Auto or manual
- Thread starter Spiderz
- Start date
I guess if you are undecided you need to try both before you make andya1's day!
I have a manual E86 and can't imagine the auto being nearly as good with the N52 engine, but a DCT in an E89 will be totally different - be interesting to hear what you go for and how you get on with it!
I have a manual E86 and can't imagine the auto being nearly as good with the N52 engine, but a DCT in an E89 will be totally different - be interesting to hear what you go for and how you get on with it!
I've had 2 modern "autos" and neither of them have any trouble overtaking "quickly".GuidoK said:Jasey said:When was thew last time you drove an auto ?
I'm guessing 1957
Why do you say that?
From your earlier descriptions of needing to drop down gears to overtake it would appear that you are basing your theories on long past experiences or indeed experiences in crappy sloppy autos (which do still exist).
Perhaps we have a different view on quickly.
One should think there would be a reason why automatics arent used in racecars.
I mean even F1 has an oldfashiond shifterdrum system (so manual sequential) like has been used for decades on motorcycles.
Just like rallycars.
No slushboxes there I can tell you.
One should think there would be a reason why automatics arent used in racecars.
I mean even F1 has an oldfashiond shifterdrum system (so manual sequential) like has been used for decades on motorcycles.
Just like rallycars.
No slushboxes there I can tell you.
.GuidoK said:
lets be honest here, there is plenty of discussion but it seems your version of a discussion is telling everyone that they're wrong "I guess that takes another level of understanding" says it all really doesn't it... nobody else's opinion counts and you know better than everyone else.
Yes at an intellectual level the differences between the various types of gearboxes are interesting but in the real world you get the choice of a gearbox with a clutch pedal or one without a clutch pedal. You see, most people don't give two hoots about how the gearboxes work. So you don't see 8sp auto, 7sp DCT or 6sp manual options, you'd get very confused customers wondering why you have low & high spec auto options. At driving level what I care about is that...GuidoK said:
- The DCT transmission in the Z4 35iS changes gear in a fast & crisp manner but sometimes causes harsh changes.
- The automatic in the M135 is always smooth and never makes harsh changes but can get a little soggy under certain circumstances.
- The manual in my 120dx was slightly notchy but very positive & a nightmare to change smoothly under constant speed or moderate to gentle acceleration.
The DCT gives you a number of options to change down a number of gears e.g. when going for a 'crisp' overtake:
1. Kick down. But if the box needs to select a couple of gears lower there is a definite perceivable delay whilst it sorts itself out before 'engaging'.
2. Manually flick the paddles. This is OK but if you change down and delay hitting the 'loud pedal' whilst you look for the correct opportunity to execute the overtake it can have reverted from 'manual' back to 'auto' and have changed back up a couple of gears. If you wait for the overtake opportunity before flicking the paddles then there can be a discernible delay - not very much but it is noticeable.
3. Use the 'stick' to put it in manual - you then have control over gear selection as you wish.
4. Use the 'stick' to go to 'sport' mode. Box changes down to select a low enough gear and holds it. Then when you want the overtake hit the 'loud pedal' and it will change down if necessary but usually only one gear and away you go with minimal delay.
It's all about learning to drive a DCT. My most often used option is No 4. On approaching a slower vehicle i just put the box in 'sport' preparing for the overtake and then nail the manoeuvre when the opportunity becomes available. Afterwards the box can be put back into normal 'auto' mode to continue the 'cruise'.
1. Kick down. But if the box needs to select a couple of gears lower there is a definite perceivable delay whilst it sorts itself out before 'engaging'.
2. Manually flick the paddles. This is OK but if you change down and delay hitting the 'loud pedal' whilst you look for the correct opportunity to execute the overtake it can have reverted from 'manual' back to 'auto' and have changed back up a couple of gears. If you wait for the overtake opportunity before flicking the paddles then there can be a discernible delay - not very much but it is noticeable.
3. Use the 'stick' to put it in manual - you then have control over gear selection as you wish.
4. Use the 'stick' to go to 'sport' mode. Box changes down to select a low enough gear and holds it. Then when you want the overtake hit the 'loud pedal' and it will change down if necessary but usually only one gear and away you go with minimal delay.
It's all about learning to drive a DCT. My most often used option is No 4. On approaching a slower vehicle i just put the box in 'sport' preparing for the overtake and then nail the manoeuvre when the opportunity becomes available. Afterwards the box can be put back into normal 'auto' mode to continue the 'cruise'.
I enjoy driving a manual, but the biggest difference for me now, which hasn't really been mentioned, is the ridiculously long gearing on manual cars. At least with the auto boxes, and the 8 speeder in particular, the first four ratios are pretty close and short.
One of my favourite little cars is the Fiesta 1.0 turbo, but the gearing is hopeless, third goes over 100 mph.
Part of the enjoyment of driving is taking the car to the redline, but I would prefer to have more than just 1st and 2nd available to do it without going at stupid speeds.
One of my favourite little cars is the Fiesta 1.0 turbo, but the gearing is hopeless, third goes over 100 mph.
Part of the enjoyment of driving is taking the car to the redline, but I would prefer to have more than just 1st and 2nd available to do it without going at stupid speeds.
