Why Automatics, Not Standards?

[DJ]

Re: Why Automatics, Not Standards?

Automatics multiply torque, something no manual can do. They can also absorb driveline shocks, as mentioned previously.<br /><br />Ask most fleet managers that operate trucks. They would much prefer automatics, yet the initial cost scares many of them of.<br /><br />Thr resale of an automatic is almost always higher. The standard trans take rate on Explorer is less than five percent.

 

[wajajaja]

Re: Why Automatics, Not Standards?

you won't find a standard bus,anywhere any more

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: Why Automatics, Not Standards?

Another reason that Automatics have a higher tow rating is that the clutch is the not as strong or durable as the torque converter.<br /><br />Automatic transmissions are NOT fool proof, you do have to manually downshift when pulling a hill if it is in too tall of a gear. The REAL problem is most people (INcluding a friends sister-inlaw) thinks that because it is an "Automatic" that all you have to do is stick it in drive and drive.<br /><br />His sister-inlaw has a 40 foot deisle pusher with an automatic. She would put it in drive and never touch it again. Her thinking was if it needed to downshift, then it would do it on it's own. She was having trouble with the transmission getting hot until we explained to her that you have to drop a gear or 2 when pulling a hill to keep the temp and the turbo temp under control. That's the only reason the big rigs are going so slow on the passes. They have plenty of power to go 55 all the way to the top, they are downshifting to keep the temps from melting the engine. <br /><br />In the Powerstroke Fords at 1000 degrees (Exhast Gas Temp) the pistons gegine to melt. My friend has a 40' 5th wheel and the truck has more than enough power (Even at stock levels) to take most passes in overdrive, but the temps would melt the pistons. To prevent this you have to downshift, same as in a standard.<br /><br />I also think that sports cars should be stickshifts (Even though I have a Mustang that is an automatic (Shoulder problems prevent me from driving a stick anymore)). And with the locking torque converters, the milage difference is 1-2mpg. I know that I am getting close to 30mpg with my V-8 Mustang, and my friends F-350 with the powerchip is getting almost as good as my car is.<br /><br />Craig

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Why Automatics, Not Standards?

As far as reliability, both manuel and automatics in most products are marginal.<br /><br />As far as sport applications, computer controled adaptive automatics that are available in most upscale manufactures are the cats meow. <br />Most are 5 or 6 speed autos with dual gate sequential one touch up and down shift. A winter/summer switch for 2nd gear start is common.<br />So sensitive is the adaptation, that a couple full throttle punches and aggressive pedal movement hangs each gear in full sport mode.<br />Mario Andretti would be proud.<br /><br />It's the beginning of the end for manuel transmissions.