Let us summarize Pro and Con:

Automatic like our CLS-5AT.
Pro:
1) TQ converter that multiplies TQ at launch or even while accelerating from a crusing speed.
2) Day to Day Easy to drive in traffic.
3) Can emulate manual mode in SS.
4) No need to worry about replacing a clutch till the Auto goes Kaboom!
5) there is no dissconnection of WHP between shifts.

Con:
1) 5-10% more loss of WHP!
2) SS lag time
3) Auto is prone to go Kaboom!


6-speed like our CLS-6MT.
Pro:
1) Better Acceleration, 1 more gear to use.
2) full control of all gears
3) 5-10% more WHP
4) No SS lag time, there is a dissconnection of WHP between shifts.
5) No need to worry about the tranny going Kaboom, till you miss a shift and the engine goes Kaboom instead!

Con:
1) Hard to drive in traffic.
2) Engine is prone to go Kaboom if you are a novice driver!
3) Pain to drive in traffic


So, I think I was give a choice of Auto and 6-speed and if:
1) Both cars have same WHP
2) Both cars have comparable shifting transit time.
3) Both tranny are SOLID.

I will go with the Automatics.

Nashua.

 

i shoulda gotten a manual, i regret it

 

I dont find it a pain to drive in traffic, just more entertaining. What about drives blowing them up? I haven't yet and I didnt know how to drive it when it was taken off the dealer lot.

 

Well, I'm biased on the 6 speed side, but let me respond to your cons. #1 - not hard to drive in traffic if you are used to driving a stick and for those like me that would not consider purchasing an automatic - who cares anyway!

#2) I agree that of all the manuals I've had (this is my 4th), the CLS took some time getting used too. Probably not a good first manual car for a novice. That said, if you're not a newbie to manuals, it's an awesome driving experience

Overall, the only reason I even purchased a CLS was that it was offered in manual. To each their own, I just don't enjoy driving automatics.

 

Your 6-speed CONS are weak sauce.....|||||||||||||

 

May I add that the 6-speed will shift harder, or let us say it will not shift as smoth as the Auto.

 

Shawn S rating system...................

SlushBox = :thumbsdn: :thumbsdn:

6-Speed =

 

I like this system best.

 

The main reason why I got rid of my CLS is that I hated the auto tranny. I fell in love with the car when it first came out, and thought that 260hp and the SS tranny would keep me happy. Well, it didn't, and I ended up getting a 6-speed Z mainly because I wanted a manual tranny car.

I have to disagree on your point: 3) Can emulate manual mode in SS.

I hated SS. The only time I ever used it was at the drag strip because I could hold a gear to ~7100. It's nothing like driving a manual. It's way too slow and not holding 1st gear made it pretty useless to me.

 

I think it all boils down to the convenience/laziness factor. There are times I certainly wish I had the 6spd. I used to drive a stick with my old Z for 7+ yrs... but even when you're used to it, it's still work. I bought my '03 in an auto because I knew the times I'm glad I have an auto would far outnumber the days I wish I had a stick. But everyone's motivation is different... I'm just happy Acura made both

 

What's this all about? Kaboom if you're a novice driver? I haven't heard of this ever happening with any of the 6MTs on this board. Maybe scratching a few geras is possible but unless you're a complete idiot and downshift while you're already in VTEC then you'll be fine.

And all those "if the auto was the same as the 6MT except it were not manual" basically is what you get from BMW's SMG. It's a huge hit for their buyers but for ours it probably would have been tough to stomach the upgrade price for such a lower end car.

 

If the CLS didn't come with a 6spd, I would be driving something else right now.

I get stuck in stop and go traffic every morning driving thru "the belly of the beast" (Providence, RI). I don't mind having a standard.

I'll wait till I "grow up" and buy a 4 door sedan or god forbid a minivan and get an automatic then

 

this whole thread is weak sauce.

 

My 5AT with the SC is awesome, and Nashua pointed out the key, no loss of HP on shifts !! Man when i'm in SS, 2nd and 3rd are tremendous

 

Originally posted by greenmonster
If the CLS didn't come with a 6spd, I would be driving something else right now

My sentiments exactly!

 

6MT.....never own an auto again unless i absolutely must.....

 

6mt OWNZ



this looks like a thread to make up for one's insecurities/regret of not getting a 6spd/justification of getting the crapbox auto...i.e. pat on the back thread for people w/slushboxes.....

 

This is a great car to have a stick in because of the wide power band. My second car is a 5speed and I have to constantly shift gears to stay in the powerband so that I may have enough acceleration. In town you can pretty much stay in 3rd or 4th gear and never shift except when stopping at a stop sign or red light. On the highway put it in 6th and forget that your driving a manual.

Your CONS for the 6mt are very weak and there are many more cons to the AUTO tranny than you have listed

 

well for me...i'd rather not have a stick shift since i commute 45 min in LA traffic on the 101 and the 405 to school (if you have any idea, that shit SUCKS!)...

secondly, all I had was $19,700 and that could only get me an 01 CL-S.....and shit, not every fucking car now-a-days comes w/ SS, and I must add that its fun to use here and there, and i LOVE my damn car...

Down teh line once I'm out of school, I would definitely like to try out a stick shift since they're fun to drive though...

(p.s. having 6 speed is also quite nice )

 

Only reason I switched. I didn't want that problem, or fear that problem.

 

 

I had an '01 CLS :thumbsdn:

but I traded it in for an '03 CLS 6sp

I don't think it's hard or a pain to drive in traffic. But I've been driving stick longer than you've been alive.

 

Actually there is a slight disconnect of power when shifting even on the 5AT, albeit minimal. There is, however, a reduced torque output during the shift to smooth the transition through reduced timing advance.

The 5AT has another problem, heat soak and the subsequently further reduction in power. If that trans fluid gets hotter the ECU will pull even more timing. So that pleasurable sit in traffic results in an even greater margin of power difference between the 5AT and 6-Speed.

I guess I don't see (or maybe I do) why or where this was coming from. A manual is more enjoyable to drive. An automatic is easier. Enjoying something normally does not stipulate taking the easiest route; people don't play sports because it is easy. Driving a manual is more about the involvement and those who do enjoy it do not find it to be a nuisance in traffic making the Cons moot.

There is a resolution to your dilemma; go buy a new Audi TT with the DSG. But I'll keep my third pedal as I enjoy controlling it.

 

I wish i had the 6 speed, but i got mine in 2000, had no choice. I don't feel like spending 6-8g's just to get the same car with a 6 speed. Need money for a house this year.

 

another 6 speed pro - shorter gearing.

 

What's the point of this thread?

Seems to me you just need to learn to drive stick, or need to learn it better so that it comes 2nd nature, or that you're just upset you didn't get a 6spd and are throwing out excuses to self
better yourself to make you feel better.

 

n00dleboy,

Nice Avatar.. what server are u on?

 

I'm lazy...that's why I bought the 5AT. I've driven stick for quite a few years...my body's not getting any younger...the knees and ankles don't work the way they used to.

 

He has an '01...they didn't have Standards then.

 

Gearbox or Ethically??

 

Well, to me, it was unethical to release the fucking CL-S without a 6MT the first year....so I guess both.

That was the dumbass move of the century for Acura.

 

 

How much IS the difference with the SC with your SS? if I may ask...

Is it really THAT noticeable. I know it pulls a lot harder in the higher RPM's, but how about below 60mph? Is the difference worth the cash in the 0-60 range???
(No disrespects for the previous question, b/c I know the difference it makes in the higher rpm's, but that would be at higher speeds. And since I can hit 60mph in second gear in SS, I would have to be on a track or just speeding on the highway somewhere to feel it in the higher RPM range. I don't like to drive that fast ALL the time)

Thanks for the honesty in advance.

 

I love my 5AT wouldn't have it anyother way. The SS is just like an added bonus.

 

I'll interject. This is not a centrifugal SC, it is a roots blower and provides great gains at the lower revs. This is probably the best feature of it, the part throttle and low engine speed enhancements it provides.

Now, 0 - 60 may not be vastly improved as you can only accelerate as quickly as there is available traction.

 

Huh?? Please explain.

 

This type of blower creates nearly the same boost at all revs. Meaning that the torque increases are nearly the same at the lower revs as they are the higher revs.

 

Scalbert, you're not talking about the CT supercharger then, are you???

If not, what brand is it and what are the details and prices?

 

What auto tranny are you on? My TL-S shifted like shit. Wasnt smooth at all.

Also if you talk to most manual owners they would all say the shifting jerk doesnt bother them. Hell i dont even notice it when I drive.


Just sounds like you need to learn how to drive a manual.

I wont own a auto again unless its a benz.

 

CT supercharger is ROOTS style just as scalbert said