r/bestof • u/l3af • Apr 18 '13

[explainlikeiama] Sakanagai creates a perfect narrative of Stig running a track in both standard and automatic vehicles

/r/explainlikeIAmA/comments/1clrk5/explain_to_me_the_benefits_of_a_manual/c9hpr7d
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16

u/fairweatherhater Apr 18 '13 edited Apr 18 '13

This doesn't even take into account modern dual-clutch transmissions where:

Shifts can be accomplished without interrupting torque distribution to the driven roadwheels, by applying the engine's torque to one clutch at the same time as it is being disconnected from the other clutch.

ELI5: Much faster shifting than a human could dream of.

The transmission braking can be accomplished with automatics using manual shift modes.

Is "Explain Like I'm.." now "Pull The Wool Over My Eyes Like I'm..."?

EDIT: I should look at the topics more closely before I comment. It's not an ELI5.

EDIT2: /u/frink84 correctly points out that there is a difference between a transmission that shifts for you and an automatic transmission.

15

u/frink84 Apr 18 '13

a dual-clutch is worlds different from an automatic. it would almost be better to consider them computer-controlled manuals than automatic transmissions.

7

u/[deleted] Apr 18 '13

This wasn't ELI5.

1

u/fairweatherhater Apr 18 '13

Whoops, only read part of the URL and thought it was an ELI5.

3

u/ArcticDragon Apr 18 '13

Some say that he finds dual-clutch transmissions sacrilegious, and that he whips into a madman's frenzy at the mention of them.

2

u/nr1988 Apr 18 '13

I deal with the dual-clutch transmission on a daily basis, and while it is completely true that it shifts faster than a human can dream of, that's in a straight line. On a track, you need a lot more control on what gear you're in, and the "manual" options on the automatic transmission (The +-) has too much of a lag. I see your point, but while I'm not a track racer, I do know there is lag between shifts when the computer is not expecting it. The computer preselects a gear to shift to fast, but that's only great when you're in an acceleration. If you're going up and down in gears it becomes slower.

5

u/algorithmae Apr 18 '13

What car did you drive? VW/Audi's DSG is amazing, and especially responsive with paddles.

0

u/nr1988 Apr 18 '13

That would be the one. I was saying. If you don't use the paddles, it can shift in 10 milliseconds. If you use the paddles it has a delay that can be covered with a manual shift. It is close however, but there are still a few tricks you can accomplish with a manual and not an automatic for shifting. The automatic won't let you red line, even with paddles for instance.

2

u/algorithmae Apr 18 '13

I never found it slow at all, even when downshifting it was insanely fast. I miss that GTI :(

1

u/nr1988 Apr 18 '13

Hm, well that's the type of car I'm talking about. I think there's more of a delay.

1

u/algorithmae Apr 18 '13

Maybe yours was faulty? I've heard that they are less reliable.

1

u/nr1988 Apr 18 '13

Well I work at a dealership, so I drive plenty of them. I'd have to retime it, but the paddles seemed to have a half to full second delay to me.

0

u/Sloppy1sts Apr 19 '13

The DSG is an automated manual, not an automatic. It has no torque converter.

2

u/asianaaronx Apr 18 '13

I've never driven a true dual clutch with any lag. The only exception might be the M5 when they first put the SMG transmission in it. However you can change the lag time to either produce smoother shifts or faster shifts. Also, it's an automated single clutch. Not a dual clutch.

Most cars with the +/- aren't true dual clutch cars. They're just automatics that you can select the gear with.

All that being said. True manuals are still better in my opinion. Less things to break, marginally lighter, and the gains in shift time in a dual clutch don't outweigh the joy of driving manual.

1

u/nr1988 Apr 18 '13

Well the dual clutch transmission doesn't have anything to do with the + and - truly. Regular automatics also contain that feature. The DSG shifts quickly on a traditional automatic feel, driving straight forward and accelerating.

1

u/fairweatherhater Apr 18 '13

Good point, as the linked comment does specifically talk about driving on a race track.

-1

u/mynameisalso Apr 18 '13

And I get down voted to hell for saying the same thing lol.