Hey guys, new to the forums. I just traded in my 02 RSX Type-S and waiting to get an 05 TL 6-speed w/ Navi from the factory. Right now I'm driving the RL demo till Thursday. Nice car. I'm getting the TL w/ Navi auto demo car to drive till I get my TL. I have about the end of this month to decide if I want to get auto or manual. I like the manual especially coming off fresh from the RSX Type-S. The auto is nice too but I don't know yet. I like to shift and feel the power with manual. I was wondering if any of you own a 6 speed with Navi that shifting gears and using the Navi gets in the way or possibly annoy you? I can't decide but I'm leaning towards the 6-speed. When I get the demo tomorrow, I will have a better decision making when the car is about to arrive. I'm 24 with no kids so I can still enjoy shifting gears for a while. I probably don't make sense right now, but I would like to hear other peoples opinion. Thanks guys!!!

 

The manual is definatly more fun to drive, but either way you can have the navi. Car and Driver did say with the power the TL puts down the auto(since it has a torque converter) felt like it fit the car most, with nearly no torque steer. I would personally prefer manual but my folks say their lives are too chaotic so they are getting the auto. The manual will shave about one second of the 0-60(if you are a very good driver). In florida, I would definatly go with the manual. It is a little harder here in NE because there are many things to keep track of in the snow. The thing I do like about auto is that if you are feeling lazy you can still drive without a problem and you still get SS.

 

Thats true, plus the auto shift is Ok. Traffic is getting worse here in Jacksonville every year, but I drive manual because it keeps more more aware on the road. Also another thing about the TL, the cup trays. When you put the drinks in, they might get in the way when you shift gears right, or you get used to it and overcome by shifting and not spilling the drinks?? LOL...

 

this is a no brainer, 6MT all the way. it's probably one of the best features about the car. the navi has voice command so you don't need to operate with you hands all the time. i can't really think of a real world situation where i am so occupied by shifting that i cannot find a couple of seconds between shifts to operate the navi.

 

Coming off that RSX I think you would get too bored getting an automatic TL. Unless you face bumper to bumper traffic every morning go with the manual.

 

WOW, unexpected. So far every response is the 6-speed. I'm making a tally btw.. haha.

 

Get the 6MT, I love driving mine.

 

i went from an RSX to a TL within the past month... my RSX was a 5-spd but heavily modded. Wanted a 6-spd TL but got the auto w/ navi...I dont regret it since traffic in SD gets worse everyday.

 

6-speed all the way. To me the auto seemed a bit sluggish, definetely doesnt have the same kick as the 6-speed. Everyone told me getting a 6-speed was not very smart, but I got it because thats what I wanted and I don't regret my decision.

Macruz19 is right about the cup holders, if you have anything in them, they tend to get in the way.

 

6-speed all the way. To me the auto seemed a bit sluggish, definetely doesnt have the same kick as the 6-speed. Everyone told me getting a 6-speed was not very smart, but I got it because thats what I wanted and I don't regret my decision. Its real fun to drive, something I would have missed had I gone with the auto.

Macruz19 is right about the cup holders, if you have anything in them, they tend to get in the way.

 

I own a 5AT, but I wish I could have got the 6SPD the only thing was that I live in the NY area and on the expressway during rush hour is ridiculous it would be a good work out for my arm. And on top of that I don't know how to drive a stick shift. But I am very happy with my 5AT.

 

5AT. I get tons of snow here for half of year. City is only fifteen mile wide also.

 

It's actually better to drive in the snow with a manual tranny b/c you can downshift and don't have to brake as much or as hard, so you are less likely to slide and lose control. Sport shift is not the same as manual by any means...you still get the drag from gears up and down shifting.


My vote is (and my TL will be) 6mt.

 

Get the 6MT. It's more fun to drive so long as you don't spend most of your drive time in stop-and-go traffic.

As far as the cupholders, I put a Gatorade 20 fl oz bottle with the wide orange cap in the cupholder closest to the stick. My wrist rests comfortably on it. It is perfect arrangement for me and my arm rests on the center console pulled forward with the wrist getting support from the bottle.

 

Clutch also gives you more control over accel, especially in reverse. Manual definatly keeps you more in touch with the road. If there was a computer overide for manual trannies(while keeping them true manuals) that would be awsome.

 

Go with the 6-speed!

I live in Houston where Traffic is horrible and I love it! I would not trade it for anything. Plus, I grew up in Florida and have been to Jax many many times - you will be just fine and much happier with the 6-speed!

You will get much more joy shifting into second then third as you jump on to 95......... or coming from up north where 95 slows down to 35mph, you can down shift to 3rd and fly through that corner with much more control - and you get the bigger brakes ;-)

 

^with more break dust

 

First, you're 15 - so what do you know about brake dust - second, if he is an avid Acura person he will get his car washed weekly so the brake dust will not make that much of a difference becasue his car is always clean - third, the brembos look nice, and have more stopping control - forth, you can buy pads to eliminate the dust if you feel there is too much

 

I drove the auto on my first drive and was dissapointed because I thought a car that had 270 ponies should feel faster. My 01 Accord Coupe felt just as fast as the TL. I just thought that the car was heavy, but when I drove the 6MT it changed my perception. I was like, "wow, this is how the car should feel!"

Don't forget the 6MT is a good choice, because of the Brembo brakes and stiffer suspension too!

 

I really like the new accord coupe! They have done a great job with that car - especially when you put a spoiler and wheels on it!!!!!

 

This is not a sports car. Why try to make it one?

A5 all the way.

Just my humble opinion . . .

 

You know, it's kind of weird reading that from a person who has the A-Spec kit installed.

 

Thanks for all the replys. I'll make my decision when I drive the auto TL w/ navi for a few weeks. I guess the 6 Speed is a lot better. I don't have to deal with snow, but somewhat traffic. Does not really bother me.

 

I'm getting Anthracite with black interior. My options are:
Navi
A-Spec body kit w/ spoiler
Ultra Shield (clear bra)
All season mats
Car cover
Door edge trim
Trunk Tray
Window tint w/ moleskin

I got a good deal on the car and the accessories since I'm a returning Acura customer. I'm financing lower than I calculated. The hard part is choosing the auto or 6 speed.

 

Part of the reason we got the TL is that you could get it with a manual
transmission.
The manual is fun to drive, test driving a brand new automatic one
was dramaticly different from the manual, I dont know if it was because
the car was so new and did not let the auto trans ecu adapt any, but
it reved way up with even slight throttle, seemed to have a lot more
motor noise, and seemed slower.

While the MPG is the same, the manual trans car is almost 1 second
faster in the 1/4 mile I think!

Brett

 

6 speed.

 

Yeah when I test drove the auto TL it seemed to be a little noisier when you rev it up. The 6-speed seemed more quiet when you accelerate.

 

First of all, welcome aboard! This topic, 6MT vs 5AT has been talked about so many times and if you get the chance, do a search and you'll see what I'm talking about. The reasons you've stated favor getting the MT and in my humble opinion, you should. You should also test drive the AT and then make your decision from that point. The one thing everyone agrees on, the stick is more fun to drive. The Navi does not get in the way nor will it annoy you. Keep us updated and Good Luck in your decision.

 

6 Speed!!!!

 

I live in the Washington DC area and I faced the very same dilemma that you are facing now, to stick or not to stick. Last month I bought my TL and I got the 6mt and I have zero regrets. I have also learned that the benefits of getting MT over a AT is that the manual comes standard with the brembro brakes and thicker front a rear sway bars, making the car handle a lot better. With the 5AT you don't get the brembro unless you get the Aspect package, and even then your sway bars are still about 3mm thinner (which funny enough seems to make a difference).

Bottom Line is I didn't even realize I was driving a stick when I was stuck in traffic. I used to curse when fumbling to talk on the phone. Now I just hit a button and say "Hello".

 

Get the 6 spd. I have the 6 spd and it's awesome. Also, since you're gonna have the voice activation, you won't have to worry about moving your hands too much.

 

MY dad agrees some what, he came off of a 99 Chevy Suburban and he calls the TL an Econo Box. But he loves the sport of the 6mt. (so do I) So the TL is a sporty car and an Economy car as well. He gets about 26 mpg and he gets on it too. I am always trying now to shift in my car but i look down and realize i have a auto and im stuck with the sport shift in the 99 TL
so go for the 6mt i love it

 

six speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeddddd baby....im 29, especially u live in florida....

 

I drive a 5 AT and although i know a 6 speed would be a lot more fun, I still have lots of fun with the SS. At least i can pretend i have a manual? hahahaha jk

 

I dunno about you but I like the sound of the car during hard acceleration. If it was up to me we would get the manual, but it aint.

 

6MT!!!!
I almost went with the 5AT but I test drove the 6MT car that was in the showroom while i was waiting for the car I had already ordered. I changed my order that day and took the 6MT from the showroom.

Also, the 6MT comes with the Brembo brakes. The 5AT does not.

The 6MT is quicker than the 5AT.

The 6MT has limited slip, the 5AT doesn't.

So it's hands down for the 6MT.

 

I vote 6-speed. This may be one of your last chances to own a manual. Let's be honest now...once you settle down with a girlfriend/wife + kids, odds are she won't want to have a manual car she can't/won't drive.

I know that's what's happened to some of my friends! Hasn't happened to me yet

 

I'm in a very good position to offer some objective opinions (not really, because I have a total bias in favor of manual transmissions.. I would not even consider the purchase of a personal driving machine with an automatic).

I have one of both! My TL is an '04 Anthracite/Ebony/6MT/Nav and my wife's is an '05 Satin Silver/Quartz/5AT/Nav. In terms of ride and handling, there is a felt and real difference between these two cars. As has been pointed out, you get Brembo brakes with the manual and thicker sway bars. But you also get a stiffer suspension to boot.

I will say that the TL auto is a fine car and a ball to drive for those who want or love an automatic. Surprising throttle response and power delivery. But the manual is the way to go if you are a driving nut and just love the sensations of a fine car in motion. I also live in the Northern Virginia area (God, I hate saying Northern) and even with the traffic, the fact that my TL is a manual never ceases to put a smile on my face and keep me entertained.

Both are fine cars to be sure. But the manual is in a class, separate and enjoyingly distinct. Not once have I regretted my purchase and I know my love for this fine factor will remain.

If you love driving. If you love the feel of a fine machine answering your throttle inputs with a surge to the small of your back. If you relish the movements of a delicious shifter making its way through the gears. If you delight in the challenge of a testy but precise clutch engagement.. then be all means, go for the manual transmission. You will not be disappointed.

 

My 450RWHP/480RWTQ '03 Cobra was fun to bang gears in; on the street and on the track.

I just don't see the need in FWD sedan. If it was AWD or had some more balls, I could justify wanting a M6.

For me (again this is just my opinion) it's about cruising in style. Going to work, sitting in traffic (nasty in Seattle), heading downtown on the weekends or taking a road trip. Why manually shift? Who am I going to race? Just not my cup of tea for this car.

I'd much rather enjoy a well geared, high-MPG automatic transmission.

 

don't manual trannies typically get very slightly better gas mileage?

either way, i'm already buying a shitload of gas since i'm always running in SS mode on my AT but if you want to enjoy a nice cruise from time to time with your right hand sprawled behind the front passenger's headrest while onlookers try and speed up or slow down to achieve that perfect glance of one of the nicest looking cars on the road today while you casually talk to your buddy on the bluetooth navi system talking about how your inadvertently holding up florida traffic, then by all means get the 5AT.

if you like to drive hard 95% of the day, i say go with the 6mt. it's probably a blessing in disguise that the 6mt wasn't available yet when i purchased my car.

sometimes I find myself debating if I should trade it in for the 6mt but I know down the road I'll thank myself for keeping the 5AT for it's higher resale. plus if i really want to get on it, i'll just take the sportbike out and whip on some civilized drivers.