The Stick Shift
#32
You're quite correct. If the car only has two pedals it is regarded as an automatic for licencing purposes. The holder of an automatic licence can drive a manual car provided they are accompanied by a qualified driver over the age of 21, display "L" plates, and they do not exceed 45mph.
#33
Haven't checked recently, but even 5 years ago, before I got my G35 coupe, I was also looking at BMW, & the salesman told me that less than 20% of the 3-series they sold have manual transmissions, & they don't even stock them, you most likely have to factory order if you want a manual.
The 525/528/530/535/550 is a whole different story - finding one of those sitting around on a dealer in manual is/was almost impossible.
So in short, BMW still makes a lot in manual (20% sounds about right) - but that is way down from where they used to be.
#34
Pole Position
- Power efficiency (less parasitic driveline loss)
- Better gas mileage (new 6-8 speed autos are as gas thrifty)
- Rev control (blipping on newer dsg style manumatics offer the same precision)
those have been effectively nullified by recent advancements in the autos. For specialized race vehicles a la Dodge Viper ACR, I can see stickshifts as a nice option, but on regular road vehicles? Seriously, why? To stroke your own "sports car" ego? Seriously, as I said on another thread, after owning 2 500hp Supra TTs, S2000, and 500hp Evo IX all with sticks...yes they were fun for the track, but for everyday driving, i would have opted for a DSG style manumatic anyday (and with the recent advances in the tech, i would of loved to try it at the track as well).
#36
Why is it "true sports" to you? F1 cars have sequential automatics a la MR2 Spyder / Sportsbikes. That's as true sports as you can get. And the typical advantages of sticks in recent years:
- Power efficiency (less parasitic driveline loss)
- Better gas mileage (new 6-8 speed autos are as gas thrifty)
- Rev control (blipping on newer dsg style manumatics offer the same precision)
those have been effectively nullified by recent advancements in the autos. For specialized race vehicles a la Dodge Viper ACR, I can see stickshifts as a nice option, but on regular road vehicles? Seriously, why? To stroke your own "sports car" ego? Seriously, as I said on another thread, after owning 2 500hp Supra TTs, S2000, and 500hp Evo IX all with sticks...yes they were fun for the track, but for everyday driving, i would have opted for a DSG style manumatic anyday (and with the recent advances in the tech, i would of loved to try it at the track as well).
- Power efficiency (less parasitic driveline loss)
- Better gas mileage (new 6-8 speed autos are as gas thrifty)
- Rev control (blipping on newer dsg style manumatics offer the same precision)
those have been effectively nullified by recent advancements in the autos. For specialized race vehicles a la Dodge Viper ACR, I can see stickshifts as a nice option, but on regular road vehicles? Seriously, why? To stroke your own "sports car" ego? Seriously, as I said on another thread, after owning 2 500hp Supra TTs, S2000, and 500hp Evo IX all with sticks...yes they were fun for the track, but for everyday driving, i would have opted for a DSG style manumatic anyday (and with the recent advances in the tech, i would of loved to try it at the track as well).
IF, I were planning on taking this car to the track a lot, I probably would have gone SMG, but for a daily driver, having a manual transmission rocks.
I do agree with blacksc400 that having an auto and a stick would be the best of both worlds.
#37
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I think I get frustrated because I have so few friends that actually know how to drive a stick. Last road trip we took I had the most reliable and fuel efficient car and I drove the whole 12 hours because no one else could. At the same time, I never have to let anyone borrow my car.
5 years from now I would love to buy a used GS or IS350 with a 6MT. But it doesn't look like it is meant to be.
5 years from now I would love to buy a used GS or IS350 with a 6MT. But it doesn't look like it is meant to be.
#38
Pole Position
I think I get frustrated because I have so few friends that actually know how to drive a stick. Last road trip we took I had the most reliable and fuel efficient car and I drove the whole 12 hours because no one else could. At the same time, I never have to let anyone borrow my car.
5 years from now I would love to buy a used GS or IS350 with a 6MT. But it doesn't look like it is meant to be.
5 years from now I would love to buy a used GS or IS350 with a 6MT. But it doesn't look like it is meant to be.
Why not teach them then? Pretty easy to learn....just don't let them practice heel and toe double clutching w/ a judicious brake stand, side swipe launch.....
#39
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i personally think that there would be a lot better drivers out there if everyone HAD to learn manual (not meaning they should have to drive it all the time, i'm lazy too and like my auto) ... but my driving did change after i knew how to drive and understood a manual car (yes w. using both feet, i agree that part is important)
you probably don't drive as close to the person in front of you because you'd rather not down shift if you dont have to ... you probably also don't floor it off the line because that makes for a lot of quick shifting rite away (and in cities also for more quick down shifting again very soon) ... and i think you generally pay more attention because taking action if a problem comes up is not quite as simple as hitting the break pedal
i like manual cars, but i live in a city w. traffic issues, so i'd rather drive the auto on a daily bases ... but i am looking into a sports car option rather soon for entertainment
you probably don't drive as close to the person in front of you because you'd rather not down shift if you dont have to ... you probably also don't floor it off the line because that makes for a lot of quick shifting rite away (and in cities also for more quick down shifting again very soon) ... and i think you generally pay more attention because taking action if a problem comes up is not quite as simple as hitting the break pedal
i like manual cars, but i live in a city w. traffic issues, so i'd rather drive the auto on a daily bases ... but i am looking into a sports car option rather soon for entertainment
#40
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Well I taught a girlfriend once and then right after I did that I had to replace my clutch. Then I tried teaching my roomate and he just can't do it. My clutch isnt a good one to learn on.
#41
Why is it "true sports" to you? F1 cars have sequential automatics a la MR2 Spyder / Sportsbikes. That's as true sports as you can get. And the typical advantages of sticks in recent years:
- Power efficiency (less parasitic driveline loss)
- Better gas mileage (new 6-8 speed autos are as gas thrifty)
- Rev control (blipping on newer dsg style manumatics offer the same precision)
those have been effectively nullified by recent advancements in the autos. For specialized race vehicles a la Dodge Viper ACR, I can see stickshifts as a nice option, but on regular road vehicles? Seriously, why? To stroke your own "sports car" ego? Seriously, as I said on another thread, after owning 2 500hp Supra TTs, S2000, and 500hp Evo IX all with sticks...yes they were fun for the track, but for everyday driving, i would have opted for a DSG style manumatic anyday (and with the recent advances in the tech, i would of loved to try it at the track as well).
- Power efficiency (less parasitic driveline loss)
- Better gas mileage (new 6-8 speed autos are as gas thrifty)
- Rev control (blipping on newer dsg style manumatics offer the same precision)
those have been effectively nullified by recent advancements in the autos. For specialized race vehicles a la Dodge Viper ACR, I can see stickshifts as a nice option, but on regular road vehicles? Seriously, why? To stroke your own "sports car" ego? Seriously, as I said on another thread, after owning 2 500hp Supra TTs, S2000, and 500hp Evo IX all with sticks...yes they were fun for the track, but for everyday driving, i would have opted for a DSG style manumatic anyday (and with the recent advances in the tech, i would of loved to try it at the track as well).
Yes, automatics have their advantages. With recent advances in technology, it has become a quicker shifting machine than any human can shift in a manual transmission. And it has the conveniance factor in traffic.
But anyone who is really looking for the most thrilling drive, a true manual is a no-brainer. I'd rather have alot more fun driving a manual and lose a little bit of performance in comparison to a high-tech auto in a car like the IS-F or IS350.
Like I have always said, there's nothing wrong with people getting an automatic. Obviously, there's a lot of reasons why people should get automatics. But taking away the option of a manual is just a horrible idea in a car like the IS350 or IS-F.
Lexus is the worst in offering manuals for enthusiasts. As of now, they're also the least "sportiest" luxury company.
They need to wake up and start offering 6-speed manuals in 2 doors for those who seek a sport-oriented car.
PS. I live in one of the most traffic jammed cities (Los Angeles). And have absolutely no problem driving my 6MT.
#43
Lexus Test Driver
#44
Pole Position
If you think Acura is "sporty", you might want to go back to vtec.net where you belong.
#45
Pole Position
Hehehe, yes....if you can't find them...grind them. I think the only real advantage manual have left is in the cost of replacement / repair. Much cheaper to replace a clutch then to take a part a auto and redo all the gears / body.