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Sedans Toyota Corolla Why so few economy cars with manual tranny?
301 messages, Last post on Aug 08, 2008 at 9:19 AM
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 21, 2008 7:12 am) It's an interesting discussion. On the one hand, I think fuel consumption is about simple algebra with some physics mixed in. Higher speed is higher RPMs, and higher RPMs is higher fuel consumption. But, on the other hand, I wonder if going at 25mph doesn't burn even more fuel than going at 70mph because of the lower gearing needed to maintain such a low speed? In that case low speed is higher RPMs which is higher fuel consumption, so one could conclude that it's not speed but RPM that eats your fuel. A new kind of transmission, then, could best help cars be more efficient, rather than either driving habits or structural changes. In the meantime, however, I'd say just drive in the highest gear possible, regardless of speed. I hope you don't mind I commented on your comment. I just wanted to make an observation. Thanks!
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Replying to: irismg (Jun 03, 2008 4:36 pm) |
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Driven correctly, the manual transmission will always come out ahead when comparing "average" MPG in the same car.(Given they both have a similar final drive ratio). It all boils down to knowing how to manipulate the engine to minimize pumping losses.(Shift as close to 2000 RPMs as possible with aggressive acceleration). Heres 1 example: When driving up a steep hill do you: A- Downshift for more power or B- Keep in the highest gear possible, with a heavy foot on the accelerator(But not lugging the engine) Answer B If you drive this way, you will average 8-10 more MPG than a similarly equipped automatic. This can be verified in "MOTOR TREND" magazine. The article is titled "TEN TIPS FOR FUEL TEMPERENCE". I have been using this technique in my 05 Corolla and "average" 40 MPG in the summer, with a mix of city and highway driving.(Even driving on steep mountain roads) Sure many cars get excellent "highway" mileage, but most people aren't on the highway all the time. Increasing your city/average mileage is what matters most!! |
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Toyota is a very smart company. They are also very conservative and want to appeal to the majority of the market. That's why they produce very few cars with a manual gearbox. The demand is extremely low. If it was higher, Toyota would ship more cars with the manual. They are not perceived by the auto enthusiasts as a performance car company, therefore the demand for a stick vs auto at a Toyota dealer is very low. I can assure you they are not doing it to up sell the customer an automatic for the money" as the profit to the dealer is only about $180 on the auto trans. Also the automatics retain far more resale value than a stick, so you will get the extra money you paid for it back when you sell the car. Don't get me wrong I have a manual on order as that is my transmission of choice for one single reason... fun to drive. Every other argument is a myth from the past. The manual transmission is no more long lasting than the automatic. I know, I'm a long time Toyota dealer mechanic and racer. Toyota's (and every other auto mfg) automatics only suffer from driver/owner abuse, in not changing the oil. If maintained they do very well. My wifes 10 year old Corolla which is now reserved for around town, has 248,000 miles on the original auto trans and it's as good as new. She got a new Camry because she deserved a new car. Not because the corolla quit. The gas mileage argument between a manual and auto is also minimized to less than two miles per gallon because today's automatics from Toyota are very efficient and do not require the hp they used to. So feel free to buy either the auto or the manual as they are both excellent, and if 2mpg is going to break your bank, then get the manual. Most people do not drive perfectly enough to even experience a mileage difference.
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I do!
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Replying to: podred (Jun 29, 2008 12:00 pm) |
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Replying to: kneisl1 (Jul 01, 2008 5:44 am) 
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Replying to: hoopitup2000 (Jun 06, 2008 2:45 am) The manu-matics the newer cars have could probably do something similar, though. |
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A retired automotive engineer explained to me that the average person can't consistently shift a manual as efficiently as an automatic can. The Corolla brochure even lists the Auto. at 27 MPG in the city vs 26 for the stick.....but once out on the highway their both at 35.
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I sure was surprised when I went to my local Autozone and tried to purchase a non-existant oil filter. The surprise continued when I talked to the car dealer parts dept. and was told it's a "kit" costing about $5. Forget about a spin on cartridge....it's been replaced by a canister, "O" ring and filter assembly......I'm know I'm old ( well, I was only 17) when I say it reminds me of my 1964 Volvo PV-544 which had the same type of system. I have the oil and kit now and will report back on how easy it went. |
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