NEWB needs help, please read
 

Ok guys and girls, I'm a newb, but I know how forums work. I know I need to read and use the search feature, but I would like to hear what some of yall have to say straight up.

How do yall like yalls 8's? Any thing that annoys you about them?

Me and the g/f are thinking about getting one, but I'm doing some research before we decide.

I know AT cars have less HP than MT cars, due to drivertrain loss, but what's this I read about how the MT's have 6 intake ports, while the AT has 4 intake ports?

I'm new to the Rotary, I know the basics, but if someone could explain the difference with the intake ports, it would be much appreciated.

We plan on getting an AT because the woman doesn't want to drive a MT. Sucks for me, but oh well.

Any input yall can give me would be great and much appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

Re: NEWB needs help, please read
 

Generally, we like our 8s just fine! :D They're great cars, an unbeatable blend of performance, sportiness, practicality, and reasonable cost. If you buy, know how to prevent flooding the engine (when you start it from cold, let it warm up a few minutes before turning it off again - that's all), and know that fuel mileage isn't great. Those are the only significant complaints, it seems.

The AT power difference isn't due to drivetrain loss - the Mazda 4 speed automatic transmission can't handle engine revs over 7500 rpm. The high-power version of the engine used in the MT car revs to over 9000 rpm, and the extra power (238@8500 rpm) is all in the rpm range from 7500 to 9000. Since the auto trans can't handle the revs, Mazda did a different version of the Renesis engine that doesn't have the extra intake ports or the extra branch of the intake manifold - they are only usefull at the higher rpm, which the auto trans can't handle and so they don't need.

For 2006, Mazda will change the AT offering to a 5 speed unit that can handle the high-power engines's revs and power, as well as offering a 6 speed SMG. If you can't wait, I highly recommend getting your woman to learn to drive a MT! ;)

Regards,
Gordon

Yo noob, if you know how forums work and how to use the search feature then why don't you do so? There are like a gazillion comments that address your question "straight up", its not like you're the first person to ever think of this question.

Also, for the good of everyone on the forum please use a more descriptive thread title next time. Something like "What are your impressions of the 8?" instead of a vague "Need help." This will help everyone use the forum more efficiently. Thanks dude.

Thank you Gord96BRG, for your informative and helpful reply, it was much appreciated.