namebrand

I want to know how the sequential sportshift responds, how much of a difference in the perfromanceis there from the manual to the sequential shifting. Im not planning on doing much mods to the car, just some different wheels, intake and maybe exhaust since i got a hook up, im wont be dropping the car much if any since it already sucks driving in NY with the clearance i have on my current car. Any insights? thanks

jcg878

Drive both

SS responds pretty quick for an SS. It probably responds in about the time as it takes someone driving an MT to shift - it feels slower since you're not actively doing anything, but I'll bet if it was timed it would be about the same.

I am happy with the SS mode on the TSX

Whiskers

I love the SS, I use it all the time (except for traffic and poor weather). I also bet I can keep up with a TSX with manual using the SS.

Dan Martin

Sounds like a challenge.

DEVO

wsklar, not likely.

fyi... it's not a sequential tranny in the true sense of the word.

drkangel348

I'll say the same too, the SS is pretty damn quick in shifting for a non-smg.

Whiskers

Lets go!!!

jcg878

In the true sense of the word "sequential" it certainly is

jcg878

No you couldn't, because there's a greater drivetrain loss in the AT. You could probably beat Dan though

Whiskers

Ok, Whats faster? Using the SS or just being in "D"?

jcg878

In SS you can rev to ~73-7400 and bounce off the rev limiter if you're not careful; in D, it will go to - but not above - redline. So I'd say skillful SS driving is faster, but not by much. It also seems that the 1->2 shift is the slowest, which is pretty annoying IMO.

Main use of SS for me is to downshift before a turn, or before I know I'll need to accelerate (i.e. being a jerk on the highway ).

Whiskers

Ahh, the downshift "Jerk" gear. Thanks for the info.

nahooneyya

i love my SS~~shifts so much faster then i expected....its great~~

ejmatay

6MT will always be faster than 5AT SS just because of the gearing.

1st AT=2.652 MT=3.267
2nd AT=1.517 MT=1.880

Just looking at the first 2 gears the MT will be ahead off the line provided you know how to drive without slipping the clutch too much or spinning the tires.

Whiskers

Im speed racer, my SS AT can do it!!!!!

landerso

As much as I like my 5AT, I won't try to convince you that the SS mode is a true clutchless manual. Basically it is a high-quality 5-speed automatic with a switch that allows you more direct control of upshifts and downshifts. The transmission still decides if/when to shift, hence the slow 1-2 shift. The other shifts are much faster (don't know why, tho). Since it still has a torque converter and one fewer gear, it is not going to be as responsive as the 6MT.

For me it was a question of which transmission fit my current lifestyle and driving needs best. I spend much more time in traffic than on twisty backroads (of which there are few here anyway), so the convenience outweighs the performance cost. The SS mode is still fun when I have the chance to play a bit. In 30+ years of driving this is my first automatic, and I still enjoy it. If most of your driving is in city traffic, I would think it'd be a great compromise.

darth62

I think the sportshift is a nice feature to have, and I use it a lot (for getting on the highway, etc). But, it isn't as easy to use as a manual - you don't have that intuitive feel for the gear.

I got the 5AT because I live in Los Angeles and the traffic here is FIERCE. But, I don't see the sportshift as anything close to a substitute for the 6MT.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

The SS is definitely fun when you don't have the option of using a manual. I use it a lot when I drive because it allows me to get around those slow people who insist on sitting in the left lane.

ric

agree that the SS is not a manual, and - one has five gears, not six. and it won't give you the "gut feel" of a manual. That said, some moderate control of the beast can occur with SS and - one can have some fun with it as well. It does alow for a variety of manoevers in midspeed and highspeed traffic that would otherwise be difficult. The design of the tsx shifter is easier than some other "manumatics" that I have seen out there. the SS makes having the auto a more liveable compromise............

DEVO

NOT just the gearing, the time it takes to shift gears in SS vs MT is huge.

jcg878

I don't think so. I think it's perceptual.

STL

It might not be huge, but a SS is noticeably slower at shifting than someone who is use to driving a MT.

jcg878

I have no doubt that someone who is racing can shift an MT faster than the SS will shift. But I think in everyday driving, the SS feels slower since one is momentarily waiting for the shift to occur, whereas with an MT, one is engaged in the procedure of depressing the clutch pedal, shifting the gear, and releasing the clutch pedal. I'd be curious to see the average time of each.

sauceman

But then, it's not in everyday casual driving where you'll see one car outdrive another because it's faster. I'll outspeed a GT2 to the next light. Does it mean I'm quicker than the GT2? It means I'm taking advantage of his casualness.

Now, going all out, the 6MT is A LOT quicker than the 5AT. Next time I drive down in your area, I'll give you a ride. You'll see what I mean.

TSX 'R' US

SS rocks...but it ain't no 6MT...

DEVO

I don't know, I've driven SS type cars and while it may appear to be fast on shifting, it's no where near as fast as shifting an MT.

The only exception being a true sequential shifter like that found on a Ferrari. (BMW SMG and Audi DSG are good canidates as well).

Belzebutt

I test-drove several AT cars before I bought the TSX and it was the best of the bunch. The AT on the 330i felt as deliberate and quick, but the shift knob on the TSX AT easily had the best feel, it feels like a short throw manual when you hold it. The worst was the G35, it's horrible, you push it AWAY from you where it doesn't feel as natural (as opposed to towards you on the TSX where it's right where you want it) and there's a stupid button in the way.

The TSX AT is most useful for downshifting when you're anticipating to pass a car, it allows you to do something can't do with a regular automatic. The shifts are quick enough, probably as good as a casual shift on a MT.

That said, I didn't even want to test drive the TSX 6MT because I didn't want to miss it after getting my AT, but I have no doubt that it's quicker shifting and gives better acceleration numbers.

Kanon23

So question for you guys: If I switch from Auto to SS while I drive does it hurt the tranny?

Belzebutt

I don't see why, it doesn't switch gears or do anything mechanical when you change modes.

jlukja

No, it won't hurt anything. I do this quite often.

jcg878

No