On Sat, 28 Aug 1999, Hickman wrote: > For all yall out there, I have a few q's for yah. I am now wondering > if the automatics are prefered over sticks. I know how to drive both Well, some people prefer automatics over sticks. Typically these are the people that own the automatics :} Almost exactly half of the production was auto, half stick; so the evidence is that neither is preferred in general. But the auto is more of a freeway cruiser, the stick is more of a sports car. > was wondering which runs better. Another q is if having a turbo D is The 5-speed has somewhat more acceleration, due primarily to the fact that since it has 5 speeds (am I good or what) instead of 3, you can more easily select an appropriate gear ratio. There isn't any difference in the power output of the engine between the two models, and the auto trans doesn't impose much additional drivetrain load. The auto, of course, is easier to drive. > harder to work on and if the wear is much harder on the car. Thats it It all depends of course on how your particular turbo is configured, since none came from the factory that way. In general if you keep the boost at reasonably low levels (most turbo kits run 5 to 7 pounds of boost) engine life should not be affected much. The turbo kit is more effective when combined with the 5-speed transmission as it is hard to get the RPM into the best power range with the auto.