Re: Is the six speed manual tranny better than the five speed on

On Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:19:39 -0500, Lanny Chambers wrote:
> In article <12679-47EE5F56-463@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>,
>  BruJan@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 (BRUCE HASKIN) wrote:
> 
>> Yes Lanny,  he wouldn't change much by just going to a 6 speed. I think
>> 5 speeds are more fun for the average driver anyhow.
> 
> IMHO, the 6-speed was only offered to keep up with a fad. Just like 18"
> wheels on the NC, where lighter 16-inchers fit over the brakes just
> fine. Yet another triumph of fa****on over function...or marketing over
> engineering.

You sure do a lot of ****fting with the 6. I don't understand why it has 
to rev so high on the interstate when there are so many gears. It can't 
be helping the mileage to have the engine spinning so fast. If I could 
get a lower final drive somehow without spending the earth or losing the 
limited slip, I think I would do it.

I completely agree on the wheels/tires. (Thanks for the lead on the Rota 
wheels. They are very nice and I am very happy with them.) Going from 17" 
to 16" has transformed the car. It's less jarring over bumps and it feels 
more agile and tossable. You wouldn't think losing 3.5 lb unsprung weight 
per wheel would make that much difference, but it seems like it does.