Hey. I'm about 4-5 weeks away from taking delivery of my CGP/QZ non-navi 6MT TSX. Anyway, I've never driven or even seen the 6MT - as the dealership here didn't have any for me to drive. I test drove the 5AT with navi.

I've got a few questions...

1) Are there ANY differences in the 6MT and 5AT besides, of course, the transmission?
2) On the dash in the 5AT version there is an LCD screen that shows the gear selection when in SS mode. Obviously there's no need for this in the 6MT, but is the little screen there and just not used?
3) How long did it take to get used to the speedometer/tachometer setup, where the 0 is pointing straight down?
4) On the non-navi models, when playing a CD does the stereo show the elapsed time of the CD? In my car now, '98 Honda Civic EX, it only shows the disc and track number.

Any info would be great! Thanks!

 

1.No
2.No
3.No problem getting used to the tach
4.Only disc # and track#

 

I have driven both the 6mt and the 5at in the same environments. One difference is engine noise at highway speeds. The MT is geared for quick takeoffs. The auto is geared more for cruising. If you test drove the AT at highway speeds (70 or above); note that you will hear more engine sounds from the MT. This is also shown in the EPA highway mileage between the two. (29 for the MT, 32 for the AT) which is opposite of what you would normally find.

 

You can only see elapsed time when scanning using the console buttons. One of my pet peeves is that the corresponding steering wheel button doesn't scan. The reoriented gauges took me about a week to get used to.

 

the manual has shorter gearing than the auto, even with an extra gear

 

The 6MT is one sweet-shifting machine. You'll be pleased.

 

You made the right choice.

 

It seems like the manual transmission is a dying breed in the US.
A lot of my friends who can drive manuals switch to autos "because it's more convenient".
Let's keep the tradition alive

 

Don't worry, I'm an auto-tranny driver that'll make the move to manual.

I just didn't get the 6MT 'cause it's my first car - didn't want another thing to think about.

 

i got a non-navi tsx and this is what it looks like at night

 

Americans do so much suburban driving (at least this one does), I can see the convenience factor. This is my first MT. I still look for reasons to drive somewhere.

 

Good for you Revenent.

The weird thing is people complain about driving manuals in traffic.
When I'm stuck in traffic, I'm not bothered by the clutch, shifting, starting or anything car related.
The only thing that's on my mind the a$$hole that caused the traffic and what I would do to him.

 

Yeah, even with the 5AT, I'm still sport shifting in traffic - generally to override the computer and get it back into second gear so I can coast and not have to touch the gas.

 

Thanks for all the info! Here in Arkansas (Little Rock) there really isn't such thing as 'rush-hour' traffic. Don't get me wrong, there are times of more than usual traffic, but unless there is a wreck or something it moves fairly well (30-40 mph) on the interstate. Otherwise the interstates run 70-80 all the time. Kinda nice, really. I feel for ya'll folk who are in the big cities!

This'll be my 3rd manual car. When I drive an automatic I feel so disconnected to the car, and the shifts on the 5AT TSX in SS mode that I test drove didn't seem to have the same feeling as actually shifting the car.

Just counting down the days til I get to pick it up...ugh, I hate waiting!

 

Yeah, I commute 50 miles a day in Washington, DC traffic, which is some of the worst in the nation. Driving my 6MT in traffic is as automatic as breathing. Effortless. I don't even notice when I shift most of the time.

 

Once you are comfortable with a manual, it is as easy to drive as an automatic in all conditions. Heck, I can shift, turn a corner, switch the radio, and eat - all at the same time (although I wouldn't recommend it!). I wouldn't get anything but a manual, unless I bought a Suburban or some sort of truck. Manuals rule

 

That's what I'm talking about

 

1. The Manual is lighter by about 40lbs., has better acceleration due to it's higher gearing and lower final drive ratio. Revs higher at highway speeds.
2.
3. The tach design works great because you don't need the tach when it's pointing down at zero but when you're up near red line, the tach is pointing almost straight up at 2:00 allowing you to use your peripheral vision to read it.... This is how race cars have oriented their tachs for years.
4.

 

I love my navi, 6mt!! Would not have it any other way....I don't need some computerized hydraulic POS thinking for me!! Long live the manual trans!!