TeGGeR® wrote:
> "alfred" <tomboy83@yahoo.com> wrote in 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.
>
>
>
> That's not why it made the "snick" noise.
>
> Mazda deliberately designed-in the noise for the purposes of making the
> Miata sound more sporty. Normally manufacturers try to *eliminate*
> notchiness and noise.
>
>
>
>> I also liked the way the Miata had really short throws,
>> and I was wondering how people like the shifting on the accord?
>
>
>
> If you're used to a good RWD car's shifter, any FWD car will be a
> disappointment.
>
> When I replaced my old RWD Corolla with a brand-new Integra many years
> ago, I was shocked at the sloppiness and rubberiness of the shifter in
> the Integra. Even after 190,000 miles, the Corolla's shifter felt
> precise and well-guided compared to the Integra.

that's because on rwd, you're operating the linkage directly. with fwd,
you're operating the shift via long control rods. [personally, i've
never found that to be a problem, even on utter slop boxes like french
renault 4's - and anyone ever seeing the amazing shifter arrangement on
that thing will know what i mean.] anyway, if the link rubbers are in
good condition, shifting is never a problem. it doesn't feel worse,
just different, because of the mechanics.

>
> Having said all that, you do get used to it over time, so I don't think
> it's a big deal. It's still good enough that you won't confuse 1st, 3rd
> and 5th. It's not like, say, a 1981 Cavalier...
>
> Go test drive the Accord to see for youself.
>
>
>