I test drove my first RX-8 today
01-17-2008, 11:50 PM
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I test drove my first RX-8 today
** OK, title should of read, I test drove my 1st manual today**
No, I don't have one yet, but I had already driven an 08 auto, and wanted to experience the manual, as I'm hoping to get one this year. I drove an 07 sport manual.
I drive an MR2 MK1 as a second car, so my clutch and gearbox are very different. The mr2 has a clutch and gearbox very similar to a miata or a honda product. Very short clutch and gearbox throw, and the catch point in the clutch is about 3 inches wide, you barely have to let off the clutch and it catches.
The 8 has a very short catch point way up in the middle and is kind of springy. The gearbox was snick snick, firm and easy to row. It was kind of annoying at first, but I think you just have to be more aggressive and not p&ssy foot the clutch.
At first, I didn't know if I'd like it, partly b/c the salesman was with me making me nervous, and also the frigid weather outside. I thought I'd want the auto just for laziness and convenience and handling purposes, but may go the route of the manual. It's not as easy to shift as my 2, but still nice, and the more sporting route to go.
*Do any of you get bored or fatigued from the manual all day, and prefer an auto? or any auto drivers feel the opposite?
No, I don't have one yet, but I had already driven an 08 auto, and wanted to experience the manual, as I'm hoping to get one this year. I drove an 07 sport manual.
I drive an MR2 MK1 as a second car, so my clutch and gearbox are very different. The mr2 has a clutch and gearbox very similar to a miata or a honda product. Very short clutch and gearbox throw, and the catch point in the clutch is about 3 inches wide, you barely have to let off the clutch and it catches.
The 8 has a very short catch point way up in the middle and is kind of springy. The gearbox was snick snick, firm and easy to row. It was kind of annoying at first, but I think you just have to be more aggressive and not p&ssy foot the clutch.
At first, I didn't know if I'd like it, partly b/c the salesman was with me making me nervous, and also the frigid weather outside. I thought I'd want the auto just for laziness and convenience and handling purposes, but may go the route of the manual. It's not as easy to shift as my 2, but still nice, and the more sporting route to go.
*Do any of you get bored or fatigued from the manual all day, and prefer an auto? or any auto drivers feel the opposite?
Last edited by duga; 01-18-2008 at 12:03 AM.
01-18-2008, 12:05 AM
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01-18-2008, 05:37 AM
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I daily drive my MT in Phoenix traffic. Sometimes it gets old but the performance gains and experience of the manual makes it totally worth it. I'd say only about 5% of my driving experience had me cursing my clutch.
01-18-2008, 10:23 AM
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you get use to it, maybe 2 days in my 8 years of driving manual have I regretted buying a manual. the other 2,920 days there is no other choice, but manual, especially in this car where the power difference is substantial.
01-18-2008, 10:40 AM
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MT all the way
i drive in seattle traffic. i used to drive an hour and a half each way at about 10mph. driving in traffic sucks...but it sucks in every car with a stick. test drive both transmissions thru first and second gear...third if you got a cool salesman (third's redline is at about 96mph). then decide which tranny is for you. i love the control over your tranny with a clutch. but they again...i hate AT's and FWD's.
if you're going to buy the AT because of your commute...then buy a shittie honda to commute in and roll the 8 the rest of the time. but who wants to drive a shitbox when their 8 is in the garage. i have to drive my van most of the time for work...its an 07 chevy awd. its really nice. but i still drive my 8 to work when i can.
i drive in seattle traffic. i used to drive an hour and a half each way at about 10mph. driving in traffic sucks...but it sucks in every car with a stick. test drive both transmissions thru first and second gear...third if you got a cool salesman (third's redline is at about 96mph). then decide which tranny is for you. i love the control over your tranny with a clutch. but they again...i hate AT's and FWD's.
if you're going to buy the AT because of your commute...then buy a shittie honda to commute in and roll the 8 the rest of the time. but who wants to drive a shitbox when their 8 is in the garage. i have to drive my van most of the time for work...its an 07 chevy awd. its really nice. but i still drive my 8 to work when i can.
01-18-2008, 11:06 AM
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Rx8= MT
IF you really want an Auto get a G35.
I mean really the car's soul jsut doesn't match up well without a thrid pedal. Also, that said, the Nissan products Manual's are far less rewarding.
IF you really want an Auto get a G35.
I mean really the car's soul jsut doesn't match up well without a thrid pedal. Also, that said, the Nissan products Manual's are far less rewarding.
01-18-2008, 11:10 AM
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LOL!!
OP i really hoping your kidding in your consideration of an automatic man...
personally, i find the idea of spending the extra money (not just the car...insurance, tickets, etc.) on a sports car to a significant financial commitment. if your going to shell out for one, then its all or nothing....otherwise you are merely a foolish bastard who will one day have no money for a retirement and wonder...what happened?!
OP i really hoping your kidding in your consideration of an automatic man...
personally, i find the idea of spending the extra money (not just the car...insurance, tickets, etc.) on a sports car to a significant financial commitment. if your going to shell out for one, then its all or nothing....otherwise you are merely a foolish bastard who will one day have no money for a retirement and wonder...what happened?!
01-18-2008, 11:24 AM
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You say you had a salesman in the car and bad weather making you nervous; so your driving style was most likely subdued. This car feels its best when there is some spirit behind your actions - you don't have to be aggressive, but you want to give it some spurrs when accelerating; especially right before you are going to shift.
Immediately come off the gas, and into the shift - no shotgun motion required here - just be smooth and gentle. This will take advantage of the short catch point, and you will be able to feel the benefits of the action.
When shifting, you shouldn't need to use your clutch to compensate for the difference between the engine and drive-train much at all - if you find that you are, then either adjust your timing - or give it her a bit more gas before you start your shift.
When cruising around, get used to shifting about 1000/1500 rpm later then your used to in your mr2 for a smooth shift. The 8 will shift smoother if you get the revs up a bit - don't short shift too early when your lazily driving around, and give it a little momentum before you start your shift. Like I said - spirit. I found I had to adjust my driving style slightly to best suite the engine and transmission - but that's when things get really fun.
If what I wrote above peaks your interests, and you want to get the full benefits of what makes this car fun - get the manual. If you get no enjoyment from the action of shifting, the immediate power delivery, higher redline, more power and ability to handle the car at a higher degree of control - get the auto. There is nothing wrong with this, all that matters is that it's fun for you.
As far as traffic concerns go, if you are getting this car only to drive back and forth to work through heavy traffic, then sure maybe the auto is the way to go. Otherwise everything else considered, it should not have much barring. This is a drivers car.
Immediately come off the gas, and into the shift - no shotgun motion required here - just be smooth and gentle. This will take advantage of the short catch point, and you will be able to feel the benefits of the action.
When shifting, you shouldn't need to use your clutch to compensate for the difference between the engine and drive-train much at all - if you find that you are, then either adjust your timing - or give it her a bit more gas before you start your shift.
When cruising around, get used to shifting about 1000/1500 rpm later then your used to in your mr2 for a smooth shift. The 8 will shift smoother if you get the revs up a bit - don't short shift too early when your lazily driving around, and give it a little momentum before you start your shift. Like I said - spirit. I found I had to adjust my driving style slightly to best suite the engine and transmission - but that's when things get really fun.
If what I wrote above peaks your interests, and you want to get the full benefits of what makes this car fun - get the manual. If you get no enjoyment from the action of shifting, the immediate power delivery, higher redline, more power and ability to handle the car at a higher degree of control - get the auto. There is nothing wrong with this, all that matters is that it's fun for you.
As far as traffic concerns go, if you are getting this car only to drive back and forth to work through heavy traffic, then sure maybe the auto is the way to go. Otherwise everything else considered, it should not have much barring. This is a drivers car.
Last edited by Mobile; 01-18-2008 at 11:47 AM.
01-18-2008, 11:28 AM
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The only time the manual is not fun is when you are sitting in stop and go traffic for long periods of time. I would go with the manual unless you are constantly stuck in traffic.
01-18-2008, 11:32 AM
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MT FTW
compare the rx8 to subaru clutch its much much easier. subaru clutches are HARD. and i drive that in traffic all the time. tiring on the foot but i enjoy it everywhere else other than traffic
compare the rx8 to subaru clutch its much much easier. subaru clutches are HARD. and i drive that in traffic all the time. tiring on the foot but i enjoy it everywhere else other than traffic
01-18-2008, 11:49 AM
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01-18-2008, 12:19 PM
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01-18-2008, 12:23 PM
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You say you had a salesman in the car and bad weather making you nervous; so your driving style was most likely subdued. This car feels its best when there is some spirit behind your actions - you don't have to be aggressive, but you want to give it some spurrs when accelerating; especially right before you are going to shift.
Immediately come off the gas, and into the shift - no shotgun motion required here - just be smooth and gentle. This will take advantage of the short catch point, and you will be able to feel the benefits of the action.
When shifting, you shouldn't need to use your clutch to compensate for the difference between the engine and drive-train much at all - if you find that you are, then either adjust your timing - or give it her a bit more gas before you start your shift.
When cruising around, get used to shifting about 1000/1500 rpm later then your used to in your mr2 for a smooth shift. The 8 will shift smoother if you get the revs up a bit - don't short shift too early when your lazily driving around, and give it a little momentum before you start your shift. Like I said - spirit. I found I had to adjust my driving style slightly to best suite the engine and transmission - but that's when things get really fun.
If what I wrote above peaks your interests, and you want to get the full benefits of what makes this car fun - get the manual. If you get no enjoyment from the action of shifting, the immediate power delivery, higher redline, more power and ability to handle the car at a higher degree of control - get the auto. There is nothing wrong with this, all that matters is that it's fun for you.
As far as traffic concerns go, if you are getting this car only to drive back and forth to work through heavy traffic, then sure maybe the auto is the way to go. Otherwise everything else considered, it should not have much barring. This is a drivers car.
Immediately come off the gas, and into the shift - no shotgun motion required here - just be smooth and gentle. This will take advantage of the short catch point, and you will be able to feel the benefits of the action.
When shifting, you shouldn't need to use your clutch to compensate for the difference between the engine and drive-train much at all - if you find that you are, then either adjust your timing - or give it her a bit more gas before you start your shift.
When cruising around, get used to shifting about 1000/1500 rpm later then your used to in your mr2 for a smooth shift. The 8 will shift smoother if you get the revs up a bit - don't short shift too early when your lazily driving around, and give it a little momentum before you start your shift. Like I said - spirit. I found I had to adjust my driving style slightly to best suite the engine and transmission - but that's when things get really fun.
If what I wrote above peaks your interests, and you want to get the full benefits of what makes this car fun - get the manual. If you get no enjoyment from the action of shifting, the immediate power delivery, higher redline, more power and ability to handle the car at a higher degree of control - get the auto. There is nothing wrong with this, all that matters is that it's fun for you.
As far as traffic concerns go, if you are getting this car only to drive back and forth to work through heavy traffic, then sure maybe the auto is the way to go. Otherwise everything else considered, it should not have much barring. This is a drivers car.
01-18-2008, 12:55 PM
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Have a MT over 4 months (1st MT car).. NO regret what so ever.. although I was stuck in a 3 hrs traffic due to snow (made me doubt to switch back to AT LOL) anyways with or without traffic MT all the way.
01-18-2008, 01:06 PM
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01-18-2008, 01:15 PM
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Twice a week I drive up 880 from Fremont to Oakland during rush hour, and I have come to the following conclusion.
It is very easy to just cruise along at 10-15 mph with a gap in front of you while all the idiots in AT's around you mash the gas to the floor to move forward 100 feet then slam on their brakes. (I think that the automatic transmission lends itself to driving in a manner that increases congestion, and we would be better off without them.)
The only time i really regret the MT is the approach to the metering lights on the bay bridge, where its hard stop and go and everyone is trying to muscle ahead of you. I don't regret the MT because it's hard to use in such a situation, but more that I'm afraid I'm taking thousands of miles off the clutch and throw out bearing inching forward like that.
Get the MT. It's so totally worth it.
It is very easy to just cruise along at 10-15 mph with a gap in front of you while all the idiots in AT's around you mash the gas to the floor to move forward 100 feet then slam on their brakes. (I think that the automatic transmission lends itself to driving in a manner that increases congestion, and we would be better off without them.)
The only time i really regret the MT is the approach to the metering lights on the bay bridge, where its hard stop and go and everyone is trying to muscle ahead of you. I don't regret the MT because it's hard to use in such a situation, but more that I'm afraid I'm taking thousands of miles off the clutch and throw out bearing inching forward like that.
Get the MT. It's so totally worth it.
