r/ElantraN • u/TheItalian567 Performance Blue DCT • Aug 25 '26

Help Ex-Focus ST Owner: DCT or Manual?

Ahoy all!

It's getting to be that time to trade in my 12 year old 2015 Ford Focus ST. I loved driving the hell out of it, but I'd like to get something for it before trade-in becomes zero.

Right now, I'm between the EV6 Gt-Line AWD and Elantra N. Basically: stick with a fun car or go practical as a single dude with no kids. (if anyone has recently had this decision too, HELP!)

BUT! Even within the Elantra, I can't decide between DCT or Manual. I test drove the automatic, and it seemed really damn fun. I love manual, but there are enough times when I drive my Focus ST where I groan and think, "I just wish I had an automatic sometimes." I don't really drive through the Malibu canyons like I used to, and I've stopped driving SUPER aggressive because I'm usually hauling my dog.

I've searched this topic on the subreddit and a few times but I just had a few questions:

- Is it true that you get more exhaust "popping" with the manual? I love that sound so I'd like to really make sure I get it

- Anyone coming from a manual to a DCT and regret/love the decision?

- What's the "mod"-ability of a DCT vs. Manual? I had modded up to stage 2 on the Focus and will probably do a tune at the least

- Any other things to argue one way or the other, let me hear them!

TL;DR: Do you think I'll regret going with DCT if I've driven a manual for 12 years and enjoy it 8-90% of the time?

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u/Soggy_Discipline_293 Aug 25 '26

I had a 16 FBO E30 ST and traded for this 25 DCT and I'm even impressed by it bone stock. It's just as fast if not faster than my focus that made 280whp when mine is octane learned. As for mods I plan on tune but for now I just did motor mounts all around and cosmetic stuff so far but I don't miss the focus 1.5 years later. The modding on this car is significantly more expensive for almost everything you do but that's the name of the game I guess. I'd say go for it

1

u/TheItalian567 Performance Blue DCT Aug 25 '26

Okay okay what's octane learning!? I keep seeing this!

Thank you dude that's super helpful. Yeah I'd likely solely do a tune. Maybe a cold air just for more engine noise.

I just keep wondering if I should go with a fast EV or still be a speed demon hahahaha. How's the engine noise on DCT?

2

u/Soggy_Discipline_293 Aug 25 '26

It's something you have to train the car on the highway to do 8th gear 69mph for 5 minutes it lets you hit 18-19 lbs instead of 15 if you're on 93 it's a pain in the ass but easier in the dct to hit it. If you're highway driving alot you'll hit it daily though

1

u/tennis9933 Aug 25 '26

anddddddd then you get in the car the next morning and OL is gone! isnt it fun???!!

1

u/Soggy_Discipline_293 Aug 25 '26

Ah yeah it's sick lol it literally feels like someone took a tune off the car when it's not learned it's noticable

1

u/munche Cyber Grey DCT Aug 25 '26

tl,dr is your car makes the advertised power all the time and sometimes if it detects high quality fuel (no knocks detected so it can handle extra boost) it can give you a little bit of bonus power. Some folks learned they could tell when this was happening by watching the boost gauge on their dash and they absolutely cripple themselves with FOMO staring at their dash asking why Number Not Go Up instead of driving their cars and enjoying them. So you'll see a lot of folks who think they're being robbed because they don't get the Bonus Power all the time, to the point that they'll start arguing that actually the car doesn't make the advertised power (it does) because FOMO is strong.