I tried searching for this but it just returns results of how to press the dsc button and how to hold it so it disables different things, how different lights come on, what it means when the lights come on when you are regularly driving it, etc...

i think i have a base model 2005 because it doesnt have a DSC off switch next to the lighting adjuster. does this mean that there is no traction/stability control? or does this just mean that you can't turn it off?

and i think this is separate from abs isnt it?

 

Yes you do not have DSC/Stability control. Here is a link describing early model equipment.

RX-8-models-jp

 

i have the 2005 6 speed MT and i guess looking at your chart my car should come standard with DSC?

 

If you don't have the DSC off switch, then you don'thave DSC.

 

should i be worried..? if i drive in icy conditions is it less safe or what?

 

Not at all. If you drive in icy conditions, just be careful and drive slowly.

 

Less safe than what?
An RX-8 that has DSC on it?

The answer to that is either yes or either no.
Depends entirely on the driver.

If the driver is a bad driver, then even DSC might not save them from themselves.
If they're trying to drive in a snow storm with worn out summer only tires, then DSC can't save them.

I'm sure a good driver in a Sport armed only with the limited slip rear diff and brand new winter tires could get where they're going while that bad driver with DSC goes into the third ditch they see.

DSC is only a tool.
If you don't know how to properly use the tools available to you, you're not going to have an easy time of it, regardless.

BC.

 

Having DSC is like having a seat belt.

If it never reacts to save you, then it's the same as a car without it. On those rare chances when you need it though, the difference between having it and not having it can be quite dramatic. It's why more and more cars have them standard.

That being said, I'm guessing your last car (or cars) didn't have DSC, and it's up to you to determine if those cars were safe without it or not.

 

it depends. at some point its simple physics too, 3200lbs with almost no traction. i've never driven an 8 in the snow, but i've driven a bunch of other cars and the best one was the Land Rover, which didn't have DSC!

the second best one is my mom's Mercedes, which lets you have a little wheel spin, so you can use the gas to get the car turned.

the worst one was my dads non quattro A4 Audi, the DSC didn't let you have ANY wheel spin, so you basically had no brakes, no steering, you couldn't use the gas to get it pulled around, the only option was the ebrake. it was a scary car in the snow, despite having all the "safety" stuff.

being a better driver seems to be the safest way in the snow

 

I do drive in the snow. I have to turn T/C off quite frequently. DSC acts too slow in slippery conditions. By the time it engages, your way out-of-control.
And, the base model will come in close to 2900 lbs. Not the 3200 you list.

 

I'm kinda curious where you get "3,200lbs with no traction" from unless you are driving in the snow/ice on summer tires, in which case even the land rover would be in some serious trouble.


All in the tires.

 

The base model sport with no DSC weights no where near 3200lbs... just saying.