Manual vs Automatic
 

After reading numerous post and or driving the RX-8. What would be your choice now?


Oh Yeah ... I have driven both but, I still wanted an Automatic...... Go ahead pick on me....
I have stick in my 1999 Neon, I have Stick in my 1980 CJ-7, Stick in my 1978 Corvette, Push button in my 1961 Chrysler, Hydro-glyde in my 1951 Hudson, Shift on the column in my 1941 Plymouth, Stick in my 1928 Plymouth and Pedals for forward and reverse in my 1902 Olds!

I think I have enough to SHIFT AROUND ON ALREADY!!

Oh yeah the 1951 Hudson Hornet with a flat top 308- 6 cylinder Known as "Twin H Power" does the 1/4 in 13.43sec. STOCK and Hudson held the speed records too back in its day for being a factory car! (It still will beat a lot of cars evenl today)

It is NOT MANUAL!! and weighs a lot more too....

I don't own a RX-8, but would not even consider it with a automatic.

Manual or bust.:p

go stick or go home

You need to make an option

Manual, but i dont know stick so it sux and wish i could have an Auto just while i learn the manual ....

im sure lota us new to manual RX-8 Owners feel that way. just wish we could drive the car EVERYWHERE w/o a problem

It's interesting how so many people are opting to learn stick for the first time, due to the fact that the auto has much less power.

---jps

ATs are very very rare on WRXs, I think it's help numerous people learn how to drive an MT since 99% of the time an AT wasn't even an option; it's a great thing. Thumbs up to those getting the car in MT and learning for the first time, you won't be sorry down the road even if you're unsure and uncomfortable now.

Ike

well i never choose stick because the AT has less power, i chose stick because every1 says driving a stick is so much better, more fun and all good sports cars come in stick so i feel its something i need to know and be good at! and this the perfect opportunity!

AT was never an option.. even though the paddle wheels are kewl

Automatic gal
 

I like stick but automatic is for me.......between cell phones, an autistic son, eating in the car, a pain in traffic are some of the reasons I am getting automatic....don't fault us for it...we love the car just the same. I have a Protege5 w/only 130 hp, auto and love it...RX 8 is way better so I am in heaven. Sunlight Silver on order! Can't wait. I have yet to drive one but if it's better than my car.....I am hooked! I am sure to trully appreciate the RX8 stick is the way to go no doubt....it's a sports car! Enjoy!

Re: Automatic gal
 

You forgot - putting on make-up, looking for that CD under the seat, reading a book, and following this forum on the laptop...

Traffic? Who has time to watch the traffic? ;)

I thought they made SUVs for those that liked to jabber on the cell phone, eat in the car, put on make-up, etc, etc, so when they did run into something from not paying attention to driving, they would be more safe :D OK, so j/k mostly, but a minor social commentary whilst joking...

I never really regretted slipping my manual cable-clutch acura around in heavy traffic, much less a hydraulic clutch (if anything I'm angry at the ways people drive automatics in such a situation). Would get an auto in a truck or luxobarge, but that's about all.

I'll be getting a manual next year but my sister wants the auto. She wants the looks, the luxury and convenience, the sports handling and feeling, AND the confort and ease or driving the auto. Her current car is a manual 92hp 5sp hyundai...

no wonder her current manually-shifting situation is lacking "ease and comfort" :)

Cute....
 

ok.....I don't put my makeup on in the car.......;] but at least I am honest and admit to the eating in th car stuff and cell phone jibber jabbering. Ok....do I have a good excuse for not getting the stick? Guess not! Hey, didn't I see you guys shaving in the car....oh......that's right you have the manual transmission! Hee, hee.;)

automatic isnt an option in the uk.

you can't have a sportscar with AT - it's just a rule here - it's like drinking alcohol free beer - you'd be laughed AT

i wish it were like that here in the states. no auto = 99% of idiots would be off the streets.

Auto=idiots, I think not!
 

Watch it tribal! Idiots hmmmm.....who are the ones that drive crazy and risk peoples lives and hit tree's and cause accidents....I bet most of those idiots are driving stick!!

Nah, that would be teenagers, they get their own category :)

Tribal worded it carefully - not to say auto=idiots necessarily, but I think something more like speculating the majority of those who don't pay as much attention on the roads as they should, drive autos.

ahh, europe...where things like the autobahn can actually work right.

I agree
 

Many people don't pay as much attention as they should.....the most I eat while driving is an ice cream......and the cell phone is a distracting item I think even though we think we can do both. I think you are right about the teenager part too, but there are so people who have never outgrown that stage....case in point ,my 33 year old brother in his Mustang GT and motorcycle...I guess it's an adrenaline rush. :p

Well, one good reason to get the Auto is you don't have to worry about the missing HP/dyno mystery;)

People who opt for the Auto know what they are getting and are happy with it. I say more power to them.

Yes I am getting the manual. But I've driven both, and the auto ain't bad. Use the steering wheel shifters, keep the revs up, and it's quite fun! My wife gets no joy from a manual, yes she can drive one, but hates it. Back when we she had a manual, she'd drive odd routes just to avoid hills, she'll never own a manual again. That's just her, I don't per her down for it.

When I'm in a sporty mood, nothing but a manual will do. But stuck in traffic for everyday driving, I'll take an auto. Having said all this, I gotta have the manual! Now if MAZDA would come out with a SMG-like option for the high power, that would be another story. (But I really doubt we'll see that in '05)

Automatic
 

I got the automatic for the simple reason that my wife wouldn't let me get the RX-8 unless she could drive it also.

For those of you out there in relationships - a great way of ending your relationship is trying to teach your wife or girlfriend how to drive a 6 speed manual. You will tear up the tranny - but it will be under warranty.

I took the six speed home to my wife during the test drive and she hated it.

I loved it.

Is this really true? If so then it's one less thing to worry about when mine comes in.

btw - I tried searching through the HP/dyno threads but couldn't find any info about it.

I'm very happy with my manual, but what if Mazda had equipped it with CVT multitronic! That would have been awesome. Throw in the hydractive suspension from Citroen Activa, and you have the ultimate car!

I admit I'm an engineer:)

/Elak

I wish I were getting the the AT. That's what I went to buy since I live and drive in Manhattan- mostly drive at night. But I chose the 6 speed after a dissapointing test drive in tne AT. I dont even think it's an issue of less HP being in the AT- since you wouldnt see it unless at top RPM- it think it's the engines low torgue that is the issue. I modified my Probe GT auto with a Greddy catback exhaust, K&N intake, and CHip for fule and VRIS opening earlier. Really made the car come alive. I just couldn't get a new car that was slower (off the line) than my current car. The 8 in AT really did come alive at 3500 rpm or so- and then definitely better accelration than my Probe's mazda 6 clyander.
And I think the AT's paddle shifiting is great- letting you truly choose the gearing (up to redline) unline other paddle system I have test driven- that end up shifing for you.


I get the 6 speed RX8 in a day or two, and time will tell If I am happy with it or not. Luckily my Girlfriend learned on a stick- so that is ok. It will be interesting to see in anyone with the AT does any bolt on mods- and if it helps.

BTW a salesman told me someone on his test drive had it up to 70 MPH in 2nd gear- so I think this car wiull need much less shifting than a traditional manual.

CVT Tranny
 

I agree that if a CVT tranny was used by mazda it would be much better. What I am most disappointed about is the fact the automatic is a four speed and not a five speed like some of the newer cars. I wonder why Mazda didn't use a five speed auto...

Correct me if I am wrong, but possibly the funding was low on developing a 5 speed automatic. Simply the transmission couldnt take the high revs the rotary produces, so they reduced the number of ports.