Hi guys,

thanks for checking this thread out. I'm trying to narrow down the choices for what type of rx-8 I want to buy. It would be
ideal for me to purchase an automatic Rx-8 so that my fiancee can also drive the vehicle once in a while.

I'm not going to be taking the car to the track or anything like that but if the performance is severely affected by the auto transmission
then i'm not even going to bother considering it.

So i'm just wondering:

What are the performance figures between the auto and manual.
Are there any significant disadvantages to an auto versus the manual.
Are there any significant advantages to the auto versus the manual.

Thanks guys,

really appreciate all the help.

 

Big performance hit on 04 and 05 autos as they had a weaker engine then the manual, not as much on the 06+ autos as they use the same engine as the manual with a lower redline. Still though, it is more than a second longer 0-60 in the automatic.

Personally, I've spent one week driving a stick (RX-8), and aside from traffic, enjoy it even when making mistakes.

 

I have the A/T because of two back surgeries. Yes there is less hp in the auto and 0-60 are about 1-2 sec slower but mpg are a little more. These are approximates and very with 4spd-auto, 6-spd-auto, 5 or 6 spd stick and years 2004-2008.

 

It is correct that the A/T GS models do not have a rear LSD? Would that effect cornering?

 

You could always just buy a manual and swap out the fiancee.

 

lol

Thanks for the input guys.

Looks like I'm gonna go with a manual.

 

I would correct that for you, MPG IS HUGELY MORE ON THE AT

I have driven both, I have owned an AT and now own an MT rx8 (I'm going back to racing)

I will tell you now, the AT tranny, in the long run, without alot of abusive driving, will probably have less problems than the MT tranny, even though it is slower

don't believe me? go to the tech garage, or just type in search "transmission problems" don't deny it people............

I used to get about 250-280 per tank on the AT

the last 4 tanks on my MT was ranging anywhere from 180-212.76
same road, same driver, same driving habit, same shift, everything, the MT just drinks more gas

period

if you just want a daily driver, have occasional fun, or not really into car stuff and just wants a good looking, fun car

just get an AT and make it easier on yourself, if u want more hp and a 6spd, then get 06-07

 

If the AT has the "sport package" installed, it has a LSD.

 

even the base model ATs have LSD

 

part of the beauty of this car is that it makes you feel connected to the road and to the car. An automatic really spoils that connected feeling. If that doesn't bother you, get an automatic.

I'd recommend teaching your girl to drive stick personally, but if you do that she might drive it more then you will.

 

get the 6spd, end of story.

 

you could always teach her how to drive a manual

 

this entire thread is moot since once you get the car you'll never let her drive it anyway.

 

see sig regarding females and 8's!

 

It's a trade off. There are a few transmission issues, but with the AT you get the lower redline and an increased chance of engine complications that the MT wouldn't have.

Given the choice between engine replacement or transmission replacement, the transmission is the cheaper of the two.


Invalid comparison. Every RX-8 is different. We have numerious posts on this forum of people who've bought a second RX-8 and found gas mileage to be much better or much worse, same driver, same gas, same transmission.


Get an AT if you want less fun. Period.

 

What evidence can you possibly give for that when most of the engine replacements have been on AT cars? Stop talking out your ***.

Better yet, stop altogether.

 

what a load of bollocks

 

Are there any major differences b/w transmissions from 2004-2007? Looks like you guys have convinced me to get the manual, I'll just teach her how to drive it

 

Transmission is the same in all MT US cars.
As far as reliability, there are 2 main reasons there are fewer people with auto transmission problems: A small fraction of the owners on here have AT's, and AT drivers don't tend to drive as hard as MT drivers.

 

why not get a mazda6 in A/T if automatic is a concern? IMHO, the rx-8 should never been offered with automatic.