Automatic Anyone?
04-18-2003 | 05:37 AM
#55
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Guildford
Over in Europe, we are not even being offered an automatic option. Both engine derivatives here come with manual gearboxes only (5speed on the lower power manual).
I guess they knew what we'd say to an automatic :p
On the whole 'automatics vs manual' debate, the vast majority of cars sold in Europe are manual. Automatics tend to be on the luxury sedan cars mostly.
Here you have to learn in a manual if you ever want to drive one !
Electronically controlled, hydaulically actuated, manual gearboxes (the true F1 paddle shifters) are becoming more popular here though.
I've tried a few, and while the shifting is certainly quick, it is still not as predictable or smooth as manual shifting. The new DSG box that Audi are putting in the V6 TT is supposed to be the future of gearboxes. 2 clutches, and it preselects the next gear for you behind the second clutch, or something.
I guess they knew what we'd say to an automatic :p
On the whole 'automatics vs manual' debate, the vast majority of cars sold in Europe are manual. Automatics tend to be on the luxury sedan cars mostly.
Here you have to learn in a manual if you ever want to drive one !
Electronically controlled, hydaulically actuated, manual gearboxes (the true F1 paddle shifters) are becoming more popular here though.
I've tried a few, and while the shifting is certainly quick, it is still not as predictable or smooth as manual shifting. The new DSG box that Audi are putting in the V6 TT is supposed to be the future of gearboxes. 2 clutches, and it preselects the next gear for you behind the second clutch, or something.
04-18-2003 | 02:06 PM
#56
Registered
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 7
From: Around
I wrote this on another Auto thread:
I ran the simulation in cartest2000 with all the correct specs including the custom torque/hp curve for the manual and auto both with only the driver and loaded with passengers and stuff. I assumed sport suspension and 18 inch weel/tires for all the cars. The manual numbers are very consistent with current magazines' tests so I presume the auto should be very close too. Here we go:
NOTE: ALL THIS INFO IS FROM A PERFORMANCE SIMULATION SOFTWARE, REAL NUMBERS MAY BE CLOSE OR NOT AT ALL
........................Manual.....Manual(loaded). .....Auto.....Auto (loaded)
Curb Weight.....3029............3029..................3 053.........3053
Test Weight......3219............3765.................. 3243.........3790
0-60..................5.98.............6.77......... ..........7.30..........8.23
0-100...............15.50............17.74.......... .......20.47.......23.83
0-1/4 mile.........14.47...........15.15................ .15.42........16.08
@mph...............97.87...........94.32.......... .......88.51........85.37
fuel econ..........20/30...........19/29.................27/36.......24/34
(cty/hwy)
From what I saw here, it seems the auto will move close to the way the manual will do when loaded up...
I ran the simulation in cartest2000 with all the correct specs including the custom torque/hp curve for the manual and auto both with only the driver and loaded with passengers and stuff. I assumed sport suspension and 18 inch weel/tires for all the cars. The manual numbers are very consistent with current magazines' tests so I presume the auto should be very close too. Here we go:
NOTE: ALL THIS INFO IS FROM A PERFORMANCE SIMULATION SOFTWARE, REAL NUMBERS MAY BE CLOSE OR NOT AT ALL
........................Manual.....Manual(loaded). .....Auto.....Auto (loaded)
Curb Weight.....3029............3029..................3 053.........3053
Test Weight......3219............3765.................. 3243.........3790
0-60..................5.98.............6.77......... ..........7.30..........8.23
0-100...............15.50............17.74.......... .......20.47.......23.83
0-1/4 mile.........14.47...........15.15................ .15.42........16.08
@mph...............97.87...........94.32.......... .......88.51........85.37
fuel econ..........20/30...........19/29.................27/36.......24/34
(cty/hwy)
From what I saw here, it seems the auto will move close to the way the manual will do when loaded up...
04-18-2003 | 02:42 PM
#57
Sunlight GT
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: VA
Originally posted by Haris
When I am ready to buy my next car, it will for sure be automatic. WHY? Because automatic transmissions are made way more sophisticated than manual trannies. Also automatic transmission is well known to be able to run big HP numbered cars than manual trannies. Also, I could bet that if mazda had put at least 5 speed auto in RX8 vs. 6 speed manual, from straight line, it auto would probably win. Why? Shifts gears faster than any human on the earth and also most people that buy manuals for fun aren't professionals and really don't know how to drive manuals like pros. I'll wait few years to see if mazda is releasing 4th gen RX7 and I'll probably get it with auto. Or maybe if mazda adds 5 speed auto to RX8 then that would be good too. Or I may just forget about rotary and get mazda6 hatchback auto that runs mid to high 15's for auto and low 15's for 5 speed manual (and thats only when pros drive it!
)
When I am ready to buy my next car, it will for sure be automatic. WHY? Because automatic transmissions are made way more sophisticated than manual trannies. Also automatic transmission is well known to be able to run big HP numbered cars than manual trannies. Also, I could bet that if mazda had put at least 5 speed auto in RX8 vs. 6 speed manual, from straight line, it auto would probably win. Why? Shifts gears faster than any human on the earth and also most people that buy manuals for fun aren't professionals and really don't know how to drive manuals like pros. I'll wait few years to see if mazda is releasing 4th gen RX7 and I'll probably get it with auto. Or maybe if mazda adds 5 speed auto to RX8 then that would be good too. Or I may just forget about rotary and get mazda6 hatchback auto that runs mid to high 15's for auto and low 15's for 5 speed manual (and thats only when pros drive it!
)
Manuals are more fun to drive anyday than automatics. You get total control on the engine.
Last edited by Maximus; 04-18-2003 at 02:56 PM.
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