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Old 12-10-2008, 01:37 PM
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Question driving in traffic?

Is driving with a manual in traffic bothersome?
Old 12-10-2008, 01:39 PM
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not really.

but definitely more "bothersome" than an automatic. but i dont think its a deal killer by any means.
Old 12-10-2008, 01:40 PM
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nope, just a extra pedal to push or let off.
Old 12-10-2008, 01:41 PM
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Not one bit if you are used to it. I've driven MT cars for the last 17 years (and have dealt with Dallas area traffic, as well as Houston area and now Denver and Colorado Springs area - no California traffic) so it is nothing. I do feel awkward and confused when trying to drive an automatic though.
Old 12-10-2008, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by JRichter
Not one bit if you are used to it. I've driven MT cars for the last 17 years (and have dealt with Dallas area traffic, as well as Houston area and now Denver and Colorado Springs area - no California traffic) so it is nothing. I do feel awkward and confused when trying to drive an automatic though.
Yeah, I'm so used to it that I don't notice rowing the gears anymore. It's all reflex after a certain amount of time.
Old 12-10-2008, 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by JRichter
Not one bit if you are used to it. I've driven MT cars for the last 17 years (and have dealt with Dallas area traffic, as well as Houston area and now Denver and Colorado Springs area - no California traffic) so it is nothing. I do feel awkward and confused when trying to drive an automatic though.
me too. i have a tendcy to put the car into neutral while i am at a stop light. then put it in park to try to take off. even though i know that my hand is moving upwards instead of to the right.
Old 12-10-2008, 02:30 PM
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Sometimes with the traffic in this area it does get annoying, but this isn't typical traffic.
Old 12-10-2008, 02:46 PM
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I definately like the RX8 in traffic much better than my truck with a manual. Hardly any shifting needed, 'cause you've got so far to go to get to redline, unless you're really going to start moving in a hurry, leaving it in 1st or 2nd works great, and you only really have to use the clutch if you're coming to a complete stop.
Old 12-10-2008, 03:03 PM
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meh. It's a non issue. My first week ever driving an MT of my own i was forced to drive up a steep San Francisco hill in bumper to bumper, stop and go, detoured construction traffic. It's never been an issue since then. You just sort of do it. sure you're doing more things at once, but is it hard? no.
Old 12-10-2008, 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by RX8-Frontier
I definately like the RX8 in traffic much better than my truck with a manual. Hardly any shifting needed, 'cause you've got so far to go to get to redline, unless you're really going to start moving in a hurry, leaving it in 1st or 2nd works great, and you only really have to use the clutch if you're coming to a complete stop.
In Los Angeles, it's a pain in the ***, truthfully. First gear is very low, and going on and off the gas in that gear gets really jerky at 14 mph. Second gear though is terribly low for 14 mph, and that makes the engine RPM low. Rotaries don't like being lugged.
Old 12-10-2008, 03:35 PM
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Can't drive automatics.
Nearly broke my friend's neck back in high school when I depressed his car's brake pedal thinking it was the clutch.
Old 12-10-2008, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by PhotoMunkey
In Los Angeles, it's a pain in the ***, truthfully. First gear is very low, and going on and off the gas in that gear gets really jerky at 14 mph. Second gear though is terribly low for 14 mph, and that makes the engine RPM low. Rotaries don't like being lugged.
Don't think the 09s have that issue, it is *slightly* jerky, but nothing bad, 2nd gear can be engaged at 10mph without too ill an effect.

On-topic though, I don't mind it at all, I actually rather enjoy it.

I do get confused a lot when I go into an AT car, I keep looking for the clutch pedal, or sometimes I'll confuse the brake for the clutch and.. yea..
Old 12-10-2008, 03:37 PM
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I agree with monkey.

Any highly congested traffic area is the pitts with a manual.
Old 12-10-2008, 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by alfy28
me too. i have a tendcy to put the car into neutral while i am at a stop light. then put it in park to try to take off. even though i know that my hand is moving upwards instead of to the right.
Originally Posted by dynamho
Can't drive automatics.
Nearly broke my friend's neck back in high school when I depressed his car's brake pedal thinking it was the clutch.


I do the same - after so long w/ a MT and so little w/ an auto your right hand can't figure out what to do. I'm also bad at slamming the brake pedal hard to the floor with my left foot in an auto.
Old 12-10-2008, 04:16 PM
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It can get annoying in LA traffic.
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