Is 5spd THAT much better than Auto?

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

I have an automatic prelude right now....I have to say that it is the bane of my existence.



Not really, but it really annoys me that it's an auto. Not only do enthusiasts not take you as seriously, but it lacks low end power (I mean, all preludes do, but this is just more pronounced) Maybe the M3 is strong enough to overcome some of that low-end power loss, but all manuals just feel much more powerful off the line. For me the difference is night and day. I bought this crappy 88 integra for 275 bucks cash (total POS) and it has a 5 speed.



That thing feels faster 0-8 mph than my prelude does! I appreciate my auto in traffic, but everywhere else it bothers me a lot.

[m3f_tb0ne]

The quarter mile is about 1 second difference between the manual and auto m3. Pretty minor if you ask me considering the M3 is/was never intended to be a dragster

[m3f_CrazzyM3]

I actually think that one second in the 1/4 mile is a big deal.......think about it how much do you spend on performance parts that barely lower your 1/4 mile.......plus when your driving a stick YOUR driving the car........when your driving an auto the car drives you. Just my opinion.:thumbsup:

[m3f_tb0ne]

I agree completely. But for someone like me who can't afford to track their car and is lucky to even have an M3, an auto m3 still beats the crap out of any other daily-driver enjoyment-wise. As for the quarter mile, I always thought it was around a half second difference, but I think someone above said 1 second. Dunno I'd have to look it up...



Anyway...m3's rock...stick or auto....'nuff said :thumbsup:

[m3f_marked23]

I was driving a 5 speed Toyota pickup in Seattle traffic. In 5mph stop-and-go traffic, I actually spend more time driving with the clutch pushed in than out. It got so bad that I developed problems with my ankle and wrist.



So I went out looking for an automatic. When I drove a 97 M3 auto, I knew I was home.



I don't intend on racing, or even tracking. I want to get to work and back without going insane. This car does that for me.



Don't compare a M3 automatic to a M3 5speed. Just compare an M3 automatic to any other automatic out there.



So, to answer your question, yes... unless you want an automatic.

[m3f_WytLytnyn]

Originally posted by marked23

I was driving a 5 speed Toyota pickup in Seattle traffic. In 5mph stop-and-go traffic, I actually spend more time driving with the clutch pushed in than out. It got so bad that I developed problems with my ankle and wrist.



So I went out looking for an automatic. When I drove a 97 M3 auto, I knew I was home.



I don't intend on racing, or even tracking. I want to get to work and back without going insane. This car does that for me.



Don't compare a M3 automatic to a M3 5speed. Just compare an M3 automatic to any other automatic out there.



So, to answer your question, yes... unless you want an automatic.



I used to drive a 91 Jeep Wrangler that I put a Centerforce II clutch in. After a while, I noticed that my left quadracep became significantly stronger than the right......thanks to Atlanta trafic..

[m3f_CrazzyM3]

Originally posted by WytLytnyn





I used to drive a 91 Jeep Wrangler that I put a Centerforce II clutch in. After a while, I noticed that my left quadracep became significantly stronger than the right......thanks to Atlanta trafic..



If you had a clutch stop would that help with that or would that not happen in an m3 unless it was in lots of heavy traffic.......if so would the clutch stop help then?:help:

[m3f_NLR]

Originally posted by tb0ne

As for the quarter mile, I always thought it was around a half second difference, but I think someone above said 1 second. Dunno I'd have to look it up...



Anyway...m3's rock...stick or auto....'nuff said :thumbsup:



Nope...



automatic M3 1/4 mile = 15.0-15.2

Manual M3 1/4 mile = 14.0-14.3

[m3f_wannaBmer]

I have always liked stick better than auto. At least since I have been able to drive a stick. I have a 2000 Passat 5speed tiptronic auto. Its the family car, and as soon as I buy my own car it will be my wife's car. It is nice in traffic and hauling the family around. I have just always believed that if I get a performance car it should be a manual. For me, anyway. Other poeple have their own reasons for auto or manual.



I have a follow up question to the first one, since we are talking trannys. Is a 6speed manual better than a 5speed? Its hard not to think more gears more better, but is it really better or just more economical? Or is there some other reason its better?

[m3f_boostinm3]

Here's an idea, don't we all wish we could have 2 M3's. One of them could be an automatic for the daily driver (1 hour in bumper-to-bumper traffic) and the other one can be a manual for a weekend car/track car. :thumbsup:

[m3f_tb0ne]

now there's an idea...who's buying me my new m3???

[m3f_wannaBmer]

Originally posted by tb0ne

now there's an idea...who's buying me my new m3???



Yeah! I'll take one, too! Better make that 2, too.