auto or manual ( spin of from b gates thread ) - Page 4

SMHarman · 05-02-2004, 10:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu038

Sounds abit of a bodge then, I think i'll stay with the manual. I like to be able to 'feel' the car, the automatics Ive driven just don't seem to do that very well. It is nice to be able brake into a corner and keep the revs up at the same time for coming out of it tho

Its an F1 technology transfer, so I don't think its really a bodge. It only changes down when the gear is too high and doesn't change up so you choose to keep the revs high. You can also paddle down if you want a lower gear going into a corner, but it will protect the engine by not changing down until the gear will fit the revs (i.e you cant change down to 2nd at 80).

SMHarman · 05-02-2004, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulyoung666

worse fuel consumption i would have thought

Historically it used to be due to the fact that the clutch or torque converter was a fluid coupling, wheras a standard clutch has two friction plates, thus when fully engaged the drivetrain and engine are connected an auto box had a fluid turbine style arrangement (I'm not a mechanic - far from it), this required more power and was less efficient.

Small engined cars are now using the CVT auto boxes, these use a direct steel band coupling, in general auto boxes have got much more sophisticated , smaller and efficient and this stuff called computer technology has improved control also.

iadom · 05-02-2004, 10:41

The auto box and computers in my Volvo sense my type of driving and the gearbox is regulated to change gear in accordance with my driving style, if I have been driving slowly and smoothly for a while I can feel the difference and even see it by checking the rev counter. If I have been driving hard for any length of time ,the box holds the lower gears for longer before upshifting.

cjmillsnun · 05-02-2004, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthorn

Had 3 auto`s, first one was an Astra,then a Rover and now a Mazda. I just dont like manual gears, I drive for pleasure, not to be messing about with gearsticks and clutches

You drive for pleaseure with an auto???

Sog boxes just don't do it for me. I need control, that means a clutch and a gear lever.

Gimme a car with a torquey engine (eg the Rover K as in my ZR) and a manual box. Put me on a nice twisty road and I am in heaven.

cjmillsnun · 05-02-2004, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMHarman

Its an F1 technology transfer, so I don't think its really a bodge. It only changes down when the gear is too high and doesn't change up so you choose to keep the revs high. You can also paddle down if you want a lower gear going into a corner, but it will protect the engine by not changing down until the gear will fit the revs (i.e you cant change down to 2nd at 80).

It is NOT the same as the F1 Semi Autos. People who have drivern F1 cars (eg Martin Brundle) agree on this and think the road versions are cr@p. As does a certain Mr Clarkson.

cjmillsnun · 05-02-2004, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerrek

EXCELLENT! SOMEONE WITH GOOD TASTE! Someone with a real car!

Back to topic. *cough* I was carried away with my amazement.

My performance car (probably a Corvette C5) will be automatic. My everyday driving car (Corvette Convertible hopefully) will be manual. I like both. Automatic for the sheer performance, and manual for the control.

Ha ha Corvettes, My MG ZR will leave you for dust at the first bend on a British road......

You yanks need to build yourselves some proper roads with sweeping bends and corners so that you can produce cars that handle. Then you will understand why European cars generally are small engined (for a lighter front end) and half the size of American cars.

What European cars lack in grunt, they more than make up for in handling, and efficiency, 50+mpg being possible from a 1.4 car producing 105bhp.

iadom · 05-02-2004, 19:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjmillsnun

As does a certain Mr Clarkson.

Well it must be true then

paulyoung666 · 05-02-2004, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by iadom

Well it must be true then

nowt wrong with mr clarkson , top bloke that he is

Jerrek · 05-02-2004, 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjmillsnun

Ha ha Corvettes, My MG ZR will leave you for dust at the first bend on a British road......

You yanks need to build yourselves some proper roads with sweeping bends and corners so that you can produce cars that handle. Then you will understand why European cars generally are small engined (for a lighter front end) and half the size of American cars.

What European cars lack in grunt, they more than make up for in handling, and efficiency, 50+mpg being possible from a 1.4 car producing 105bhp.

I don't particularly care for twisty roads. I want to do 185 mph on the interstate. Neither do I care for 50+ mpg, or having a little dinky engine. I want to accelerate to 60 in 3.8 seconds, and get to the top speed fast.

paulyoung666 · 05-02-2004, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerrek

I don't particularly care for twisty roads. I want to do 185 mph on the interstate. Neither do I care for 50+ mpg, or having a little dinky engine. I want to accelerate to 60 in 3.8 seconds, and get to the top speed fast.

anyone can go fast in a straight line woodenhead , it takes a real man to corner fast , sorry wasnt forgetting the ladies there , i should have said person

Jerrek · 05-02-2004, 19:57

I don't feel the need to prove that I am a man. I just like driving fast, and flying with steep turns.

Bifta · 05-02-2004, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerrek

I don't particularly care for twisty roads. I want to do 185 mph on the interstate. Neither do I care for 50+ mpg, or having a little dinky engine. I want to accelerate to 60 in 3.8 seconds, and get to the top speed fast.

Yes, but you're never going to do 185mph on any road so why not just buy a normal car instead of a silly penis extension?

paulyoung666 · 05-02-2004, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bifta

Yes, but you're never going to do 185mph on any road so why not just buy a normal car instead of a silly penis extension?

nice

Jerrek · 05-02-2004, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bifta

Yes, but you're never going to do 185mph on any road so why not just buy a normal car instead of a silly penis extension?

Really?

cjmillsnun · 06-02-2004, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerrek

I don't particularly care for twisty roads. I want to do 185 mph on the interstate. Neither do I care for 50+ mpg, or having a little dinky engine. I want to accelerate to 60 in 3.8 seconds, and get to the top speed fast.

I hate Motorway/Freeway driving, it is so boring, makes me sleepy

Whereas a challenging twisty country road, with no traffic about,

Whats the speed limit for an interstate btw??? 55-75mph, might as well have a european car then, my ZR can do 115mph, and can cruise all day at 70 (our motorway speed limit)

You don't care for 50+mpg, that is why there are about 30 years of oil left, because you have a similar opinion to most Americans, and are draining our natural resources. We British pay 70p (about $1) per litre (just over 1/4 US Gal) of Petrol (Gasoline). Therefore because fuel is expensive here we care about economy figures.

Also 405BHP from 5.7 Litres??? Thats $h1te. A 2.0L European car (eg a SAAB 9-5, or Rover 820 Vitesse) can do 200BHP. Admittedly both are turbocharged, but a non turbocharged 1.8 can do 160 BHP.