I know there is always a slight performance drop with AT vs getting a MT, but I have heard for the RX-8 equates to about 35 HP. Since I am arguing with my wife about getting a MT, could I except to see a significant (noticeable) performance decrease? And would using the sport-shift manual setting on the tranny allow better control to make up some of that lost performance?

Also a few morequestions since my research time is limited; What is the “Grand Touring” package? And is the 2004 model a 4-spd AT, while the 2005+ a 6-spd AT?

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Go with the M/T if you want the horsepower. The power output of the M/T is a good 50 hp over the A/T engine. Designed that way because the auto trans could not handle the output of the manual trans motor. The A/T equipped engine does not have the auxillary intake as the manual trans so hp is dropped a bunch. Add onto that the power loss that comes with an auto and you go from a rocket to a lawn chairin the drivers seat. Test drive a few and you will see the difference. Have been able to launch a stick 8 up to 140 mph off an onramp in my area that an auto will barely push 100 and trying hard.
RX8 did not get the 6 speed A/T untill 2006. Link below to options available with Grand Touring at www.mazdausa.com

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...ehicleCode=RX8