[DML] Re: is stick better; yeah or neah on turbos eh

[William T Wilson <fluffy@xxxx>]

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.