Should I get an automatic or manual RX-8?

This is a long debated question, one that I'm sure many can continue to debate for decades to come.

The answer is simple: Personal choice. It's your car, buy what YOU like.

With that said, I would honestly say that the RX-8 is best when mated with a manual transmission. The reason is simple, the torque converter in the automatic (this includes the new model that has a 6 speed automatic) cannot keep up with the high revs of the rotary engine. This is why the automatics have a much lower redline - 7500 rpm, compared to the 9000 redline of the manual. Peak efficiency is reached around 8500 rpm.

In order to compensate for the lower redline (and thus decreased power band), Mazda has changed the gearing of the automatic to give it similar 0-60 times, but the car is still held back by the rev limit.


I've spoken with people have learned to drive stick just so they could get the manual transmission - having heard the horror stories about deep seated regret for getting an auto only later trade it in for a MT.


None of this will take away from the car's handling or personality. You still get the good looks and styling, and with the 2006 automatic, similar horse power.

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User Comments


In Trinidad, the Rx8 transmisstion comes automtic with tiptronic. Is it the same thing compared to the manual?

Nate VG on October 25th, 2009

Clearly the MT is the only way to fly, but what say you about the GT model vs. the R3 as a daily driver/all rounder? The standard suspension seems so well sorted that I am somewhat leary of what I am told is a bone crushing ride. Any thoughts? Thanks, Steve

Steve on January 20th, 2010

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