Welcome!
You really need to start your own thread in the new member hangout forum, rather than hijack somebody else's intro thread.
So I moved your post to its own thread.

 

Driving a CVT is going to be a very different experience from a manual. From what I've heard /read the CVT on the WRX is very nice... For a cvt. But it is a very different experience. That doesn't mean its a bad experience but definitely different.


For most enthusiasts though, not having a manual transmission on a car like the WRX is practically blaspheme because a driving experience that feels most connected to the car and road is usually most desirable. If that's your passion than most likely the CVT will not provide the best experience. If that's not your passion (as it seems for you since you're not very interested in learning manual) then that is why they make the cvt and will likely provide you with the best experience.

Most folks who can drive manual will drive manual on a WRX given the choice. The exceptions would normally be you share the car with your significant other who won't drive manual, you daily drive where the traffic is horrendous and dread the shifting in bumper to bumper traffic, or you're just not really a man. p just kidding about the last one)

I think you certainly should go test drive a cvt WRX and see what you think because that's the only way you will know for sure. It's definitely worth a try though.

 

The CVT is great but the 6MT is Awesome! Driving a Manuel is not that hard but you do need to learn how to do it. All Manuel's are going to be different in different cars due to make and engine etc... So my point being as long as have good coordination its really not that hard to learn and I would encourage you to try learning a Manuel before being the CVT, Like what was said above, Unless you have lots of traffic or a Spouse that wont let you get a 6MT then you owe it to yourself to learn a 6MT before buying a Auto since this is most likely going to be your 2nd largest purchase next to a house and you don't want buyers remorse

Good Luck

 

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/new-m...ms/new-member-hangout/134415633-questions-2015-cvt-owners-1-veteran-owners.html

I had similar concerns see my above post.

 

I just bought a '15 CVT and love it. I drove the CVT version for an entire weekend before I went out to purchase one this past weekend. I love it. Fast, handles great, great looking, get the "waves" from every WRX owner as I drive by. Couldn't be happier with the purchase. Its very quick in S# mode. I also have a 2014 Legacy which has CVT and there is obviously a big difference in favor of the WRX. I would completely recommend the CVT version.

 

Wish I can have a CVT WRX for the weekend too before buying one. That's a much better way to really experience a car than a 10 min test drive with a dealer sales guy next to you.

 

It's nice.
Make sure you test drive both the MT and CVT WRX as well as DSG GTI, so you know exactly what the CVT can and cannot do.

 

CVT is boring

 

Exactly. If you wanna have fun in your car get a manual. im not sold on paddle shifts in any vehicle with the exception of the Nissan GTR ($100,000 is alittle out of my price range though)and some exotic cars.

 

I test-drove both the MT and the CVT 2015 WRX. I like having the extra control of the manual, but the CVT is still a very fun car to drive. The transmission was smart enough to do what I wanted it to do most of the time in auto mode. In the CVT's manual mode, the paddle shifters are cool and the pseudo gear changes are very fast.

You do lose some performance going with the CVT. Car and Driver got the MT WRX to go 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, while the CVT takes 5.9 seconds. The faster time is mostly resulting from their dumping the clutch at 5k RPM. The CVT won't let you do that… On a less abusive start the MT hits 60 in about 5.5, which isn't that much quicker than the CVT.

Other than launching from a stand still, I can't imagine you'd notice much of a power difference between the two. The WRX is a fun car no matter what transmission you get. Buy the one that works best for you.

 

The CVT is fine. Sure a manual is "sporty" but when are you ever going to need it to be more "sporty" than it already is?

If you want a DD that is fun and carefree then a CVT is fine.

If you want a DD that you take to the track, use to impress kids that can barely afford a used civic, and be a hassle if you just wish for once your girlfriend or wife would drive when your stuck in traffic then get the MT.

Sure you lose the "feel of the road," yet who really gives a crap if you spend half the time in traffic and the other half in a mall parking lot.

If you really need to "feel sporty" then buy a helmet and wear it while you drive.

Ive seen many people with a MT who really cant drive their car to its full potential anyway and im sure most of the MT owners couldn't drive the CVT to its limits as well, yet would most likely blame the CVT for their lack of ability.

Therefore, buy the car that makes you happy. No one who truly matters is going to care.

 

The CVT is fine. Sure a manual is "sporty" but when are you ever going to need it to be more "sporty" than it already is?

If you want a DD that you take to the track, use to impress kids that can barely afford a used civic, and be a hassle if you just wish for once your girlfriend or wife would drive when your stuck in traffic then get the MT.

Sure you lose the "feel of the road," yet who really gives a crap if you spend half the time in traffic and the other half in a mall parking lot.

If you really need to "feel sporty" then buy a helmet and wear it while you drive.

Ive seen many people with a MT who really cant drive their car to its full potential anyway and im sure most of the MT owners couldn't drive the CVT to its limits as well, yet would most likely blame the CVT for their lack of ability.

These comments make it seem as there is a night and day difference between MT and CVT. The CVT isn't any less "sporty". It isn't going to impress people any less than the MT. Wearing a helmet doesn't make anything feel sporty. And to sum it up, what does being able to drive a car at it's limits have to do with anything? The choice is simple - if you want an MT then buy an MT, if you want an automatic then buy the CVT. The cars are otherwise very similar, even with the slightly different AWD system.

all positive for CVT and all negative for manual thats cute. considering the CVT is slower, anyone with a foot and 2 hands could drive it to the max, your wife i would hope knows how to drive a manual(mine sure does), and since when did having a sportier car become a crime? driving manual is an art that takes awhile to perfect, CVT is a different experience. learn how to drive a manual and be happy you have the connection with your vehicle. Like TheJ said if driving/your car is your passion manual is the way to go, if not get the CVT.

The CVT is only slower because it won't allow abusive takeoffs. The manual isn't any "sportier" - the difference in acceleration is only going to be minimal once you are moving, and it can go in either direction depending on how quickly the driver can change gears. The only difference in connection is having a clutch. I prefer it - that's why I have the manual - and the reason I have the WRX is that all other AWD family sport sedans I could afford only came in automatic. I don't think I have a superior car over the CVT, just the one I want.

I personally loved the MT as well but chose the CVT so that my wife could have the car when i get tired of this one. Its my family car for now and does a fine job of it.

And this is how to make the choice - people should go for what works for them, not what others on the internet say. I read posts where people are slating each other for their choices a lot (especially on NASIOC), but those guys are not financing my purchase. To the OP - go drive the CVT 3 or 4 times until you are familiar with it. At that point you will have an idea about if it's right for you or not.

 

all positive for CVT and all negative for manual thats cute. considering the CVT is slower, anyone with a foot and 2 hands could drive it to the max, your wife i would hope knows how to drive a manual(mine sure does), and since when did having a sportier car become a crime? driving manual is an art that takes awhile to perfect, CVT is a different experience. learn how to drive a manual and be happy you have the connection with your vehicle. Like TheJ said if driving/your car is your passion manual is the way to go, if not get the CVT.

 

The OP asked for opinions and that's what we did. Have a nice day!

 

Im just being positive about the CVT because everyone else is so negative.

My wife can drive a MT but since she is 4'9" and finds it to be a bit too tedious to make it worth her time since she literally spends 3 hours a day stuck in traffic. The first car i got her when we got married was a MT and she wasn't fond of it even though she loved the car. She drives my jeep all of the time without issue as well, yet never on paved roads. So she can drive one when the vehicle and conditions suite her.

Driving an MT on a track is an "art," yes. However, in stop in go traffic, its so easy that it can can be done while eating jack in the box tacos and that's where most of these cars will see there time.

As for the connection with my vehicle i could care less. Its a DD not my hunting rig, not my towing rig, nor is it my toy. If it was one of those things then yes it would be an MT hence why i said he should by what he wants to buy and not care what others think. Do i care if my car is slower than the MT? No because if i wanted to i could just sell a unit and buy another car. He may not have that freedom so why make him feel like an MT is the only way to go.

 

I guess it would depend on what kind of town you live in also considering where I live it's awesome to have a fast car on backroads. I'm not saying it's the only way to go, if I was trying to force my way I would say buy an STI but I'm not. Just telling him it's 2 different experiences is all. I have drove both of my buddies cvt and mt and I personally like the mt. However my buddy who drives it loves the heck out of it, so I guess it's preference.

 

I have the CVT and love it. Drive great! Great gas mileage too if you care for that sorta thing. Putting it in sport mode and then using the paddle shifters is fun too. Most MT guys wouldn't care for CVT but from my perspective its a great car either way.

 

I personally loved the MT as well but chose the CVT so that my wife could have the car when i get tired of this one. Its my family car for now and does a fine job of it.

Im personally waiting for the STi to get an upgraded engine and then im out of the WRX and will need a longer driveway.

 

:thumbup:well said

 

It would be nice to compare the AWD systems between the CVT and MT.

 

I've got you covered.

6MT AWD system incorporates a 50:50 torque split with a viscous coupling center differential. This type of differential is passive, cannot fully lock, and is speed sensitive.

CVT AWD system incorporates a hydraulic transfer clutch and a planetary gearset. The Torque split is set at 45:55 front to rear. Unlike the viscous coupler in the 6MT version, the hydraulic transfer clutch can actively vary the amount of torque transfer deemed necessary by the TCU.

Technically, the CVT AWD is the superior system.

 

My main concern with the VCU in the WRX is primarily during throttle-on and inclement conditions.

By nature of the hydraulic transfer clutch, the CVT WRX can more effectively put power to the ground during throttle-on and hard acceleration as it will increase the binding force between the front and rear wheels. This is also the case when driving in snow or gravel. The VCU is not capable of this.

 

So in both (or either) system, what happens under braking? Does the centre coupling, whatever that may be, open up?

 

In fact, it can. Coupled with the VDC, the hydraulic coupling can be locked on acceleration; opened on cornering and deceleration.

Of course the STi still retains a Torsen center mechanical differential when the electromagnetic clutch is opened.

 

Its not a bad car, yet it takes time getting used to. I'm at 3k miles and am still adjusting so i typically drive in manual mode just to keep myself somewhat busy. The CVT makes it easier to drink your coffee and drive at the same time, while in traffic. Also if my fat arse is hungry, i can eat a wrap or breakfast burrito lol. Its weird having a free hand lol

 

It cannot be used with the current setup. A redesigned center diff housing with an electromagnetic coupling system seems logical.

The hydraulic transfer clutch uses the transmission fluid IIRC.