to DSC or not
 

I'm now seroiusly considering buying a 8, but I'm a little torn on whether or not to get the sports package, since I'm getting the 6spd. for $1100, DSC, Zenon and fog lights seems like a rip off.

Since I'm in houston, cold weather is not an issue, rain is. I did a search on this and it was kinda split on whether or not DSC was worth it. The posts were kinda old, so now, a year or so on, what do you guys think? Is DSC really worth it? I sepnd most of the time in my 6 with the TCS turned off (except rain).

DSC will turn an average driver into a good driver.

And keep you out of the ditch. I love it as it allows me to push even harder knows that the DSC will help me if I go a little to far.

Of course, go a lot to far and you'll be going home on a flat bed.

Bob in Indy

I think that's about right. It helps less in the rain, though. In fact, I couldn't differentiate between when the DSC was on or off while the roads were wet. I should try it on the same turn at the same speed, now that I think about it. See if you can't test drive one while it's raining :)

I'm kicking myself in the ass for not doing it......

I tried to get the foglights......was gonna cost like $500 bucks

with labor

A TOTAL RIPOFF

The Zenon headlights are literally $500 EACH if U need to replace.....that's a 1,000 right there!!!

DO IT AND DONT LOOK BACK!!!!

Jeff

Do you guys find that DSC does some weird things to driveability when going over uneven terrain (like bumps in the road).

It's like a momentary loss of steering control. Or is just the weakling in me? :o

Do the DSC. The package is a bargin, and the DSC is a great safety feature.

don't forget the bigger brakes(those things stop you like God just bitch slapped you) & LSD on the sports pack... DEFINITELY WORTH the $$$ & the 18in wheels & Xenon HIDs were a nice plus.

The base package is an unbelievably good deal... but not having the DSC would bother me a great deal. There have been several posts by people claiming that the DSC saved their lives... whether that's true or not, it probably kept them from having an accident, and having an accident can make an "unbelievably good deal" a giant waste of money - or worse.

Personally, I wish Mazda would stop using safety features like DSC as an incentive to upgrade -- it's just software, right? As I understand it, the base package car already has the hardware necessary to implement DSC because the base package comes with TSC.

In any case, I agree with KSTKRT... take the upgrade to the Sport Package and enjoy the headlights and fog lights as a bonus. If you ever have an accident involving loss of control of the car, particularly a bad accident, you'll always wonder if you were penny wise and a pound foolish...

Someone (Takahasi?) had earlier pointed out a link to see DSC on the RX8 in action. If you have not seen it check out
http://www.step-hen.com/rx8spec.htm#DSC
I was in the same quandry but ended up getting the sport package, quite happy. The headlights are really cool and useful!

When purchasing I too felt that for the sport package at $1100 wasn't a great deal so I went for the base MT model. No interest here in any electronic traction control do-dads and, at least for where I live, the lights are more cosmetic than useful. Never in my life have I had a car with DSC or similar electronics yet I’m still alive. Granted the OEM tires are not the greatest wet handlers around, but they aren’t coated with Teflon either. Personally, I feel if the DSC is truly “saving” you on the road with any regularity you’re overdriving the conditions.
I also considered the touring package but the only item I had much interest in there was the home-link mirror so I passed on that.

it's not just software.

Someone here explained that ~ 11/2003.

The idea back then was that DSC = ABS + more software.
It was explained then that DSC = ABS + software + hardware

But I forgot what the extra hardware is.

I didn't care for the leather seats or sunroof but I bought the GT package for the Xenon lights and for the DSC. Kind of *in spite* of the leather.

-Peter

Great video. I think that answers all questions about how useful DSC is.

By the way, I keep it on all the time, since accidents happen *unexpected* - just think of oil spilled or something.. it's not just for rain.

It's one of the best systems in the buissness and the and the hids are sharp looking. I say get it ,at worst you can turn it of when you want to do burnouts or whatever.

You drive your RX8 in the rain? Mine is so sweet I am afraid it would melt. Get the DSC and use it if you wish. Remember you can turn it off if you want.

Great link! I believe that Takashki fellow is the current drifting guru over in Japan.

On the sport package, I thought the DSC was the only thing worth paying extra for, but I like the headlights.

The car is faster with the DSC turned off, but only slightly and it does help in the rain.

I bought base because I do not like computer jumping in and telling me when to drive. So brighter lights for $1100; NO. You can drive around houston with no lights on becasue of the glow this city puts out.

sjt only the auto gets the bigger brakes with this package the MT alrdy has.

Thanks dude... you overestimate me hehe :D

I am no drifter. I am as smooth as Alan Prost really. (you may think I am from a different era but I grew up watching F1 and I just turn 30).

DSC is fool prove and Takahashi prove :D:D:D

I can even make it out of shape in the track ... I have confident to go all the way - the slight oversteer on turning when just pressing the DSC off button once (half off) is my favourite position. I am too chicken to turn it all off on the track.

I love the Xenons and foglamps....and that's about it.....this is the first car I've owned with DSC and traction control....while it works as advertised, I rarely ever drive with it on. I wish I could have gotten the lights without the electronic junk....

I was looking at just getting the base model too but after dealing a bit with the dealership, I got the sport package for about $500