[Graycar]

Do you drive in a more spirited, or even aggressive, manner in your Accord manual transmission (MT)?

What I mean is does the fact that you are controlling the transmission contribute to conscious or unconscious driving habits that involve more throttle and more shifting through the gears just for the fun of it?

In my case, the answer is definitely YES, and probably to a fault. But, then, I did not buy a Coupe V6 MT to putt-putt around in. The fun is in using the car's acceleration and handling capability and the fact that I, not some computer, control the transmission. This changes the car's character, IMO, from mere transportation to an experience I look forward to each time I drive, especially on those nice curvy roads. And when there is a long straight section out of a slow corner, WOT through the gears is....well, a bit of a thrill.

I know that if I had an automatic I would drive much more conservatively, and likely have less fun.

What is your experience?

 

[GradyPhilpott]

I don't drive in a more spirited way because of the MT, but it's more fun to drive in a spirited manner with an MT.

 

[Graycar]

I don't drive in a more spirited way because of the MT, but it's more fun to drive in a spirited manner with an MT.

Good point, and does the opportunity for spirited driving present itself often, or just now and then?

And, under what circumstances?

 

[Dudley]

I don't drive in a more spirited way because of the MT, but it's more fun to drive in a spirited manner with an MT.

This.

 

[ViciousMo]

Good point, and does the opportunity for spirited driving present itself often, or just now and then?

And, under what circumstances?

I found myself getting on highway ramps spirited with a MT.

 

[Flyboy]

I like your use of the term 'spirited'. However you do mention aggressive. Both of these could be construed as at risk driving behavior.

When a driver makes a mistake or am error, such as exceeding the speed limit by 10 MPH and realizes it and slows down, that's positive driving behavior. At the opposite end of the scale is reckless behavior. This can be described as driving at high speeds while weaving in and out of traffic along with hard braking to avoid a collision.

Doesn't spirited or aggressive driving fall into that middle ground between a mistake and reckless which is at risk behavior? That's driving in a manner that raises the risk of getting into an accident but thinking that it can't happen to you because you are a good driver. You could call it 'spirited' or 'aggressive' driving but it still increases the risk of having an accident. Talking on the phone while driving raises the risk of having an accident due to distraction but most people who talk on the phone while driving don't think that they are doing anything wrong. Aggressive or spirited driving raises the risk of havng an accident which increases everyone's insuramce premiums. That's why I always drove defensively looking out to avoid drivers who exhibit at risk behaviors or spirited drivers. Be careful out there!

 

[modoman]

I've said it a bunch, and I'll say it again... the gears are too tall to feel like i'm having too much fun in it. but yes, I row the crap out of those gears at least half the time when i'm by myself in the car.

and no, spirited does not have to do with speeding or reckless driving. keeping situational awareness, a loose anticipation of other drivers' potential actions and/or intentions (stupidity and other), and a helping of courtesy can be kept while approaching the speed limit swiftly by going through the gears quicker than is economical is what i consider spirited.

didn't you also write in a post that transporting liquids in the cup holder is dangerous? just keep to the right if you're that 5-or-10-mph-under-guy that likes to ride that nice open left lane. everyone should drive defensively, and no sense preaching to the bad drivers. driving is simple... stay aware, pay attention, be courteous. i'd say that's sound advice for everyday life.

 

[karfreek]

Do you drive in a more spirited, or even aggressive, manner in your Accord manual transmission (MT)?

What I mean is does the fact that you are controlling the transmission contribute to conscious or unconscious driving habits that involve more throttle and more shifting through the gears just for the fun of it?

In my case, the answer is definitely YES, and probably to a fault. But, then, I did not buy a Coupe V6 MT to putt-putt around in. The fun is in using the car's acceleration and handling capability and the fact that I, not some computer, control the transmission. This changes the car's character, IMO, from mere transportation to an experience I look forward to each time I drive, especially on those nice curvy roads. And when there is a long straight section out of a slow corner, WOT through the gears is....well, a bit of a thrill.

I know that if I had an automatic I would drive much more conservatively, and likely have less fun.

What is your experience?

Yes. I beat the crap out of my car, and especially because it is an MT. Im being honest here. If it makes it to 100,000mi then Honda makes a truly great car. Im talking WOT just after start up on -F days.

Jay

 

[Graycar]

I like your use of the term 'spirited'. However you do mention aggressive. Both of these could be construed as at risk driving behavior.

When a driver makes a mistake or am error, such as exceeding the speed limit by 10 MPH and realizes it and slows down, that's positive driving behavior. At the opposite end of the scale is reckless behavior. This can be described as driving at high speeds while weaving in and out of traffic along with hard braking to avoid a collision.

Doesn't spirited or aggressive driving fall into that middle ground between a mistake and reckless which is at risk behavior? That's driving in a manner that raises the risk of getting into an accident but thinking that it can't happen to you because you are a good driver. You could call it 'spirited' or 'aggressive' driving but it still increases the risk of having an accident. Talking on the phone while driving raises the risk of having an accident due to distraction but most people who talk on the phone while driving don't think that they are doing anything wrong. Aggressive or spirited driving raises the risk of havng an accident which increases everyone's insuramce premiums. That's why I always drove defensively looking out to avoid drivers who exhibit at risk behaviors or spirited drivers. Be careful out there!

Spirited driving in my mind is not stupid driving, like texting while driving and driving recklessly, putting others a risk. Spirited driving means picking the time and place where you can accelerate faster and takes curves faster than those advisory signs, while not exceeding traction limits and your personal driving limits. If conditions don't permit you drive safely in a spirited manner, without putting others at risk, then good judgment dictates that you exercise restraint and caution accordingly.

To me, spirited driving and safe driving are not mutually exclusive. And you can drive at times in a spirited manner with little in the way of elevated risk. It is something of tradeoff, but a good driver knows his limits and can manage risks to minimize the possibility of a mishap.

Aggressive driving may involve taking on additional, unnecessary risk, and I try to avoid that.

 

[Graycar]

Yes. I beat the crap out of my car, and especially because it is an MT. Im being honest here. If it makes it to 100,000mi then Honda makes a truly great car. Im talking WOT just after start up on -F days.

Jay

I'm gonna rat you out to Honda for abuse......so its goodbye warranty.

Unless you make a suitable deposit to my Swiss bank account.

 

[Flyboy]

Spirited driving in my mind is not stupid driving, like texting while driving and driving recklessly, putting others a risk. Spirited driving means picking the time and place where you can accelerate faster and takes curves faster than those advisory signs, while not exceeding traction limits and your personal driving limits. If conditions don't permit you drive safely in a spirited manner, without putting others at risk, then good judgment dictates that you exercise restraint and caution accordingly.

To me, spirited driving and safe driving are not mutually exclusive. And you can drive at times in a spirited manner with little in the way of elevated risk. It is something of tradeoff, but a good driver knows his limits and can manage risks to minimize the possibility of a mishap.

Aggressive driving may involve taking on additional, unnecessary risk, and I try to avoid that.

Thanks for that clarification. I agree with your response. However, I think that you can enjoy the same feeling with the CVT with the paddle shifters. The Accord's handling, engine and drivetrain, although FWD, lends itself to sporty driving. Any Accord produced in the last 25 or 30 years handles and drives better than any American mode car manufactured in the 1960s, 70s and even 80s. The exception might be the Corvette.

 

[karfreek]

I'm gonna rat you out to Honda for abuse......so its goodbye warranty.

Unless you make a suitable deposit to my Swiss bank account.

Aint going to happen. Also, not for nothing I maintain my car as hard as I drive it. I have never blown up an engine or transmission. But again, I never drove my other cars as hard as this one. But I pushed them hard.

Jay

 

[Graycar]

Aint going to happen. Also, not for nothing I maintain my car as hard as I drive it. I have never blown up an engine or transmission. But again, I never drove my other cars as hard as this one. But I pushed them hard.

Jay

So, how about your Odyssey.....ya driving that just as "hard?"

Or, won't the wife let you near it.

 

[ScarletExpress]

I drive my Accord spiritedly with my automatic =)


I must say, this car punches above its weight class.

 

[Tym2play]

I most definitely use all my gears to the fullest and enjoy a good highway pull ever once in a while when there is room of course

 

[Graycar]

I most definitely use all my gears to the fullest and enjoy a good highway pull ever once in a while when there is room of course

Does mean that you don't skip gears when shifting?

 

[Graycar]

Rev Match

Do you rev match when downshifting during spirited driving?

A. Yes
B. Sometimes
C. Rarely
D. Never

My answer is B.....don't always get it right, though.

Some cars, e.g., Nissan 370Z and C7 Corvette, have computer-controlled rev matching. Apparently, it get it right every time.

 

[Bykim5]

I drive hard but i rarely downshift... because I'm not good at it. Hehehe

 

[karfreek]

So, how about your Odyssey.....ya driving that just as "hard?"

Or, won't the wife let you near it.

Lol. That's my cruiser but I get 'er open now and then!

Jay

 

[awng]

I always rev match when downshifting unless my revs are less than 1500 or so. Is it a perfect science? No, absolutely not, but you definitely get a feel for it and it may help reduce potential clutch wear.

In the busier areas of our freeways I find myself keeping my car in third gear while merging because it allows you to get up to speed in a near instantaneous fashion.

What I find more interesting are the people that don't rev match and never have clutch problems. It leads me to believe the engineers that design these cars have accounted for the average non-skilled user.