Originally Posted by marlam
You need to test an auto and a manual and draw your own conclusions. I initially wanted a manual and drove two of them. I concluded that it is tough to get a smooth getaway in first and that the first to second gear change is very jumpy. I guess some would call it snappy and, no doubt once you are familiar with the box, it is fine to drive.
I test drove an auto roasdster and a manual coupe. I ended up with the coupe because it was 6 grand cheaper (USD) and had much less mileage (14800 vs 46000 on the roadster). A no brainer! The clutch has a long throw and takes a little getting used to. I have the 2006 model and have never had it jump out of first...they had probably solved that problem by then. There is enough power to start in second which I usually do in town, and I can drive mine smooothly enough that if I blindfolded you, you wouldn't be able to tell which transmission it has. I would not say shifting is notchy, but it has a quirk or two. I notice that shifting is flawless when accelerating hard. When changing gears in a leisurely manner, I sometimes almost miss 6th, as the shifter is spring loaded to the 3rd to 4th gates, and if you aren't positive with your shifter it will hunt that middle position. It's a "touchie feely" thing that you get used to. You'll find that when the right car comes along, it won't matter which transmission it has!
