Yeah right when I start up I turn DSC and TCS off. No need for it on.

 

I get similar fuel consumption on my 2009 sport a/t, with an overall average of around 23-24 mpg.

And, for those taking issue with "poor" relative fuel consumption, here are the independent EPA test ratings to objectively compare the 350z and RX-8 :

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/21654.shtml

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/21752.shtml

With automatic transmissions, they are virtually the same, with the Nissan having a slight advantage in the city rating. The RX-8 with manual transmission compares a bit less favorably due to its significantly lower gearing / higher revving.

 

I do not have TCS on my Eight so that is why it was not in the compare. The Z did but was a Enthusiasts model which was a higher trim level. The 350 also had Xenon lights too. You can't even buy a base Z with AT. Both Options I do not really miss.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xexok

TCS and DSC isn’t really that big of a deal, I love driving my rx8 and its missing both of those. :P

I had the lights professionally cleared at the dealer and then went back over it later with Meguiar's Plastx. It still has a white film.

 

Yea 6 speed rx8s for sure have the better mpg. I got 22 mpg average with a 700 mile trip all highway doing 75-85 in a manual rx8 so I assume it could have been a bit better if I stayed at 55 mph but thats no fun and risky on a 75 mph highway lol.

 

I got the same problem. I do a ton of Highway travel and if you go below 75, you ar toast.

 

Sure it does, I've got a 07 GT with 6spd auto, so EPA said 25 on hwy, and it runs about 2700 rpm @ 80mph vs the 3600-3700rpm's the manuals run.

Lots of other guys have claimed 27 mpg on the open road for a tank (autos).

I'll admit that that 27.1 was with summer fuel on a cool fall day with a 20mph wind to the back part of the way and on half way AC on, but I went to SA in March driving up some hills at 100mph for awhile, and settling down to the 80mph speed limit on I10, and I got 24 mpg.

"Hear me now and believe me later".

 

The DSC lies low until you get some tire squirrely so if you're on a mileage run it's not gonna drag brake to ruin gas mileage.

I like it on the track because it leaves you alone unless it needs to step in, and it saved the car at least 3 times from going off when I waited too late to brake.

I ran in the drizzle with a very slick track at up to 70mph when normal speed was 90mph, and I was one of the few that stayed on the track all day.

 

Yeah my DSC has saved the *** end of my car twice when going too fast on wet roads and not braking properly (I was still earning how to drive the 8 at the time). It kicks in when you need it and allows for the car to be VERY forgiving.

I only turn it on when it's raining/snowing, gives me piece of mind even if I never need it.

 

Well if the contamination is inside the lens, no matter how well you polish the outside, it won't fix it, would it? But you do raise a good point though.

OP, determine if the contamination is on the outside or inside by first cleaning/polishing the outside, then go somewhere a bit dark and turn on your headlamps. Turning them on lets you see (easier) where the contamination is.

 

Now it's a discussion on DSC? I don't understand the need to turn them off on public roads. The DSC system has a pretty high threshold. If you do manage to make it kick in, I think you should be saving those types of maneuvers for the track, unless you're doing donuts in a parking lot or practicing drift control in a remote back road.

 

Nub question:
When the DSC "kicks on" do any lights flash? Like when TCS kicks on?
I normally drive with DCS off unless it's raining. And I normally drive like a old lady when it's raining, so I'm not sure if I ever seen it in action.

 

I dunno. I've gotten 25-26 mpg on a tank before driving freeway miles the entire tank. That 70-75 mph seems to be the sweet spot.

 

Nah not really a big deal at all. Just the biggest leap forward in car safety since the airbag or seatbelt.

But it is more fun with those off on a CLOSED road.

 

I wouldn't know, Mazda chose not to include them in sport models. It cant be that big of a deal with safety if its something they are willing to take out. The car is a little bad in the rain but nothing that cannot be controlled with a lighter foot.

 

I also had a 350 (6speed), I loved that car and I really wanted to keep it but it didn't work out. I agreed with your right up for the most part other than the good gas milage. Although maybe I was just speeding everywhere =P
And I turn off my DSC as soon as I put my seat belt on every time I drive.

 

I believe you'll actually get better mpg at 75 mph than 55 mph. With most cars that's probably not the case, but I believe it is with the rx8.

 

Especially with the Auto since it's geared up real high.

I agree 75 is a sweet spot for my 6spd auto, and even my Dakota PU, but if the wind is in front it's hard to tell.

 

+1 on that.

 

75 is the sweet spot for my 6-speed as well, I net 22~23mpg off that

 

I think they share the same light on the dash, I've definitely seen it when accelerating on a wet road (TCS), and I saw it once when I was taking a turn too hot (DSC, probably).

 

This is what my lights look like right now after many attempts to clean them. They have this haze I can't get rid of. I think I need to clean them from the inside like stated above. I hope I didn't over do it, it has a a tacky layer on it.

 

Check out one of these discussions: Headlight Restoration, Headlight oxidation.

 

Try using Goo Gone... don't forget to wash with soap and water afterwards.

 

I'll try that. I'm planning on getting the Turtle wax stuff and trying that out.

 

He's probably right. I get 20+ on mine in town if I drive it like a sane person....or is it when I drive it like a sane person. How the hell does a sane person drive?????? Oh yeah, thats the guy in the caddy in front of me...well, behind me with the big eyes.....

No BS..I got mid 20's recently on a short road trip at around 70-75 mph