I test drove the auto and was very impressed. Very responsive with smooth power. I ordered the 6MT blindly as there was no way to test drive it... Here are my impressions after 700 miles and 1.5 weeks of ownership. Comparison wise, the manual rocks and the auto is very good. I like the additional control a manual gives you. Also, the auto that I test drove did not have the sports tuned suspension, and the manual comes with the sports tuned suspension. There is a definite difference there. The manual is much tighter around corners and you feel every bump:
- the clutch took some getting used to b/c it catches rather high. Once I got used to it I loved it. At the end of a shift, while releasing the clutch, it gives you an inaudible click. Good quality feel.
- the shifter took some getting used to also. Since I have never driven a 6 speed I have to say that my first shift into 6th was a leap of faith b/c the gear position is the same as reverse in a five speed. The shifts are very smooth, and the short throw is nice.
On a more negative note, it is difficult to "feel" what gear you are in with the shifter. It could be that it has been a while since I drove a manual car, but it seems that the shifter is not as intuitive as I would like. I also feel as though the throws could be a little shorter, but only marginally so.
- Yes, I cheated on the break in and raced an Accord merging onto the highway. Took it to 90, starting from 45 MPH in fourth, downshifting from 6th.... smooth acceleration- instant power. I put him in my rearview mirror on no time. When I looked down at the speedomoter I could not believe I was going 90.
- The car is a real head turner. The night I picked the car up the toll collector on the highway was admiring the new ride. LOL, there must have been six cars behind me while we discussed my new purchase. She asked me at least six questions about the car.
- The car feels light, like you can throw it around.
- It is really good in rush hour traffic since you are always in the right gear, which makes for easy lane changes. I noticed this on my first commute in traffic. In my old car (automatic) I would have to wait fot the car to downshift when I merged, which made for rough accelerations when changing into a faster moving lane. With the manual you just merge and hit the gas. You are instantly going with the flow of the faster traffic.
- You do get some vibration in the shifter. I have not paid enough attention to it to tell you when, but it is there.
- There is ample power to pass, even in 6th gear. It is nice to know that you can downsift into 5th if you need it, but 6th gear usually suffices.