Quote:
Originally Posted by sparis45
I would really like to get the manual! :-)
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Well, without knowing anything more than this, I say: Do it!
'Cuz there's little worse than second-guessing yourself later, having wished you'd gotten the manual as you drive the automatic. That would be an expensive mistake.
Better still...
Do your research here and elsewhere, and above all, ROAD TEST the two versions
repeatedly until
certain of your choice.
The automatic models have earned excellent reviews by road testers in all the major magazines, and by all reports from the members on these forums. I think I've seen only one owner wish he'd opted for the manual.
Either way, they're fine cars that you'll probably love.
But, we can no more know what you'll like best than pick out your favorite food for you, now can we?
Automatic at 70 mph in 6th gear = 2350 rpm
Manual at 70 mph in 6th gear = 3100 rpm
That's a significant difference, and yes the twins are noisy. They're made that way by eliminating a lot of heavy sound insulation for better performance. Some might call it buzzy. Rather depends upon what you're accustomed to, you know? It could prove tiring on long trips. I don't mind, but I've always had noisy, performance-oriented cars. It's much quieter than driving in our S2000, but much noisier than driving in our Mazdaspeed3 where it seems so quiet that I occasionally forget to change up into 6th! In the S2000 I often find myself trying to change up to 7th because it's so noisy! My radios are only on when I'm parked. YMMV.
You've probably noticed that the automatic gets superior fuel economy, both using premium 91/93 octane, which is required. In the city, both cars will probably average similar numbers. It's the taller 5th and 6th, especially, gears that yield the better economy in the automatic, but you cannot use those gears to good effect in town.
The manual has better 0-60, 1/4 mile performance. If that matters...
The manual is a close-ratio gearbox that will keep you busy, rowing the gears around town and through the twisty bits out in the country. We find it fun.
Some people find it all too much.
You spend your money and takes your chances. Definitely, do NOT buy this car just on looks, nice as it is. That may leave you sorely disappointed over time. Many younger drivers want more power than the twins have to offer; I suspect they're "seduced" by the sleek body. Most are happy following their purchase. You don't want to be one of those who is unhappy, so test drive and ponder, and repeat as needed.
I hope this has been helpful.