R56 Manual vs Auto
#5
As good as the automatics are getting, a clutch is just more efficient at power transfer, and usually geared slightly better, which is why they get better mileage.
#7
The lower friction losses in a manual transmission generally lead to better fuel economy than an automatic transmission. Also, an automatic transmission is heavier than a manual transmission.
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#9
+1 (for the general case -- I've not driven a MC vs. a MCa to compare). The way *I* drive manual vehicles, I seriously doubt that I get improved mileage vs. other less-enthusiastic automatic drivers.
But the numbers quoted by BMW indicate that there is an expectation for about 5-10% better mileage in the manual vs. the automatic.
~Neal
But the numbers quoted by BMW indicate that there is an expectation for about 5-10% better mileage in the manual vs. the automatic.
~Neal
#12
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Hot Springs Village, AR
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You're also comparing apples to oranges--you have the first gen engine, and we in this forum have the second, more efficient Prince engine. I get 33 in my S, both city and highway also "spirited"...
Last edited by daffodildeb; 12-04-2007 at 09:58 AM.
#13
#14
I agonized over the order on my MC, manual or automatic. Actually ordered automatic, then when I had to reorder (MFSW problem) I switched to manual. What drove me to the manual was the 3 mpg difference (almost 10%) efficiency increase with the manual. When I placed the first order mpg figures were not out, but when they came out and i had to reorder, I switched. Glad I did, the fun factor with the manual is much better, and I feel more in control. On my CR-V, an automatic is fine, but not on the mini. Also the mpg penalty for an automatic doesn't seem to exist in mpg figures for Honda.
#15
Manual will always give you better mileage...
Assuming that you drive in the same fashion with both (i.e. same take off speed, same cruising speed, same cornering speed, etc.), you will always get better mileage with a manual as opposed to an automatic.
Less weight and better energy transfer are the two biggest contributors.
As a side benefit, you not only get better mileage, but you also get better performance, and if something does go wrong down the road, cheaper repair bills!
Less weight and better energy transfer are the two biggest contributors.
As a side benefit, you not only get better mileage, but you also get better performance, and if something does go wrong down the road, cheaper repair bills!
#16
#17
Sorry i use the 'new posts' and don't always realise i'm in the second gen forums.
#18
keep in mind that you cant compare different driving styles to get the mileage numbers... as topgunner said, you have to hold driving style constant to see the difference between manual and auto. The biggest factor autos get worse mileage is because of the way it transfers the power from the engine to the wheels... with an auto, the power transfer is via a torque converter, which although works well, is not as efficient as the standard mechanical clutch.
#19
I got the MCSa because 1. I've never driven a manual full-time before (I'd learned, but never owned a manual) and 2. the winters around here are pretty nasty and a fellow MCSm owner told me she had a hard time going on the snow & ice because she couldn't really "ease" onto the gas the way she can an automatic.
Whether it effects gas mileage that much doesn't bother me because I figure anything over 30 mpg is pretty good compared to 95% of the vehicles around. My overall average after 4100+ miles is 32/33 mpg. Not bad, really.
Whether it effects gas mileage that much doesn't bother me because I figure anything over 30 mpg is pretty good compared to 95% of the vehicles around. My overall average after 4100+ miles is 32/33 mpg. Not bad, really.
#22
I don't know from personal experience, no. Like I said, these were comments of a fellow owner here in town.
I felt more comfortable getting something that I was familiar with (not to mention, even after driving a manual--as much fun as they are--I prefer to just drive and not have to really "pay attention" to the car itself, if that makes sense) rather than buying something that didn't do mountain winters well and end up not liking it.
I felt more comfortable getting something that I was familiar with (not to mention, even after driving a manual--as much fun as they are--I prefer to just drive and not have to really "pay attention" to the car itself, if that makes sense) rather than buying something that didn't do mountain winters well and end up not liking it.
#23
#24
I've never driven a manual in the snow but must say I was QUITE impressed with how well my MCSa handled our first major snow (+3 inches) today. Except for when you're in sport mode it starts off in 2nd gear as well. Also it's really good with engine braking which helps quite a lot.
#25