It seems to me that in Canada the base model (CS) doesn't come with DSC (standard or as an option).

I would think that in a RWD car you absolutely need it. If this is the case who's going to get the CS?

What do you think?

 

You don't absolutely need it. People have been driving RWD cars with a lot more than 250HP and without DSC for many years, and most of them have survived.

That being said, I think it's a useful thing to have for normal day-to-day driving, where it gives you a little extra margin of error should conditions catch you out. The possible downside is that, like ABS, some folks may think it makes them invincible and try taking a 25mph corner at 65, "safe" in the knowledge that they have DSC.

I opted for the Sport package here in the US, which includes DSC. I'm glad it can be overridden so that I can regain complete control when I really want it, but most of the time I envisage I'll leave it on.

 

DSC is a safety net. It can not create more traction that is there or fool the laws of physics.

Do you need DSC?

Real question is will you drive or find yourself in a situation where you're abilities are not enough?

Here's my problem, like eccles said, many people thing DSC actually creates traction (friction). Therefore those RE040 will be fine in the snow, let's say.

No they won't. The right tires for the conditions, proper training and practice and caution will minimize the chance that you will ever need DSC.

DSC is nice, but don't depend on it to save you in every situation.

 

I have been driving RWD cars since I was 16, almost 30 years now. DSC is less then a few years old.

If you want to handle the car take it to a track, turn it off and see how well it handles. Then turn it on during street driving so that it can help when you are not as alert as you were on the track.

At the track school they teach you threashold braking so that you don't need ABS when you race. On the street I like my ABS just in case.

Oh and make sure you have the right tires for the job.

 

RE040 tires and Rain - DSC could be a $$ saver.

Running with DSC off in the rain - not too hard, and entered a sweeping right hander @ around 70km/h.
Not too fast, could easily hit >100kph in the dry.

As I was slowly accelerating the back end got away from me - 45 degree oversteer.
Hmmm.. Pointed at the curb instead of down the road.
Kept on the throttle, and countersteered.
A couple wags and I was back on track
Shaken, but not stirred.
50-50 distribution has advantages.

Stopped at the Red light - turned ignition off/on to reset DSC and drove like a grandma.
Just the thought of replacing all those airbags, not to mention mounting a curb at that speed.

Basic lesson - The RE040's are really lousy tires.

Rain, Dry, whatever - I just don't trust them.

DSC ON - you have to try REALLY REALLY hard to get out of shape - I'd say nearly impossible.

DSC OFF - not a problem - even with the measly torque.

I have an AWD talon with Dunlop FM901 tires - car is basically same weight with 60-40 distribution. Car will understeer like a pig, and have a hard time with initial turn in, but once turned, basic grip is there. A much more re-assuring ride.

Put it this way - just driving around - dry roads and DSC off, I can drift the car around just about every corner.
Fun? Yeah, hell yeah. Safe - not so much

My .02c

 

Depends on you if you need it, basically.

While considering myself a decent driver (well, just like anyone else does), I managed to get myself into some pretty surprising situations with my RX-8 so far. No idea how those would have turned out without DSC, since I just keep it on. 100° slide? No problem with DSC on. Which proves that the DSC kicks in pretty late, just as you would expect it for this type of car. But if it does, it does for a reason as far as I found out.

I'll keep it turned on.

 

Dsc have saved me on every condition so far i think its real good. But the thing i i relie on it to much. Ill have a real problem now if i drive cars without it as i floor it all the time around corners.
I'd turn the DCS off one day and forgot to turn it back on, then i kinda messed up i didnt realize that it was still of and i almost lost it. After power slideing 5 time on a main road i'd manage to control the car.

 

We needed to get an AT RX8 so that my wife could drive the car as well. That said we chose not to get the sports package as the use for the car was town driving (Palm Beach County, FL) and highway trips to the Florida Keys. We didn't want the stiffer ride and costly replacement tires of the sports package or the fog lights...not too much fog here... Zenon headlights, maybe. We would have however purchased the DSC feature just for an extra safety margin. We didn't think that buying the sports package and selling off the extra parts was an option. Perhaps down the road Mazda might offer DSC as a stand alone option. In the mean time, not too many 75 mph turns at the street corners in Boca! Overall...this is absolutely the greatest car we have ever owned!

 

You have the DSC and you can control it and turn it off when required, why not?