Glock3540

I have read as much information as I can gather comparing the newer
6 speed compared to the older 5 speed.
From what I have read, it seems the 6 speed has different final gearing because the rear end has a lower gear.
I have also read the 6 speed is "softer" shifting (not as sporty) as the
5 speed.
I have read others say the opposite. The new 06 improvements/changes have made the car "sportier".

From what I have read, the 06+ is appx .3 seconds quicker 0-60,
but I cannot confirm that.

What do you guys think?

Actually my main concern is the durability of the new 6 speed.
I have read at least one person say the new 6 speed is the same
as the ES350's 6 speed. I know the ES350 had some transmission
durability issues. I hope they are different.

The old 5 speed has proven itself as almost bulletproof, please convince
me the 6 speed is just as strong and durable...

Thanks,
Brian

KaiserSea1

As you state reports go both ways. It appears MPG and performance is unchanged since 02. Some updates will improve performance, others may worsen it. I would guess that the components have improved over the years, due to technological improvements, and build quality has worsened due to mass production. 02 and 03 models were largely hand built. The 2010 probably entirely built by robots. End of the day probably a wash.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

I extensively researched this in my past buying experience. It was down to two cars...a 2006 and a 2005. I always "wished" for a manumatic in my first SC, the 2002. After learning how to shift manually with the c-gate on our 2002-2005's, driving the 2006 was EXACTLY like the manual shifting of the new ES 6speed. In my opinion, the 2006 manual mode is not as fun nor as punchy/responsive as the 2002-2005 in manual mode.

I have had my share of the ES loaner cars and almost always drive them in manual modes and was severely disappointed when I finally got to drive a 2006+ in manual mode to find out it was about the same feel as the ES. It shifting is too smooth. I was hoping more for the IS type response with that manual mode, but it obviously is not.

I love the second gear in the 2002-2005 transmission. Take it up to 6k and stomp on it...goes up to about 60 then WHOOOSH shift into 3rd and you are really coasting...80-90 before fourth gear. Lots of fun. The 2006 manumatic was too reserved for me.

Just my two cents...one of the BIG reasons I was ok with buying a second 2002-2005. IMO the 2005 gives you the new nav and bluetooth and it was the best year of the first gen SC430's to me.