Has anyone ever grown to like an auto?

[bmwmike]

xjay1337 said:

A feeling is not a sensation? Dont think I said that. So it would be wise to quote me there.

xjay1337 said:

But there are some people who think that "gold plated HDMI" cables produce a noticeably sharper image etc.

Just because you can feel it, doesn't mean that it's actually a sensation. In the same way that people who have a Terraclean think their car is faster afterwards, it's not, it's just your subconscious.
But subconscious is an entirely different kettle of conversation

I'm just saying that 90% of the population couldn't tell the difference and that even to "driving enthusiasts" , when you are just driving normally EG to work or taking the kids to Peppa Pig world you won't notice, in a modern car what wheel drive the car is!

But yes, let's all be friends. Everyone's different. I had a fwd hire car (pug 508 auto) and could tell pulling out of the parking space that it was fwd because the front and rear wheels track differently between FWD and RWD so it's fairly obvious imo.

[Welshbeef]

Well after 18 days I’ve not used my auto instead stick shift and covered 900 odd miles. Family car - SMax really does need auto in it no logic for stick shift.

Anyway will see how tomorrow differs - one will be over 2x the power. But relaxing.

[xjay1337]

Well you got me there! :-)

[Welshbeef]

I’d wager in 5-10 years stick v auto discussion or choice will not exist as it’s EV so 1 Gear only maximum torque from the off

[RobM77]

xjay1337 said:

But between modern cars with modern suspension systems there are not any differences, certainly that I nor any of my other car buddies, Mrs or relatives can tell.

Of course if you start testing out the limits of grip or enjoy seeing your esp light flickering away, then you can tell pretty rapidly. But you do not do that on a NORMAL DRIVE.

That's my opinion.

As long as you're aware that is just your opinion. To me at least the differences are obvious, even at normal sensible speeds, to the extent there's no way I'd want to drive a front wheel drive car every day; I just don't like it. It's a matter of balance and poise (and yes, I'll freely admit the weight distribution has at least as much to do with it as the wheels that are driven).

If you're interested, our cars at home are

xjay1337 said:

an Mgb and then a Civic Type R.

, a 530d and a Citroen C1. I drive all four on a reasonably regular basis, often at sensible speeds because I'll have my wife and baby son aboard and yes, the differences are very clear.

ETA: How clear exactly? I think the best analogy is with engines. The above cars are a 3.5L V8, 2.0L I4, 3L I6, and 1.0 I4. I'd say the differences between front, four and rear drive are similar to the differences between those types of engines. So yes, I suspect Joe Public might not notice unless you pointed stuff out, but to most petrolheads (I assume) the differences are quite clear from the off, and certainly enough to generate a preference.

Edited by RobM77 on Tuesday 27th August 08:19

[bmwmike]

Not to mention the arc taken by the wheels of a RWD is different to a FWD.

[Wills2]

The feel/sensation of a RWD car is noticeably different to a FWD car.