I learned to drive on my grandfather's tractor and a '72 VW bug. I have had various AT cars & SUVs. Prior to the RX-8 I had a MT SER Spec-V. When I was considering the 8, I test drove both the MT & AT versions. I loved the power that the MT had, however there where some other things about the GT that I was not impressed with (thats another thread). I purchased the AT and I am completely happy with it. I realize that the AT does not and will not have the umph that the MT does... and that is OK with me.

Numbers wise (stock):
HP AT 212, MT 232
Red Line: AT 7500, MT 9000
Top Speed: AT 125 electronically fuel limited (been there, and it does that), MT (from what I have read on the boards) 150 - 155 drag limited.

In either case (AT or MT) the RX-8 is one sexy beast of a car... and I love mine.

 

Automatic get 1 mpg better.

 

get an rx8.....search the pros and cons of each.....test drive them both....make an educated decision. MT owners are biased towards MTs and AT owners are biased towards ATs. Thats why they own them. So buy the one that best fits you. Theyre both rx8s, theyre just different.

 

There are no mechanical advantages of AT over MT. The only reason for AT is personal preference for not shifting. It has nothing to do with being biased for MT.

 

Really, the only debate is, do you want better shifts *imo* and higher RPMs, or do you want a comfortable driving experience without worrying about shifting.

There is no big downside to one or the other, honestly. Some prefer Manual, some Auto...just pick what you want the most.

 

You took half of my argument and ran with it. With the AT there is a loss of power due to the torque converter and the lower rpms, while increasing chances of carbon buildup.

 

I want a direct drive.

 

 

Automatic sucks!
End of discussion

 

The 8 is my first MT car and I don't think I can go back to driving Automatic...especially a sports car where it's about the driving experience. I feel that I'm getting the entire feel of the car with the stick...

 

i have a MT. but there have been times when i simply tapped the shifter and the car pulled the shifter into gear.

there have been times when (especially at low speeds after startup) that the shifter refuses to shift, or will stay stuck half in a gear. grinding.

i'd definitely say the computer is helping us shift in this car. or rather,"helping" occasionally. that said, the only "automatic" i would take is a sequential gearbox.

 

arent there already 20,000 threads over this subject.........heres a vid of some stupid kids....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNjOG5fRSd0

 

I live in the middle of Los Angeles and wouldn't trade my manual for an auto. If I felt I really needed an auto I'd probably look at a different car. VW dealers are letting R32s with the DSG go for under $30k now since they ended up sitting on lots. I would at least test drive something else to make sure the RX8 is what you want in an auto.

 

Getting an AT avoids:

Clutch replacement/12 mo warranty on clutch
Grinding/bad synchros/transmission replacement
Broken clutch pedal
Gear rattle in neutral
Short shifter install
Lightweight flywheel install
Broken flywheel bolts
Bad pressure plate/spring
Bad throwout bearing
Trashing transmision while teaching significant other to drive

The Mazda 6-speed MT comes accross about as durable as a potato chip (probably too much Miata in it). Based on posts here, they really need a stronger unit for this car.

 

i still think it goes down like this:

get what you want and what your happy with, MT stop bashing AT and AT vice versa. end of story really imo

edit: +1 ericok

 

At Cost More Than Mt.....

 

Lower RPMs at what point? - To me there is no RPM difference until 8500 rpm and then I ether have to shift or continue until 10,000rpm. I am wondering where the difference is with the RPMs? Carbon build up - RPMs get rid of carbon I have been told.
Loss of some power to a torque converter, well I most likely lose more to being a 4 port.
You faster than me? Yup you are, your 6 port will always be faster than my 4 port. The further I go with my car the less difference there seems to be with the cars (not methods of FI just cars).

 

Naw it's your attitude that sucks.

That is fine - you prefer the M/T and that's great. Thank you for not bashing others choice.

For some it is impossible to stop bashing the A/T. The need to justify their reasoning for their purchase. Too bad that they can't see that there is room for both.

 

well u can shift gear in AT too lol!

 

^ lol

 

Not entirely true. According to edmunds.com only the Touring and 40th Anniversiary AT cost more. The Sport and Grand Touring are the same.

I had 333 posts. This ruins my symmetry.

 

Synchromesh matches speeds for you. Just not the same as really shifting.

An awful lot of the reason many of us buy these cars is fantasy. Shifting gears is part of that. Get a pickup with MT and we're Sonny and Will headed for their next load. Get a sports car and we're Innes Ireland coming out of the tunnel at Monaco in 1961.

Modern formula cars (F1, Indy) have paddle shifters. Sure, they're connected to real gearboxes and clutches, not slushboxes, but the AT with paddles satisfies that fantasy.

And when you put it in full auto, you're Ralph DePalma at the 1921 French GP with his nephew Peter shifting for him

Ken

 

I guess you should have quit when you were symmetrical.

 

I love my AT. Lots of people love their ATs. At the same time, lots of people love their MTs. Its preferential.

 

Like some others have said...pick what you like and be happy.

I just wish I had some roads with lots of curves near by plus some hills. Pretty darn flat county in Florida...even for an auto.

Want to try autocross one of these days...after some bills get paid first.