5spd vs. auto

[SuBiEklD]

i've raced my friend in his 03 wrx a few times. stock for stock, he would get a good 1-2 cars length at the start. same with stage 1 vs stage 1. my friend wasn't shifting fast for both races so that helped me catch up to him between shifts but he would start pulling away slowly.

so yeah......the 5spd wrx's are a little faster.

[dehnem]

i've raced my friend in his 03 wrx a few times. stock for stock, he would get a good 1-2 cars length at the start. same with stage 1 vs stage 1. my friend wasn't shifting fast for both races so that helped me catch up to him between shifts but he would start pulling away slowly.

so yeah......the 5spd wrx's are a little faster.

I'm assuming you have the automatic? If so did you just punch the gas from the line or were you on the brake while on the gas some what at the begining to help launch it?

just wondering

[Micah]

i've raced my friend in his 03 wrx a few times. stock for stock, he would get a good 1-2 cars length at the start. same with stage 1 vs stage 1. my friend wasn't shifting fast for both races so that helped me catch up to him between shifts but he would start pulling away slowly.

so yeah......the 5spd wrx's are a little faster.

+1

That's what I would expect.

While the auto benefits from less driver error, it's hampered by the additional weight of the trans, the additional driveline loss of a torque converter, and has less ratios to work with.

That being said, a properly built (www.levelten.com) auto might be able to close the gap on the 5-speed, but what it makes up for with consistant launches would still be hampered by driveline loss and the lack of available ratio's.

[c00lbeans]

I have both. stage 2 2002 4eat, and a 2004 prodrive stage 3 5spd.

the 5spd is faster mechanically, less drive train loss, better gearing. But time is lost between shifts.

the 4eat is a little heavier, has only 4 gears, and eats up about 20 hp.

-from a roll where you dont have to shift to much the 5spd will be faster

-on a track or twisty road with a lot of down shifting the 5spd will be faster. Yes the auto can down shift faster but only at certain speeds about 55mph is the max to down shift to 2nd and 15-20(cant remember the exact number) mph to down shift to 1st).

-from a dig with a good launch the 5spd is faster but you better shift the gears fast, other wise the 4eat will catch up fast but run out of breath by about 70

-from a slow roll the 4eat might pull but the 5spd will catch up on the high end.

- for daily driving the 4eat is quicker and easier at stop lights and cutting people off, because you don't lose time shifting and it moves off the line instantly.

the autos are EXPENSIVE to fix compared to a 5spd. plus you have to pay more in performance parts to make up that extra 20 hp you lose, but its way more consistent in the 1/4 mile. my stage 2 4eat ran 14.5xx with 2.0xx 60 ft at 3000 ft elevation constantly. that converts to like 14.1xx at sea level. maybe a bit better as elevation really hurts the 4eats launch.

5spd is way better unless you want a full drag car and have the money to build it right.

[rr1911]

Ralph,
I noticed you conspicuously left out road course from your query about which would be faster...

What would the responses look like then?

yes i did but i think the 5spd would own the road course... lets see some responses tho

[tom'sti]

The fastest, purpose built, drag cars in the world are autos. Elementary, my dear Watson.

[rr1911]

The fastest, purpose built, drag cars in the world are autos. Elementary, my dear Watson.

yes tom but i was asking stock 5spd wrx vs. stock auto wrx

i have to much time on my hands

[Micah]

The fastest, purpose built, drag cars in the world are autos. Elementary, my dear Watson.

Yeah, but I've yet to see anyone with a 2 speed powerglide in an Impreza.

[tom'sti]

Yeah, but I've yet to see anyone with a 2 speed powerglide in an Impreza.

Seen them with a TH400. Close enough?

[Yossarian]

manual is more fun

[rr1911]

manual is more fun

i agree unless your tired and have a broken left leg

[tom'sti]

No paper racing, go out and do it!

[rr1911]

No paper racing, go out and do it!

ok now i only have to go buy 2 more subies

[tom'sti]

ok now i only have to go buy 2 more subies

No prob for a baller like you. I expect vids in a day or two, BAN for less.

[rr1911]

No prob for a baller like you. I expect vids in a day or two, BAN for less.

i cant swing that right now sorry