Paddle Shifters

[fortow]

Originally Posted by jwight

Here we go again...

Right - but the message isn't getting through - that old nag has to rise from the dead.

My wife prefers to use the paddle shifters - I like them too since they're so handy and easy to use but rowing the gearshift lever back and forth is more entertaining to me since I'm accustomed to shifting manual transmissions.
This is a manual transmission car - the way it is designed to mimic an auto transmission is simply woeful. Flog that instead.

[jwight]

Just my .02, but the message is "to each his own." Some think the manual mode is best, others prefer the auto mode. No "correct" answer to this one.

[3slndr]

The beatings will continue until morral improves!!

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by 3slndr

The beatings will continue until morral improves!!

..how do you improve on a backpack or napsack?...

jefuel....no morals

[chumly]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

..how do you improve on a backpack or napsack?...

jefuel....no morals

Morels? MMMMMMM!

[fortow]

Originally Posted by jwight

Just my .02, but the message is "to each his own." Some think the manual mode is best, others prefer the auto mode. No "correct" answer to this one.

Oh, sure, saying "to each his own" is a convenient way to rationalize using the auto mode - but, dollars to donuts, many who use the auto mode might change their attitude if shown how easy and convenient it is to shift manually and how much more control they would have over the vehicle. Chances are, many who use the auto mode have never driven manual transmission cars and feel they won't be able to shift well enough with the smart - it's so easy a child could do it, though.
All the difficulty with learning to shift manually has been removed with the clutching and de-clutching done by computer which will even rev match for you. It's even further simplified by the addition of paddle shifters. All you need to do is to know a little something about engine rpm's and be able to choose the appropriate revs - developing a little skill with throttle manipulation can make shifts smoother too.

Of course there's no "correct answer" since that's not the issue. If someone doesn't want to eat applesauce because they don't like the looks or texture they aren't wrong - they're just missing out on a good tasting and healthy food. As the 12th century proverb stated - "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink" - (that's the modern translation of "A man maie well bring a horse to the water, But he can not make him drinke without he will." )

[jwight]

There's no need to rationalize using auto or manual - folks here have plenty of information from previous threads, not to mention hands on experience in their own cars. They're more than capable of making an informed decision on which mode they prefer.

[pghjake]

Paddle shifters? Meh, us pure guys just slap the stick.

[stressed member]

The paddle shifters are great as long as you are going strait. I have noticed in turns that I end up in a knot of stearing wheel, arms and paddles. I,m sure they work perfect on F1 cars etc, that have less rotation of the steering wheel. But hey, you do what you have to, to win races. Right?

[BigWarpGuy]

Originally Posted by jwight

Just my .02, but the message is "to each his own." Some think the manual mode is best, others prefer the auto mode. No "correct" answer to this one.

I think it is neat to have the choice between full manual and automated manual. It is one of the reason I like the Fortwo because one does not have to decide one or the other since one gets both. I think I have seen some thing similar in a Corvette (IIRC).