On Apr 12, 7:25*am, Mr.E > wrote:
> On Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:33:09 -0500, "hls" > wrote:
>
> >"SBH" > wrote in message
> .. .
> >> It's been well known a manual transmission obtains better fuel mileage
> >> than an automatic. My sister is preparing to purchase a Ford Fiesta and
> >> wants a manual, mainly for the fuel savings. The sales guy indicated the
> >> new transmissions (more so the 6 speed auto in the Fiesta) are better and
> >> more fuel efficient than manuals. Anyone know if this is true?
>
> >In many cases, the automatic is at least as economical as, or sometimes
> >better than, the manual. The difference is not worth the worry. And
> >dats the truff, babe ruff.
>
> The new Ford 6 speed auto has no torque converter. It uses a computer
> applied clutch to start and shifts between two clutch driven gear
> trains that change the ratios- one for odd, one for even gears.
> I wonder how the clutch life will be.
> --
> Mr.E

If that's the case, it sounds awful similar to the VW/Audi DSG
transmissions. Wonder who's licensing what from whom? Additionally
that would imply that the choice of transmission in that case would
pretty much come down to personal preference, although theoretically
the auto might be able to be "programmed" for better economy than the
average stickshift driver, but the extra weight/complexity of the DSG
setup would slightly reduce economy.

nate