Originally Posted by sbj
I have an '04 auto crossfire. I test drove one a few months ago. Had a quiet side street by the Casino in Coconut Creek, Florida, and hammered it down the street. It sounded darn good while I was hammering it, but it felt like I was waking up a pissed off monster that didn't want to wake up. Like most autos, they may slur on downshifts. Maybe i did not hit it hard enough, who knows. It seems like a cool car that can surprise some of the faster cars out there. Now the thing that bothers me is that it is another automatic transmission car. Is it such a huge deal to deal with an auto, or look at another car that offers a manual. Decisions, decisions.
I know exactly what you mean bud. But at this point I'm not really looking to push the envelope anymore, so the difference between the absolute crispness and control of a stick vs. auto is marginal concern to me (I'm getting old man!). I used the autostick for down shifts and it did what I needed it do, but as you said, it's not the same as a true manual.
In an regard, the car has a lot going for it. I'm six foot about 215 (cough) but get in and out with ease. The driving position is just perfect for me and I absolutely loved the car on the corners...its flat, little roll and confident.
About being cool however, when I entered the highway, I got in behind 4 cars, waited for a hole shot down the left lane and hammered it to go past them. One of the vehicles (Ford truck) tried to pull in behind and catch up...but he disappeared quickly in my mirrors...he waved as I was heading down the ramp...that was kinda cool.