My wife wants to buy an RX8. I am wondering if upgrading to get the dynamic stability control is worthwhile. I own a miata, and find the backend can spin out in wet weather if you are not careful. Will DSO help with this? Is this even a problem on the RX8?

Thanks in advance,

Oliver

 

The DSC works wonders with keeping this car in line. If you have any worries about the car snapping out on you (especially in the wet) it's probably in your best interest to spring for the sport package so you can get it. This car is slightly jumpy in the rain if you get on it a bit, but nothing the DSC wouldn't take care of promptly. I've only managed to activate it intentionally, so it's not intrusive in your everyday driving and it works very well when it does engage.

 

Oliverks, I don't know where you live but here in Canada (and anywhere else that has snow), I highly recommend having the DSC. I tried driving in the snow once with DSC turned off and found the rear end slipping. If you live in warm climate areas then maybe you can do without.

 

I drove in the rain for the first time in the 8 and had it on and it worked great.

 

I have driven in slippery conditions with and without it on, and I love it. It works amazingly well at keeping the car pointed forward and keeping you from sliding around.

 

Just to add a little more to the Pro DSC theme of these posts expect it to become standard on cars in the near future. GM will by 2010 and studies show major reductions in single car accidents.

http://washingtontimes.com/upi-break...2209-8930r.htm

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.as...9&nav=0RaPVrS2

 

OK, this thread is really making me feel bad about not getting the sport package...

I've driven in the rain and I have not (THANK GOD) had any issues with my 8. With that said, I would go with DSC if I had the extra $1,000 simply because of the safety factor. It really (there is a video on this site some place) makes a difference in bad weather when you are driving kind of stupid. If you just relax and take it easy in the rain or snow...you will be OK, but...

I can't stress this enough...stuff happens even when you are being safe so having the DSC really gives you that extra protection. I just wish it was a stand alone option and it went for $500.

OR, that you could add it later....

 

I have DSC but prefer to drive with it off most of the time. After playing with it in several conditions (wet, snow, slush, and dry). I'm impressed with how well it works. It's great for inexperianced or inatentative drivers and I'm sure it has saved many RX8's from going out of control.

I make sure it's on when my wife who is not as experianced as I am drives the RX8. After trying it in the RX8, I wish I would have gotten it in my wifes MPV, it was an expensive option, but now after playing with the RX8 I think it would have been worth it.

 

I will never purchase another car without DSC.

 

It’s better than going off the road and you can always turn it off.

I am very glad I have it because I am running the stock tires in cold weather and it is come on at times when I wouldn’t have expected it like on dry roads in a straight line. It works very well. If I had snow tires and I drove the car in the snow I would certainly want it then.

 

Most of the 'enthusiast' drivers seem to just turn it off when they want to have a lil fun with the car. It kind of butts in when its dry out and your looking to spin the tires a bit or whatnot. That being said, in bad weather it helps quite a bit, but even driving slow, when you hit a patch of black ice, DSC isn't going to help you much at all , out of control is out of control :D . So if you don't live in a place where you get bad weather i'd say not to pay for it. If you do, then it's prob worth it.

-Rupes

 

I agree! It's also helpful in the rain.

I had it turned off and this happened:

 

^^^ dude your car is totaly custom now, where can i get that done?

-Rupes

 

I turned mine off too

 

Just let me drive it on the highway in the pouring rain with DSC/TCS off :D

 

Ok, you win!

 

Ouch! Both you guys (khtm and jaisin) got roughed up bad! I noticed that somehow both cars were the cursed silver.

 

i wish i had it to turn off..
mine is only base

 

Its very Helpful and has saved my butt a couple of time in the rain!

 

You noticed wrong! Mine's Ti.

 

I have a base also but if you can get DSC...get it, it's a safety thing...

 

The DSC in the RX-8 helps a lot, especially on wet roads and in tight curves. Besides that, it's not a total fun killer and still allows some drifting at lower speeds. I think for everyday drivng it's a definite increase in security and well worth the money.

 

I turned it off once just to see what happens.
All I can say - I'll NEVER do it again under no circumstances.

 

It's not working unless the dash light comes on. When the light's on, it's working to keep your car as stable as possible. That's why you can slide the car a bit before it'll suddenly "catch" and track straight (which conveniently happens at about the exact same time that light comes on).