In a message dated 2/28/99 9:06:27 AM Pacific Standard Time,
mrdancer@camalott.com writes:
> Ever since the 727 Torqueflite first appeared in drag racing, automatics
> have been consistently faster thru the traps than manuals. Only when
> manuals were speed-shifted without using the clutch (a.k.a. Ronnie Sox)
> could they beat the autos, all else being equal. Drag racers nowadays use
a
> highly modified auto tranny (e.g. - Lenco). These are basically
> manually-shifted autos that offer the best of both worlds as far as speed
is
> concerned.
>
> Psychology plays a major role in whether a person prefers an automatic or a
> manual. People who drive manuals are more in control of their car as far
as
> where shift points occur, and they also have a more direct physical contact
> with the driveline. People who drive autos tend to be a little more
> pragmatic, letting the driveline do its job, while they concentrate on
other
> tasks, be it driving or whatever. Chrysler could easily put an auto in the
> Viper and it would most likely make the car faster and could be made just
as
> durable (or more durable) as the 6-speed. However, for the aforementioned
> reasons, Chrysler went with the manual - it is more macho and sporting and
> plays a major psychological role in the overall driving experience.
>
>
Thanks, I feel much better now. Do you think I need another visit Doc, or am I
all better now? ; )
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:12:46 EDT