i'm considering buying an automatic. gf will drive it sometimes and she defintely cannot handle a stick.

is it worth buying the automatic version? is it more likely to flood? is performance that much worse?

i'm particularly interested in responses from owners with AT. i realize the benefits of the stick; no need to educate me on those. i just want to know if this car is worth getting AT. thanks.

 

I have the automatic because I am a paraplegic, and it is great! I'm know it's not as fast as the manual but it is definitely fast and a very fun car to drive. The handling is superb and the car gets up and goes pretty nicely. I would highly recommend it!

 

Go drive one and see. I have the automatic and get just as many comments and cudos as I am sure the stick people do. It's a fun car regardless of transmission type.

 

Please don't take offense but.... What if you get a new gf who knows how to drive a manual? On the other hand what if your current gf becomes your wife?
Good luck
Al

 

I bought the automatic for the same reason, (women!!) I have had a blast with it. The manual mode is very good and it lets you run the revs right up to the limit. Performance is fine, and like the other post said, I get just as many looks and "hey man, nice car" comments! I can't seem to do a burn out, but that is not why I bought the car anyway. So my advice, buy what works for you, and enjoy it. I have no regrets.

 

My wife drives stick.

Find a woman who does.

-Eric

 

i don't suppose i will change gf's soon, but the point is well taken

sounds good, thanks for all your advice.

 

there are very few "chicks with sticks" that sure is true

 

i really dont see the difference in performance between the manual and automatic. yes the manual is alittle faster but the automatic has more low end torque. the automatic does have tiptronic which i find to be fun when there isnt traffic and you dont have to worry about the clutch. just my $.02

 

The only real difference is the redline ability. Naturally the MT will be faster, especially off the line, and on highway. The top speed is superior as well. It all depends on what you look for in the rx8. You do have to sacrfice quite a bit of performance and sports car feel to get the auto, but if you prefer automatic, you shouldn't let the performance prevent you from choosing. I think the auto would make a great daily driver, and still have a great feel to it. I'd test drive both, and base your decision on that, not your gf. It's one less thing you have to worry about if you like the stick better and she doesn't drive it.

 

The AT is only a 4-spped. I heard Mazda will replace it with a 5-speed one that will handle 238 HP soon.

 

Okay boys and girls lets get some facts straight. Faster and quicker are two different things.

The AT is just as fast as the MT because both cars will attain the same velocity or top speed. This is set by the ECU. The MT is quicker because there is no torque converter and the speed of the upshifts will be dependant on the abilities of the driver. The MT will shift marginaly quicker because it is not dependant on an ECU to set the shift points.

The term "Fast" or "Faster" is a measurement of velocity.

The term "Quick' or "Quicker" is a measurment of time or the amount of time the car takes to attain a desired velocity.

A car can be quicker off the line but may not be faster. My VW Passat W8 was quicker off the line than the RX-8 because of the AWD and 270 HP V8 but was not faster because it was electronicly governed at 130mph. We know the RX-8 is faster because some drivers have had their ride over 140mph.

 

This difference is in the driving experience. Not if its faster, slower, more hp, less hp. Its the ENTIRE driving experience. The engament of clutch. The shift from one gear to the next. Being able to hold the rev and shift when you want to. Just my opinion.
Dirve both and see for yourself.

 

One thing that hasn't been discussed is are you buying a RX-8 manual or auto or is the choice auto RX-8 or auto something else? I had to buy auto and it came down to G35 sedan and the 8. I bought the auto 8 and love the car. The manaul auto mode is cool - like nothing I have ever experienced. Test drive it.

 

I have the auto and love it! Even if its not as fast as the manual, you can stil have fun swithing gears in manual mode. When you test drive the auto make sure you use the manual mode. I love the car and so does everyone else that sees it on the road. I've had the car near 140mph and that was only at like 5000 rpm's. who knows how fast I could have gone, I had 2500 more rpms to go. Redlines 7500 so test drive it til you hear that beep! And do all of us auto owners a favor slowly go to about 4500-5000rpms and then slam the pedal, YOU WILL LIKE THE POWER!

 

Cross Post from another thread - What is this about autos vs manuals tonight?


To me, it depends on your situation, age, stage in life, etc., etc.

Yeah, 6 speeds are lots of fun. In previous cars that were manuals I could drive for days here in DC and never get out of 4th gear because of the roads/traffic/other conditions. And when I was spending an hour each morning and afternoon sitting in traffic inching along, I would think, gee my left leg is tired. So when I got my 8 I got the auto. And yes, it is slower and has less power and all those other things people (with manuals) have said. But you know what? I love my car and it works for me in my situation. You should drive them both and think about what will work best for you. End of rant.

mm

 

Unless there is some physical impairment there's no such thing as "cannot handle a stick". We're not talking about an 18-wheel Kenworth.

An MT can be learned, often in a matter of minutes, and has nothing to do with gender. Sometimes it takes longer but heck you're already dedicated to this person, eh?

You'll both be happier with MT, imo. And she will have a certain pride in having mastered the skill.

 

I got an auto also, I can always just swich to manual mode. Sure its not as much horse power but the stick people cant go back to auto.

If you go with a auto you get the best of both worlds.

Ya just got to sacrafice a little horsepower.
and make sure you have the patences in traffic.

 

The Auto RX-8 is a 9 second 0-60 car. That is 3 seconds slower than the manual version or a whopping 50% slower. If you want the car mostly for looks, the choice of transmission doesn't affect that.

 

Love dem dam paddles.... The RX is my wifes car. I drive it some on weekends. And I give it pure HELL. 5 mile trip down twisties and I'm quickly hitting 90-100 before slamming down for curves. This car handles like a go kart. point and shoot. I used to drive a performance modified TR6 and it reminds me of the great handling. I'm sure the 6sp will be quicker thru , but ain't nothing wrong with the auto.
Blue with leather and trim package

 

Sports car = manual. its blasphemous having an auto in sports car IMHO.

 

I too have the auto tranny. My wife cannot drive a stick so we compromised and bought the auto with sports package. We, and I mean we, just love it. I never did drive the manual but sure do love my RX8 and so does everyone else. I think I'm the first in my little town with one and it sure does get the looks.

 

Yes, you are entitled to your own opinion but take a close look at all the major "sports car" mfgrs. 90 percent of the "super sports cars" made today (MB SLR, Ferrari Modena, 612 Scaglieti and Lambo Gallardo just to name a few) can only be had with automatic shifting transmissions and clutches. A computer can and has been proven to shift a transmission quicker than a human can! Or else they wouldn't be using them in F1 or LeMans!

I guess these are not "sports cars"

 

Check F1 -

later.

 

[rant]
Geeezus... what is this idiotic male concept that women can't drive manual trannies??? I'm female. I own three sportscars. All are manuals. I can't stand when a man whines about having to compromise with a slushbox because the woman who will also drive the car is apparently too spastic to possibly ever master simple hand/leg coordination.

Let's use a simple analogy that cuts straight to the core of the male mentality. If there was some particular thing you wanted your lady to do for you in bed, and she didn't know how but was willing to learn, would you teach her? Or would you whine about it on an internet chat forum? D'oh!

Just take the time to teach your wives, girlfriends, daughters, and moms to drive a freakin' stick! You're doing both them and you a big favor.
[/rant]