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The Future Of The Manual Transmission

5807 messages,  Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 7:20 AM

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What is this discussion about? Transmission


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#4980 of 5807
Re: so [kyfdx] by nippononly
Oct 10, 2008 (7:07 pm)
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Replying to: kyfdx (Oct 10, 2008 1:31 pm)

The article I read was in R&T. I haven't opened the C&D yet.
 
And boaz, I didn't call the Evo "real" because it has a stick, I called it real because it has the full power and proper handling characteristics, whereas the Ralliart looks the part but is down more than 10% on power, and apparently down about 80% on handling if that article is to be believed.
#4981 of 5807
what's the largest car available in USA with manual transmission by elias
Oct 12, 2008 (4:23 am)
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OK folks, what's the largest car with manual transmission available to USA consumers today? Could it be the VW TDI Wagon ?
Largest by any metric: weight, cargo-volume, passenger-volume, passenger-count ...
Also, same question but also including SUVs/trucks. ?
let's say 2008 or 2009 model year, anything likely/possible to be on dealers lots now?
Just a thought experiment here, nobody's actually *buying* new vehicles now but it's fun to talk about.
#4982 of 5807
Re: what's the largest car available in USA with manual transmission [elias] by boaz47
Oct 12, 2008 (8:27 am)
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Replying to: elias (Oct 12, 2008 4:23 am)

I know you can order some trucks with a manual but even fewer people than the national average seem to do so if what is on the dealers lots are any indication. I don't know any SUVs unless the BMWs have one but they are not the largest in their class. That is in the US at least. Mini vans are almost all Automatics except maybe the little Mazda. The Mazda might be the only Mini in Mini vans. In CR-V size vehicles the VW Toureg and The Porsche might come with a stick. I am not sure what full sized cars might come with a stick because I never see any with them. Not even at the 9 percent level. Sticks seem to live in small cars in the US and sometimes they might pop up in something bigger but not very often.
#4983 of 5807
Nippon by boaz47
Oct 12, 2008 (8:33 am)
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Forgot to mention, when we pulled off of highway 25 onto 50 to get to my sons place in Colorado Springs we passed a station in Pueblo that had gas at $2.99. It may not last but believe me it was good to be on a vacation with the gas prices this week. My fuel bill will be about half of what it was last June-July.
#4984 of 5807
size by stickguy
Oct 12, 2008 (9:06 am)
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probably mid-size sedans like the Accord and Altima. The Porsche SUV does come in a stick.
 
How big is a BMW 5 series now? May not even be as big as an Accord, although it is probably heavier.
#4985 of 5807
commute update by stickguy
Oct 12, 2008 (9:15 am)
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I have been doing a long, nasty commute with my 4 cyl 5 speed Accord for the last 2 months. For those familiar with the Philly area, this means NJ to Valeey forge, so dealing with a bridge into Philly, the full length of the Schuykill expwy, and then down 202 to Malvern. About 43 miles each way, 40 of which qualifies as highway.
 
Problem is, the highway is somewhat erratic as to movement, especially in the PM. The morning isn't too bad, just about 55-60 minutes regularly (as long as I leave home by 6:15). There are a couple of spots that still clog up, so I spend part of that time stop/go or creeping.
 
PM is a crapshoot. I have made it in an hour, but more normal recently is 1:20 - 1:40. That is a lot of stop/go involved, broken up by short bursts of actual movement.
 
The record so far is 2.5 hours to make the 44 mile return trip. Basically 35 miles in the middle of solid brake lights. That day my left leg/hip was a bit tired!
 
But overall, the stick isn't really an issue on the normal days. It helps that the Accord has a nice light clutch so you hardly notice it. And in some ways, it is easier to deal with the traffic since you don't have to worry about the AT crawl.
 
I am looking though at a different car, but at this pint largely because I want a wagon (just got a big dog that doesn't fit well in the back seat!), and am looking for an AT this time. Partly for the commute (at least you can shift position and keep from getting as stiff), partly so the rest of the family can also drive it (wife rusty, son never learned), but largely because everything I like only comes that way!
 
but anyway, IMO the gotta have a AN for the commute is probably a myth for the majority of people.
#4986 of 5807
Re: what's the largest car available in USA with manual transmission [elias] by shipo
Oct 12, 2008 (10:00 am)
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Replying to: elias (Oct 12, 2008 4:23 am)

OK folks, what's the largest car with manual transmission available to USA consumers today? Could it be the VW TDI Wagon?
 
Assuming that you aren't talking about SUVs and crossovers, then the BMW 5-Series Wagon (i.e. the 535xi Sport Wagon with a 6-Speed manual transmission) is probably the car that best answers your question.
 
Best regards,
Shipo
#4987 of 5807
Re: commute update [stickguy] by tallman1
Oct 12, 2008 (3:09 pm)
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Replying to: stickguy (Oct 12, 2008 9:15 am)

I used to have a nasty commute too but I really enjoyed the manual in my Accords (95 & 06). I always thought it was much better to have a stick in traffic. Not everyone agrees.
#4988 of 5807
Re: commute update [tallman1] by boaz47
Oct 12, 2008 (8:17 pm)
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Replying to: tallman1 (Oct 12, 2008 3:09 pm)

Just my opinion but I believe bumper to bumper commuter traffic just about killed the manual in the greater LA area. Face it if the number one consideration is how many cup holders you have then driving a stick isn't that important. Most people are just trying to get to work and back home as easy as possible and shifting is not far up on their list of needs. But while manuals may not thrive as much as they once did Sound systems thrive.
#4989 of 5807
Re: commute update [boaz47] by nippononly
Oct 12, 2008 (8:48 pm)
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Replying to: boaz47 (Oct 12, 2008 8:17 pm)

I am with tallman, the stick is better to have in traffic...

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