mkl22

Hi Guys

Thinking of a new RX8, but it seems like hardly any 5MT here. More keen on the manual but budget might not make it to get the MM 6MT. Have driven the 6MT in Brisbane as a rental for a day and sort of know how it performs. Looking for opinions on the 5MT vs 6MT. I know engine is different but can save almost 30K assuming that 5MT and 4AT prices are the same.

thanks

Mark

lennon

Are you sure that there's 5mt in this world?? Never heard of anyone that's owning one....

Cal

There are 5MT alright. Same specs as the auto one with 4 ports. Not many PIs bring it in now. Also not sure if it will still be avail in the 2006 models.

As for 5MT vs 6MT, I think 6MT is a better value for money if you want to drive manual. For 25k more, you get 18" wheels, DSC, carbon fibre drive shaft, sun roof, better brakes and suspensions. 3 yr warranty is also a good reason to do so.

Just IMHO.

M-ster

Yup, dont bother with 5mt. 6mt is more value for money. If the diff of 25k is really gonna be that much of a point to decide, why not go with a 2nd hand one. there are quite a few of them in the paper these days... scout around carefully, there will be a good buy at some pt.

mkl22

thanks guys, will keep a look out for the 6MT used. Alas those advertised are all 4AT.

I+Z=IZ

http://www.sgcarmart.com/main/info-2AaunLwT-1057.html

mkl22

thanks. but the price very close to brand new for 5MT. will call and see how.

Freestyle

Horsepower is the same as 4AT, which means it doesn't really make sense since you can control the shifts using the paddles in AT version. In addition, the number of exhaust ports in the 4AT and 5MT is the same, which explains for the similar horsepower. And if you decide to sell the 5MT, it's gonna be very difficult...

IMHO, better go for the 4AT or 6MT. The 5MT seems like a compromised transmission that offers neither convenience nor power gains. Just my two cents...

Emperor

Exactly..

mkl22

hi guys

Went to see the 5mt posted here. Overall seems ok. a little scruffy for a 1.5yr old car. Just that there is a bit of vibration at the gear stick during idle(normal, i think?). Its got a new coat of paint, but seems accident free. The decision now is whether to go for it or wait for a 6mt. sigh..

RX8_666

Out of curiousity, how much is the 1.5 yr old 5mt selling for?

airspeed

http://www.sgcarmart.com/main/info-2AaunLwT-1057.html

Asking for $97K - $100K...

mkl22

91k.

lowrider

Hi MKL

IMHO I feel that a sports car should have a manual transmission. That’s just me. I am about to place an order for a 5MT RX8 tomorrow and am very excited by it. I have driven manuals all my life (25+yrs of driving & still alive) so I am naturally more inclined to manuals but may not be the case for you.

I did my research and felt that the 5speed manual is a good compromise between the surprising sluggish acceleration of 6 speed (which I tested at MM) and a lower powered auto. $20k+ difference? Plus you have more control with a manual transmission esp in the wet or corners.

I also tested the Volvo 60's T5 and the VW GTi. The GTi was the most fun drive I had of the three -- drove like it was a high speed train on a rail track. Very zippy acceleration. But it would have been my 3rd Gti in a row if I got it. Besides, the RX8 reminds me of the Spitfire fighter aircraft -- beautiful (design) lines with reasonably good performance – a most better overall package than the GTi.

Anyway, the issue you face has been asked before on the UK's RX8 owners web site. They essentially talked about the difference between the manual standard / lower powered and the hi-powered 6 speed RX8 manual you get at MM. (There was no comparison of auto lower powered RX that I saw -- I am guessing that they don't have them in the UK or not many to speak of.)

Anyway, the link is as follows:

http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum...pic.php?t=9240

There are three other links further down that page that will link you to more standard powered vrs high powered RX8s.


Hope it helps.

mkl22

yup definitely a manual for me. just a toss up between the two. wallet says go for cheaper option, but might regret in the future cause there is always the top of the line there to tempt. In the end, it will be 'how come never buy the more powerful one'. unless there is only one model and its auto or manual then very easy. BTW which PI you getting from. they still bring in 5mt? indent right?

Tested the GTI too. love it. little pocket rocket. step and the thing goes. But still FWD and dynamics will never be as nice as a RWD. other thing is lousy support from agent(parts and service) and a shitload of markup they are making from the car. 30k(selling price- basic cost of car)am confortable with 10k-15k but not 30k.

Told myself it has to be RWD for the next car. and one of the cheapest around is the RX8. And at least insurance isn't too bad, unlike integra and WRX.

Spoken to a few and most seem to point me to the 6mt. cause no regrets then. haha. well the next car for me will be to really buy something i like and keep it for some time.

thanks for the links

lowrider

Hi MKL,

You are absolutely correect in your assessment of the GTi. I just thought besides the prosaic looks -- whihc doesn't really bother me as I like the wolf in sheep's clothing look in general -- but I just think morally its wrong to try and make 30k in profits ... and they weren't willing to compromise either!! My logic is that though its fun-drive, i din't like the agent' stupidity/inflexibility.

The 5MT is the same price as the 4speed auto. I don't see the value proposition in 20k price differential for the 6speed.

Eg. I have had sun roofs for quite a few of my cars... use it once a year only coz I am reminded of it.... its just to damn hot here to have the top open. As for the top end power diff, according to the UK sites, they said that there is not much difference until you hit 100mph (or 162km/hr.) I don't do that till I hit the N-S Highway esp KL to Penang stretch whch is only as few times a year. A UK RX8 owner has claimed that he has done 143mph in his standard powered Rx. So I am not sure many of us will ever need that much power.

I am not a track guy. I do love driving along the small kampung roads... upshift & downshift through the tight turns onthe rural roads. Thats my idea of fun driving esp up the east coast of malaysia... up the Pahang coastal roads. 6 gears would be redundant for me in my fun activity.

Good luck to you.

Cheers!
CG

M-ster

Frankily, the list will be quite long if we were to list the different of what one's gonna get for $20k between the 6MT and 5MT...

aminael

In the end it's what you want.....whether it's $20k or $100k....the reality in the end is that it's primarily a mode of transportation. We could all just opt for a suzuki swift and end the debate, no?