neuronbob

I know there have been other topics on SportShift, but I believe this is the first poll. I'm just curious to know what percentage of TLers use SportShift vs. D4(<2000)/D5(>2000). I personally LOVE SportShift, particularly having learned to drive using a manual shift car.

NighthawkBlack

It sure does make it more fun to drive!

TL-S Man

I've owned stick shifts and automatics, but here on Long Island, traffic is becoming the rule rather than the exception, so I decided to become shiftless. As far as the S/S goes, I think it is a neat thing, and I have tried it, but I prefer to leave my 5 speed auto in D4, because the sport shift mode shifts almost a second after you "change gears."
If Acura offered a stick, (as much fun as they are) I would have opted for an auto. Not because it is a better driving experience, just due to the fact that it is more convenient. Purists may now take aim and shoot me : )

neuronbob

I'm with you here, TL-S Man. I love manual trannys, but find the automatic (and SportShift more so) more convenient. Besides, I married a woman who can't drive stick to save her life. So unless I want a weekend car with stick, I'm stuck on automatics.

rickslick

I have an 01 TL and just last week I started using D4. It seems to shift better and rpm are where I need them to be in the city. I use ss sometimes but the shifts are not consistently smooth.

BlackShadow

I use D4 for everday regular driving. But I use SS when I race. So it's like 65% D4 nd 35% SS, give or take a few %.

Bitium

I find almost no difference between SS and D4/D5. Plus is boring.

Also D5 is a lot better than D4 when using SS.

I WANT A MANUAL SIX SPEED TRANNY. ACURA READ THIS

SS is almost useless most of the time unless you want to hold a gear at some point in the RPM.

For me is either fully auto D5 or maual.

neuronbob

I used to feel the same way about manumatics in general. My previous experience was test-driving the Dodge Intrepid ES, which comes with Autostick. Now THAT was geared for the lowest common denominator, and wouldn't even allow you to hold a gear. If the RPMs were too high, it shifted into the next higher gear without your input. I was so disappointed in the concept that I bought a souped-up base model Intrepid just to avoid the extra expense of the piece of crap tranny. Acura's SportShift, at least in my brand new car, is pretty responsive, and I pretty much drive the car the same way as with a manual tranny, including using it for engine braking when appropriate. The only problem I have is that infamous millisecond delay between the push of the shifter and the change in gear, except when accelerating from a stop.

Guest

Folks, I enjoy driving a stick, but the sport shift provides only half the job. Part of the fun of driving comes from applying power from releasing the clutch. I just don't get the same feeling by tapping on the shifter. Also, since the car downshifts on it's own, some fun in downshifting (again using the clutch) is missing.

I leave it in auto and enjoy the ride.

AcuraTL

Unless I am on my cellphone or holding a drink, I use SS exclusively.

neuronbob

But you can downshift manually, I prefer it because it adds to the experience, and because I use the SS for engine braking. You are absolutely right, part of driving with a manual is using (or in my case, abusing) the clutch. The first couple of days I had my TL, in fact, my left foot reflexly tried to find the clutch pedal, obviously to no avail.

kensteele

Had a loaner 5-speed Integra on Friday. Boy, am I glad we aren't stuck with a manual transmission.