but RX-8 is pretty affordable if you buy used. And since mazda's warranty is longer than toyota or honda, you still have a lot of warranty left when you buy used. Used RX-8 auto is right at the price range of new Civic EX, Mazda 3s, Tiburon GT territory.

I believe reports of 0-60 in 9s but it doesn't feel slow by any means. I never had any problem passing any car on the road. I just don't think of my car as a race car but just a trasportation that will get me places... with style :)

Curse you DARKMAZ8! Yet another old thread you've somehow managed to bump to the top of the list. Well played good sir, well played.

I don't know why that is funny, but it is. LMFAO