Quote:
Originally Posted by CelicaJoe
How different does it actually drive? I test drove an automatic last summer, and had never even driven manual at the time. I want to get out and test drive a 6 speed soon, but I know I'll meet some difficulties due to my age again and don't feel like going through the trouble until I'm really ready to buy.
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Hey Joe, I can tell you as a prospective buyer who's test driven about 4 in the last 2 weeks. All were manual. Firstly, my biggest concern was if I would fit. I am 5'10 but a heavy guy and the seats fit me perfectly. quite a lot of headroom. As for driving the manual, there are a few different threads that talk about this but the clutch has some sort of spring that allows the clutch pedal to be pushed in with relative ease as opposed to most other manual cars. It was uncomfortable at first and to say the least I questioned I could actually drive manual this way. All my shifts were awkward from pressing this unique clutch. Now the spring can be removed (See various threads). Other than that though, it was a joy to ride. I must say as an aside however that I cannot understand that constant barrage of more power critiques. Obviously I don't own the car on a daily basis so I can only comment from my numerous test drives but I don't feel any dramatic lack of power or torque. Whenever I have needed to get up and go I downshift and wring that FA out like it was supposed to be. Sure the torque or horsepower isn't a mustang, or q50, etc. but I don't see why you need that much power? When is it going to be used? And even if you get to use it, they aren't even comparable cars. I have driven the new mustangs, they feel like your driving a tank because of the weight of that car. I had a q50 recently as a rental. really nice luxury car with quite a bit of power, it still felt numb in taking corners. Nothing has compared to how grounded I feel when driving an 86.