A downshift to first gear is more of an emergency situation thing. Such as when going 10mph or under, downhill on snow/ice, downshifting to first allows the engine to keep the tires moving while you break. Other then that, I don't see much advantage for acceleration in going down to 1st at 25, you will have a split second of gas before it well beyond redline.


As for the Autostick bashing that went on, I have always driven stick and love it.... Except for stop and go, which is damn near all I do going to and from work. I have used the shifted my Auto a few times tho, it does allow you to kick up the rpms when you know you want to pass, but its only a split second opening and you have to be ready. Every auto I have driven has a slight delay, THAT is the sacrifice of an auto, but the autostick gives the chance to keep a bit of the manual in it. Just my opinion

not too mention, I seem to find myself speeding alot less with auto. Seems every manual I drive has a very hard time doing anything less than 10-15mph over the limit, w/o meaning to.