Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee
All that complexity and expense and for what? Gimme a plain ol' 5-speed.
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Right on, even a normal manual transmission is complicated enough without adding a bunch more mechanical bits. The only real advantage of "automatic" manuals is racing on the track at the limit where two hands on the wheel is a very slight advantage. Nobody should be driving hard enough on the street where using one hand to shift is of any importance.
I think it all comes down to marketing and how a car manufacturer can get people to buy the next "big" thing. What does a 2008 4 cyl. Honda Accord do that a 1998 4 cyl Accord can't? Empty your wallet maybe? I assume the 2008 will be slightly safer but other than that? I doubt its significantly faster, quieter, or more fuel efficient given that is gained 100's of pounds...
If I could buy a new 1998 accord with a manual transmission for $12,000 I would do it today without even looking at any other new or used car...
Anyways, that's another thread for someday.
Ian