Automatic Transmission v/s Manual

mukeshgoel · 15th December 2008, 11:04

Now, we guys have started to see Automatics positively. Good.

prince_alex · 5th January 2009, 12:50

Team,

I am planning to buy an hatchback automatic for my wife, guess the only option is i10 auto.

Did a test drive of i10 kappa sportz last week, I could really feel the jerk between the gear changes, was not really happy with it. I was expecting it to be more smooth.

Owners who already own i10 auto please let me know if you feel the same or is it only with the test car.

Also let me know the FE, I was told by the sales guy that the i10 auto would give ~ 9kmpl

Many thanks

Note from Team-BHP Support: Thread MERGED. Please use the search feature before creating a new thread on a topic that might already exist. Please continue your discussion in an existing thread. This will keep all the relevant information in one place and make it easier for readers in the future.

Jaggu · 5th January 2009, 13:00

Please search the forum and you will find information from other owners from i10 automatic.

ashthedivx · 5th January 2009, 13:14

Other option are from hyundai only i.e. Santro AT

Ravveendrra · 5th January 2009, 15:46

Automatics might be the way of the future but give me a Manual Box any day!

The old complaint about automatics being sluggish does not really hold true anymore as often the automatics return better accelaration figures nowadays.

I might, when I am older and my arms do not function too well, buy an automatic. For now I will stick to a Manual Box for the simple reason that the manuals let you use engine deceleration for cornering etc. a feature that makes driving such a pleasure. The automatics, on the other hand, offer nil or negligible engine deceleration. This means that you have to use the brakes to slow the car down, leading to more wear and tear on the brakes, lower fuel efficiency and more wear and tear on the engine.

Most people in the automobile trade will also agree that automatic transmissions reduce engine life by a significant percentage. This is caused by the engine being run at slightly higher speeds at idling and due to wasted power during running and shifts.

Above all it is an emotional thing. The joy of driving would not be the same without the glorious feeling that - a perfectly executed gear change on a twisty road - gives you. Which automatic box can produce the lovely notes from under the bonnet (and exhaust) as the engine worked to slow the car down? And anyways, if I went in for an automatic - What would I do with my left leg (and arm)

?

PraveenM · 5th January 2009, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by prince_alex

Team,

Did a test drive of i10 kappa sportz last week, I could really feel the jerk between the gear changes, was not really happy with it. I was expecting it to be more smooth.

Also let me know the FE, I was told by the sales guy that the i10 auto would give ~ 9kmpl

Probably an issue with the test car, our 5-month old Magna auto shifts as smooth as any other automatic i've driven abroad.

FE is around 9 in bumper-bumper traffic, haven't checked otherwise.

My wife would happily recommend the i10 auto!

rishia · 5th January 2009, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravveendrra

And anyways, if I went in for an automatic - What would I do with my left leg (and arm)

?

Well, I usually keep my left leg folded in a comfortable position on the seat.. and the arm assuming a position on the gear knob .. as if to change the imaginary gear.. although all it's used is to come from D to N when I stop anywhere, but I'm not complaining.

ImmortalZ · 5th January 2009, 18:33

Hugemongous dead pedal for my left leg and the spacious hand-rest-thingy for the left hand. Of course, when I'm testing the limits of grip, both hands on the steering wheel.

CtrlAltDel · 5th January 2009, 20:49

well, driving an automatic frees your left hand to cuddle your girl friend in the other seat

ritz830 · 5th January 2009, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravveendrra

I might, when I am older and my arms do not function too well, buy an automatic. For now I will stick to a Manual Box for the simple reason that the manuals let you use engine deceleration for cornering etc. a feature that makes driving such a pleasure. The automatics, on the other hand, offer nil or negligible engine deceleration. This means that you have to use the brakes to slow the car down, leading to more wear and tear on the brakes, lower fuel efficiency and more wear and tear on the engine.

Deceleration not possible in AT? Thanks for providing the hint.

I think. We should first list down differences between AT and MT in a realistic manner.

ImmortalZ · 5th January 2009, 21:04

Ravv hasn't driven paddle shift equipped cars it appears. With torque converter lockup, you get full engine breaking until the lowest RPMs where it starts to slip. Just downshift like you would in a manual and you'll get full engine breaking.

csentil · 6th January 2009, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by CtrlAltDel

well, driving an automatic frees your left hand to cuddle your girl friend in the other seat

Couldn't agree more with you on that point. While driving a manual in city traffic its so difficult to lay your hands on anything.

I have an AT and a MT. However its tough to say which one i prefer over the other. When I drive the MT, I'm like wow... nice shifting... However after a drive on Saturday evening to Yeshwantpur and back lasting a few hours I was like oh man, i should have taken the AT !!

Rocky_Balboa · 6th January 2009, 01:56

I agree with Immortalz.
I happened to drive around a friends 328i with paddle shift and I have grown such a liking to the AT. Comfort in complete auto mode and Controlled shift using paddles - way to go.

Samurai · 6th January 2009, 07:19

I have owned 5 AT cars until now, Santro being the current one. Most people who are cribbing about AT are highlighting problems with weaker AT cars available in India, say below 10L. Once you taste 150+ HP automatic cars, all such feelings vanish.

CtrlAltDel · 6th January 2009, 09:22

i have driven ATs abroad (with and without paddles, with and without cruise control) and have fallen in love with it. I am still waiting for a diesel AT car <10L to be launched here....

15th December 2008, 11:04	#76
mukeshgoel Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 1,278 Thanked: 2,412 Times View My Garage	Now, we guys have started to see Automatics positively. Good.
	() Thanks

5th January 2009, 12:50	#77
prince_alex BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 30 Thanked: 0 Times	Advice needed regarding i10 Automatic Team, I am planning to buy an hatchback automatic for my wife, guess the only option is i10 auto. Did a test drive of i10 kappa sportz last week, I could really feel the jerk between the gear changes, was not really happy with it. I was expecting it to be more smooth. Owners who already own i10 auto please let me know if you feel the same or is it only with the test car. Also let me know the FE, I was told by the sales guy that the i10 auto would give ~ 9kmpl Many thanks Note from Team-BHP Support: Thread MERGED. Please use the search feature before creating a new thread on a topic that might already exist. Please continue your discussion in an existing thread. This will keep all the relevant information in one place and make it easier for readers in the future. Last edited by Jaggu : 5th January 2009 at 12:59. Reason: Search please
	() Thanks

5th January 2009, 13:00	#78
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,383 Thanked: 17,294 Times	Please search the forum and you will find information from other owners from i10 automatic.
	() Thanks

5th January 2009, 13:14	#79
ashthedivx Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,359 Thanked: 24 Times	Other option are from hyundai only i.e. Santro AT
	() Thanks

5th January 2009, 15:46	#80
Ravveendrra Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,390 Thanked: 447 Times View My Garage	Automatics might be the way of the future but give me a Manual Box any day! The old complaint about automatics being sluggish does not really hold true anymore as often the automatics return better accelaration figures nowadays. I might, when I am older and my arms do not function too well, buy an automatic. For now I will stick to a Manual Box for the simple reason that the manuals let you use engine deceleration for cornering etc. a feature that makes driving such a pleasure. The automatics, on the other hand, offer nil or negligible engine deceleration. This means that you have to use the brakes to slow the car down, leading to more wear and tear on the brakes, lower fuel efficiency and more wear and tear on the engine. Most people in the automobile trade will also agree that automatic transmissions reduce engine life by a significant percentage. This is caused by the engine being run at slightly higher speeds at idling and due to wasted power during running and shifts. Above all it is an emotional thing. The joy of driving would not be the same without the glorious feeling that - a perfectly executed gear change on a twisty road - gives you. Which automatic box can produce the lovely notes from under the bonnet (and exhaust) as the engine worked to slow the car down? And anyways, if I went in for an automatic - What would I do with my left leg (and arm)?
	() Thanks

5th January 2009, 18:33	#83
ImmortalZ Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 2,195 Thanked: 601 Times View My Garage	Hugemongous dead pedal for my left leg and the spacious hand-rest-thingy for the left hand. Of course, when I'm testing the limits of grip, both hands on the steering wheel.
	() Thanks

5th January 2009, 20:49	#84
CtrlAltDel BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: HyderaGr8 Posts: 499 Thanked: 24 Times	well, driving an automatic frees your left hand to cuddle your girl friend in the other seat
	() Thanks

5th January 2009, 21:04	#86
ImmortalZ Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 2,195 Thanked: 601 Times View My Garage	Ravv hasn't driven paddle shift equipped cars it appears. With torque converter lockup, you get full engine breaking until the lowest RPMs where it starts to slip. Just downshift like you would in a manual and you'll get full engine breaking.
	() Thanks

6th January 2009, 01:56	#88
Rocky_Balboa BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Namma Bengalooru Posts: 693 Thanked: 407 Times View My Garage	I agree with Immortalz. I happened to drive around a friends 328i with paddle shift and I have grown such a liking to the AT. Comfort in complete auto mode and Controlled shift using paddles - way to go.
	() Thanks

6th January 2009, 07:19	#89
Samurai Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bangalore/Udupi Posts: 26,002 Thanked: 49,660 Times View My Garage	I have owned 5 AT cars until now, Santro being the current one. Most people who are cribbing about AT are highlighting problems with weaker AT cars available in India, say below 10L. Once you taste 150+ HP automatic cars, all such feelings vanish.
	() Thanks

6th January 2009, 09:22	#90
CtrlAltDel BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: HyderaGr8 Posts: 499 Thanked: 24 Times	i have driven ATs abroad (with and without paddles, with and without cruise control) and have fallen in love with it. I am still waiting for a diesel AT car <10L to be launched here....
	() Thanks