So I test drove a 2006. Rx8 this weekend and i was wondering a few things is the shifting on these cars more or less aggresive where the clutch is very short and a llittle tricky to shift? 2 does the engine vibrate more Than a piston engine? Car has 60000 miles lowering springs rims ( not sure of what kind of springs and rims) I really liked the car other than those 2 details above. If that's the rx8 I can get used to it but I didn't know if it was normal or not thanks

 

Just got my first 8 last week so dnt knw as much as these other guys will but so far with the shifting it seems to be how aggressive you are with the stick. I was pretty much doing a grab and stab and it was really stiff but since ive learned to go softer with it its been alot smoother with the shift. As for the clutch it is a bit short but smooth, ive been driving sticks for ten years and it felt like i was learning with this one all over again. It was three days of driving before i could get a smooth shift into second. Someone on another thread was saying it was due to the gap between 1&2. I have to lightly feather the clutch for a smooth shift with no jolt. As for the engine in my opinion its way smoother that a piston powered block. And sounds amazing at high rpm's. Its a driving experiance like none ive ever known (although im probably just being a fanboy but who cares).

 

I am not sure what you mean by aggressive. The car has no say so on how you shift the gears it will either comply with your commands or not. This car tends to lunge more than most after you engage a gear. For a smooth transition you will have to be easy on the clutch release and feather the throttle. I thought it was my car until I drove another and it was the same way. The gears are in a tight pattern that may take some getting used to for some, but is one of the best gearboxes I have ever had the pleasure of driving. I am somewhat biased because I am an owner, but is unlikely my feelings will change on that.

As far as vibration, no the rotary is one of the smoothest engines ever built. If the one you looking at is vibrating, there is a good chance it's the motor mounts. Make sure you get a compression test before you buy.

 

It tends to be a bit trickier than most cars to get moving from a dead stop, but otherwise the shifting should be smooth all around. If it's jerking forward or back, you aren't matching the revs, so you need to be gentle on the clutch engagement. You can be very aggressive and abrupt on the clutch if you match revs.

The engine's RPMs change more quickly than most piston cars which can take some learning, but otherwise it should be similar, though smoother, more precise in gear engagement. If the clutch is engaging just off the floor, then either it is a brand new clutch that needs to be broken in still, or the clutch hydraulics are starting to fail, or the pedal assembly needs to be adjusted.


If you are feeling engine vibration and the revs are stable, the motor mounts are probably failing.

 

Ok thanks for all the comments. I'm really looking at getting the car