I live in SD too. Yes traffic can suck, but I love shifting. There are lots of places to open it up out here and it makes it all worth the ride when you can MT all the way- Love the need for speed!

 

How about this. MT RX8 > AT RX8 > every other cars on the road.

Seriously, this debate goes to almost every sporty cars that offers both transmissions. I used to have TSX 5AT when 6MT was available. I regretted everyday that I didn't get a 6MT on TSX, but still had lots fun on my TSX.

 

Torque Converters suck, and make you feel entirely disconnected from the engine. Probably because the only thing connecting the rear wheels to the engine is oil.

Whether you shift by hand or automatically isn't what bothers me. it's feeling disconnected from what the engine is doing that bugs me.

 

Wow, i can't believe this debate is still going. I subscribed to this thread almost a year ago.

Anyway, I sell Mazdas, and it pains me everytime I have to sell an RX8 with an automatic tranny. You lose horsepower, the 9k redline, and fun by switching to auto.

 

Worst. Bump. Ever.

 

My first test drive of the RX8 was in an Auto(no manual available). That was directly after testing a 5 spd Mustang GT and a manual GTO before that all in the same day, all brand new. Well the auto RX8 was clearly superior (to me) than both the Mustang and the GTO. Not in terms of power of course but in terms of looks, handling, interior design, features, and price it was clearly the better car even with the autobox. The Rx8 wasn't even on my purchase list but I ended up buying a Gran Touring 6sp manual saving almost $6k off MSRP. I never even drove the next car on my list (G37 coupe), the one I thought I would have ended up buying. The RX8 is that good, auto or manual.

 

personally, i would not drive any car that is auto, because to me that's not driving...... ok i understand the pros, but the cons are way out there with the RX8. The RX8 was meant to be driven manually, END OF!!! A range rover maybe auto but that's like it for me, a sports car - forget it, manual all the way!!!

 

Haha, I didn't know there was a debate...
MT >> AT, any 8 owner knows that

 

FYI, we're still watching this thread. And my offer still stands. Keep it civil.

 

Dude, you can't stand the thought of being disconnected? How about the "drive by wire" feature on the RX8s. The gas paddle is not connected to the throttle by a cable. And the steering - electric assisted power steering? Wow - you better find a different brand of car, guy!

 

I don't think half of the people posting in this thread has seen your warning. I forget who has it in their sig

 

These types of threads normally tear others apart or give the opinion of thinking less of others because their choice to drive either an auto or manual. I would like to put in my 2 cents on this topic.

I believe if everyone drove a standard transmissions there would be a significant less number of accidents in the U.S. (I.E. More aware of your driving, complete control over the car). Also to back up my theory there wouldn't be as many tailgating a**holes that are less than a foot away from your bumper in traffic.

As the automatic trans is a great invention, it has caught up to us with the number of "dumbies" on the roads without any idea of how powerful a car can really be. IMO all cars should be manual and automatic reserved for the handicap, seniors, and emergency vehicles.

But thats not the world we live in and we have to be extra cautious...

 

id def go with a manual on my next rx8 coz i regret the 6sp auto i have now its a swap COMPLETE swap from the 4 speed engine and all but it still isnt as much fun. the reason i have an auto is coz my entire left side was broken from the wreck of my cobra and i wouldnt be able to use a clutch for like a year and a half so i needed an auto n done too much work on it to trade for a manual now lol

 

I prefer to swap in an automatic transmission during the week when I drive to work and then put in a manual transmission during the weekend.

 

Gas paddle?

Truth is, when you put your foot down with an electric throttle, the engine responds immediately, so no sense disconnection there. Since steering is a physical linkage with as you say, an electric assist, I don't have a delay or even a physical disconnect between the wheel and the wheels. Neither throttle or steering are valid comparisons because they both respond instantly.

Not so with a torque converter. All that oil has to slosh around before you go somewhere.

Just don't want one in my car. they bug me. It would be a different story if i had a beater still.

 

Oh, I've actually been meaning to make some form of post about this... so my wife got a VR 2005 RX-8 finally, but she wanted an automatic. I was hesitant about that at first, but decided that it was her car and she should get what she wanted. Having driven it, I still prefer my 6spd but its actually very nice. The handling is razor sharp and its not slow by any means. The paddle shifters give you enough control of the rpms to get to "zoom zoom" pretty quickly. She absolutely loves the car too. RX-8, ANY RX-8 for the win.

 

The funny part is that, in the forum rules, slamming auto drivers is used as an example of the kind of disrespect that is not allowed.

Ken

 

This is the first MT/sports car i've owned. I've had it now for about 5 years... and I really don't see myself ever owning an AT car in the future. There's a decent amount of traffic here.. and it can definitely be somewhat of a pain with a MT.. but anyone who is on the fence between MT and AT.. I really suggest getting the MT. If you dont know how to drive an MT, a couple hours in a parking lot and you'll be more than capable of driving it on the road -- albeit not well. I'd say it takes 6 - 8 months of driving around in a MT before it becomes second nature and you can shift and work the clutch very smoothly. If I remember correctly, the reason it takes so long (or at least why it took me this long) was because getting good with the clutch is a bit tricky. There's nothing I found that you can do to get better right away.. it's just a matter of driving around for several months till you become more experienced with it. After that, shifting really becomes second nature.. you don't even realize you're doing it.. so its really not a nuisance.

What's really great about shifting is being in control. For example, if you need to overtake someone, you can down shift on a dime and get into a mid to high rpm range. With an AT, you have to kinda floor it to force the AT to downshift, which generally takes some time. Basically, with an MT.. you can precisely control the power you need at any moment. I've never had that kind of control with an AT. This control is what really makes driving a sports car very fun.. even if its just around town doing the speed limit.

I've also driven a couple AT cars that have the paddle shifting.. I have to say.. I'm not really a fan. For the most part, I found them to respond really slowly when I shift. I also think that it's really uncomfortable to have to keep both hands on the steering wheel in a position where you really cant rest your arms in order to be able to control the paddles.

Anyways.. those were my 2 cents, if anyone cares.

 

Wow, I haven't been around in a while and we're still having this discussion.

 

You can shift with the shifter too, you know... And the RX-8's paddle shift (well, entire automatic shift mechanism) is just an electronic shift of the automatic mode. It's not like the Audi or Porsche or GTR paddle shift, which is faster than many people (well, faster than any person I'd say).

Doesn't mean I don't enjoy my automatic in manumatic mode.

 

Can't we all just....get along?

 

Nope. But one thing I don't like about these auto's is the low rpm torque converter crap. If it revved to lets say 3k rpm, it would've been much better for a launch than a 2k rpm stall.
Last thing I don't like, is that you get offered paddle shifts, yet the car doesn't blip on downshifts! Where is the fun of using M mode if it's delayed shifting that doesn't provide the fun of atleast a proper transmission.

 

This thread is like the Energizer Bunny. It keeps going...and going...and going...

 

nice analogy

 

Some higher priced car offer that now (auto blip throttle on downshift)...eg Ferrari 599 GTB, Aston Martin DB9...