Transmissions: What suits you?

How many of you, when shopping for a car, think about the transmission you prefer? Are you an enthusiast, someone who loves the complete freedom of controlling your car and choosing what gear you want to be in and when? Or do you hand that process off to your car, letting it choose what it feels is best?

At Ridestory, I just wrote about Audi’s newly introduced 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the S tronic. This is a new gear box for Audi, one that will be available in many of their new cars in the not-so-distant future. But what about cars on the road now, cars that have a few miles on them, but ones you may be considering as a pre-owned purchase?

There’s nothing wrong with buying used, especially when the choices still cater to our unique driving habits. And there’s more than a few variations of car transmissions to meet your needs. Here’s a brief list of the types of gear boxes available. Which one suits you? Or do you think your perspective of driving might change with a different transmission at hand?

Traditional manual’s: Old school but still the best for die hard enthusiasts
Traditional manual’s use a gear-shift lever, usually in an H-pattern, where the driver can choose any gear they want with the use of a clutch. Many years ago, three and four-speed manuals were the accepted norm. But as time and technology evolved, so did the manual gear box. Five speeds are commonplace now, with six-speeds typically reserved for high performance cars.

Automatic’s
An automatic transmission, as it’s name suggests, shifts gears automatically, without the driver having to select the gear he or she wants manually. Automatics have been available in the United States since the ‘50s, with the rest of the world becoming more “automatic friendly” during the 1990s.

Sequential manual’s: Constantly evolving and improving
Sequential manual’s differ from traditional manuals by allowing the driver to select the gear directly before or after the current one, without the use of a clutch. Sequential’s use dog clutch engagement rather than the synchromesh in traditional manuals. Gear changes are usually made with paddles behind the steering wheel, although a stick in the center console may also be used. The dogs only interrupt engine torque for a moment during the gear change. The clutch, if there is one, will only be used to get a car moving from a complete stop. Formula One cars introduced this technology during the ‘90s and is still in use in one form or another in auto racing.

Dual-clutch: The transmission increasing in popularity
What’s interesting about dual-clutch transmissions is its use of two clutches, one each for the even- and odd-numbered gears. The dual-clutch is a semi-automatic transmission. While one clutch is in use, the other can be selecting the next gear, depending on a computers thought processes. For example, if you are accelerating, the dual-clutch’s computer selects the next gear up with the idle clutch, assuming you will continue to accelerate. Shifts can be accomplished quickly and smoothly, without interrupting engine torque. The most common manufacturer using dual-clutch transmissions is Volkswagen, with their self-branded gear box, the DSG.

One thing buyers are secure in knowing when car shopping is that they have options. Who doesn’t like choices when considering a major purchase?

One of those options is considering the purchase of a used vehicle. An obvious advantage to buying used is the car’s depreciation was the responsibility of the first owner. But you are also presented with some great choices, with a car’s transmission being one of them. You’ll be able to sample many manufacturers, with cars sporting gear box options that you probably wouldn’t have considered if you were buying new. Imagine test driving used Volkswagen’s or Audi’s with manual- and dual-clutch transmissions. You’re able to compare and contrast each gear box and decide which is right for you.

The downside to buying used, of course, is reliability. Is any one of these transmissions more reliable than another? Hard to say. Take into consideration the number of miles on the car and, if you can, how the seller drove it. Do they appear to be die-hard enthusiasts, who may have pushed the car harder than the average person? The upside is auto manufacturer’s now realize building quality products helps bolster their brand and foster return buyers. Reliability has become a major selling point, both when buying new and used.

Considering new transmission options should be part of the fun when car shopping. You have the opportunity to try something new, something that may make your daily drives a little more interesting. Before you know it, you’ll be thinking of yourself as an enthusiast.

Andy Mrozinski
Mota Blog Contributor
Ridestory.com

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