I test drove my first RX-8 today
If its not painfully obvious the difference in driving pleasure from AT to MT, then i would have to assume he isnt all that worried/preoccupied with the power difference as well as not too crazy about the shifting, hence, he is an AT 8 man IMO. Thats the feelin im getting from his posts.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Connecticut
never bored, but if you live in a congested area and get caught in a lot of traffic, there is nothing worse than a manual car.
That being said, I will never go back to an automatic. Manual transmission = more fun & control. You're controlling the vehicle, rather than the vehicle doing all the work.
That being said, I will never go back to an automatic. Manual transmission = more fun & control. You're controlling the vehicle, rather than the vehicle doing all the work.
although i do think its pretty lame when people buy manuals and if you mention the phrase "rev matching" they look at you like you are talking korean. if you are hardcore (rofl) enough to want a manual, then you should know how to use it.
TK
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
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.
+1!!!!!!
this is a drivers car...not a commuter car.
this car is amazing in the turns.
if you know how to drive atleast a little....you'll love the MT.
good luck...
TK
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
"Autobots Roll-Out..!"
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
So what's the outcome? Did the OP get an AT or MT...??? I live in FL and if I'm ever caught in any traffic.. it would be DownTown or certain major "TOURIST" roads... So not only is it the Traffic, but dodging the lost Tourist driving around aimlessly.... I love my MT! Oh yeah.. and I'm a female, since many "boys" out there think that not a lot "girls" drive MT out there.... 
Registered
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 1
From: Wash/Idaho
Anyways, in my opinion, people will respect you more if you get the manual. Also, from my experience, my driving has been a lot less interesting with an auto. Of course, probably a lot safer too
Either way I love my manual. FYI: I live in northern Idaho so I don't know the first thing about traffic.
Last edited by fahrfegneugen; Mar 15, 2008 at 01:14 PM.
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