This question is similar to other threads, but just a little different, because if possible, I would more detail.
I want to purchase a ’06 scion xB. I’ve been to several dealers and they only had 04/05 automatics available. It doesn’t look like I’ll have a chance to test drive a manual.
For those of you who’ve driven both, is the manual noticeable more peppy than the auto? I’m must concerned with highway driving, and merging with traffic. It’s hard to imagine that it would be faster, but your input is VERY much appreciated.
Many would mention the “fun factor” of the manual. I have a 6 speed Audi TT, which is my “fun factor” car. I just need something that’s excellent on gas, and can haul a few things.
The manual def. feels quicker off the line, and the fact that you have more control over what it is doing at all times is a big plus. But, after you are up in the powerband there's really not much difference unless you are trying to pass someone @ 100 or so.
Even then, with the auto, you can manually kick it out of overdrive, or depending on how fast you're going (below 60) you could drop it down into 2nd.
The hard numbers show the diff between acceleration of the auto and the stick...
It's all about the torque converter vs the clutch. How much HORSEPOWER is being wasted at the torque converter? If you can deal with the clutch, I'd do it. It's madness in stop and go traffic but there are many benefits with having the 5-speed. Think about your upgrades and what will better suit them and you.
If your going to go on the highway much, Id consider the auto over the manual. The auto cruises at 3500 rpm @80 mph vs the manual that (according to others) cruises at 4000 rpm @ 80 mph. With my auto xA, its not the fastest pickup, but I can darn tootin merge with traffic without problems!
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2005 Scion xA RS 2.0 #314 - no mods, 32 mpg
1989 Ford Taurus SHO - no mods, 20 mpg, >4000rpm = Alas, Babylon
1990 Geo Metro XFi - no mods, 55mpg . . . still!
It really depends on what mods you are wanting. Just pick one and go with it. I have an auto, the wait for a manual at the time was almost 2 months and i couldn't wait that long. My best 1/4 time has been 16.4 at 83mph. On the 1/4 mile thread i posted my time sheet information.
To get 16.4 with the mods i have, i took out the backseat, spare tire, and all of the extra back weight. 16.4 so i've seen is faster than a lot of the manual drivers with N/A. So, thats something to consider. Plus, i have gotten a 1:03:05 at a local autoxcross. Honestly, if you want straight line get the manual. I personally think manually shifting the automatic in autocross is fun as hell. This is my first auto, i used to have a manual. Next car honestly will be another manual, but auto isn't as bad as i thought.
As far as how much quicker the xb's are stock vs. trannys. Not that much. I've seen stock manuals put down 89-95whp on the dyno. I've seen stock automatics put down between 86-91whp on the dyno. Not enough to justify buying a 5speed just for that.
Either way! Good luck!
Cya
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You have a 4cyl with only 67hp per liter? You only get 20's for mpg? .....
Past:
'98 Integra GSR - 231whp - All motor
'04 Scion Xb - 203whp - Boosted
Current:
04' Mini S - full exhaust
96' Camry LE - Stock - FOR SALE
I didn't want to wait for the stick either, but am pretty happy with the auto. It is not too fast of the line, but has a lot of pep once you get going.
I have an axle back exhaust and a short ram intake and it sounds great when I wind it up.
Good luck.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2_tC
I smelled Doug's box and all I got was this lousy T-shirt!
The auto is not that far off from the stick in terms of pep. You'll feel it dragging a little when the A/C is on but then most any small I-4 auto trans car will be that way as well.
The XBs' power delivery gives most of its effort in the midrange rather than top-end, so any part-throttle driving/passing will feel quite lively. The XB doesn't drive like a Honda Civic where you need to keep the rubber band stretched to make power (and a 5th gear-overtake on the highway can be nearly impossible).
The auto trans shifts well and at good shift points. It also runs a lot lower RPM on the highway (a good 6-800 less than the stick @ 70-80MPH).
I love driving a stick but honestly if I had to do it over again I'd get 2 automatic XBs rather than one of each. The difference in performance is there but it's not so much as to ruin the fun.
I bought a manual just because it's less boring to drive and it was $800 or so cheaper, plus it does get off the line a bit quicker which comes in handy if you have to make a quick turn. Not that driving an automatic is boring, it's just that my first car was an auto and I decided I wanted something different for my 2nd.
Another thing to consider is MPG. I think the manual is capable if getting better gas mileage in the city but I don't shift in the lower rpm range to really take advantage of it. If you are mainly driving at high speeds, the auto might be better.
If only someone could make a 6 speed gearbox for the xB, it would be a no brainer in that case.
I just got a 2006 manual xB, and that's the one thing that I would change about it, is that the RPM's are so high (4000 @ 80mph for me) that it feels like the thing is just screaming sometimes.
But I figure these things are built to rev at high rpm's for sustained periods without overheating/causing engine damage.
Any studies/experience with xB's frying because of long road trips at high speed/rmp's ?
I drove both auto and manual xB's several times before deciding on the auto. That's because I do a fair amount of highway driving, and the bottom line is, the auto is the better highway cruiser. At 70mph, it's turning less than 3k rpm, which makes for a quieter ride. Plus it's rated at slightly better mpg than the 5spd on the highway......or so they say.
Merging is really not an issue either. The auto Box is as quick as most "average" vehilces.
Honestly, from the seat-of-the-pants driving, I didn't notice a significant difference in acceleration between the auto and the manual. There's only so much you can do with a 100hp either way.
The original poster said he owns a six speed car already (for the "fun factor") and was looking at which xB would be good on the highway, and good on gas mileage.... If that's the case, all signs point to AUTO.
-THE DON
__________________ "We LOVE rims boy... A brotha will put rims on a toaster if you let him!"
- Chris Rock
"I drive an xB.... No, not that one, the boxy one."
Acceleration difference between Manual & Auto
when I hear an automatic transmission matched with an aftermarket exhaust.... it just aint right 
