Most liked posts in thread: Stick vs Manual: the debate goes on

No, It comes down to whether you have to shift it or not, it doesn't matter how it does it.

Dave

 

But you can do both...........

 

But we aren't talking about the slush-box auto's, these are manual trannys that simply engages the clutch and changes gear by computer vs a lever. Impossible to miss a shift and over rev an engine or to ruin a clutch by resting your foot on the pedal or holding your car in place by slipping the clutch. I will never buy a slush-box auto, but a DSG-type is definitely a possibility. It's a different kind of fun to fly thru the gears via a paddle or a "slap-stick" lever.

I like the "Automanual"......!

 

Is a CVT a manual?:wink: No torque converter, just a slipping belt between a variable sized pulley set up. Yuck!!!

 

rrr:

:biggrin5:

 

I like the idea of a Continuously Variable Transmission, but they have a long way to go before they can use it in higher horsepower applications.

Dave

 

Actually most CVT's have either a torque converter or a wet clutch between the pulley system and engine flywheel.

 

:cornut: My 6sd manual and clutch help me to pay closer attention to 'driving the car' and not being distracted from my driving. Just me.

Jason

 

Thanks for the CVT info, I had no idea. A wet crutch it is. :wink:

 

Maybe I have just driven crappy automatics but I just don't like them. Obviously they are easy and in busy city traffic I can see the appeal. For spirited driving though the auto simply can't see the road. Maybe I am holding a gear a bit long because I am about to hit an on ramp, I want to drop down a gear for the upcoming corner. As for the automated manuals, well I just haven't driven one yet. It's certainly a better option over a slush box but until I drive one I don't know.

I think one reason for the decline is availability, I know several people who wanted a manual but it was unavailable. It wasn't that it was not possible just that it was not on the lot or anywhere close, and they didn't feel like special ordering. So they settled for the auto.

I do think more people should at least try it.

 

Good thing I only have other guys with automatics on my mountain drives with me. Because lord knows, anyone following me with a manual transmission would be MISERABLE. Because, obviously, manuals are so much bettererer and give you so much more control that they'd be demonstrably faster in every performance-oriented situation.



Now, no question manuals or "dry clutch" trannies like DSG (however you might classify them) provide more efficient energy transfer than a torque-converter auto. And that, generally, manual trannies & clutches can support (or can be upgraded to support) higher torque transfer than the stock capabilities of most off-the-lot automatics. And that pushing that left pedal and doing heel-toe are fun skills to master.

But there are such broad differences between different torque converters, different auto shift control programming, shifting speed of the auto trannies themselves, programming for when you're using autos in "manual" mode, and the learned skill of wringing the most out of any given manual-shift slush box setup, that it's a little presumptuous to make sweeping generalizations until you've ridden shotgun with someone skilled at using a particular setup...

Not for a minute will I argue that a slush box is "as good" on the track.

But on the street, where most of our cars get almost all their miles, I think driver skill and situational awareness trumps just about everything else.

As for Mini automatics:
D - slushbox mode. OK if you like good gas mileage, or want to be lazy on the interstate. Likely to reinforce the "I hate automatics" opinion among experienced manual drivers.
SD - a different animal, but still lazy and still leaves you wondering why the car made certain decisions. Likely to make some folks say "this isn't as bad as I was expecting, but it's still an f-ing automatic"
SD w/manual shifting - you make the same kind of shifting decisions and actions as with a manual. You are in control (until you hit 6700 RPM or lug the engine). More forgiving of bad decisions than the manual. Less fun with tire chirping and burnouts than the manual. Less need for LSD than a manual. Faster shifting than most manual users.

 

I can't say I've ever drove an auto (er um hybrid auto) MINI. But when it comes to driving a manual I prefer a clutch pedal, also I find paddle shifters confusing, I know with a manual depending where my shifter is sitting what gear I'm in (yes I know speed and rpm can tell me that too). But with paddle shifters when I have drove non MINI's with them I'm always staring at the gauge cluster to see exactly what gear I am in.

One of these days I might go test drive an auto MINI. although I would never trade my R53 for one. I may consider adding an auto MINI to the stables though.

 

With the automatic, in manual mode, the car tells you what gear you are in. It's in the display on the tachometer.

Dave

 

^^^ Well said Nathan....

 

On another note, you simply can not text, hold your phone to your ear or put on make up, with a six speed manual.

Jim

 

You can eat a donut & drink coffee while shifting if you get your double donut clutch right.... :donut1:

 

Double donut clutch huh? A clutch is some kinda newfangled purse isn't it?
Jim.... Help me out here....

 

Jeez Chuck are you some kind of donut-phobe? :donut1:

 

Only if they match my galoshes....:ihih:

 

Here ya go

:donut1:

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