Automatic cars?

[Devil.Wont.Cry]

What I dont get is why people call automatic cars lazy and they're for lazy drivers? Isn't the point of new technology to make our lives easier, which is what an automatic car does

I'm not biased cause I will agree that a car with a gearbox is more fun to drive but overall I'd rather an automatic car.

Whats your views on it?

[Nixt]

Automatic cars are crap because if using gears allows you a lot more control, such as going around bends and speed and stuff. Automatic cars, are as you say, boring. I love my manual.

[GommeInc]

I feel so uneasy and uncomfortable in an automatic car. They feel as if they're about to fly off into a wall at any given moment in some unstable way.

Gears make driving fun, and comfortable :)

[Mint]

It depends, people who aren't driving for the experience ie driving just to get from A to B would usually prefer an automatic. Anyone that enjoys driving and likes to be more in control would prefer a manual. Saying that, a Porsche tiptronic gearbox beats any manul gearbox hands down. Please don't disagree with me unless you have actually driven one.

[Swearwolf]

i feel more in control of a manual car

[Yoshimitsui]

Well they are also not very environmentally friendly and what do they do that a manual doesn't really? Apart from you don't think about your gears. So to a certain extent i would say yes they are for lazy people.

[tdi]

I would never, never, drive an automatic car as a main car. I've driven a Mercedes E270 CDI and granted, it's nice and comfortable to drive, but IMO most automatics aren't really a 'drivers' car.. it's all to easy and relaxed to drive.
I'd much prefer a manual gearbox for the control, use of power etc etc. I'd also prefer one as I would rather pay less tax and spend less on fuel. People debate that 'oh, modern automatic engines also have the same power capability' but I disagree and i'll stick with my manual golf anyday. Manual gear**** looks so much better than an auto too ^^

[Dentafrice]

It depends, people who aren't driving for the experience ie driving just to get from A to B would usually prefer an automatic. Anyone that enjoys driving and likes to be more in control would prefer a manual. Saying that, a Porsche tiptronic gearbox beats any manul gearbox hands down. Please don't disagree with me unless you have actually driven one.

A tiptronic is just the same as any manumatic transmissions.

Chrysler's slapstick design, ford's automatic gearbox design is just the same as the tiptronic.

Autostick in a chrysler crossfire is really nice.

------

Anyways, I own an automatic, my truck is a big hossy truck.. I tow a lot.

I have too many gauges, and traffic to worry about then change gears.

My automatic will probably change gears faster then I could, due to the way I have built my truck from the ground up.

In fact I'm doing transmission work this week with a triple-disc torque converter, billet input and output shafts, new sun gears, and new valve bodies, plus a double deep pan.

So anyways, I've drove a manual, but I can still throw my automatic sideways as fast as I can a manual.

I think both are fun to drive, but when you drive something like I do.. an automatic is way more fun.

[tdi]

A tiptronic is just the same as any manumatic transmissions.

Chrysler's slapstick design, ford's automatic gearbox design is just the same as the tiptronic.

Autostick in a chrysler crossfire is really nice.

------

Anyways, I own an automatic, my truck is a big hossy truck.. I tow a lot.

I have too many gauges, and traffic to worry about then change gears.

My automatic will probably change gears faster then I could, due to the way I have built my truck from the ground up.

In fact I'm doing transmission work this week with a triple-disc torque converter, billet input and output shafts, new sun gears, and new valve bodies, plus a double deep pan.

So anyways, I've drove a manual, but I can still throw my automatic sideways as fast as I can a manual.

I think both are fun to drive, but when you drive something like I do.. an automatic is way more fun.
how can traffic and gauges affect gear changes? it's not like you have to look at what gear you're engaging?

[FlyingJesus]

I don't imagine I'd feel at all in control in an automatic, it'd be like driving a big go-kart everywhere with just stop, start and steering. Also with a manual you can switch up gears for fuel efficiency or drop for extra acceleration depending on what you want to do. Only time a manual would be good is in extremely slow traffic, but I encounter that maybe once a month to any degree that's annoying

[Dentafrice]

how can traffic and gauges affect gear changes? it's not like you have to look at what gear you're engaging?
No.. on my truck I have multiple controls just for certain things.. I have a water-methanol injecton system that I have to constantly monitor my boost, to turn the amount of methanol injected up..

I also have to watch my EGTs (exhaust gas temperature).. which goes along with the methanol injection to cool it down.

I also have to watch how high my trans temp gets, so I can manually turn on my transmission coolers.

I also then have to turn the power levels up and down on my performance chip to keep in line with each of those.

So one hand is always steering, and another hand is always on some sort of control.. not to mention I have to push my exhaust brake going down hills.. as well as look out who's around me with a 40-50ft goose neck trailer that I'm pulling.

As well as utilize my trailer brakes.

It's harder then you think ;)

[Metric1]

I think manual transmission cars are for smaller engines so you can maximize power. The Honda Accord comes with a manual option for the 4-cylinder option, but not for the V6. I have the V6 and whenever I need extra power, I press on the gas!

[tdi]

I think manual transmission cars are for smaller engines so you can maximize power. The Honda Accord comes with a manual option for the 4-cylinder option, but not for the V6. I have the V6 and whenever I need extra power, I press on the gas!
Is your car a V6T or is it N/A?

[Dentafrice]

I think manual transmission cars are for smaller engines so you can maximize power. The Honda Accord comes with a manual option for the 4-cylinder option, but not for the V6. I have the V6 and whenever I need extra power, I press on the gas!
Just floor it son.. you've got passing gear :P

[tdi]

I think manual transmission cars are for smaller engines so you can maximize power. The Honda Accord comes with a manual option for the 4-cylinder option, but not for the V6. I have the V6 and whenever I need extra power, I press on the gas!
see in a high performance saloon/estate such as an RS4/RS6 for example, I'd much prefer manual gearbox as I'm sure most buyers did which is why the auto boxes are quite uncommon, tiptronic boxes are alright I suppose but manual ftw!

[Xoim]

I can't drive tbh :L

[tdi]

I can't drive tbh :L
brilliant comment and generally an excellent contribution to the thread.

[Blinger1]

It was VERY useful :O!

I prefer automatic although it has been about 2 years since I have driven one.. I currently own a manual and i enjoy driving that too..

so actually, to contradict myself, i don't mind what i drive :)

[jam666]

Peoples conception of automatic cars is really quite shocking. Of course its down to personal preference, but our famly has had autos for the last 8 years and they have all been fine. You feel like you dont have enough control of the gears? fair point, but 99% of autos have a manual mode where you can override the gearbox and put it into whatever gear you want to.

Autos are much more relaxed (in my opinion) than a manual, besides complaints over "sluggish" gear changes very largely depend on the car, and engine, therefore you cant assume all autos are like each other.

[Dentafrice]

You don't really override anything.. you basically give the engine an idea of when you want to shift.

Yeah you can shift up real fast from first to third.. but your engine is not going to actually put the shift into effect until the RPMs reach the necessary range.

That's why with AutoStick, your shifts are usually delayed a few seconds. :P

[Metric1]

You don't really override anything.. you basically give the engine an idea of when you want to shift.

Yeah you can shift up real fast from first to third.. but your engine is not going to actually put the shift into effect until the RPMs reach the necessary range.

That's why with AutoStick, your shifts are usually delayed a few seconds. :P

Yeah, they are defiantly delayed!

[Dentafrice]

I mean it depends on what you are driving.

My buddy's 08 crossfire has maybe a 3 second delay? depends on what your RPMs are at.

And if he tries to rev it past 6300 in autostick in 1st gear.. it automatically shifts.

[Metric1]

I mean it depends on what you are driving.

My buddy's 08 crossfire has maybe a 3 second delay? depends on what your RPMs are at.

And if he tries to rev it past 6300 in autostick in 1st gear.. it automatically shifts.

I'm not a fan of the Autostick, my friend Jenn, her parents had a pacifica and it was so pointless!

[Dan2nd]

I drive a manual car my car is a 1.4 so its always fun on the motorway to experiment with gears and stuff to see if I can keep up with more powerful super cars (of course I always fail).

My dad however has an car that can switch between manual or automatic and I don't think he ever uses manuel he has told me its if anything more for his convience as he has to drive large distances for work so finds it more relaxing when he's caught in traffic to just use automatic.

[efq]

That's why with AutoStick, your shifts are usually delayed a few seconds. :P[/QUOTE]
I've driven a automatic and I didn't find anything wrong with it. I didn't feel any of this 'had no control'. I just put it into Drive and begun. I always just put it in Neutral down hills or when I have speed if I needed too and tbh it was easier to drink my coffee and drive with a automatic.

[Dentafrice]

Why put it in neutral down hills, an automatic transmission has a Torque Converter, just for that purpose.. it does it by itself.. that's why it's called an automatic.

You don't need to put it in neutral for that .

[Metric1]

My moms S550 is a 7-speed automatic, that thing has NO problem keeping up on the highway!

I wish the Honda was a manual somedays, especially in the winter but I'm lazy so the automatic is what I really should have!

[alexxxxx]

i only know one person with an auto, my grandad. They're just really uncommon here, everyone I know learns with a manual.

[GommeInc]

With a manual license you can drive both automatics and manual cars. With an automatic license, you can only drive manuals :) Automatic cars seemed to be used by the middle aged to elderly load of people in the United Kingdom, though it might change in different areas.

[Yoshimitsui]

With a manual license you can drive both automatics and manual cars. With an automatic license, you can only drive manuals :) Automatic cars seemed to be used by the middle aged to elderly load of people in the United Kingdom, though it might change in different areas.

I think you got too carried away with 'manual' :P

[GoldenMerc]

aha, i noticed that aswel Edan.
Anyways both my parents have Automatic, they say its far easier specially for the morning its just switch on and go like. They have a Honda Accord and a Mercedes SLK. so ye but my mum says the next slk she wants it to be a manual and a higher engine aswel

[GommeInc]

I think you got too carried away with 'manual' :P
Hush your face/fingers :P

Automatics are good for long journeys in terms of economical usage, but never let them do simple pop out to the shops or drive around towns, cities or country lane jobs. The big ones are terrible with them at least.

A manual is just a good all rounder - can do motorways because, simply, you can sit in fifth gear most of the time unless traffics and accidents happens. And in stop-start traffic they burn away less fuel because an automatic is always pushing forward (thus you always see break lights on when stopped next to an automatic, though manual drivers do the same usually). Speaking of automatics, they're awful to drive passed when stopped behind one when a car is passing. I thought the one infront was trying to reverse but seems they were just changing from R to D :P

[tdi]

i agree that a manual's a good all rounder, although i'd still prefer my car to an automatic even on a motorway, just stick it in 6th and go.. bang the cruise control on if I'm feeling exceptionally lazy but it rarely gets used. ^^

[GTA-Andy]

Couple of words, fuel economy. While it is improving most cars get about 10 UK MPG less than it's manual counterpart, because the car changes gear at the 'best' time, not the most economical.

[Metric1]

Couple of words, fuel economy. While it is improving most cars get about 10 UK MPG less than it's manual counterpart, because the car changes gear at the 'best' time, not the most economical.

over here it's 1 MAYBE 2 mpg the automatic sacrifices.

[tdi]

Let's use a typical affordable family car as an example, a Mondeo 2.0 Ghia X.. First figure's Manual, the other one's Auto

Weight (kg): 1386 - 1432
Top Speed (mph): 134 - 118
0-60 (s): 9.6 - 11.1
Power (bhp): 142 - 142
MPG: 36 - 31
CO2 Emissions (g/kg): 187 - 218
Tax Band: J (£235) - K (£245)

[Jin]

Saying that, a Porsche tiptronic gearbox beats any manul gearbox hands down. Please don't disagree with me unless you have actually driven one.

Based upon that, please don't tell me it beats manuals unless you have tried a good 100 or so manual cars.

I must say I prefer manual over automatic I like how I have a better feel for the road also generally associated with automatics are endless and endless transmission control settings about how you want it to change gears and what not with a manual none of that messing around.

Also I find it entertaining that the DVLA or whoever find that drivers who pass their test in an automatic are not competent enough to drive a manual and must forever stick to an automatic yet it works both ways for a manual test-passer.

But from an American/Canadian point of view UK are better drivers :D Quoting two friends (one us and one ca both living in the UK).


The english have the ability to change gears, drive on roads instead of runways and actually use a steering wheel!

[Metric1]

Based upon that, please don't tell me it beats manuals unless you have tried a good 100 or so manual cars.

I must say I prefer manual over automatic I like how I have a better feel for the road also generally associated with automatics are endless and endless transmission control settings about how you want it to change gears and what not with a manual none of that messing around.

Also I find it entertaining that the DVLA or whoever find that drivers who pass their test in an automatic are not competent enough to drive a manual and must forever stick to an automatic yet it works both ways for a manual test-passer.

But from an American/Canadian point of view UK are better drivers :D Quoting two friends (one us and one ca both living in the UK).

I've driven everything from a 4-speed auto to a 7-speed auto. IMO, the more gears you have, the more control you feel.

[Black_Apalachi]

manual. except right now because my clutch fluid is leaking.

[GommeInc]

But from an American/Canadian point of view UK are better drivers :D Quoting two friends (one us and one ca both living in the UK).
They've clearly never been to the East/Southeast of England :P Drivers here are scary things... But what you quoted is true, we do need to use a steering wheel :D

[Dentafrice]

also generally associated with automatics are endless and endless transmission control settings about how you want it to change gears and what not with a manual none of that messing around.

I've never drove an automatic car, where from the factory.. you are allowed to change auto transmission parameters.

You can change shift points if you buy an external aftermarket tuner/programmer (SuperChips), but 9 times out of 10 you can't access any settings inside the TCM (Transmission Control Module) without an aftermarket accessory.

The way an automatic transmission works is one of the things you really don't want to give end-users a chance to change things.

One wrong setting can cause extensive wear on the transmission.. and if that car is still under a factory warranty.. then the company would have to assume service of it and replace it.

So they save the hassle and don't let you mess with things.

[Grig]

I will give my view simply. By driving a manual car I think you have more control of the gears.

[Dentafrice]

I will give my view simply. By driving a manual car I think you have more control of the gears.
Well no crap.. of course you have more control of the gears.. that's a proven fact considering you're changing them.. so that's not really a view..

[Yoshimitsui]

Are you paid to promote automatics or something?

[Dentafrice]

Are you paid to promote automatics or something?
Are you talking to me?

If so, no.. but I'm paid to work on them daily, as well as work on manuals. I like both, but prefer automatics.. as both do the same thing as each other.. just slightly different way.

Auto - Flexplate & Tq Converter

is the same as

Manual - Flywheel & Clutch

[GommeInc]

Are you talking to me?

If so, no.. but I'm paid to work on them daily, as well as work on manuals. I like both, but prefer automatics.. as both do the same thing as each other.. just slightly different way.

Auto - Flexplate & Tq Converter

is the same as

Manual - Flywheel & Clutch
Ah, so you're promoting your services? :P

Anyway, at the end of the day people have different opinions. Automatics are good for people who cannot operate gears so typically the elderly are known to use them. But they won't ever be as fuel economic as manual counter-parts, not even with this "turn off when stationary" technology.

[FlyingJesus]

Also I find it entertaining that the DVLA or whoever find that drivers who pass their test in an automatic are not competent enough to drive a manual and must forever stick to an automatic yet it works both ways for a manual test-passer.

Well it makes sense really; if you've never learned to use gears you'll be a hazard on the road trying it, and if you can use gears then an automatic isn't going to present much of a challenge


I will give my view simply. By driving a manual car I think you have more control of the gears.

Whoa no way


Anyway, at the end of the day people have different opinions. Automatics are good for people who cannot operate gears so typically the elderly are known to use them.

Also quite useful if you live somewhere with constant heavy traffic I believe. I'm fine with switching in and out of gear in a jam but I can see why people going through London or NY or something would want an automatic to ease the hassle of it

[GommeInc]

Also quite useful if you live somewhere with constant heavy traffic I believe. I'm fine with switching in and out of gear in a jam but I can see why people going through London or NY or something would want an automatic to ease the hassle of it
True, but if you believe in saving Polar Bears and whales, an automatic and traffic won't save them :P But if you don't, an automatic is fine for city driving :P

[Blinger1]

Also I find it entertaining that the DVLA or whoever find that drivers who pass their test in an automatic are not competent enough to drive a manual and must forever stick to an automatic yet it works both ways for a manual test-passer.
In Australia (maybe just Victoria) you can drive any car once you are on your full license, but during your Ps if you get an Auto license, you aren't allowed to drive a manual.



Also quite useful if you live somewhere with constant heavy traffic I believe. I'm fine with switching in and out of gear in a jam but I can see why people going through London or NY or something would want an automatic to ease the hassle of it
I find it annoying in my manual, i always seem to get gears 2 and 3 wrong!

[Dentafrice]

True, but if you believe in saving Polar Bears and whales, an automatic and traffic won't save them :P But if you don't, an automatic is fine for city driving :P

The emissions from an Automatic and Manual are so marginal.. I'm really not sure you can measure them.

It's the same engine.. just a different transmission. The engine creates the emission byproducts.. so once they leave the engine.. the transmission isn't going to add more :P

A manual has marginal better fuel economy, but when it comes to emissions.. I don't think it has any effect.


In Australia (maybe just Victoria) you can drive any car once you are on your full license, but during your Ps if you get an Auto license, you aren't allowed to drive a manual.



I find it annoying in my manual, i always seem to get gears 2 and 3 wrong!

In America.. once you get your permit (age 15), you can drive any car.. auto or manual.. with a parent.

When you're 16.. you get a limited license.. you can drive any car (auto or manual) without a parent between 5am and 9pm.

When you're 16 1/2 you get a full license where you can drive any car (auto or manual) without a parent anytime.

[Black_Apalachi]

In Australia (maybe just Victoria) you can drive any car once you are on your full license, but during your Ps if you get an Auto license, you aren't allowed to drive a manual.



I find it annoying in my manual, i always seem to get gears 2 and 3 wrong!

how?? lol, when I'm getting used to a car and I'm going down the gears, I sometimes go to 1 instead of 3 :P

[Metric1]

how?? lol, when I'm getting used to a car and I'm going down the gears, I sometimes go to 1 instead of 3 :P

I don't see how either lol..

You drop from first into second, then up and over and up into third, down into fourth, up over and up into fifth, down into sixth.

[Dentafrice]

I don't see how either lol..

You drop from first into second, then up and over and up into third, down into fourth, up over and up into fifth, down into sixth.
Depends on how close the gears are together. In my vette they're so close together it's easy to mistake 3 for 1 or 1 for 3.

[FlyingJesus]

Ya but you can't mistake 2 and 3 they're opposite ways

[Dentafrice]

Oh lol I misread his post.

[Blinger1]

Oh lol I misread his post.


Ya but you can't mistake 2 and 3 they're opposite ways


I don't see how either lol..

You drop from first into second, then up and over and up into third, down into fourth, up over and up into fifth, down into sixth.


how?? lol, when I'm getting used to a car and I'm going down the gears, I sometimes go to 1 instead of 3 :P
noooo!! What i meant was, i dunno if i should put it into second or third!! (This is during peak hour traffic when we are going maybe 40km?)





In America.. once you get your permit (age 15), you can drive any car.. auto or manual.. with a parent.

When you're 16.. you get a limited license.. you can drive any car (auto or manual) without a parent between 5am and 9pm.

When you're 16 1/2 you get a full license where you can drive any car (auto or manual) without a parent anytime.
I like the sounds of that! You have to be 16 to get your learners (which is the same as your 15 year old license) and then when you turn 18 you can apply for your provisional license, if you get it you can drive anywhere, anytime and with any amount of passengers (no parents needed)

[Dentafrice]

See we have provisional licenses too.

Except heres ours (explained more then a minute ago):

15 - Any passengers, with parent.
16 - 1 passenger (under the age of 21) or unlimited over age of 21. No parent. 5AM-9PM.
16 1/2 - 1 passenger (under the age of 21) or unlimited over age of 21. No parent. Anytime
18 - Full provisional. No passenger limit.

[Blinger1]

See we have provisional licenses too.

Except heres ours (explained more then a minute ago):

15 - Any passengers, with parent.
16 - 1 passenger (under the age of 21) or unlimited over age of 21. No parent. 5AM-9PM.
16 1/2 - 1 passenger (under the age of 21) or unlimited over age of 21. No parent. Anytime
18 - Full provisional. No passenger limit.

We kinda have the same thing..

If you are on Red p-plates (that means it is your first year of driving by yourself) you can only have one person in your car that is not a family member, unless you have someone who has their full license in the car then the people count does not exist (does that make sense?)
Then when you are on your green p's (after one year of red p-plates) you can have unlimited people in your car (provided they wear seatbelts) but you can't drive a high powered car (i.e, a v8) :)

[Black_Apalachi]

Ya but you can't mistake 2 and 3 they're opposite ways

exactly :P


noooo!! What i meant was, i dunno if i should put it into second or third!! (This is during peak hour traffic when we are going maybe 40km?)

oh.. well I think it's best to keep it in the highest gear possible to save fuel ;)

[tdi]

how?? lol, when I'm getting used to a car and I'm going down the gears, I sometimes go to 1 instead of 3 :P
that can't be good. has your gearbox not fallen out of the car? can imagine that being quite harsh especially when you're at the top of the rev range in 2nd doing 60mph ish. :\

[tdi]

also...


A manual has marginal better fuel economy, but when it comes to emissions.. I don't think it has any effect.



Let's use a typical affordable family car as an example, a Mondeo 2.0 Ghia X.. First figure's Manual, the other one's Auto

Weight (kg): 1386 - 1432
Top Speed (mph): 134 - 118
0-60 (s): 9.6 - 11.1
Power (bhp): 142 - 142
MPG: 36 - 31
CO2 Emissions (g/kg): 187 - 218
Tax Band: J (£235) - K (£245)

[Black_Apalachi]

it's only the first couple times in the car :P

[Dentafrice]

also...
I work on cars for a living, and I don't know where you're getting your statistics.

We have to inspect cars on a daily basis, and do emissions testing on them for them to be driven.

It doesn't matter if it's a manual or an automatic, the PPM is so marginal, on the same car.. that you can't classify it as mattering.

Those emissions numbers can change though depending on how you drive it, and how you modify it.

[tdi]

I work on cars for a living, and I don't know where you're getting your statistics.

We have to inspect cars on a daily basis, and do emissions testing on them for them to be driven.

It doesn't matter if it's a manual or an automatic, the PPM is so marginal, on the same car.. that you can't classify it as mattering.

Those emissions numbers can change though depending on how you drive it, and how you modify it.
http://www.parkers.co.uk/

even if manuals were worse on fuel and tax, emissions etc i'd choose a manual still.

[N!ck]

Autos have worse emission stats because of the lower MPG. More fuel burned = more emissions ;).

Edit: Wait, ignore that. I didn't realise what the units were. I thought it was to do with emissions per mile.

[Dentafrice]

Autos have worse emission stats because of the lower MPG. More fuel burned = more emissions ;).

Edit: Wait, ignore that. I didn't realise what the units were. I thought it was to do with emissions per mile.
But see you don't understand.. it's your driving style that effects your emissions.

If you constantly are "raping" your vehicle, your emissions are going to be worse then an automatic.

The engine is the same in both cars.. the engine burns the gas.. not the transmission.. the transmission just effects the way the output energy gets to the rear/front wheels.

It's marginal.

[N!ck]

But see you don't understand.. it's your driving style that effects your emissions.

If you constantly are "raping" your vehicle, your emissions are going to be worse then an automatic.

The engine is the same in both cars.. the engine burns the gas.. not the transmission.. the transmission just effects the way the output energy gets to the rear/front wheels.

It's marginal.

Yes, I was correct in my first part though, my edit is wrong.

Emissions are measured in g/km therefore if an auto gets less miles per gallon then it's going to burn more fuel than a manual car per km that it travels and therefore emit more gasses. But yes, if you're raping your engine in a manual then you're going to burn a hell of a lot more fuel and emit more.

Anyway, manuals are for real drivers.

[tdi]

Yes, I was correct in my first part though, my edit is wrong.

Emissions are measured in g/km therefore if an auto gets less miles per gallon then it's going to burn more fuel than a manual car per km that it travels and therefore emit more gasses. But yes, if you're raping your engine in a manual then you're going to burn a hell of a lot more fuel and emit more.

Anyway, manuals are for real drivers.
I agree. Loads more fun to be had.

[Metric1]

But see you don't understand.. it's your driving style that effects your emissions.

If you constantly are "raping" your vehicle, your emissions are going to be worse then an automatic.

The engine is the same in both cars.. the engine burns the gas.. not the transmission.. the transmission just effects the way the output energy gets to the rear/front wheels.

It's marginal.

I rape my mothers car, I don't rape my own :) Manuals are TOO much work in my opinion!

[Dentafrice]

I rape my mothers car, I don't rape my own :) Manuals are TOO much work in my opinion!
I agree. :P

[GommeInc]

How anyone can muddle up their gears is beyond me :P

What I do is, when in 5th going down to 2nd for example, is tap the gear stick towards me so it falls out of gear, then while slightly holding it push left or right and up and down depending on what gear I need :P I keep telling my mum to follow this, but she still goes from 5th to 4th when she should be in 2nd :@

[tdi]

I agree. :P
nah, coming up to a corner on a spirited drive you can just knock it into second/third, power down and just grip like shiz round the corner then carry on, i'd just feel like i'm playing a video game or something if I was driving an auto, although in forza I still use manual :P

[Dentafrice]

When I come up to a corner.. I don't do anything except let off the gas a little, turn my steering wheel, then halfway through the curve.. I give it gas again, and by the end of the curve.. I'm the same speed as before.

[tdi]

When I come up to a corner.. I don't do anything except let off the gas a little, turn my steering wheel, then halfway through the curve.. I give it gas again, and by the end of the curve.. I'm the same speed as before.
hmm.. i often come out faster than the speed i entered it in, i can go round corners pretty quick as i've spent over £600 on suspension and about £500 on other handling parts.. anti roll bars, poly bushes etc.. but i'd also say the gearbox has a pretty big say in the matter.

[Black_Apalachi]

How anyone can muddle up their gears is beyond me :P

What I do is, when in 5th going down to 2nd for example, is tap the gear stick towards me so it falls out of gear, then while slightly holding it push left or right and up and down depending on what gear I need :P I keep telling my mum to follow this, but she still goes from 5th to 4th when she should be in 2nd :@

I tend to go down the gears one by one, just habit I think really although my car does seem to like it better lol :P

[Tootish]

When I come up to a corner.. I don't do anything except let off the gas a little, turn my steering wheel, then halfway through the curve.. I give it gas again, and by the end of the curve.. I'm the same speed as before.

In my sisters 1.0 VW Polo, when we're going up a hill I feel like I have to get out and push, lol! Such a puney engine.

[tdi]

In my sisters 1.0 VW Polo, when we're going up a hill I feel like I have to get out and push, lol! Such a puney engine.
probably something to do with the fact it's a 1 litre. :rolleyes:

[Dentafrice]

In my sisters 1.0 VW Polo, when we're going up a hill I feel like I have to get out and push, lol! Such a puney engine.
Yeah, could be the 1.0.. :rolleyes: 5.9 here :]. Dads is a 6.7 liter.

[Metric1]

Yeah, could be the 1.0.. :rolleyes: 5.9 here :]. Dads is a 6.7 liter.

4.6 now, hopefully getting a 5.4 :D

[Tootish]

probably something to do with the fact it's a 1 litre. :rolleyes:

Yeah, it's not the most powerful engine at 999cc. :P

[N!ck]

Your American cars are so inefficient though with power per litre ratio or whatever. In Europe/Japan 5.0 litre cars can have like 500-600BHP.

[Dentafrice]

No, it's really not the PPL issue, it's the fact that the cars weigh so much. Especially late models. Solid steel pretty much.

We don't measure much by BHP here.. we use RWHP (Rear Wheel HP). You guys measure by Brake Horse Power, which is measuring it without the loss you get from your transmission, and every other single thing. So you loose quite a bit of horsepower from your BHP, sometimes in the hundreds ;)

We measure our HP after everything has already been taken out, at the rear wheels using a dyno.

[N!ck]

No, it's really not the PPL issue, it's the fact that the cars weigh so much. Especially late models. Solid steel pretty much.

We don't measure much by BHP here.. we use RWHP (Rear Wheel HP). You guys measure by Brake Horse Power, which is measuring it without the loss you get from your transmission, and every other single thing. So you loose quite a bit of horsepower from your BHP, sometimes in the hundreds ;)

We measure our HP after everything has already been taken out, at the rear wheels using a dyno.


Gah, and looking into it auto cars have lose about 20% of their power in the transmission and manuals generally lose around 15% or less.

Still, if you calculate it your American cars are less efficient. (not to mention things like poor build quality)

[tdi]

BHP Statistics here, when measured on paper (as in manufacturer stats) are measured at the engine, as will be the same for american cars. However, when tweaking performance etc and when cars are dyno'd the power is measured at the wheels as well.

We have no need for big engines over here too, as they're only really found in high performance cars, where they're quite uncommon. Smaller engines with more power is where it's at. Golf Mk5 1.4T with 170bhp standard, other cars too.. 1.8T's with 300bhp, 3.2's with 500bhp. Smaller engines are lighter and thus result in better handling in most situations.

[Metric1]

292HP 4.6L V8 Ford Explorer :)

[Dentafrice]

292HP 4.6L V8 Ford Explorer :)
That's where it's at son.

[tdi]

isn't that just an underpowered, inefficient 4x4 with a respectable amount of torque but terrible handling? couldn't think of any use for it for myself unless I towed a lot of stuff.

also, to compare, the Mk4 R32 with 1400cc less (3.2 V6) has 240bhp as standard, HGP turbo'd, mapped and other stuff takes them to nigh on 500bhp.

[Dentafrice]

isn't that just an underpowered, inefficient 4x4 with a respectable amount of torque but terrible handling? couldn't think of any use for it for myself unless I towed a lot of stuff.

also, to compare, the Mk4 R32 with 1400cc less (3.2 V6) has 240bhp as standard, HGP turbo'd, mapped and other stuff takes them to nigh on 500bhp.
Why would you tow something other then a boat with a Ford Explorer? lol.. there's not much you can tow with an SUV.

[Metric1]

That's where it's at son.

I think that's our winter rig, still hope for the Navigator!

[tdi]

may I just ask what the point is?

[DaveTaylor]

bhp, ******** off, when eletric cars last more than 1000 miles that's when we need to reconsider bhp.

however, manual :).

[Dentafrice]

1. they are comfortable.
2. you have never seen how it snows, and the way the roads get here.

[tdi]

bhp, ******** off, when eletric cars last more than 1000 miles that's when we need to reconsider bhp.

however, manual :).
electric cars are horrible, slow, underpowered and are just driven by useless, smug, waste of space individuals who, as a result, should have their cars crushed.

[Ajthedragon]

Automatics are good in some cars, like BMW's and Mercedes, but when they go wrong, they're very, very expensive to repair. They're also useless in high power cars. I'd prefer a manual anyway. Funner.


electric cars are horrible, slow, underpowered and are just driven by useless, smug, waste of space individuals who, as a result, should have their cars crushed.

Electric cars don't have great top speeds, but acceleration is shocking.