Funky Buddha

I've been debating this for the last week. What should I go for?
Advantages and Disadvantages?

The shifter is not cable actuated in the p5 is it?

KpaBap

I would DEFINITELY get a 5-speed. It is much, much, MUCH more fun and you have complete control over the shift points. Manumatic is still better than full automatic I suppose, but from what I've heard the shifts are slow and sometimes the car will still shift even if you didn't tell it to.

I don't know about the shifter, but I do know that the clutch is hydraulic instead of cable-operated.

Edit: P.S. With manual you get shorter gear ratios because you have 5 gears, whilst with the "Sport" Auto and the regular auto you get only 4 gears. Shorter gear ratios = more acceleration, but lower top speed, and vice versa.

SEA_P5

It really depends on you...will you be the main driver, or will you have other drive your vehicle...the reason why I chose an automatic is that I want to be able to know that if I need someone to drive my car somewhere for me, that by being an automatic, any person can drive the car.

I'd say go for the autostick. Easier to put in a remote starter.

kcbhiw

The manumatic still goes through a torque converter, hence, you still have the higher drivetrain losses with an auto over the manual.

No it is not cable actuated. It uses "solid" linkage.

Hawkeye

go with the manual. IMO, it's a lot more fun!

NegatiZE

For me the choice would be easy - 5 speed all the way. This is the last auto I will be getting unless I get one of my legs chopped off.

Funky Buddha

Sweet..just wanted to get some more opinions. I've test driven the auto, and 5 spd versions of the p5 and I liked the stick the best. Just got more kick to it. I liked the clutch feel on this car than any other I've tried. It sits perfectly..not too high, not too low. Takes very little effort to push it

No I'll be the primary driver and most of my friends can drive stick if they're gonna drive my drunk *** home My dad and mom can drive stick but they opt for auto since they're getting old but they can drive the car in case of emergencies. So no worries.

fat.elvis

5spd

EZ as 123

use the clutch

fat.elvis

I just put a down payment on a loaded Silver '03 ES tonight. (O%
deals still going at least for the next couple more months gotta love it )
And I'm going to be patiently waiting for several weeks.
Because I wouldn't choose the auto.

Everytime a salesman tried to convince me to buy a "manumatic"
it was like someone asking me if it would be fun to be castrated.
It hurts to even hear the words. And it hurt to even explain why.

To each his own though.

SEA_P5

I feel sorry for your parents if they have to drive you home drunk...

If that is the case...get a manual.

ZoomZoomH

every night I cry myself to sleep that I bought my 00 ES in automatic, when I wasn't as into cars as I am now

curse the Protege for making driving fun!!!

it's like a great relationship that never completely satisfies you

Sir Nuke

well here is my vote too..

STICK!!!!

Funky Buddha

They never have and never will. Just in emergency, if they need to use the car, then at least I know they can drive stick. Plus I'm usually the DD anyways cause I rarely drink.

noodles

[SIZE=4]STICK[/STIZE]

oh and if you DO get an auto, and put one of those fake
shift boots to try to look like a manual i'll castrate you myself.