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Old 07-11-2008, 12:48 PM   #34 (permalink)
IndyIan
EcoModding Newbie
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Southern Ontario
Posts: 284

Parachute - '03 Chevrolet Tracker LX
90 day: 28.55 mpg (US)

Peon - '95 Plymouth Neon Highline baby!
90 day: 31.39 mpg (US)

Slocus Wagon - '06 Ford Focus SE
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee View Post
All that complexity and expense and for what? Gimme a plain ol' 5-speed.
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
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