New Member...Just Wondering... (gearshift vs. paddles) - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Blueballz · 02-09-2009, 03:23 PM

Hey! If the car comes with paddle shifters, why include a shifter on the floor? That's valuable space that can be used for something else, IMO...: cup holders, extra cargo space, etc.... Also, I plan on driving manual only; what are some of you "manual only lovers" experiences with this tranny? I don't like automatics.

forestacademy · 02-09-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueballz

Hey! If the car comes with paddle shifters, why include a shifter on the floor? That's valuable space that can be used for something else, IMO...: cup holders, extra cargo space, etc.... Also, I plan on driving manual only; what are some of you "manual only lovers" experiences with this tranny? I don't like automatics.

If you are making a right turn from a stop, you will need to shift to second while the steering wheel is upside down and moving. Using the shifter on the console is much less likely to be confusing in this situation.

Or you could just keep it in Manual mode and not worry about it.

Its all about options, and the smart has plenty

jetfuel · 02-09-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueballz

Hey! If the car comes with paddle shifters, why include a shifter on the floor?.

...so you can go forward or backwards as well as park...
...blueballz...you knew it was coming...
...Forest..you're slowing down son....

jetfuel

SubSlr88 · 02-09-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueballz

Hey! If the car comes with paddle shifters, why include a shifter on the floor? That's valuable space that can be used for something else, IMO...: cup holders, extra cargo space, etc.... Also, I plan on driving manual only; what are some of you "manual only lovers" experiences with this tranny? I don't like automatics.

The shifter is on the floor because that is where it is . . . the paddles allow you to shift manually when you place the floor shifter in +- (manual mode) - it also allows you to shift from park to reverse to neutral and auto (or +-)
Or did you forget that the car has to do other things rather then go straight ahead . . .
Do some reading here and you'll find all the answers.
Some folks like manual only, others auto mode. I tried manual and found that I was tending to over rev and it was costing me gas mileage. I shifted to auto mode (no pun intended) and gained about 4 mpg overall.
It's not an automatic transmission - it's a automated manual with a clutch that is electronically controlled. . . either by you or the car. And it's probably WAY different then anything you've ever driven. . .