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To the O.P...
If this is your first manual transmission, you're probaby shifting way to0 early if your goal is to accelerate quickly. I don't know what you drove prior to this car, but chances are pretty good it was quieter; you may not have been aware of what rev-range your engine was in. An automatic transmission does exactly what it sounds like it does; it "automatically" chooses what it feels is the best gear to be in for a specific scenario (light acceleration? cruising? uphill? downhill?). If you step on the gas hard from a stop, an auto car will stay in lower gears longer to aid in more rapid acceleration. If you gingerly step on the gas, it'll shift sooner and gain you better fuel economy.
In your new manual car, YOU get to make those decisions! Folks who call this car "slow" have either never driven a truly slow car, aren't shifting properly for their desired response for the car, or are comparing it to muscle cars or more expensive sports cars (Yeah, it's a generalization.. I know... shoot me). If you want to have some fun (and you're in a situation where you're not going to put anyone around you in danger.. read that clause again, please...), from a stop stay in first gear until you're up around 15mph or so (or more.. I like to get into second a little early.. that seems to be the real power gear in this car), then shift into second and step on it. You'll be at 55 before you know it. I'm guessing at the shift point from first to second; I drive mostly by ear and by feel. If you read enough posts on this forum, you'll read lots of talk about the power band. Once you get above 3500rpm, the car really comes alive. Of course, once you've achieved your goal of getting to your desired speed as quick as possible, shift into an appropriate gear for maintaining that speed efficiently.. probably 6th if you're cruising at 55 and not climbing steep hills.
You DON'T have to slam from one gear to another at the speed of light; that's counter-productive. The momentum will carry your acceleration for a bit while you shift, so take it slow and don't smack your new baby.
Welcome.
Barry
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