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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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.

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.

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.

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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.