jim beam <nospam@example.net> wrote:
> dold@XReXXHXXCi.usenet.us.com wrote:

>> Compared to a normal automatic, it really is an improvement.
>> I've always thought that little four cylinder cars shouldn't come with
>> automatics. They suck power,

> that's a bold statement. you got any figures to back that up? you know
> the honda "normal" automatic is _not_ a planetary gearbox don't you?

I don't know what a planetary gearbox is.

I am comparing my 2003 Civic Hybrid to a co-worker's 2003 Civic LX-auto.
I accelerate more smoothly and quietly from a stop, at better speed under
normal conditions. We weren't drag racing, but I was driving ahead of him,
and he commented about how much faster I accelerated from a stop. If he
made that comment, I assume he was pressing on the gas more than normal. I
wasn't. Riding in his car, acceleration from stop sounds like it always
has in little four cylinder cars with automatics. I don't like that sound.
My Hybrid doesn't make that noise. I find that casual acceleration from a
stop is at about 1500 RPM, just barely fast idle, and you either "glide" or
"ooze" away from a stop.

On open road, I typically step on the gas until I get to about 3000 RPM at
20mph, and then stay at 3000 RPM until the speed gets up to where I want it
to be... 3000RPM can be well over 70mph. Then I back off the gas, and find
myself crusing at 2000RPM at 60mph.

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Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley (Lake County) CA USA 38.8-122.5