Originally Posted by Franc Rauscher
You are quite right. Third is the awesome gear in the Crossie. One can do the entire Dragon in third very well.
I also find in stop and go rubberbanding traffic that the engine handles the lugging OK and the top end (about 85 MPH comfortably) is more than enough for that situation. One can keep the left foot at rest.
The biggest problem I have is that after so many years of driving a four speed, as I leave heavy traffic it is not uncommon for me to notice some 20 miles down the road, that I haven't put it in 6th. The torque curve in this engine is so level, one does not feel it drop off at the higher RPMS.
I like to drive in 3rd a lot too. Getting onto the highway, working through 3, or 6 lanes of traffic to get to the left lane, it's great - on the gas for some quick acceleration to shoot into a hole, off to slow down. Nice.
I also find myself forgetting to get out of 4th and into 6th