Of automatic gearboxes (coz I spend a lot of time in traffic). I'm a fan of the traditional torque converter type - for the endless 'creep' function in both directions. I hear others prefer the dual clutch type. I have driven a single clutch auto and it was bloody dangerous. If you had to have an auto - which type would you prefer, and why?
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I dare to say I loved my 3 Series SMG gearbox until it decided to stop working!
I'm not a fan of creep gearboxes. This feature makes it all too easy to accidentally bump your car when performing slow maneuvers in tight spaces etc.
the SMG box is not a dual clutch, its actually a standard clutch with an electronic actuator effectively press/releasing the clutch for you. its also a very aggressive box when in its highest setting, physically pushing the car forward through the gear changes, which is quite addictive.
Yeah I test drove an 'auto' Citroen Cactus for S&G, and found at roundabouts the bloody thing was so laggy the gap you were going for had passed me by by the time the car started moving. Very dodgy - the test drive was about 3Km lol. I think as long as you've got 150Hp+ up front a torque converter box is just fine. You can leap off the line in them by left foot braking and bringing the revs up to 2000 or so. Then put the hammer down on yellow. Great trick and surprised many a boy racer when I had my 4.7 Grand Cherokee!
I prefer torque converter type. I recently drove the single clutch type... Absolutely HORRIBLE. Was very laggy, didn't know if it was shifting up or down. It almost felt like someone else was changing gear without any prompts from the drivers side. :P
Dual clutch (DSG) boxes are very quick to change, very smooth but very expensive to service and repair or replace. When they need servicing the take up in 1st gear is like launch control lol.
Also, the DSG boxes can lag a bit if, for example, your're slowing down approaching a junction then go to accelerate. The box assumes you need a lower gear next so "cues it up" for the change. It get's confused for a split second and lags out. :)