Hi ya Kevin,
In your opinion how much difference could you get in the twisties from a manual? I mean the 0-60 dash isn't that much different so just wondering if there would be a dramatic effect on country lanes?
Yes, out and out acceleration might not be much different, although it can't fail to be improved with a manual, if it's peddled competently.
I'd also add that it probably depends on your driving style.
What I find frustrating about the auto is that unless you hold it down into 2nd and keep the revs high all the time, it's up and down the box all the time, and often changes down half way round a bend, and up again with the slightest lift of the throttle, which is not helpful.
The other issue is that it provides very little engine braking to speak of, even in a low gear, because you have the soggy coupling of the torque converter between engine and wheels.
With a manual, you can set the car up in the right gear for the speed before a bend, and you then have a range from flat out acceleration to considerable engine braking available without moving your foot from the accelerator.
On an auto you have to use the brake to get any significant braking. To get to the brake you have to come off the throttle, whereby the engine settles practically to an idle (even when 2nd is manually selected the RPM drops pretty significantly). When the time comes to get back on the throttle, there's a delay while revs rise again, and then the power comes in with a bang, perhaps even an unexpected downshift of the box.
yes, I know some will tell me to left foot brake. No, thanks. I value my ability to still be able to drive a manual.
The auto's gear ratios are too few and too widely spaced. Where's the fun in pushing it to the red line, only to find you lose 2500 RPM changing up and the engine's flat?
Does it make any difference speed wise? I don't know. Maybe I peddle an auto along as quick as a manual when I stick with it, and ultimate speed on a public road is not my primary concern. The
experience of driving a manual "enthusiastically" is just so much more satisfying IMHO. Getting every gear change smooth, with a little blip of the throttle on downshifts to match the revs, slipping the clutch and feeding in the power just enough to get a smooth launch without wheel spin or letting the engine bog down etc. It's lovely stuff, which is all lost with an auto.
I should say that the above is just the opinion of one driver with very average driving ability and no special training or skills, other than a passion for enjoying the open road in a nice car.
I have aheard all the auto/manual qarguments many times before. They haven't altered what I, personally, find
satisfying on the road.
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Topic: I am So torn... (Read 8430 times)