murix

I must also mention, like Xyntax with his excellent reasons, I bought the base model as I viewed it as the most performance oriented model. I consider it the track model. All the performance with none of the frills. Brilliant decision by Mazda.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

some excellent points made by everyone from both sides guys, makes my decision harder! lol

well i did own a 2nd gen RX-7 for the last couple years, so I have a good feel about driving rwd in rain. never driven it in snow though, I let the Protege do the dirty work during winter, heh.

winter tires will probably be the best 'mod' for winter driving

G8rboy

Even though I have a GT, I think I can add some perspective being that I came from a Miata (lightweight, RWD, no bells and whistles... much like the base model RX8) that I drove year-round, including the snow.

The HID's definitely help my night vision- I had to upgrade my Miata's headlights to Silverstars make our dark, twisty, non-lit, no reflectors backroads driveable during the winter... but the 8's HID's are just in a different league altogether. As for DSC/TCS- I really, really enjoyed the Miata in the winter- I loved being able to modulate my tail wagging with the throttle thanks to it's perfect weight balance. DSC/TCS was not a must for me, but after driving last winter with it, I'm really glad I have it now... it's nice to have that comfort zone in case I hit a patch of ice or some other unforeseen problem causes under/oversteer... and it can be turned off when you want to have fun (like driving on frozen lake Geneva :D).

also wanted to mention that Xyntax made some good points, except about DSC/TCS robbing power. The only time that the ECU cuts power is on wheelspin, as in a hard shift causing chirping while going from 1-2 or 2-3... so that's hardly everyday driving (unless you're racing from stoplight to stoplight. I don't have proof, but I believe that somewhere in the 'L' or 'M' flash Mazda modified the DSC/TCS code, because I feel it interferes even less now, including the bog on a hard 1st-2nd gear shift.

Just my $.02...

fluque

ZommZoom, I was debating the same issue back in January (base vs. sports). Eventually decided for the base model. My reasons:

- Fog lights: I've had them in other cars and other than looking good did not make a difference to me (some might argue this). Still you can get them for $570 if you have the urge down the road.
- DSC/TC: Nice to have but I figured I was going to have it off most of the time as I dislike having traction control kicking in.

Consider you will have to spend additional money on winter tires/wheels that don't come cheap ($1k). I also live in Northern VA and would buy the exact same car again: an RX-8 with a "pure soul". v

HeelnToe

Is that true? Because I can spin the wheels to the point of wheel hop (from a full stop) before the TC kicks in.

But I also have a nasty bog immediately after every hard shift where the power is cut for a second after nailing the throttle after each shift. I've been trying to figure out if it's a mechanical problem, or a quirk of the TC. Opinions vary.

I've suspected it's the TC, but it's odd I can spin the wheels freely from a stop, yet it might be cutting the power if it senses so much as a little chirp after shifts...?

dodo

I skidded off the road in a miata doing like 25 mph in the Bay Area. How?
- cold cold winter night (no snow or ice though)
- wet floor after some rain (not during the rain)
- accelerating in a turn from a stop (it is not a right angle turn and I've taken that turn accelerating much faster many times and I was in second gear, not first)
- it happened less than 1 mile from where I was parked
- I was driving on a solid white painted line
- and the key problem (I think): the freaking cold hard summer performance tires hasn't warmed up yet! Summer performance tires have terrible grip when cold, hard and wet. Expensive lesson

May be having DSC/TC would have saved me more $$$ than just car repair costs.
You never know when you'll need it.

-d

Mazdax605

I live in New England and I have a base 6 speed.I have only had it a few months but I don't regret getting the base so far.I was looking for ultimate performance,and will not be using it when the snow flies so I figured why spend the money on something I don't really need.I wanted the sport package,but then again I wanted the GT package as well with the NAV,but like I said I wanted ultimate performance,and low price so I went with the base.I think it is a lot of bang for the buck.I think you can't make a bad choice with any RX-8 regardless of package or color.Good luck.

G8rboy

I don't know about the Dunlops that some people have on their 8's, but the Potenza's thati have suck in the cold... anything below freezing and they're hard as rocks. You probably had the same on your Miata since Mazda has been OEMing them for many years. Throw in some wet roads as you mention and the car has nearly zero traction...

bcrothers

Hmmm, perhaps something I should try. Gunning it around a corner in the rain.

But everytime I've had the DSC kick in, I've been gunning it around a corner on dry pavement. Which is exactly what you should be doing. Slow going in, fast coming out. And the DSC will save your butt!

DSC makes you a better driver and will keep you out of the ditch.

JHMO,
Bob in Indy

stauburn

I love my base it had everything I wanted ....

G8rboy

Yeah- you can't take advice like that from someone living in SoCal... that's the definition of "no concept of slick surfaces"

psionic1

we had our first rain storm here last night (SF bay area), and this morning on the way to work, I almost lost it.

I have a base 8, and in a passing lane going around a slight bend the rear end just slid out. I am an experienced driver and know how to correct for that, but it totally took me by surprise as I wasn't going that fast, and only leaned into the throttle a little to pass some of the slower cars.

A light weight car, rear wheel drive and slick roads are always going to be a little precarious. I wish I had the DCS, but if you are carefull, you can live without it.

The headlights are fine...

brillo

I love my base model. its light weight and I've never missed the TCS or the lights. I'm taking that $1000 for the sports package and buying the full MS suspension kit instead.

Xyntax

"Everytime I hear my tires chirp and I get thrown back to my seat, my soul thanks me for getting the base RX-8" :D

I have to agree with Murix considering this model as the track model. It's a barebones performance model without compromising essentials.

When I was in the process of buying the RX-8, the Salesmen were having a hard time trying to discourage me from getting the base model. They just couldn't beat the reasons I had. When the RX-8s first came out, it was so hard to find a base model. For some reason, they were making 1 base model per 10 GT models or Sports package. I guess the only option I wanted to get for my base model was the Nav. But then, there was no way that could ever happen. I just thought that flipflop screen was really cool :D

Soundave

Hehe, after listening to all these horror stories about skidding and sliding I'm just glad to be living in California.

2nd Alarm

I have the base model, and I have no regrets. It's a blast to get the back end moving when making sharp turn in 2nd. It does get a little loose in the wet, but I think better tires would solve that problem. If you get out and play with your car you will find that it is very predictable.

KKMmaniac

I've got the base 6 speed:

I can't compare it to a version w/DSC etc. because I haven't driven one, but with winter tires I got through a winter just fine. Handling is very predictable, as far as traction: well, it does take a while to "hook-up" in the snow. All in all, not bad considering I traded a WRX for it.

Maybe the HID lights are better, but of all (halogen) lighted cars I've owned, these lights have the best, most useful pattern. I make consider Silverstar bulbs, but so far, no big gripes.

Plus, I prefer the looks without foglamps. (they would be nice to have in inclement weather though)

rotaryDemon

you may want to see if you can get the GT package for the cost of the base model. it worked for me. just don't let the sales guy know you want the car.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

the thing is, I DON'T want GT pkg.... Sport or Base are the only trims i want.... extra weight, BAAAAAAAD

idriverx8

I own the 6 speed base and am completely happy. Dont waste your money on any other model. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah on a mountain and it snowed a ton last lear. I bought some Dunlop wintersports and had no problems whatsoever. I pushed through 3-4 inches of snow with no prob. I'm sure it would have trouble with 6+ inches but the dsc wouldn't help with that much snow either. I look at it this way, if your planning on driving in the snow then you will absolutely need ice compound tires. With the limited slip on a base model you have both back wheels spinning anyway so why is the dsc necesary just learn some throttle control. Which brings me to my next point learning to drive. I am a former Tractor Trailer driver for Fed Ex. I also was a courier for them for 8 years. I have been through countless hours of driver training and I used to think of my self as a good driver. I started autocrossing my RX8 last year. I quickly learned I was a terrible driver along with all the other idiots out there(anyone who thinks of themself as a good driver I would highly recommend going autocrossing and getting yourself humbled by a neon or some other p.o.s.). I spun my car and was way out of control my 1st few events. But now I am getting much better and I know the limits of my car. I now think of myself as a just below average driver in a world of people with no clue on how to really drive and avoid accidents. Even on a local level there are some amazing drivers out there (so lots of room for impovement).
Ok enough rambling. Buy a base model and snow tires and learn how to drive by attending at least 2 or 3 autocross events yearly. Oh yeah you wont get that money back when it comes to resale you never do on upgrades.

nt5k

Didn't think software could make a car heavier..

Ellar

Good, because it wouldn't.

G8rboy

Well, the gyroscope must weigh a pound or two

dodo

I skidded and I live in California, not far from where you live!
Changing the tires is probably a good idea, but that's at least $600.

-d

RX8SpdDmn

I picked up my '04 with Sport Package Friday morning. I personally didn't want the stability control, but reaaaaaallllly wanted the xenon HIDs. I figured that it would be good to have the DSC, though, incase someone else was driving the car. That night, I took my uncle for a ride and I turned the DSC off for myself. I forgot to reengage it for him when I let him take the wheel. It was wet out and we were coming around a tight right hand bend. The tail started to come out. I felt it and all I could get out in time was "Watch it!", but it was already too late, as that fraction of a second reaction time allowed the rear end to get ahead of him and sent the car into the grass, taking out a metal stake in the process. I didn't really care about the car, but just didn't want him to feel bad. We got lucky, though. It seems that the tire itself hit the stake and simply bent it right over in the soft, wet ground. I washed the car Monday night and couldn't find a mark on it!

Lesson learned: Have DSC on if you're gonna reliquish the wheel to anyone else!
Also, xenons are cool ; )
Get the sport pack. The DSC could save you and the car.