It's official, Manual Transmissions are making a comeback!!!

[Rick Courtright]

I wonder if the advent of CVT won't make both manuals and automatics
obsolete? CVTs are mechanically as simple as manuals, and offer much

I agree the CVT idea is a good one, but have read several sources that
claim they don't lend themselves well to higher power inputs in real
life--even the low powered Justy had its problems. Anyone?

Rick

 

[Bonehenge]

I agree the CVT idea is a good one, but have read several sources that
claim they don't lend themselves well to higher power inputs in real
life--even the low powered Justy had its problems. Anyone?

Audi uses them in AWD cars, with much more horsepower than a Justy. I
don't know if they've ever raced with it.

Barry

 

[Yousuf Khan]

How long is it since Subaru stopped making CVT cars? 15 years?

Yeah, but they're making a comeback, Honda uses them in their hybrids
nowadays. Like a lot of things, what was not practical a few years ago
are now practical with the advent of cheaper, faster computer
technology.

Yousuf Khan

 

[Generic]

Yeah, but they're making a comeback, Honda uses them in their hybrids
nowadays. Like a lot of things, what was not practical a few years ago
are now practical with the advent of cheaper, faster computer
technology.

I thought the old generation self destructed because of weak belts. The
newer ones use chains that hold up better.

-John

 

[H]

It may be that material technology is catching up to a sound idea. Much like
the Rotary Engine (Wankel). Material advancements are beginning to make them
practical, and to tie this in with another recent thread, what is Mazda
going to do with the Fuel Mileage issue on these engines?

H

 

[Poster]

Been driving a stick for years and still don't want to switch. I feel more
secure and can actually feel the road especially on snow in winter. It's
probably the next thing for safety besides AWD.
Also, MT is cheaper (C$1000), more control for power (true racing cars
usually comes with MT), saves gas (some might say AT saves more because of
the gear ratio), more stable when turning corner by shifting down, saves
brake by engine braking (my subie has 100k and the pad is still good but be
carefull your follower might bump you as your brake light not on, twice on
me), Start and go right away and don't have to shift to D or accidentally
shift to R...ouch.....
Only problem is my left leg hurts during bumper to bumper traffic.

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[Edward Hayes]

Much as I love to drive a manual (when traffic is low) there is some
real advantages to the modern AT. Gas mileage is the same and in the
case of my Forester AT, the city epa is better and the highway mileage
the same. This reflects my experience also. As a daily driver the AT
on average shifts faster. My pads were checked at 82,000 miles and
were about 60% gone. I can downshift my AT and do it whenever I wish
to. The 1000 dollars saved when buying a MT should be put in a saving
account for clutch replacement which is inevitable. I love driving a
MT but am cognizant that both have good and less than good points so I
buy what's best for my particular situation.

Been driving a stick for years and still don't want to switch. I
feel more secure and can actually feel the road especially on snow
in winter. It's probably the next thing for safety besides AWD.
Also, MT is cheaper (C$1000), more control for power (true racing
cars usually comes with MT), saves gas (some might say AT saves more
because of the gear ratio), more stable when turning corner by
shifting down, saves brake by engine braking (my subie has 100k and
the pad is still good but be carefull your follower might bump you
as your brake light not on, twice on me), Start and go right away
and don't have to shift to D or accidentally shift to R...ouch.....
Only problem is my left leg hurts during bumper to bumper traffic.

--


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[H]

The 1000 dollars saved when buying a MT should be put in a saving

account for clutch replacement which is inevitable.

While current AT's are extremely reliable, IF they fail or need major
overhaul 1000 dollars won't even touch it!

--
If a job's worth doin' it's worth doing twice!

Much as I love to drive a manual (when traffic is low) there is some real
advantages to the modern AT. Gas mileage is the same and in the case of my
Forester AT, the city epa is better and the highway mileage the same. This
reflects my experience also. As a daily driver the AT on average shifts
faster. My pads were checked at 82,000 miles and were about 60% gone. I
can downshift my AT and do it whenever I wish to. The 1000 dollars saved
when buying a MT should be put in a saving account for clutch replacement
which is inevitable. I love driving a MT but am cognizant that both have
good and less than good points so I buy what's best for my particular
situation.

 

[Bonehenge]

Much as I love to drive a manual (when traffic is low) there is some
real advantages to the modern AT. Gas mileage is the same and in the
case of my Forester AT, the city epa is better and the highway mileage
the same. This reflects my experience also. As a daily driver the AT
on average shifts faster.

Just remember that on a Subaru there are many more differences in the
AWD system than the tranny.

Subaru automatics run as front wheel drive cars most of the time, as
the rear drive is electronic. The car can be made a FWD car by
inserting a missing fuse. Manual shift Subies are AWD all of the
time, which can make them a bit more fun to toss around on wet and
sandy roads, and in performance driving situations.

Barry

 

[Edward Hayes]

Someone is misinformed as according to Subaru of America and Subaru
of Australia my 2000 Forester AT has a transfercase ratio of 60 %/40%
front to rear and is always active. The default ratio for the MT is
50/50 and must detect wheel slippage before power is shifted. Like I
said there is no best transmission for ALL driving situations. Eddie

 

[Bonehenge]

Someone is misinformed as according to Subaru of America and Subaru
of Australia my 2000 Forester AT has a transfercase ratio of 60 %/40%
front to rear and is always active.

Do you have a FWD fuse?

Barry

 

[Edward Hayes]

Don't know as I never check for one. ed

Do you have a FWD fuse?

Barry

 

[k. ote]

Don't know as I never check for one. ed

The FWD fuse is only available on certain models. The automatic WRX, for
example, can *not* be made into pure front-wheel drive. This is direct from
my dealer, who asked their master Subaru mechanics while I was on the phone
with them.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Perhaps they have changed the newer WRXes - otherwise check;

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-87310.html

Carl

 

[k. ote]

Perhaps they have changed the newer WRXes - otherwise check;

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-87310.html

Carl

My question to the dealer was in regards to a friend's 2002 WRX auto. I
drove him in once for a service visit and they tried the fuse avenue to
make it front-wheel drive as a diagnostic tool. I was surprised at the time
as it was the first time I'd seen the fuse. It didn't work. The WRX
automatic can *not* be made into a front-wheel drive, it never could be; so
says my dealer's master Subaru mechanics and direct personal experience.

Other Subarus could be, and it was recommended in the manuals of other
vehicles that the fuse be used when running on a donut or using chains. NOT
the WRX though.

So unless you've actually seen one doing it (which means they've changed
things without telling their certified mechanics about it in newer WRX
autos) up on a hoist with the front wheels spinning independently of the
rear wheels, trust me: it can't be done.