"alfred" <tomboy83@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:j4R5h.2674$bj1.29@trndny05...
> Hello,
>
> I was wondering how the transmission being a manual is like to drive? Is
> it as smooth as they say? I mean as far as when you let out the clutch and
> what about the shifting? Are the gates well defined or mushy?
>
> I had a 1990 Miata 5 speed and the shifting actually made a click sound
> when you shifted from one gear to another because the gates were so
> presise. I also liked the way the Miata had really short throws, and I was
> wondering how people like the shifting on the accord?
>
> I imagine it will make the car perform better than an automatic. Gas
> mileage is so close the reason is more for performance than fuel
> efficiency, although the manual is about 800.00 less.
>
> Al

I have an '05 Accord LX manual tranny and love it. It won't be the same
feeling as the miata, but you're comparing a little roadster to a family
sedan. I've always loved the Honda/Acura manual because of the smooth
shifting. Had an '89 Prelude Si before the Accord, a '92 Sentra SE-R, '87
VW Fox and '86 Celica, all manual. I've never driven a Miata but have
driven an '86 RX-7 manual. The Mazda had more of a performance notchy
feeling while the Honda felt smoother, like butter. I also test drove the
Mazda 6 manual and preferred the Honda manual transmission.

The Accord won't have really short throws indicative of a sports car but I
think it's well defined and definately not mushy. You definately can't toss
the car around like a Miata but for a basic family sedan it's fun to drive
(don't care for the Michelin Energy MXV4 tires on it). The speed sensitive
steering is also a plus.

Take it for a test drive and see if it's something you like, and let us know
what you think.

-Dave